998 Genesis Turbo Engine
Still lurking beneath the skin of the Sidewinder is the potent 180-plus horsepower Genesis turbocharged triple. By now anyone in the snowmobile realm should know Yamaha has gone 4-stroke only and that includes this mountain sled. The turbo is installed at the factory—not at the dealership—meaning there should be no warranty worries should something go south. Having said that, this engine—turbo included—has been pretty dang bulletproof. To keep any turbo lag to a minimum, the Yamaha intake system uses three separate throttle bodies positioned close to the intake valve (vs. just one feeding long intake tubes).
Power Claw Track
You’ll recognize the Power Claw name as coming from Arctic Cat. The Sidewinder M-TX LE has one track option (15 x 162 x 3-inch) but it definitely matches the power of the Genesis Turbo. You’re going to want every last inch of length and depth to fully experience this sled.
Chaincase
The chaincase has been relocated for MY2019 to allow increased clearance for the new, more efficient 8-tooth extrovert drivers. The tunnel has also been modified a bit for greater clearances with slightly more narrow running boards.
Stealth Control System
Also new for MY2019 are a few features and changes to the handlebar set up. First is a handlebar cluster with multi-step hand and thumb warmers, forward/reverse button and high beam switch all grouped together on the left handlebar. On the right side of the handlebar is a more “traditional” kill switch that you pull up for on and push down to turn the motor off rather than a toggle-type kill switch. The left handlebar cluster is smaller than the previous combined switches, etc., giving the handlebar setup a cleaner, more compact look.