It’s hard to describe the arrival of the new 2022 Yamaha Snowmobiles model at the Japanese manufacturer, as in the past, we remain conservative and we continue to go with the reliability and recognition of those who have blue blood!
Yamaha, as well as the industry in general, has had a completely down season in 2021. Record sales, which created a scarcity of units. The travel ban, especially among the older generation, has undoubtedly caused an uncommon craze to return to snowmobiling. Some will say that this is a good problem, but caution is advised, because without having a crystal ball, the post COVID market could be flooded, which will certainly cause a price war…
For 2022, Yamaha marketing has taken care to define each segment of its market based on four buyer criteria. The Extreme, the Sophisticated, the Power Lover, and the last one, the Eye-catcher. They then positioned the four model categories on a diagram to clearly identify the types of buyers for each. With these groupings in mind, the development teams established the colors, type of shock absorbers, etc. The goal is to reach the buyer’s heart.
Power Steering EPS! It’s back!
Who doesn’t remember when Yamaha introduced power steering in 2011? Back then, the focus was on effort reduction and steering precision, which is still the case in 2022, but with some refinements. The new generation offers a 3-pound weight reduction, and is now equipped with a brushless DC motor for increased reliability. This new generation of variable assist uses a magnetic sensor that measures the torsion of the steering column, and applies the necessary assist according to the resistance of the skis and the degree of camber of the steering. The electronic module also uses speed and motor revolution (RPM) as data, which makes it possible to increase the assistance at low speed, and to adjust the latter as you accelerate. This variance in assistance provides a more natural feel to the rider and a better connection to the trail.
The system also reacts when the sensor receives an abrupt force from the skis, automatically increasing the assistance to counter the effect felt on the handlebars. Less fatigue and more comfort!
New clutch pulleys
All versions equipped with the 800 CC two-stroke fuel-injected engine receive new clutch pulleys for the new season. Unfortunately, no information has been disclosed to us as to the identity or any other data concerning these. But we can bet that there will be some resemblance with another manufacturer…
Sidewinder LTX GT EPS!
EPS. Of course, the new power steering is present, which provides ease of movement and driving comfort, but dual-rate front suspension springs are also introduced. The latter provide a notable comfort zone, which is essential in this category of vehicle. Nothing new on the rear-wheel drive side, we find the three-cylinder 1000 CC four-stroke turbocharged engine with approximately 200 horsepower. The standard equipment on the LTX GT is noteworthy, with Fox QS3 1.5 shocks up front, HPG in the middle and QS3 2.0 in the rear. A Ripsaw II track encompasses the coupled rear suspension, which provides good handling. Half-high windshield, heated seat, power visor socket and not to mention the included 20-inch tunnel bag.
Sidewinder STX GT EPS
Continuing in the vein of new models, the Sidewinder STX GT EPS makes its debut in the 2022 lineup. The biggest difference from its LTX GT EPS sibling is its 146-inch coupled suspension for added comfort on the trail. Standard features include new EPS power steering, heated rider and passenger seats, a power passenger visor jack, heavy duty rear suspension springs and most importantly, the auxiliary fuel tank with standard side cargo boxes.
An SRX LE retro look!
Nostalgics will quickly notice the color and graphics of the new SRX 2022! SRX 440A 1977, red, white and gold. The new version will come with a gold badge, identifying the model and a unique seat in the 1977 colors. In addition to these changes, the thoroughbred retains for the new season a RIPSAW track with 1-inch beads, mixed with the 137-inch coupled rear suspension. Standard are the 20-inch tunnel bag, Stryke single-keel trail skis, heated seat, bezel bags and a lightweight brake disc.
Sidewinder LTX LE and SE… Revamped!
Still well equipped, the LE in force for 2022 with new shocks. Engineers decided to go with the QS3 Kashima series, QS3-R-1.5 up front, QS3 1.5 in the middle and the big QS3-R-2.0 in the rear. It will feature the silver color along with a custom seat in the same colors! On the SE side, only the look will change, a beautiful ice blue with an orange that will turn heads, superb!
New SRViper LTX GT springs
To improve rider confidence in tight turns, dual rate front springs are added. This change provides an increased comfort zone and a more predictable behavior, we are told.
Mountain Max 800 LE 154 – SL Super Light
The war for lightness continues on the mountain snowmobile side, with the SL version raising the bar. For a noticeable weight reduction, we added a shorter seat, a smaller fuel tank, new shorter heat exchangers, a manual starter only and a small tunnel bag. And to top it all off, we added new clutch pulleys, a new 154-inch track with 3-inch studs, a custom seat and finished it off with a silver hood.
Mountain Max 800 LE 154-165
Silver gray and blue adorns the new Mountain Max lineup for 2022. A beautiful blue and grey hood with a custom seat in the colors of the car. All Mountain Max’s for 2022 retain the Single Beam rear suspension introduced a few years ago.
Transporter Lite 2UP
The Transporter family expands with a two-seater! About 7/8 the size of its sister Transporter, this is the first two-seater introduced in this category by the manufacturer. Aside from the two-passenger seat, the suspension springs have been replaced with stiffer ones, and the distance between the skis has been widened to 40 inches, including a stabilizer bar for better stability. At the rear, engineers added load plates to the suspension cradles. The latter allow the suspension to be stiffened substantially when necessary to maintain good stability.
Transporter 800
Like the other vehicles equipped with the 800 CC two-stroke, the Transporter 800 is no exception and gets the new clutch pulleys for 2022. On the visual side, a painted hood and a tinted medium height windshield. Like last year, a 153-inch Camoplast Powerclaw track with 2.25-inch bead, articulated suspension, mountain skis and more.
