AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Designed to be the 4-stroke answer to tight tree lines, boondocking and trail maneuverability with an 800cc or 600cc class engine, the B-TX models are do-it-all sleds. They’re designed for the rider who maybe has to ride a few more trail miles to get to their favorite honey hole of powder or epic tree lines.
The SideWinder B-TX LE will offer a ton of suspension adjustment with FOX Float 3 Evol shocks up front and in the center track, and a FOX Float 3 Evol R for the rear track. The LE is a little more deep snow-oriented with a 153x2.25-inch Powerclaw track, while the more trail-friendly SE version of the B-TX comes with a 1.75-inch lug and FOX Float 3s all around. Both the LE and SE version of the SideWinder B-TX come with the new mountain ski, but a 40-inch ski stance for better trail manners compared to the 36-inch stance of the M-TX.
The Viper B-TX only comes in the LE version with the same features. This is the 120-hp engine class version of the same sled. Both Viper and SideWinder LE come with a heated mountain seat, and the Viper comes with a 36-inch stance and mountain ski.
Working efficiencies
It’s very rare to see two NEW snowmobile engines from Yamaha in any model year. That makes MY2017 quite the anomaly with the introduction of the utility-minded 2-stroke VK540V.
Back in 2005, the VK540III was the last iteration of this capable utility sled to be offered in the U.S. Bringing it back was not an option for Yamaha without meeting the stricter emissions standards set by the EPA. Bear in mind, just because a sled isn’t sold in the U.S. does not mean an OEM quits making it. There was a VK540IV, but it wasn’t sold in the States. It might actually surprise you to learn that the VK540 has been Yamaha’s No. 1 selling sled in the global market!
This latest VK540 version boasts a redesigned engine conforming to EPA standards, and it adds a few more niceties anyone out in the bush will appreciate. The new 540 power plant is centered around new flat slide Mikuni carbs that were reduced in size from 34mm to 33mm in the VK540V. Some of those new carbs have electric carb heaters thanks to changing out the old AC-CDI electrical system (150W) to a new DC-CDI system (390W).
Heating the carbs through the new electric should improve cold starts and warmup times, and reduce plug fouling (because that was still a problem the last time this sled was sold in the States). Even with these carburetor changes, the VK540V is still capable of the same top speeds as the previous engine.
Yamaha also improved on the biggest gripe consumers had of this sled: its range. The engineers attacked the issue on two fronts. First, they managed to increase fuel capacity to 10.5 gallons. That’s up 2.3 gallons from the VK540III. Second, the redesigned engine of the VK540V improves MPGs by 25%.
Suspension tweaks include recalibration of the rear shocks and an articulating rear suspension that spins a giant 156x20x1.5-inch track. Up front, a streamlined telescopic suspension should create less drag, especially with the addition of high flotation skis.
Other improvements include redesigned plastic that’s better at keeping snow out, a 2.3-inch-higher seat and higher bars to match, and an upgraded front bumper.
Phazing out?
I wouldn’t say that. The R-TX, X-TX and M-TX Phazers are still part of the lineup as Yamaha’s budget sled offering. If you’re looking for value out of every red cent, it’s here as far as reliability and durability go. Just don’t be looking for new upgrades anytime soon.
The Deltabox II sleds are still on solid ground, as their band of loyal buyers remains strong. The Apex and Vector received very nice updates in the 2015 and 2016 model years with the SingleShot rear suspension and YCCT electronic driving system. The only change between the Apex and RS Vector lineup is the elimination of the RS Vector LE. You can, however, still buy the LE package on the RS Vector X-TX, just not the shorter track version.
We don’t see these sleds going anywhere, but maybe getting a front suspension overhaul in 2018-19? Here’s to hoping.