Sidewinder is FAST!!!

[lakercr]

Assuming we are comparing pound for pound, how would this sled compare against a boosted? If this sled is claiming 122mph, what speeds does a boosted Apex see? I would think the Apex is capable of faster speeds seeing how it is more aerodynamic.

An Apex with MCX 290 will run 135-138MPH on pump gas (on snow - not ice) if clutched/geared properly.

A Sidewinder is not going to run with an Apex on top end, but that's not really a design goal of the sled. Through the trails, I'd personally take a Sidewinder.

 

[nos]

What is the design goal then? It is designed to compete in the hypersled market right? just curious, is the Apex engine too big to fit in this chassis? That is a phenomenal engine that accepts boost well already. I would have thought it would be cheaper to design that engine to fit instead of designing a new engine.

 

[lakercr]

Just to be clear - I'm saying that a Sidewinder will not run with a boosted Apex. It will have no trouble beating a stock Apex.

Is that how you read my previous post?

 

[rtx moose]

I wonder if all the models will have the same gearing?in the video i think the blue and white one was the fastest..?just curious some guys driving might of been to scared to hold it down too

 

[nos]

Understood! Through the trails you can only use so much boost anyhow so the Sidewinder would definitely have the upper hand there. personally, I think 200hp is the magic number for trail riding. I've ridden sleds with more and its just too much 95% of the time. Then again so is 200hp.

 

[nytrozula]

If I didn't just buy my VMAX17 I would be all in on this sled!

 

[lakercr]

Understood! Through the trails you can only use so much boost anyhow so the Sidewinder would definitely have the upper hand there. personally, I think 200hp is the magic number for trail riding. I've ridden sleds with more and its just too much 95% of the time. Then again so is 200hp.

It's funny, I was out on Saturday riding a 2011 Apex XTX with a MCX 290 kit. It is a well sorted sled. At a rest stop in the afternoon, I was talking to my brother about the sled that I planned to build for next year:

• Viper platform
• 190hp kit
• stock compression
• Good shocks w/rebound and compression dampening

So, essentially a Sidewinder.

I've built many turbo sleds over the years, and have ridden everything from 180 - 400+ HP. For me, and the type of riding I do, this combo would have the biggest fun factor. The MCX Apex is fun - don't get me wrong, but if I'm running a ditch and want to pick up the front end RIGHT NOW on a rolling road approach, correct myself in the air (or otherwise use power to position the sled) the Sidewinder will be a much better choice. I don't need to go 130+ MPH on a sled anymore (I still have one that's good for over 140 if I need to scratch that itch again). Instant torque, and throttle response is what I really care about these days. The design of Yamaha's turbo (sizing/manifolds/bypass valve) is ideal for my needs. There's no doubt in my mind that the new turbo sled will run over 120 on a lake if I want it to (It might even do it out of the box), but there is sooo much to work with on this sled to make an absolute trail weapon, and that's what I care about most. Add in the protection of a knock sensor that was designed for the motor (tuned to it's harmonics), factory ECU for boost, better internals, and this is a no-brainer.

I don't have as much time for riding as I used to, so the Sidewinder is a great option for me: Hypersled performance with Yamaha reliability (and warranty) = I get to ride with clean hands next year. I did a little poking around on the turbo that Yamaha is using, and it looks like there's still some chicken on that bone; can't wait to see what the aftermarket guys come out with next year. Of course, that would void the warranty, and I would never do that (the nice people at Yamaha do read these posts from time to time...).

 

[Riceburner]

I agree on all fronts with lakercr.

My Apex MCX 290 at full wack [15psi boost] shows GPS 220 kph [138 mph] on snow. I think it had more in it but I didnt.

The same sled @9 psi boost GPS 204 kph [128 mph] on snow.

And yeah I'm pretty sure there is twice as much or more chicken on the bone than what Yamaha has set the Sidewinder up to eat.

 

[bleedyamaha]

I agree on all fronts with lakercr.

My Apex MCX 290 at full wack [15psi boost] shows GPS 220 kph [138 mph] on snow. I think it had more in it but I didnt.

The same sled @9 psi boost GPS 204 kph [128 mph] on snow.

And yeah I'm pretty sure there is twice as much or more chicken on the bone than what Yamaha has set the Sidewinder up to eat.

Thanks for your mph translations I almost got km down!!!

 

[Sledroll]

Excited of the new sled, also a little disappointed. 1- finally yammy builds a turbo sled from factory.
2 - 180 hp + and no typical turbo lag as they claim, should be one hell of a stallion.

Disappointment:

1- Arctic cat gets the state of the art engine and what does Yamaha get in return this time, they already had the chassis on the previous Viper deal.
2. Sidewinder is the best sled name available, what the hell. Maybe there s something I Don t know behind the story but Arctic cat did it right with ZR Thundercat.
3. Everyone wants one but who can afford it. We taught Apex s we're expensive.

All and all pretty impressive delivery from Yamaha. Got to wonder what BRP and Polaris are thinking now, they sure have it good with boondocking and mountain sleds for power to weight ratio. Will be a tough one to top the new Yammy turbo in hyperpower sector.

without Arctic Cat , there may not have been a Sidewinder , and because they are selling them the engine, then the cost of the sidewinder is less than it would have been without Cat on board !

 

[Sledroll]

Is there a wrap for the Sidewinder called the " Wife Fooler "
The wrap , in my case would need to look exactly like a 2015 Apex XTX.
I think I am on to something here .
Send me your wrap orders , and pls. be clear as to the year ,model , and colour , of your current sled !

 

[lakercr]

Just in case my wife comes along and is reading these posts (hello darling), I should probably make it clear what we all know - Yamaha is releasing a new line of 'Sidewinder' patio furniture. I look forward to meeting up with some of you at the Garden Show on March 26th, and there's a good chance I'll come home with something new for the backyard.

 

[cat hunter]

without Arctic Cat , there may not have been a Sidewinder , and because they are selling them the engine, then the cost of the sidewinder is less than it would have been without Cat on board !

BINGO !!!

 

[staggs65]

Who recalls the mighty release of the 2003 RX1 (which I snow checked BTW first ever snowcheck) snowmobile mags were saying 122mph out of box. They weren't lying and I saw 120's on my speedo also.......to bad it was off by 10%. GPS was 111-113. So maybe Yamaha "recalibrated" the speedos again (-: Sure hope not.

The Viper speedo has been dead nut on, can't see why that would've changed, and besides that some of the dealer ride speeds were gps

 

[newtron]

I have a viper running 12 pounds of boost this year and I agree with lakercr as well. This sidewinder is going to come clutched, geared and ready with engineered boost. Oh and 3 year warranty.

The sidewinder will have no trouble touching 120 mph in perfect conditions. My 190 hp kit ran 125 mph last year so 120 shouldn't be a problem in perfect conditions with this sidewinder.

I have heard a few guys say their stock apex with hang with a turbo viper. I have had both and there is something definitely wrong with a turbo viper if an apex will hang with it. My 2013 apex didn't hold a candle to my stage 1 hurricane kit on my viper