Yamaha’s 58-year adventure in the snowmobile market is coming to a close with a familiar-looking 2025 model lineup. There are a few tweaks – including an adjustable, four-position handlebar riser on three models and power steering added to a Sidewinder X-TX crossover. There’s also the surprising comeback of a mega-powerful but heavy mountain machine.
More than anything, though, the 2025 Yamaha snowmobile lineup will be notable because it will be the last from the brand. It announced its impending departure in June. On the sleds, a rectangular badge near the fuel tank will declare “1968-2025: Final Edition Yamaha.” Beyond that, there are no commemorative throwback paintjobs or other hype.
(Click through to see the 2025 models from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Lynx and Polaris.)
Trail-Focused Yamaha Sidewinders
Of the 16 models that made the cut for the brand’s final lineup, eight are powered by Yamaha’s popular 998cc turbocharged triple that makes an earnest 180+ horsepower. Its incredible acceleration rush will likely be the most lasting memory of Yamaha’s late years. It’s a pretty solid legacy. The big motor is a great match for the large, spacious and stable Arctic Cat-designed chassis that Yamaha rebrands as an SRV.
For single-passenger trail riders, there are four 2025 Sidewinders with a 137-inch track. Three get a new adjustable riser that allows the rider to pull a spring-loaded plunger and select between four distinct locations where they want the handlebar to reside.
The most popular Yamaha Sidewinder is the SRX LE EPS. With its slightly lowered ride height stance courtesy of dual-rate spring plus 1-inch lugs on its 15- by 137-inch RipSaw track, it’s built for top-speed prowess. It’s back in blue for 2025.
Also returning is electric-assist power steering (EPS). It not only eases needed steering effort, it also reduces negative feedback from the trail while allowing designers to be more aggressive with the Stryke skis and their wearbars. Another returning feature is handlebar control of the Fox iQS3 shocks. A rider can toggle between soft, medium and firm settings for the ski shocks and the rear arm shock. A heated seat and heated shield outlet and horizontal two-screen gauge complete the package.
Next up, the Sidewinder L-TX LE EPS shares most of the SRX’s features – power steering, big engine, heated seat and outlet, lightweight brake disc, etc. But it has manual-adjust Fox Zero QS3 shocks, single-rate springs and 1.25-inch lugs on its RipSaw II track. It’s mostly black this year, with light blue accents, a “Final Edition” badge and the adjustable riser.
The most price-conscious Sidewinder is again the L-TX SE. It comes with base-level HPG shocks, single-rate springs and does not get the benefits of EPS or the adjustable riser. But its MSRP is $3,400 less than the SRX and $2,400 less than the L-TX LE. For 2025, the L-TX SE gets a complex graphics package, which a smattering of orange and red over black that changes from side-to-side.
Focused more on solo touring is the Sidewinder L-TX GT. It is a full-featured, single-passenger power cruiser made for high-mile riding. It shares the somewhat lowered ride height with the SRX, thanks to dual rate springs, but it benefits from the RipSaw II track with 1.25-inch lugs found on the L-TX LE. Plus it has power steering, the adjustable riser, a tall window, heated seat, onboard luggage and more. QS3 shocks and a cool “velocity red” coloration round out the package.
Yamaha Sidewinder 2-Upper
Speaking of power cruisers, the Sidewinder S-TX GT 2-up machine stands as the only turbocharged competition to Ski-Doo’s Grand Touring LE 900 ACE Turbo R.
It shares the stretched version of the ProCross/ProTour chassis with Arctic Cat’s Pantera 700, but with the 998 turbocharged triple hustling it down trails. The S-TX GT also benefits from power steering. We would have liked to seen the adjustable riser on this machine, but it returns unchanged except for its coloration.
Returning features include Fox QS3 front shocks, overload springs, a rear-mounted auxiliary fuel tank and side-mounted lockable saddlebags.
Yamaha Sidewinder Crossovers
Yamaha puts an extra degree of separation between its two Sidewinder X-TX crossover machines for 2025 by adding power steering to the wide one.
Adding EPS to the more trail-focused X-TX LE pulls it in line with Riot 9000 from Arctic Cat. This X-X-TX has a 42-inch stance between trail-focused Stryke skis. A big 15- by 146-inch- by 1.6-inch Cobra track corrals the big power.
The Sidewinder X-TX SE, meanwhile, keeps its unique personality. It returns with 2-inch lugs on its 146-inch Challenger track. It has a narrower 40-inch stance between wide skis and mountain spindles.
Four-Stroke Yamaha Mountain Monster Returns
When Yamaha stopped building its four-stroke, turbo-charged Sidewinder M-TX after model year 2019 and started rebadging Arctic Cat M 800s as Yamaha Mountain Maxes in model year 2021, we thought we had seen the last of the heavy, high-powered four-stroke machines out west. But never say never.
Yamaha is giving the small niche of customers who want this big-power monster for running big chutes one last shot. “This was a sled that most people didn’t buy, which is why we didn’t continue bringing it out” after model year 2019, Yamaha’s Brian Hudgin explained. “But there are a few die-hards out there that have been consistently on our social media channels saying, ‘Please bring back the M-TX.’ I guess it just suits their riding style or whatever. So we are bringing it back, but it is really limited.”
Compared to its use in trail or crossover sleds, the big 998cc turbocharged triple will have unique engine braking characteristics on the M-TX plus. It’ll spin a 15- by 153- by 3-inch Power Claw track around a twin-rail rear suspension (not Cat’s Alpha One). Fox QS3 shocks, with a QSL with lockout mode on the rear arm, control the ride.
The Mountain Max 800 models, meanwhile, are gone.
Two Other Full-Size Sleds Return
The SRViper returns for one last ride. It was the sled that originally launched the full-sized Arctic Cat and Yamaha partnership in model year 2014 with Yamaha’s naturally aspirated 1049cc four-stroke triple tucked in an Arctic Cat chassis.
For 2025, the only version available will once again be the SRViper L-TX GT, with dual-rate springs surrounding Fox Zero QS3 shocks up front, plus a larger bore Fox Zero QS3 on the rear arm. Features include a tall windshield, heated seat, heated visor outlet, on-board luggage and deep red coloration.
The Transporter 800 two-stroke returns as the brand’s only full-sized utility crossover. It spins a 15- by 153- by 2.25-inch Power Claw track around an unique articulated rear suspension.
Downsized Trail, Mtn, Work, Youth Sleds
The Transporter 800 isn’t the only two-stroke in Yamaha’s lineup, however. A whole fleet of 7/8th-size chassis machines powered by a single cylinder off of that Arctic Cat engine return to appeal to newcomers, smaller-statured folks or people who merely want a low-cost, downsized snowmobile.
They’re all unchanged for 2025, using the 65-horse engine. The playful SXVenom is the trail burner, with a 14- by 121- by 1-inch Hacksaw track and a 38-inch stance between Stryke skis. The SXVenom Mountain is aimed at deep-snow customers. It has a 15- by 146- by 2-inch Challenge track surrounding the single-beam rear suspension.
There are also two bright red Transporters returning on that chassis. The Transporter Lite has the Yamaha Mountain seat and skis while spinning a 15- by 146- by 1.6-inch Cobra track. It surrounds a utility-oriented suspension with an articulating rear. A rear rack and tall window are included.
The Transporter 2-Up has the same skis, window and track. But it also has a two-passenger seat, solid rails and a wider, 40-inch stance, complete with anti-sway bar.
The SRX120R and Snoscoot youth sleds return unchanged.
What a disgrace for a once upon a time industry leader and innovation leader to just up and quiIt. What a shame their leadership failed the division.
I am so saddened by the loss of Yamaha to the snowmobile industry!! They made every other brand better by pushing the envelope in so many areas. There true Yamaha sleds are still unmatched for reliability and maintenence on. Sad day
I never could understand why at least one of the sled manufacturers didn’t retain the likes of the Bravo Transporter, Ski Doo Elan or single banger Tundra for people who just wanted to putt putt slowly over the lake on a cheap, reliable, light sled. Instead, they all completed with one another to make increasingly big, powerful, expensive sleds that they marketed by showing professional driver doing high jumps and driving through 10 feet of powder snow on a mountain. Like so many others, I tried the Snow Dog, an OK sled, but not as much fun as the Bravo Transporter or Tundra, Elan models. Yamaha could still be thriving if they produced sleds for the Masses, not the Few.
Yamaha realized that snowmobiles are a tiny niche market. That sell 10 or 20 times more ATVs and probably 100 times more outboard motors.
Too bad Yamaha is leaving the sport and industry, we are losing a great manufacturer who in my opinion made the best sleds, reliable,well built,high quality, unlike polaris Recall King of the industry. I had a 2011 Yamaha Venture I really liked it but was a bit too big for single riding, was ok with 2up didn’t like to turn but it was reliable and great on fuel now I wish I would have kept it instead of buying a polaris which I regret to this day.
Should have done a monster SRX throwback sled for the finale
Just picked up a Sidewinder, and have had many years on RX1s and Vmax4s.
Thank you Yamaha, for all the adventures.
timtruckguy@gmail.com, I think the electric sled wouldn’t work on the Minnesota trail system because of the lack of charging systems along the massive trails, thousands of miles!!!!!!
This is sad news for sure. I owned a
1972 433 high low range wide track, 1975 GP & GPX… they were all well built quality sleds… thanks for all the fun rides Yamaha…
My hats off to Yamaha for a great run. Ending too soon of course but what a great run.
I am old enough to remember a new 68 Yamaha showing up on the Show floor of my Spring Park Minnesota Ski-doo/Polaris dealer. It was right there next to a Ski-doo Super 370 and a Polaris Colt 372. I wonder where that Yamaha is today? I hope some collector has it.
Some of my favorites have to include the early SS/GP models, GPX Free Airs, SRX’s, the overachieving ET 250’s and ET 300. How about the mark the first Phazer made in the sport in 1984. So many more right up to the super special and hard to get, 2025 Sidewinder SRX. My all-time favorite Yamaha has to be the 1978 SSR. Doesn’t get any better than that one.
Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows Inc, who hosts the MVSS Midwest Ride-In (World’s largest Antique, Vintage and Classic Snowmobile event) will be “Celebrating 1968-2025 Yamaha Snowmobiles” at our January 24-25 Event at Elk River Minnesota’s ERX Motorpark. Hope you can come and join us celebrate Yamaha Snowmobiles!
Thank you Yamaha for quite a run!
Well, there we go, that’s it? A bunch of BNG. I’m a bit lost for words. Well, not really because I’m very frustrated and disappointed so I do have a lot to say. Ok, so I should say Thank You Yamaha for ALL the fond memories over the years.
Now that I have that out of the way, all I can say is what an underwhelming release…again. Your final year, the last Ha rah!, and all they bring is BNG and a final run badge. Oh, one new/return sled with the Sidewinder Mountain. Funny, they say they listened to the customer, Great! Strange how they picked the smallest niche and provided (on the final year) a sled that “most people won’t buy.” Yamaha’s words…WTF. The King is Dead…or should I say died many years ago. I’ve said it before, Yamaha’s New Slogan should be “Breaks Your Heart.” I feel gut punched. It’s like a death in the family.
We all could go on and on about what would have been nice to see. Yes, there are a few small features this year, finally an adjustable riser (been asking for that for years) No retro stuff, No fan fair…No hoop la, No celebration! How about a video…I mean a REAL video. The 50 Years of Yamaha is really good but it was missing several really important sleds (older GPX, SRX’s, SSR, VMax-4 and VMax 600 to name a few).
Yamaha should have listened to the consumer/dealers. We ALL told them what we wanted. Hell, I’ve been telling them for over 25 years, but they didn’t listen. I’ve given 100’s of ideas on what they should build and what I wanted to buy. I’ve been a Yamaha loyal for over 50 years. So many sleds and so many cherished and wonderful memories. I was always dreaming about the next sled they would release.
It doesn’t make sense to me, and I’ve read a lot of the excuses and explanations. I’m not one for bashing, but I must toss the flag on these Bullshit statements from last summer… “We’ve been trying everything we can from a North American snowmobile team perspective to make sure this business can stay within our portfolio,” Yamaha’s snowmobile product manager. “We’ve been working very hard over the last few years here trying to ensure we have something viable and did everything we could to try to save this business.” GTFOAH. (If you don’t know what that means then listen to Eddy Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop).
I started snowmobiling when I was 5 in 1970 on a Homelite Ranger, then our family got a 1972 Yamaha 292. I rode the you-know-what out of that one, and my brothers 433. Our next sled was a 1978 Enticer 250. That one was like my first car if you know what I mean…it was Freedom. Then I fell in Love with the SRV and bought a 1982 from the dealer. I still have her today. From the 292 and 433, Enticer’s, SRV’s, Phazer’s, VMax 540’s & 600’s, SRX 120, Vector, Attak, SnoScoot, Phazer 4-stroke’s, Viper, and a Sidewinder to come. Several motorcycles (FJ1100, GTS1000), 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, outboard motors. 50 years and 27 Yamaha sleds later…RIP
Sad to see last of Yamaha sleds. 58 great years. Should have had lots of retro colour schemes, too bad they did not do this. Should have had retro names back as well, GPX, GP, ET, Bravo, SS etc.)
Great innovators (oil injection in `68, 4 stroke, power valves, low weight small cc big hp motors for Sno Pro racers and GPX), Great marketing (2003-2007 with Johnny Skeptical and Bunny).
They are leaving do to dying sport sales in downward slide since high point in 1970 when 600,000 sled sales and projected to be over 1,000,000, units. Sport was doubling every year in late `60’s. Climate change has been here for 10 years now, winter season is shorter every year.
The brand deserves better for the final year sales to just be a simple badge with no tuning forks.
Thanks for the great 58 years of Yamaha Snowmobiles and great durable reliable long lasting sleds.
Who are you really thanking here?
If only it mattered and the right ears tuned in…maybe a different path could have been taken. I started riding on a Moto ski since I was 8 and am now 57. I fell in love when a neighbor was out ripping around the school yard on a Skidoo RV 340 and have been a Skidoo faithful ever since. However Yamaha has always been a a leader and it’s very sad to witness this. They survived the 70’s and 80’s….soooo? We need competition and Yamaha was simply a great manufacturer of snowmobiles
It is truly a sad day when the last Yamaha roles off the line, I had 2 yamaha a 250 exciter, and a Venture absolutely bullet proof great sleds unlike my 2022 Indy VR1 pull my ass Polaris I have now, POC has had a no ride order or a recall for more than I have ridden it in the past 2 years its only got 900 miles on it , Polaris used to build great sleds but nowadays they build CRAP ,I regret the day I bought it, only reason i did was because I couldn’t get a Yamaha and now I’m stuck with this POS , only thing I can pray for is the gas tank has a spark in it and it burns I know I will make no effort to put it out ha ha ha well just to get my stuff and butt off of it. All I can say is RIP Yamaha you will be sadly missed 😢
I’ve been riding for 49 yrs now (I’m 57) and watched the industry ebb and flow with the manufacturers. I have been a Ski-doo brand faithful all my life. Yamaha has always and would have been my second choice as they were beautifully designed and engineered. The 80’s I think was there best era. I am very saddened they are leaving as this industry needs competition no matter what brand faithful you are. To see the 25 models as an exit lineup with the Final Edition plate mounted.. is just plain sad. It further solidifies the thought they will not come out of retirement or resurrect or rise from the ashes and re-enter the industry…I’m sad for all you Yamaha faithful’s. Get with it co-orporate leaders…Arctic Cat made a come back …why can’t you?