During the winter of 2020, we had planned to do a “chums” ride in the north of Lanaudière. The bonds of friendship developed between us over the last few years of working for Passion Motoneige are unbreakable. The simple pleasure of riding together in environments conducive to our activity has become a custom that we perpetuate unceasingly. Our bond is so synergistic that it is usually not necessary to complete the uninhabited moments with words. The contemplation of the natural elements takes care of these moments of tranquility.
We had established that our meeting point for this weekend of snowmobile rejuvenation was going to be the Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. However, why not make the most of this opportunity and contact our good friend and Yamaha regional sales manager for Quebec and the Atlantic, François Morneau, to inquire about the possibility of borrowing a Yamaha snowmobile for this weekend in a magnificent landscape. He immediately responded to our request by offering us a snowmobile that was just right for the trail ride we were planning.
2020 Yamaha SRViper L-TX SE
The snowmobile we took possession of is a good example in this very popular niche for manufacturers. The Yamaha SRViper is a snowmobile that is perfectly suited to the high mileage snowmobiler who also likes luxury and performance. The target customers for this model are simply the adventurers who advocate rides of over 300 kilometers per day and several hours without intermission. The key elements sought to meet the requirements of long-distance snowmobilers are found in this snowmobile with a multitude of advantages.
The purr of its 4-stroke engine.
We cannot remain indifferent to the sound of the 1049cc 3-cylinder 4-stroke engine installed in this snowmobile. Sharp ears are easily able to predict the arrival of a Yamaha snowmobile on a trail by its particular acoustic musicality. This naturally aspirated Genesis engine develops just enough power for progressive acceleration. While not as explosive as the turbocharged engines found on Yamaha’s sport-oriented snowmobiles, it still manages to do a good job for most riders.
A few years ago, when this Genesis engine was introduced, it was carbureted. Later, it evolved into an electronic fuel injection engine. It is one of the most reliable and proven engines found in a production snowmobile. The Genesis engine will run reliably for tens of thousands of miles, if not more, without showing any signs of failure. If you’re recommending that you have the confidence to ride our beautiful province for years to come, the 1049cc Genesis engine will be a trusted ally.
Stick to the trail
The 2020 Yamaha SRViper L-TX SE 4-stroke is certainly a slightly heavier snowmobile than its counterparts in its class from other manufacturers with 2-stroke engines. However, this excess is a definite advantage when it comes to tackling the trails with a dose of brazenness. This snowmobile offers the poise and confidence we want when taking sharp turns, and we are sure to come out exactly as we expected. In fact, this manufacturer does not use the term “ski lift” in its vocabulary to describe the riding of its snowmobiles.
The new 2020 Yamaha SRViper L-TX SE has all the makings of an effective machine with the addition of the new ARCS front suspension, making the ride more predictable and absorbing the imperfections of the snowy trails we face. It features redesigned upper A-arms and revised geometry to optimize suspension function while increasing ground clearance.
The Tuner Gen 3 skis offer a lot of traction, but also a certain heaviness transmitted to the handlebars. Additional force is required to steer the snowmobile and this affects us mainly at the end of the day when fatigue is felt.
The coupled rear suspension with HPG shocks paired with a 137-inch track offers the best we’ve come to expect from this trail sled. This RipSaw track with 1.25 inch lugs offers acceleration, braking and handling in all conditions. This package gives us a sled that grips perfectly without leaving room for an unwanted stall.
The front end benefits from the new Gen 2 bodywork and sidewinder style panels to help it fly through the wind. The aerodynamic lines help improve airflow around the engine and clutch to prevent overheating.
A comfortable driving position
Its height is excellent for a quick transition to a standing position when the need arises. This chair offers us the desired mobility at all times.
The medium windshield installed on our test snowmobile during our weekend in Saint-Michel des Saints was very much appreciated by all. We experienced a period of bitter cold that was preceded by one of the biggest snowstorms in recent years. Without being excessive in its dimensions, its aerodynamics is very efficient in any situation.
Accessibility to all functions is facilitated by the grouping of the main switches on the left handlebar. The heated grips and throttle settings can be quickly adjusted to suit our needs and the level is visually available on the digital dial. The reverse gear push button is also available on this side. The right side of the handlebar contains the emergency stop button and the ergonomically shaped thumb throttle.
As the miles go by
We had a favorable preconception of the 2020 Yamaha SRViper L-TX SE from the start. The ride and handling of this snowmobile did not disappoint us except for the difficulty in starting up on the last day of our 3 day trip. In its defense, temperatures below -33 degrees Celsius that day put many vehicles to the test. Rightfully so, among the snowmobiles available to us, it was the one that offered the best protection against the drop in temperature that we experienced. Its handling on the trail was almost exemplary and we had a lot of fun on it. While we realize that it is not the most powerful sled in its class, it is suitable for most experienced snowmobilers.
We do agree on one point of improvement on this snowmobile: we would like the designers to look at greater efficiency when starting. The response time is much too slow and the components suffer. The starter and the battery are under a lot of stress, as we saw on our trip through the Lanaudière region.
Finally, we would like to thank Yamaha Canada and the Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel des Saints who allowed us to live this snowmobile adventure for a few days with our friends. The hospitality and the welcome we received let us believe that we will return very soon to this beautiful part of the province of Quebec.
