ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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- '18 RTX 50th "Winder"
ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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Snowaddict
TY 4 Stroke Master
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- Menasha, WI
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- '17 Sidewinder LTX-LE
- mstahl88
Anybody else notice the clutch description? Sounds like some changes were made, including new helix. They specifically mention "cooler" and minimizing belt wear. Curious as to what they'v done?
ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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- '18 RTX 50th "Winder"
For 2019 Yamaha is not only cutting the total number of units being built, they will only be offering 12 models vs. their 34 models last year. 5 of the 12 models for 2019 are spring-order only, leaving us with only SEVEN stocking models for 2019. There will be no Japanese-made models (Vector, Venture, Viking, Phazer) except the VK 540 two-stroke work sled.
The models that Yamaha will be producing for 2019 address the core markets where the meat of the sales are. For the models that were dropped, they have a significant amount of left over inventory that they felt would supply demand for another season. So, it’s possible they add more models in 2020 based on supply and demand.
The model breakdown goes like this – of the 12 models being produced for 2019, there is only one SR Viper, one work sled (VK 540), two youth machines (SRX 120 & Sno Scoot) and eight variations of Sidewinders, five of them being Spring-only models and three of them being stocking models. That’s it. And, the number of new units being shipped to each dealer will also be down, way down.
Now before you Yamaha riders out there start freaking out, take a moment and digest this information. In the long haul this is the right thing to do. Call it a market correction of sorts. Supply greatly exceeds demand right now. A balance has to come back for the OEM and the dealers to remain healthy, long term. It isn’t healthy to sell new sleds, year after year, at a loss.
Yamaha wants to make sure we (industry and consumers) are aware that the reduction in production does not mean they are getting out of the snowmobile industry, but rather they are “resetting” in preparation for the long haul in what continues to be a shrinking industry. They are committed to having competitive snowmobiles for loyal Yamaha customers. They also seem committed to reducing or stopping the shrinking of the industry by getting youth involved and hooked.
Now that we have that issue addressed, let’s get to the good stuff – the new technology for 2019. Yamaha’s own research indicated many of the Sidewinder buyers wanted the fastest sled, period. They cared less about long travel and big bump capability, this thing is a fire-breathing four-stroke. Many of the Sidewinder buyers placed far greater emphasis on SPEED. Thus, for 2019 you will notice both of the Sidewinder RTX bump sleds are gone and we now have the all-new 2019 Sidewinder SRX, sporting a 137” track length designed for top speed.
SRX is one name in Yamaha’s history that means one thing – fast, very fast. Aiming to deliver undisputed performance from the frozen lake to the groomed trail, the 2019 SRX is a chiseled weapon ready for all challengers. This machine sits lower to the ground, making it a “Lake Racer” calibration focused on unmatched top speed and acceleration. It is what Yamaha describes as being fluid neutral & flat cornering with higher confidence on groomed trails.
The logic to offer such a variation of the Sidewinder is very sound. There are those who must be the fastest out on the lake, and must be faster than all his buddies. You all know someone like this, maybe it is you. This rider does not want to lose. He typically also owns a high-powered boat and a high performance American car, something along the lines of a large displacement V8, not a German car or an import of any kind
The Sidewinder SRX is fitted with a 137” x 15” x 1.00” Camso Ripsaw 1 fully clipped Track. Unique to the SRX is the suspension package with lowered ride height. New dual rate front and center springs provide lower preload with same final force at end of stroke. New torsion springs in the rear also reduce the preload with the same final force at end of stroke. These changes give us equally balanced front and rear suspensions. Having the same end force provides unmatched handling and top speed, without sacrificing comfort or bottoming protection.
Another trick feature is the FOX IQS (Intelligent Quick Switch) Electronically adjustable suspension, used on the front ski shocks and rear arm shock. A handlebar switch allows the rider to vary the suspension calibration automatically. Think of it as a Fox QS3 shock that is adjusted electronically and you have the concept down.
Other features new for 2019 include a new Hayes Brake with a shorty brake lever, a new Race Height Windshield, a new rear axle set up and idler wheel design, and a new tunnel bag.
Next up is the 2019 Sidewinder L-TX LE, sporting new gearing and a 1.6” Cobra track in the popular 137” length. Gearing has been changed to 24/50 to provide arm stretching corner to corner acceleration. The L-TX LE now features a 137” x 15” x 1.60” Camso Cobra Track, providing unparalleled loose snow performance and on trail confidence.
We again find the new idler wheels and rear axle set-up (Tri-Hub is gone) and the Fox I-QS Electric Adjustable Suspension on the L-TX LE, along with the new handlebar controls, new Hayes Brake with composite shorty brake lever, new Tunnel Bag and new Race Windshield. Extras include a heated Visor Cord Outlet, Heated Seat and New Hi-Vis Painted Tunnel so your riding buddies won’t lose you in the snow.
In the 141” track length we now find the Sidewinder X-TX LE. This model sees some changes for 2019, sporting a new 40” front end with mountain spindles and new single-keel Crossover Skis, along with a new mountain seat for a taller riding position along with a center grab strap.
In a change of pace, gone are the Fox FLOAT shocks all around, replaced with QS-3 coil-over shocks at all four locations! This model also gets a new 141” x 1.75” Backcountry X Track. The 141” uncoupled rear skid, along with the new coil-over shocks, features a new idler wheel design (no more tri-hub) and a new rail design moving a 2nd set of idlers to the outside for clearance with QS-3 shock reservoir.
Consistent for the 2019 changes we again find the new handlebar controls, a new Hayes Brake with new shorty brake lever, a new blue painted tunnel and a revised CVT calibration to increase performance and decrease belt temperatures.
In the 153” track length we again find the Sidewinder B-TX LE. Changes for 2019 include new blue single-keel crossover skis and the new rear suspension rail design as the B-TX now includes a 2nd row of idler wheels to help with slider wear (since the ice scratchers have been removed for 2019). The B-TX LE also benefits from the new Hayes Brake with new composite shorty brake lever, new rear axle idler wheel design, a loud hi-vis painted tunnel and a new CVT calibration to increase performance and decrease belt temperatures.
The models that Yamaha will be producing for 2019 address the core markets where the meat of the sales are. For the models that were dropped, they have a significant amount of left over inventory that they felt would supply demand for another season. So, it’s possible they add more models in 2020 based on supply and demand.
The model breakdown goes like this – of the 12 models being produced for 2019, there is only one SR Viper, one work sled (VK 540), two youth machines (SRX 120 & Sno Scoot) and eight variations of Sidewinders, five of them being Spring-only models and three of them being stocking models. That’s it. And, the number of new units being shipped to each dealer will also be down, way down.
Now before you Yamaha riders out there start freaking out, take a moment and digest this information. In the long haul this is the right thing to do. Call it a market correction of sorts. Supply greatly exceeds demand right now. A balance has to come back for the OEM and the dealers to remain healthy, long term. It isn’t healthy to sell new sleds, year after year, at a loss.
Yamaha wants to make sure we (industry and consumers) are aware that the reduction in production does not mean they are getting out of the snowmobile industry, but rather they are “resetting” in preparation for the long haul in what continues to be a shrinking industry. They are committed to having competitive snowmobiles for loyal Yamaha customers. They also seem committed to reducing or stopping the shrinking of the industry by getting youth involved and hooked.
Now that we have that issue addressed, let’s get to the good stuff – the new technology for 2019. Yamaha’s own research indicated many of the Sidewinder buyers wanted the fastest sled, period. They cared less about long travel and big bump capability, this thing is a fire-breathing four-stroke. Many of the Sidewinder buyers placed far greater emphasis on SPEED. Thus, for 2019 you will notice both of the Sidewinder RTX bump sleds are gone and we now have the all-new 2019 Sidewinder SRX, sporting a 137” track length designed for top speed.
SRX is one name in Yamaha’s history that means one thing – fast, very fast. Aiming to deliver undisputed performance from the frozen lake to the groomed trail, the 2019 SRX is a chiseled weapon ready for all challengers. This machine sits lower to the ground, making it a “Lake Racer” calibration focused on unmatched top speed and acceleration. It is what Yamaha describes as being fluid neutral & flat cornering with higher confidence on groomed trails.
The logic to offer such a variation of the Sidewinder is very sound. There are those who must be the fastest out on the lake, and must be faster than all his buddies. You all know someone like this, maybe it is you. This rider does not want to lose. He typically also owns a high-powered boat and a high performance American car, something along the lines of a large displacement V8, not a German car or an import of any kind
The Sidewinder SRX is fitted with a 137” x 15” x 1.00” Camso Ripsaw 1 fully clipped Track. Unique to the SRX is the suspension package with lowered ride height. New dual rate front and center springs provide lower preload with same final force at end of stroke. New torsion springs in the rear also reduce the preload with the same final force at end of stroke. These changes give us equally balanced front and rear suspensions. Having the same end force provides unmatched handling and top speed, without sacrificing comfort or bottoming protection.
Another trick feature is the FOX IQS (Intelligent Quick Switch) Electronically adjustable suspension, used on the front ski shocks and rear arm shock. A handlebar switch allows the rider to vary the suspension calibration automatically. Think of it as a Fox QS3 shock that is adjusted electronically and you have the concept down.
Other features new for 2019 include a new Hayes Brake with a shorty brake lever, a new Race Height Windshield, a new rear axle set up and idler wheel design, and a new tunnel bag.
Next up is the 2019 Sidewinder L-TX LE, sporting new gearing and a 1.6” Cobra track in the popular 137” length. Gearing has been changed to 24/50 to provide arm stretching corner to corner acceleration. The L-TX LE now features a 137” x 15” x 1.60” Camso Cobra Track, providing unparalleled loose snow performance and on trail confidence.
We again find the new idler wheels and rear axle set-up (Tri-Hub is gone) and the Fox I-QS Electric Adjustable Suspension on the L-TX LE, along with the new handlebar controls, new Hayes Brake with composite shorty brake lever, new Tunnel Bag and new Race Windshield. Extras include a heated Visor Cord Outlet, Heated Seat and New Hi-Vis Painted Tunnel so your riding buddies won’t lose you in the snow.
In the 141” track length we now find the Sidewinder X-TX LE. This model sees some changes for 2019, sporting a new 40” front end with mountain spindles and new single-keel Crossover Skis, along with a new mountain seat for a taller riding position along with a center grab strap.
In a change of pace, gone are the Fox FLOAT shocks all around, replaced with QS-3 coil-over shocks at all four locations! This model also gets a new 141” x 1.75” Backcountry X Track. The 141” uncoupled rear skid, along with the new coil-over shocks, features a new idler wheel design (no more tri-hub) and a new rail design moving a 2nd set of idlers to the outside for clearance with QS-3 shock reservoir.
Consistent for the 2019 changes we again find the new handlebar controls, a new Hayes Brake with new shorty brake lever, a new blue painted tunnel and a revised CVT calibration to increase performance and decrease belt temperatures.
In the 153” track length we again find the Sidewinder B-TX LE. Changes for 2019 include new blue single-keel crossover skis and the new rear suspension rail design as the B-TX now includes a 2nd row of idler wheels to help with slider wear (since the ice scratchers have been removed for 2019). The B-TX LE also benefits from the new Hayes Brake with new composite shorty brake lever, new rear axle idler wheel design, a loud hi-vis painted tunnel and a new CVT calibration to increase performance and decrease belt temperatures.
Last edited:
Grimm
TY 4 Stroke God
I feel as though we've been Rick-rolled!
ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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So no more 129s at all. Sure glad I got my rtx this season!
wow. Sad
wow. Sad
ApexXTX/Viper
Expert
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$20,499 Cdn for SRX! More than wife paid for her Corolla new. Limited in season model availability should help with trade-in values on 17' & 18' SW's. 2019 SW LTX- LE with 1.6" Cobra should make our 1.25" Ripsaw II's attractive to top end junkies.
1100saber
Expert
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- AlliedPerformanceShoppe
I like some of the changes...but not nearly enough to considering upgrading mine. HOWEVER...I am not brand loyal at all, and there might be one of these in black and orange in the garage next year beside the sidewinder. I said I'd never not own a turbo sled...I never said I wouldn't own a n/a two stroke too lol
ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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Looks like SE model might have a piggyback shock up front, at least in video it does.
wow they really cut back on alot of stuff it seems
wow they really cut back on alot of stuff it seems
ROCKERDAN
OCD Sledhead
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- '18 RTX 50th "Winder"
I do like where snowtech talks about clutch changes for better belt temps....
Dan
Dan
Doowithblue
TY 4 Stroke Guru
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18- RTX LE
So none of the models get Kashima coated fox shocks? Weird they chose the low gearing. Likely to separate speeds from the SRX more.
lovesledding
Veteran
Saber don't do it you know what happen last time lol
ApexXTX/Viper
Expert
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Wow - SRX or bust. Why not SRX w/o Intelligent Quick Shift?
-Cat still offers Thundercat with or w/o adjust on the fly
-129" & 137" Ripsaw II's 1.25.
-RR's, Limited's and Sno Pro's
-Cat still offers Thundercat with or w/o adjust on the fly
-129" & 137" Ripsaw II's 1.25.
-RR's, Limited's and Sno Pro's
yamajammer76
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
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- Black Hills, SD
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- 2024 Arctic Cat Riot 600 1.75
So no more 129s at all. Sure glad I got my rtx this season!
wow. Sad
Oh there are plenty of them available with new 17's and 18's still sitting around.
If I had the money I'd consider the '19 Sidewinder B-TX. With all the improvements that will be a great extreme crossover.
Looks like a big year of great deals on non-current models. It sounds like they want the dealer stock and warehouse stock cleared out.
Finesy
Expert
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- 2018 Sidewinder RTX 50th Anniversary
2017 Sidewinder LTX SE
Mine will be for sale!!So no more 129s at all. Sure glad I got my rtx this season!
wow. Sad
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