Moodeyblue
Lifetime Member
First of all, I like my new LTX 137 SE. I have 350 kms on it with no issues other than the roller wear and heavy steering. This machine is fast and I have hit 187 kph on a semi hard packed trail on the lake which I am happy with so far.
What disturbs me is the issues other members are having such as the following...
- loose turbo bolts
- turbo bolts that cant be removed
-fuel injection header that blew off
- oil that leaked out ( I believe from the oil reservoir...loose bolts or poor gasket?)
-flat spots on rollers
- several blown belts
-throttle that stuck open causing injury and wrote off machine?
- steering alignment issues
- cracked heat shields
Is seems there an assembly issue with this machine that needs to be addressed. I am very concerned with taking my new machine, which was very expensive, and on a high speed run. The belt may blow and take out the belly pan, or the oil may leak out, or the fuel rail may loosen and blow gasoline. I bleed blue, and had several Yamahas in the past , and I believe they are the best, but these issues have me has me concerned, as this is not typical Yamaha quality that I expect and have become accustomed to.
I feel, Yamaha should do a recall on all these Sidewinders and have the dealers inspect these machines, for all the loose hardware , as well as updates foe the known issues, to resolve resolve all the problems before major issues happen.
What disturbs me is the issues other members are having such as the following...
- loose turbo bolts
- turbo bolts that cant be removed
-fuel injection header that blew off
- oil that leaked out ( I believe from the oil reservoir...loose bolts or poor gasket?)
-flat spots on rollers
- several blown belts
-throttle that stuck open causing injury and wrote off machine?
- steering alignment issues
- cracked heat shields
Is seems there an assembly issue with this machine that needs to be addressed. I am very concerned with taking my new machine, which was very expensive, and on a high speed run. The belt may blow and take out the belly pan, or the oil may leak out, or the fuel rail may loosen and blow gasoline. I bleed blue, and had several Yamahas in the past , and I believe they are the best, but these issues have me has me concerned, as this is not typical Yamaha quality that I expect and have become accustomed to.
I feel, Yamaha should do a recall on all these Sidewinders and have the dealers inspect these machines, for all the loose hardware , as well as updates foe the known issues, to resolve resolve all the problems before major issues happen.
XP123
TY 4 Stroke Master
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2016
- Messages
- 1,494
- Age
- 68
- Location
- Chautauqua NY
- Country
- USA
- Snowmobile
- Sidewinder XTX LE 137
These issues are a pain but for the most part are pretty small and an easy fix. The stuck throttle thing is weird and I hope not a common problem.
Moodeyblue
Lifetime Member
biggest concerns are ..
-oil that leaked out... could have failed the engine
- fuel rail that blew fuel. significant safety hazard
-throttle that stuck... obvious safety concern.
yes the other issues are minor... but not what I expect from Yamaha. I have bought at least 10 new machines from them in the past 20 years, and not had issues.
We as consumers should not have to be checking hardware, to prevent these issues. Yes , we have to be diligent to perform maintenance, but if there is known issues, Yamaha needs to be accountable for this also.
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-oil that leaked out... could have failed the engine
- fuel rail that blew fuel. significant safety hazard
-throttle that stuck... obvious safety concern.
yes the other issues are minor... but not what I expect from Yamaha. I have bought at least 10 new machines from them in the past 20 years, and not had issues.
We as consumers should not have to be checking hardware, to prevent these issues. Yes , we have to be diligent to perform maintenance, but if there is known issues, Yamaha needs to be accountable for this also.
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- Joined
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- 6,539
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- Hessel, Michigan
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- Sidewinder, SR Viper XTX, SR Viper XTX, 2016 Apex XTX and Pro-Line Pro Stock 1000
My .02
I feel Cat employees are to blame here..... sabotage maybe? Think about it.....
In the same boat as Moodey....owned every brand of sled, but bleed blue with the last 17 Yamahas I have owned. Sure, some need this or that, but since the Viper and now Sidewinder, it's been just crazy.
#1, There is always going to be a loose bolt somewhere or a loose hose clamp. My recommendation is to get to know your sled more and check bolts/clamps. You have to lube the suspension and inspect the track and skis, I check my stuff before every ride.
#2, These are not just regular snowmobiles anymore, the Sidewinder is a missile and is crazy stupid fast. Invest a few bucks and get a tether hooked up. I think you will see a lot of these on insurance claims or people not being able to handle the power.
#3, If you have a problem with your new sled....make sure your dealer knows about it and can fix it before more damage occurs. If your dealer or Yamaha doesn't know, it won't be on their system and will not inform others. Do your part....
I feel Cat employees are to blame here..... sabotage maybe? Think about it.....
In the same boat as Moodey....owned every brand of sled, but bleed blue with the last 17 Yamahas I have owned. Sure, some need this or that, but since the Viper and now Sidewinder, it's been just crazy.
#1, There is always going to be a loose bolt somewhere or a loose hose clamp. My recommendation is to get to know your sled more and check bolts/clamps. You have to lube the suspension and inspect the track and skis, I check my stuff before every ride.
#2, These are not just regular snowmobiles anymore, the Sidewinder is a missile and is crazy stupid fast. Invest a few bucks and get a tether hooked up. I think you will see a lot of these on insurance claims or people not being able to handle the power.
#3, If you have a problem with your new sled....make sure your dealer knows about it and can fix it before more damage occurs. If your dealer or Yamaha doesn't know, it won't be on their system and will not inform others. Do your part....
Joe ltx-le
TY 4 Stroke God
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2015
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- 1,524
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- 37
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- Beaverbank-ns
- Country
- Canada
- Snowmobile
- 2017 sidewinder ltx-dx
I'm not saying these problems are acceptable, but with so many machines sold and social media we are going to hear about every issue. It would be nice if someone in r&d read this page. They would have the easiest job in the world.
funny..when I posted something of speculation ...insinuating this I was lynched lol could a rogue worker not like this and intentionally screwing up when working on a yam...sure...but I was corrected whereas the cats have some loose turbo bolts as well..
but seriously...
there are a couple little issues...
the fuel rail...Im saying its the only one...who knows on that one...
oil leaking out..havent seen that one...
the secondary rollers...yep ...yamaha's first attempt at a roller driven..they need to tweak a few things...
the turbo bolts...someone on the line didnt do their job for sure...mine were tight...
and ...its definately not confirmed that any throttle stuck open...possibly a mechanical interference from non stock hardware...
chicken little...the sky is not falling..
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2003
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- 54
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- Schofield, WI
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- www.totallyamaha.com
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2020 Sidewinder SRX
First off, humans are assembling these units, will there be mistakes? YES. Is the quality control in a Cat Assembly plant less then a Yamaha plant? At this point I would believe so. Is there a purpose for a warranty? YES, to repair these issues and to gather info from the reported cases at the dealer so a bulletin or update can be released. Is it important to run directly to the computer when you have a an issue and post the problem? NO, unless you need to feel better about telling the world and creating havoc to all those that don't have the problem. Now I understand some of you just want to warn others to prevent anyone else having the issue but PLEASE take the issues to the dealers or we will NEVER get the cases filed and it will take forever for the repairs to happen under warranty.
ctdmax
Pro
Let's not forget over tightening of clamps that causes cracks in hoses and leaves riders stranded in the middle of nowhere with coolant leaking all over..
- Joined
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2020 Sidewinder SRX
lynched.... Drama...LOL
plake
Extreme
I sometimes ride a few miles alone, these posts don't give me a warm and fuzzy. Stranded is not a good thought.
Zomboskid
Lifetime Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2016
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- 27
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- 23
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- Waukesha Wisconsin
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 18 Sidewinder BTX
86 SRV 540
I've only heard one instance that the throttle has stuck, and I think the guy was running a Ecu reflash, and he thinks that caused it.
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2003
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- Schofield, WI
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- www.totallyamaha.com
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2020 Sidewinder SRX
plake
Extreme
Yes there are!!You live in WI? You can walk a mile in any direction and there is a bar
Snowaddict
TY 4 Stroke Master
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2005
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- 1,107
- Location
- Menasha, WI
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- '17 Sidewinder LTX-LE
- mstahl88
Have always liked buying the 2nd year out due to having (hopefully) the bugs worked out. Couldn't help myself this year when almost (was basically hoping for apex motor with turbo) exactly what I wanted came out. Was not going to wait for the 11th yr with no Apex replacement. So, I knew there was risk going in. Was just hoping issues were minor and nothing that would leave me stranded (I do ride alone at times and yes there is not always a bar close by) or be catastrophic.
T-Mod
Newbie
Other than the stuck throttle...which Yamaha should avoid servicing entirely (no longer stock, modified machine), it seems like this stuff is quite small for a 200hp performance machine of this capability. Yeah...they missed it with the rollers. Still a small issue. Belts blowing on stock machines? 1- Your belt is too short for your present center to center distance. Get a longer belt or adjust your ctr distance to provide more deflection in neutral. If your sled creeps or pulls the motor down in neutral, you're going to break a belt on a long run with this 200hp sled. Set the belt @1/32nd to 1/16" above the secondary with the belt off of the primary initially...no more than that with the power this engine makes, it puts too much load on the cord of the belt. 2- Turn your belt inside out, put it in the sink. Using hot water and a brush, spray 50% diluted simple green on the belt (don't worry about hurting the belt with diluted 50% simple green unless you soak it in it over-night), get a tub brush, clean the faces and in-between the cogs with the brush. Rinse it in real hot water and brush it as you rinse it. Let it dry overnight or carefully dry it with a heat gun...carefully. Don't get it too hot locally. Keep the gun moving fast over the belt surfaces. Don't leave it turned inside out overnight. 3-Follow the directional arrows on the belt, if any. Once you put the belt on the clutches, take a yellow paint marker and establish directional arrows, so the belt always goes on the way it originally was installed or you'll weaken the belt. 4- take #400 grit sand paper and dress the primary and the secondary, to remove any black or discoloration. 5- clean the mold release, oil and rubber from both clutches using Acetone. Clean it several times to get as much of the oil out of the porosity of the aluminum. 6- remove the primary clutch spring and the secondary clutch spring and put them back together. Put the belt on. Push the primary all the way in and put a small "C" clamp it on snug to hold the clutch and belt up at full shift. The belt will fall into the secondary when you do this. If its too tight at full shift...the belt is to short or the center distance is to wide and the belt will blow (break) on a long run. Get a longer belt or adjust your centers by moving the engine back in the chassis (this is a bitch the first time but it seems all Yamaha sleds I've own or raced...needed this to happen initially). 7- Before you run any sled, if i has an oil type filter...take the filter out and get the oil off the filter...there is no need for more than a very slight amount of oil on that filter...if any at all. If it drips, your going to blow a belt. Most of us know this stuff but we have to be willing to do it...especially now with all the power these engines make. Oh...don't bother with any other belt than a factory Yamaha Mitsubishi belt on these sleds. The 8DN was always bullet proof. Not sure about this new one but I suspect it is just a bullet proof as the 8DN. Its a very high performance sled package...it needs a little extra attention, on a more regular basis. It is what it is...and what it is, is one hell of a snowmobile that you can buy with a warranty! Just my attempt to try to help here.
