The 2025 Sidewinder L-TX LE is the sled that will perform in all types of terrain. The front suspension features premium FOX Zero QS3-R shocks with Kashima coat, while the dual shock SR137 rear suspension has a QS3 Kashima centre shock and beefy Zero QS3-R 2.0-inch rear shock. The wide stance ARCS front clip and Stryke single keel skis keep you pointed where you want to go and the long travel coupled, rear SRV suspension with 137" Ripsaw II track takes care of the rest. The L-TX LE draws inspiration from the inline 4-stroke engine that was the iconic Apex. If you've never been behind the bars of a Sidewinder and the pure power it offers, you haven't experienced true snowmobile bliss.
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Fox Zero QS3-R 1.5-inch Kashima Front Shocks
The Fox Zero QS3-R coil-over shocks feature a piggyback chamber to deliver reduced fading, exceptional control, and three easy-to-adjust compression damping performance settings so you can quickly and easily adjust the ride to conditions and riding preference.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
EPS takes the fight out of muscling the powerful turbo through twisty trails—but it doesn't stop there. EPS also isolates the rider from unwanted handlebar resistance fed back through the mechanical steering system from inconsistencies in the trail. The resulting light steering effort and handling precision is unrivaled when it comes to long days in the saddle. Suspension comfort, responsive throttle and reliable power top the list of priorities for long-distance rides.
The turbo boosted, one-litre triple is unmatched when it comes to delivering incredible power with the refinement and quality you have come to expect from a Yamaha. Designed around a premium turbo unit, every engine component from intake to exhaust is dedicated to producing uncompromised performance. The proven Yamaha turbo has earned the respect and reputation befitting the industry's highest achiever. This engine is virtually the potent venom of the Sidewinder's bite.
The ARCS front suspension features taller, high-strength, forged alloy spindles and redesigned lightweight upper A-arms. The geometry is further revised to optimize suspension function while increasing ground clearance. This results in greater bite with less chassis roll for more predictable and consistent handling.
The Dual Shock SR rear suspension is the cumulative result of years of punishment and development in snocross and cross-country competition. This lightweight suspension offers premium bump compliance with excellent resistance to bottoming. The Dual Shock SR is a 'coupled' skid-frame that utilizes a unique sliding front arm mount with half an inch of movement at the front arm slot. This active arm design delivers controlled (reduced) ski-lift during acceleration while retaining a good measure of independent front arm tracking. A solid rear axle layout with a special idler wheel design and configuration provides great durability.
Regarded as the best high-performance terrain track available, the 137 x 1.25-inch lug design of the RipSaw II delivers incredible acceleration, braking control and handling in a wide variety of trail conditions.
PERFORMANCE
The nickel alloy turbine body is extremely strong and precise, able to withstand highly elevated temperatures. Supported by premium, ceramic ball bearings, the Inconel turbine blade assembly is very light and strong. This yields a low moment of inertia for lightning quick response to exhaust gas input. Triple throttle bodies are used exclusively to further enhance the quick delivery of compressed air from the impeller to intake valves. The Yamaha-developed Mitsubishi ECU uses a series of nine sensors to gather running condition data which it computes using a predetermined memory ‘map’. It then adjusts ignition timing, fuel delivery, manifold air pressure and turbo boost pressure to produce maximum performance under any condition—reliably.
Yamaha engineers wanted an engine that's exceptionally quick to respond with little or no 'lag' as found in a conventional turbo. One of the ways they achieved their goal was to develop an intake system using three separate throttle bodies positioned very close to the intake valves, instead of just one feeding long intake tubes. It’s an innovation not seen in any other production turbo on the planet, and another first for Yamaha with the Genesis turbo.
Unlike conventional turbo 'blow-off' valves, the Yamaha ABV redirects air pressure back into the intake side of the compressor to prevent surge and help maintain impeller speed, resulting in ready acceleration and seamless power delivery.
The YSRC primary and roller secondary clutches are calibrated for durable, cool operation. They harness and transfer the massive torque produced by the Genesis Turbo efficiently to the track while minimizing drive belt wear. The primary shifts out aggressively to use all the power on tap while the roller secondary is quick to back-shift and provides additional ratio through its oversize sheaves to keep accelerating long after the others have signed off.
A dual-piston brake caliper applies braking forces directly to the drive shaft and is mated to a wave-style, lightweight drilled rotor. The LE-only rotor removes one pound of rotating mass from the vehicle's driveline, helping transfer all of the Sidewinder's available horsepower to the snow. The 'Stealth' master cylinder and composite 'Stealth' brake lever offer excellent modulation and feel with ergonomically precise operation.
Engine coolant is circulated through the turbocharger to control both under-hood temperature and help cool the intake charge. Upon engine shut down, the convection energy produced by super-heated coolant at the turbo head keeps it circulating without the coolant pump in operation. This eliminates the need for an engine cool-down cycle while maintaining high durability in the turbo components.
HANDLING
The SRV chassis layout was engineered with the goal of centralizing mass. Approximately 60 percent of the sled's weight is tightly centered within the main triangulation. The result is a quick-handling, well-balanced sled that's fun to throw around in a wide variety of conditions.
The SRV chassis combines a load-bearing triangulated structure with lightweight aluminum construction to create a neutrally balanced sled that's centered on the rider. The pyramidal upper frame creates chassis strength without excessive weight.
The Yamaha designed single keel ski strikes the elusive balance between lightweight steering effort and precision handling over a wide range of snow conditions.
Unique, staggered carbides further enhance steering response.
A special shim pad assembly works in conjunction with the rubber saddle block to adjust the carbide pressure point.
Overall ski stance is also adjustable by relocating the thick spacer located on each ski axle to the opposite side.
The straight steering post on the Sidewinder is configured over the engine. It connects to a single bell crank for simplicity and lightweight. The design also minimizes free-play in the steering system and delivers a tight turning radius.
COMFORT
The Sidewinder's lightweight, two-piece, tapered tunnel gives you strength for the long haul and a tapered fit for enhanced leg comfort and overall ride positioning. The reinforced running boards are punched with aggressive boot-hold serrations and offers excellent snow evacuation to keep your feet planted where you want them.
A standard heated seat provides the ultimate in warmth and comfort on even the coldest winter days. A simple flip of the dash-mounted switch enables the choice of two warmth settings, allowing you to explore what lies beyond that next curve from sun-up to sundown in complete comfort.
The handlebar controls feature a left-hand switch cluster which allows for 'on-the-fly' access to the multi-step hand and thumb warmer adjusters.
Information available on the multi-function gauge can be easily selected with a convenient toggle switch and the push button electric start, reverse gear switch is also located in the left-hand cluster. The right side of the bar is clean with an ergonomically shaped throttle lever and simple, stand-alone emergency stop switch. The Hayes 'Stealth' brake cylinder is equipped with a composite brake lever providing great modulation for better feel and powerful stopping performance
Additional storage is provided by a convenient tunnel bag. The semi-rigid design is easy to access and water resistant to keep your spares safe and dry. Quarter-turn, quick release fasteners are provided to make removal a snap.
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The 2025 Sidewinder L-TX LE is the sled that will perform in all types of terrain. The front suspension features premium FOX Zero QS3-R shocks with Kashima coat, while the dual shock SR137 rear suspension has a QS3 Kashima centre shock and beefy Zero QS3-R 2.0-inch rear shock. The wide stance ARCS front clip and Stryke single keel skis keep you pointed where you want to go and the long travel coupled, rear SRV suspension with 137" Ripsaw II track takes care of the rest. The L-TX LE draws inspiration from the inline 4-stroke engine that was the iconic Apex. If you've never been behind the bars of a Sidewinder and the pure power it offers, you haven't experienced true snowmobile bliss.