The 2023 Yamaha SRX Sidewinder will be back in 2023! As it has been the case over the years, the word performance is on the agenda.
A little history
We have to go back to 1974 to see the first SRX appear, only dedicated to the racing world at the time, hence the meaning: Sport Racing Xperimental. At that time, the SRX was equipped with a 440 CC liquid-cooled engine that produced about 100 horsepower. It was the first liquid-cooled snowmobile model produced by the Japanese company. Some records mention that only 6 SRX were produced that year with different specifications. Four more years went by with various improvements like the arrival of a 340 CC engine, changes to the chassis etc.
It was in 1976 that the SRX went into production for the first time, intended only for racers, both 340 and 440 engines were available. The following years, 1977 and 1978 were not very good years with several engine problems which forced the engineers to decrease the compression ratio in 1979 for a decrease in power and thus increase reliability.
1981 marked the arrival of the independent telescopic front suspension, which remained in place for several years.
1998 was one of Yamaha’s breakthrough years, as the SRX made its debut with a new 700 CC three-cylinder engine, three carburetors and three exhaust pipes. It was a revolution for Yamaha, an incredible sound, a grounded handling, with a short travel suspension.
After a several year layover, we had to wait until 2019 to see the SRX name again in a full size snowmobile. And definitely it was, and still is for 2023, the most powerful Yamaha SRX ever produced to date.
998 4-stroke engine
As we know, for years Yamaha has built an excellent reputation with the reliability of its powertrains, and the 998 introduced in 2017 qualifies among the most reliable engines in the industry. This three-cylinder turbocharged engine, has swung several dynos above 200 horsepower steam without any modifications. Three intake bodies receive air compressed by the turbo, which has previously been cooled by the intercooler, it must be kept in mind that compressed air heats up, and it is essential to cool it before it is absorbed by the engine. The pressure management has been extremely well thought out by the engineers, instead of simply letting the excess pressure escape to the outside through the Blow OFF valve, the system re-injects the excess into the intake silencer, which reduces the latency effect (LAG) when taking off. As in previous years, Yamaha YSRC roller pulleys will be used for 2023.
ARCS front suspension with IQS shock absorbers
The front suspension features heavy-duty forged pivot arms and redesigned upper A-arms. All this is done to optimize ground clearance and suspension response for a more consistent and predictable ride. The SRX is equipped with FOX IQS (Intelligent Quick Shift) shocks that are electronically controlled from the left side of the handlebar, with three modes available, Soft, Medium and Firm. Their operation is managed by the SCU (Suspension Control Unit) located on each of the shocks, the latter modifies the flow of oil inside varying the internal resistance of the piston movement. The change is made in less than a second, and is easily noticeable by the driver, both in terms of compression and rebound. In 2023, we continue to rely on the Strike single-pin skis, which offer a good grip in turns. They are equipped with a single rail when delivered.
SRX 137 rear suspension
In the rear, the 2023 Yamaha SRX Sidewinder 137 is unique with a two-stage center suspension spring. Both rear springs are lower preloaded to lower the center of gravity of the machine, maximizing cornering speeds and maneuverability. Derived from Arctic Cat suspensions, this fully-coupled suspension features a center swingarm that allows about an inch and a half of play in the linkage to the frame, hence the name Slide-Action. This results in better control of weight transfer during acceleration. Like the front, the Slide Action uses FOX IQS shocks, which are electronically controlled.
Standard equipment
The 2023 Yamaha SRX Sidewinder will be delivered to you like a high performance car, very low windshield, no hand protection. You’ll have to pay a few extra dollars if you want to protect your hands, and have better protection against the wind. We continue to use a track with a one inch spike to optimize top speeds. And you get the standard rear storage bag.
On the trail
There is no doubt that this snowmobile is a performance beast. All the attributes are in place for it to be THE fastest. One inch profile track, almost no windshield to reduce wind resistance, over 200 horsepower, etc. It’s all there. In addition to its high performance characteristics, the handling is surprising, the skis are continuously nailed to the ground offering a good grip in turns. However, the use of a single carbide tread causes some wobbling on hard surfaces, especially during deceleration.
The use of a one inch track brings a different dynamic in turns, we feel the rear stall slightly in aggressive situations, reminding us of the SRX of the 98 and more years. But you have to imagine that the performance will decrease a lot on softer surfaces. The addition of a higher windshield should be considered if you’re a little cold, and also hand guards, because as standard, your fingers are directly exposed to icy debris from the snowmobiles in front of you.
This snowmobile is definitely a rocket, fast and agile in turns, it brings great satisfaction to its occupant. This will be another big hit for 2023 from Japanese manufacturer Yamaha.
