The SR Viper is the newest member in the Yamaha family of snowmobiles. It’s actually the result of a newly expanded co-branding agreement that Yamaha had originally entered into with Arctic Cat in 2012. What this means is that, like Yamaha’s SRX 120 youth model, the new SR Vipers will be assembled at Arctic Cat’s factory in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. In a Yamaha Sled Talk blog, followers were assured that Arctic Cat will be under strict quality control that meets Yamaha global standards.
Business matters aside, let's get back to Yamaha’s 2014 snowmobile product launch. Powered by Yamaha’s three-cylinder, 1049-cc four-stroke Genesis engine—which is basically the same engine found in Yamaha’s FX Nytro series—the new SR Viper is built on a version of Arctic Cat’s newest chassis. Called the SRV, Yamaha says this chassis is lightweight and has been designed to create a neutrally balanced sled that’s centred on the rider. Combined with the SRV front suspension and dual shock SR 129 rear suspension, the SR Viper should be a fun and smooth machine for trail riding. The heated seat, mid-height windshield, push-button reverse and standard electric start add to the whole package of this trail blaster.
The 2014 SR Viper X-TX SE is the cross-country version. It features a 15 x 141 x 1.5-inch Camoplast® Cobra II track, Fox Float 2 air shocks and a sportier look than the base SR Viper model. Fox Float 2 air shocks and a shorter windshield are also included on the 2014 SR Viper R-TX SE and the 2014 SR Viper L-TX SE.
Another addition to Yamaha’s cross-country lineup is the new 2014 Phazer X-TX. Calling it a versatile, off-trail package with unquestioned reliability, Yamaha gave the Phazer X-TX a 500-cc Genesis Sport Performance fuel-injected four-stroke engine placed on the FX chassis, as well as the Pro Mountain 144 skid and a Camoplast Freeride 14 x 144 x 1.5-inch track. Other features includes Fox® Float front shocks and a tall, narrow YZ-style seat.
The Yamaha Apex, Vector, Nytro, Venture, Phazer, RS Viking and SRX 120 are back for another tour of duty for 2014. What you won’t see in Yamaha’s complete lineup for 2014 are the FX Nytro X-TX, FX Nytro R-TX, Phazer GT and the Venture Lite from this year.
For more information on the 2014 snowmobile lineup from Yamaha, see the company’s website.
Inside the industry
The co-branding and engine supply agreements between Yamaha and Arctic Cat also mean that Yamaha will be able to put its four-stroke engines into select 2014 Arctic Cat snowmobiles. How will this affect dealers that sell both brands?
Aaron Bernasconi—who is the owner of Mountain Motorsports, an Arctic Cat and Yamaha dealership in Golden, B.C.—said it will be advantageous for dealers like him in 2014.
“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for Yamaha to move forward with a new chassis that is more up to date and that gives them the ability to put their engine, which is second to none in the industry, into a chassis that is equally as good,” said Bernasconi, and he later added, “The technology on most of the machines is so similar now that there should be some product sharing. I think it is a great step now and in the future to have more of that going on.”
What do you think about the new lineup? Share your comments at the bottom of this story.
