What Is The Best Yamaha Snowmobile?
What Is The Best Yamaha Snowmobile?
Yamaha Snowmobiles are some of the most versatile vehicles in existence when utilized correctly. While some countries use them in their everyday work to navigate through their wintery climates, some of us use them for recreational purposes. Regardless of how you use them, there’s a new or pre-owned Yamaha snowmobile for you.
If you’re interested in snowmobiles, you may be wondering how you get one. That’s not the important question.
Remember, this is a big purchase. Your real question is which one to get.
Don’t worry – we’re here to answer all your questions as we delve into some of the best snowmobiles Yamaha has to offer.
The Best Yamaha Snowmobile for You
Finding the best snowmobile for you and your family can be a tough call. If you don’t live in a snowy area, for instance, and only intend to use the snowmobile for travel, you may not know precisely what it is you’re looking for.
Don’t just buy the most popular snowmobile on the market. That can set you up for a world of hurt very, very quickly. You need to consider speed, durability, and services.
Take into account what you’re looking for with your snowmobile before purchase.
How do you know which one’s best? Luckily for you, we’ve got a list of the top Yamaha snowmobiles just for you.
Yamaha Sidewinder
The Sidewinder, debuted last year, boasts the single most powerful stock engine that a snowmobile has ever had. It’s been a while since a Yamaha snowmobile has put a solid offering onto the market, but they’re back with a vengeance with the Sidewinder.
This motor can get at least 180 HP starting at sea level, and that can take you up to 10,000 feet above. In fact, a few independent shops have shown it producing upwards of 200 HP.
The technology in this snowmobile is excellent, including ceramic cylinders, to keep you safe from abrasion resistance. The rods have a separate coating to prevent wear.
The body itself helps control airflow, meaning the engine won’t get out of hand. The seat is comfortable, and it runs like a dream.
Yamaha VK 540V
While this doesn’t rate as highly as the Sidewinder’s 4 strokes, the VK 540V comes at you with 2 strokes.
This Yamaha snowmobile was built as a work tool, and technology similar to it wasn’t available in many places until recently.
As such, this snowmobile is designed to be tough. It floats atop snow with ease while remaining functional.
While the latest model is a little sleeker and a little prettier to look at, it retains the same functionality. This one has more range than previous versions.
Yamaha 998cc Turbo
Yamaha stated that the goal of this snowmobile’s engine was to create absolutely no turbo lag. That means the engine is quick, and it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s powerful. It’s turbo if you will.
The engine is smooth and quiet, and it’s gentle while in use.
Yamaha SRX 120
This youth Yamaha snowmobile is the brainchild of Yamaha and Arctic Cat. The two joined forces to create this excellent sled for children, boasting one of Arctic Cat’s solid frames and Yamaha’s 4-stroke engine.
As this sled is designed for children, there are some limitations on the engine. It only reaches a top speed of 8 miles an hour, and it’s loaded down with safety features.
Tether ignition shut-off and speed control will help keep your children or anyone riding it safe.
The sled has double A-arm suspension on the front, along with side rail rear suspension. This helps keep the ride quality top-notch so your experiences won’t be beaten.
Yamaha RS Vector
This one’s a little bit older than other models on our list, but it’s still a solid Yamaha snowmobile. While overshadowed by other models, the Vector is still just as powerful as other snowmobiles, even though it lacks a 4-cylinder engine.
The Vector reaches upwards of 120 horsepower, meaning that if power is what you’re going for, this one will perform well across the board. It’s an excellent choice for a first snowmobile, and even has enough power and drive to satisfy a veteran user of these devices.
The Vector is reliable. The 4-stroke engine components guarantee it. Additionally, it shares sporty elements of its design with other, more popular snowmobiles.
It also boasts electric steering, meaning your ride on the trail is going to be light and smooth when you need it to be.
Yamaha Apex LE
This Yamaha snowmobile is going out with a bang. The 2018 model will be the last, but that doesn’t mean that it’s been packed with new features to see it off with.
The Apex model changed the game back in 2003. It proved that 4-stroke snowmobiles were forces to be reckoned with. It sounded different, and the design was unique. On the one hand, it is a pity to see it go.
On the other hand, the final model seems to be passing the torch to the Sidewinder. Still, it includes reactive front suspension as one of its ultimate features, along with painting itself with 50th-anniversary graphics.
If you can swing it, it’s worth it to buy a piece of snowmobile history. The Apex will be remembered for reinventing the market and bringing technology that was previously untapped to the masses.
Yamaha Viper S-TX
Admittedly, this Yamaha snowmobile isn’t the flashiest or most eye-catching model on the market. It’s sleek, it’s basic, and somehow it’s still confident amidst all the chaos and gloss and colour.
The SR Viper is one of the most versatile of the Viper models. It can handle high mileage, and it’s durable at the level of power it can put out.
If you’re worried about fuel economy, the Viper S-TX may be the sled for you due to the specially-engineered 4-stroke triple.
The drive is smooth, and most importantly, the Viper is reliable. It may not be the most powerful or flashiest snowmobile on the market, but it will get you where you need to go.
This is built for endurance, not speed. If you’re the type to use your snowmobile on long trips, if you’re a planner, if you need something sturdy, look toward this Yamaha model.
Yamaha Sidewinder R-TX
This Yamaha snowmobile boasts Yamaha’s “ultra-performance” 998cc 3-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It’s also very capable due to the suspension and platform.
This is one of the best trail sleds you could buy. Performance is key here. Take a look under the hood, and you’ll find smooth engines built for high-performance. Yamaha boasts that this can reach 180 horsepower. Unofficial reports claim 200 is the limit.
Regardless of which number’s correct, the fact of the matter is that the Sidewinder moves. The Sidewinder moves fast.
This sled uses Yamaha clutching that’s upgraded, and it’s tuned exactly for the amount of power the sled delivers. This has the added benefit of letting you move exactly how you want to move.
If you want to take your time, take your time. If you want to go fast, you’ll be able to make it.
Yamaha Phazer
This one’s vintage. Almost.
This Yamaha snowmobile harks back to 1984, and the line has endured since then. While the first one was a hit, the line extended. This model, in particular, is from 2015 and is still an excellent buy if you’re buying used.
This particular line of Phazers was introduced to revive the initial concept while remaining affordable and lightweight.
Yamaha engineering is top-notch once again, including clutching that can withstand the high force of the engine.
The bottom line is that the Phazer RTX will give you reliable performance on any trail for a decently low cost. If budgetary concerns are what’s holding you back, check out this line, whether it’s used or you can find it new. Regardless of how aggressive you may be, the Phazer can handle it.
Yamaha SnoScoot
No, this isn’t here to blast you back to 1988. While this is still a youth Yamaha snowmobile, this is a mechanical reboot of the old model!
This is an excellent option for a youth snowmobile, giving you a 4-stroke engine with 9 HP. It’s also got a double A-arm front suspension and a factory warranty.
This has excellent skis with tapered tips and comes equipped with an LED taillight to keep an eye on your youngster or whoever’s riding.
It also boasts a belt drive and a brand-spankin’ new preliminary clutch, making it an excellent option for a youth snowmobile.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot to take into consideration which one works best for you. Just like purchasing a car or a boat, you want to make sure the vehicle you pick fits your needs. You be the judge and decide who the winner is for your particular use.
Luckily, Yamaha’s lines of snowmobiles take a little bit of the guesswork out of the equation. Yamaha has a snowmobile line for almost every purpose, from the daredevils among us to the wide-eyed children to those who aren’t used to snow that goes past their ankles.
If you have questions regarding snowmobiles and outdoor sports, go ahead and contact us, we can help.