Options for one last 998T

[number1kyster]

I am interested in possibly picking up another 998T to have in the garage before they become hard to get. Preferably one with EPS. My last Sidewinder was a non EPS SE that I upgraded the shocks on.

What is the general consensus for ride quality and trail manners between the following models?

SRX/Thundercat
LTX GT
LTX LE/9000 RR
Riot/XTX LE

My gut says the options with QS3R’s would be best, but I am thinking a 9000 Riot could be a nice trail cruiser.

Are the Yamaha clutches much better than the Cat clutches?

 

[Fleecer]

I would go with LTX LE/ZR9000RR, especially if you weigh over 220 pounds.

In my opinion Cat clutches yield better belt life, but Yamaha clutches yield better top speed. Yamaha clutches are more durable., especially if you add power.

 

[STAIN]

Are you missing the power??
For me, The SRX would need a track change. I rode 2 2020 T-Cats with an inch track, not for me on our trails.
If I went with the 137 it would have been the RR or LE for sure.
After 3 137's and 2 129's in the Pro-Cross, I wanted to try the 146....I was not all that thrilled to have to get the electric shocks but I can manage something if I don't like them.
As for Cat clutches, I cant say from my experience BUT I know of one with 7k miles on the TEAM primary. Sled was clutched properly and had a 911 cover, which I think helps with moveable sheeve clearance, reducing heat. Keeping heat out of that TEAM I believe is key.
I also think the self adjusting belt on the CAT gives it just a bit better throttle response on trail.
EPS is the balls.

 

[number1kyster]

Are you missing the power??
For me, The SRX would need a track change. I rode 2 2020 T-Cats with an inch track, not for me on our trails.
If I went with the 137 it would have been the RR or LE for sure.
After 3 137's and 2 129's in the Pro-Cross, I wanted to try the 146....I was not all that thrilled to have to get the electric shocks but I can manage something if I don't like them.
As for Cat clutches, I cant say from my experience BUT I know of one with 7k miles on the TEAM primary. Sled was clutched properly and had a 911 cover, which I think helps with moveable sheeve clearance, reducing heat. Keeping heat out of that TEAM I believe is key.
I also think the self adjusting belt on the CAT gives it just a bit better throttle response on trail.
EPS is the balls.

Yes, I want some power again. It costs too much money to bring a 900R up to 260hp. I love the chassis, and the rear skid on my Lynx is my favorite I have ever had. I’m not dumping $8,000 into it to bring it up to 998 tuned levels though. May as well put that towards a Cat or Yamaha with EPS.

 

[twyztid]

I would say that a LTX LE EPS would be your best bet. Better shocks & Yamaha clutches & gearing. I am not saying that the Yamaha primary that comes on them is the one to use but if you swap the primary to one from the older Apex/Nytro/Viper/Vector/Venture/etc with Thunder Products overdrive cut (and possibly 911 cover), they will hold up very well. I don't think most have an issue with the secondary clutch other the than offset and the rollers & spring binding. The secondary can be machined to get the offset in the correct range and there are a number of options to fix the spring & roller issue. Once these are done, it is great. Any other upgrades that should be done would need to be done to any of the models that you listed.

 

[sideshowBob]

If I was going to get another SW I would try to find an unsold, or real low mileage, 2024 LTX-LE. Add a Hurricane SM bundle, closed loop and be done....but I wouldn't part with my current SW in the process.

 

[twyztid]

I saw a new 2024 LTX LE for sale not long ago but it might have been in Canada. I'll see if I can find the link.

 

[twyztid]

This 2024 LTX LE might still be available in Wisconsin.

2024 Yamaha Sidewinder L-TX LE EPS - Nebula Gold / Black

Inventory Unit Detail Ryden Marine Minocqua, WI (715) 356-6288

www.rydenmarine.com

 

[DennyTuna]

This 2024 LTX LE might still be available in Wisconsin.

tw I would be very surprised if it's still there. In early March I tried to find one, called at least 30 dealers in Michigan and Wisconsin and some had similar adds on the inner web that were never removed like this one. Evan had a fellow TY'er looking on the East coast for me. We came up empty. There are some low mile 24 used units out there for sale and still new 25's out there.

 

[sideshowBob]

That 2024 LTX-LE is a beautiful color combo...IMO

 

[DennyTuna]

That 2024 LTX-LE is a beautiful color combo...IMO

I agree, we snatched up a low mile 24 LTX LE from a fellow TY'er a month ago for my nephew and my brother and I picked up new 25's, one in mid February and the other late March. My 18 will now be our primary back up (added EPS last off season). We are good for 10+ years now.

 

[putz21]

For me, a '25 XTX LE w/EPS is the best Sidewinder I have owned! I have an '19 LTX LE with Elka Stage 5's and a '23 LTX LE w/EPS all with TD Jukebox Tunes. The ride of the XTX LE is awesome and once they added EPS for the final edition, I jumped on it. The fun factor with the uncoupled skid make lifting the skis at will fun. I was pleasantly surprised how well it handles on the trails, even in tight twisties. I ride in Northern WI with a bunch of tight trails and don't feel much difference over my '23 LTX LE. Once the trails open up or whoops in the trails, it's fun to be able to lift up the front when needed. The rear rides so much different than the LTX and feels much better than the 137". I also like the longer tunnel for more bags. Yamaha nailed it with the '25 XTX LE.

 

[STAIN]

I know where there is at least one 25 XTX but you better bring an overnight bag to get it. The distance away from me was the reason I went with the Riot.

 

[number1kyster]

I know where there is at least one 25 XTX but you better bring an overnight bag to get it. The distance away from me was the reason I went with the Riot.

I’d just buy a Riot instead. There seem to be plenty available.

 

[Pstn head]

If you felt your Lynx was the best ride for your type of riding, I’d suggest an Xtx.