2018 YAMAHA SIDEWINDER LTX-LE BEGINNER BUILD

[Wingwong]

UPDATED 04/15/2018


I recently bought a 2018 Yamaha Sidewinder LTX-LE 50TH and love it. after a few minutes on it I realized it was worth every penny.

Just finished the 500km break in procedure and I am ready to remove panels, change fluids, and start the mods!!!

Looking for everyone’s input on what mods to do as I am a beginner modder

I am not trying to “copy” anyone’s hard work, just want to share my build!

First items completed on list:

1. Saddle bags--completed on Jan. 23
2. 4th wheel kit--completed on Jan. 23
3. Knee pads--completed on Jan. 23
4. First Oil Change @ 573km--completed on April 05
5. Lower Panel Removal--completed on April 09

Recently purchased a PRINCESS AUTO Snowmobile Service Lift. Will post photos below.

Upcoming items to install so far are as follow:

6. BOP lower belt guard—-completed May 8
7. BOP Seat screw--completed on April 10
8. Storage system for tunnel attachments
7. Mirrors---completed on Sept 15
9. Tunnel Protectors--completed on April 15
10. Battery tender——completed May 10
11. Medium Sport Windshield---completed on Sept 15
12. Gearing to be decided
13. Clutching to be decided
14. Muffler is to be decided----decided to keep stock
15. Skis are to be decided---Stealth Skis By Kimpex---completed on Sept 15
16. Flash bundle is to be decided
17. Trailer
18. Hitch--completed on April 15

Haven’t studded Track but looking for input on all fronts- remember I’m a newbie

 

[Kevin]

Welcome!!
Lots of great reading on here to help with your decisions

 

[kinger]

Awesome your at the right spot. I was a apex junkie and knew every bolt and parts available for them. I crashed that and parting it out and now will be focusing on my new 17 SW B-TX. Its one of the first sleds I haven't felt a need to completely tear apart and start modifying. I'm also going minimalist trying to add only what I deem is necessary. Clutching I'm having mine done by Ulmer on his dyno. I'm confident he will dial it in and I won't have a belt blower. My last 300hp apex he dialed in 60+ more hp and never blew a belt with a single change of the secondary spring! Would have taken me months and months of swapping parts to figure this out. Lots of parts swappers on this site but it appears you could get dragged into a wormhole with hundred dollar bills flying around. I'm going with a different approach and sending it to him to do what he does best, make them work and reliable. I want to ride next winter not tinker. Good luck on build!

 

[Wingwong]

Awesome your at the right spot. I was a apex junkie and knew every bolt and parts available for them. I crashed that and parting it out and now will be focusing on my new 17 SW B-TX. Its one of the first sleds I haven't felt a need to completely tear apart and start modifying. I'm also going minimalist trying to add only what I deem is necessary. Clutching I'm having mine done by Ulmer on his dyno. I'm confident he will dial it in and I won't have a belt blower. My last 300hp apex he dialed in 60+ more hp and never blew a belt with a single change of the secondary spring! Would have taken me months and months of swapping parts to figure this out. Lots of parts swappers on this site but it appears you could get dragged into a wormhole with hundred dollar bills flying around. I'm going with a different approach and sending it to him to do what he does best, make them work and reliable. I want to ride next winter not tinker. Good luck on build!

Clutching is definitely gonna be important with the winder.
I’ve heard good things about Ulmer Racing
Lots of power is available on these and the amount of mods are endless

 

[Wingwong]

Here are my first items installed ( done by dealer for delivery)

 

[Wingwong]

Princess Auto Snowmobile Lift fits underneath perfectly

Gotta MOD the feet on rear Of Lift to keep the sled level while elevated. I will post photos soon with video as well of Lift in action.

 

[Wingwong]

And here is the modification needed to keep Winder level with Princess Auto Lift

 

[Wingwong]

Sled sits perfect now for fluid flush

 

[Wingwong]

Welcome!!
Lots of great reading on here to help with your decisions

Thanks

 

[Wingwong]

Works perfect. This is the best option for Canadian buyers.

 

[GlennM]

How do you like your lift?
I was looking at that exact model today online.

 

[Wingwong]

How do you like your lift?
I was looking at that exact model today online.

Hey Glenn,
So far the Lift has been awesome. It makes working on the sled super easy wish I got one years ago, it saves your back!!
Ordered online and it showed up at my doorstep in two days cost of shipping was roughly $100 extra on top of sale price. So you know it is very well-built very beefy as it weighs over 100 pounds so you know very well built

 

[Wingwong]

Ok, got the sled up and ready for first oil change, panel was easy to remove

With Panel removed the filter and drain plug are a breeze to access

Remember to drain from plug before removing the oil filter.

Once completely drained remove filter with proper tool

Here is the Yamaha kit and tool for the job

 

[Wingwong]

Ok so now the block is drained, time to access the oil tank drain plug. Not easy with factory set up.

Recommendation (not required): remove the lower right side panel by drilling out rivets and installing rivnuts or nutserts.
Tools required are simple for removal:

Tools required drill and 3/16 drill bit
I used a 12” drill bit for rivets next to shock tower

 

[Wingwong]

I had an issue with a broken bit inside the rivet, oops. I call it a beginner mistake, see photos. I was able to punch out the rivet without issues.
Thank You sled gods