Just wanted to post a quick update after a good 4 days of solid riding in 2-3’ of good snow. We rode a few different locations in British Columbia, in various levels fresh snow and temperatures. Just so we are all clear this sled is basically all stock, besides the 174 and cr resonator pipe…….It was my choice to do the 174 and cosmetic items to make it my own, and never really needed it to "make it work". Suspension geometry, clutching, and gearing is all stock. Im 6’5” & 235 plus gear and cargo so the the extra floatation with the 174 works well for me
Sled Specs
2017 Yamaha sidewinder
Cr racing resonator pipe
174 x 15 x 3” camoplast 9271
Stock clutching and gearing
8JP stock belt
Elka ski shocks STG 3
Fox Float 3 rear , and stock coil rear skid front shock
Handling
Front ski shocks – Elka STG 3 preload 10mm and compression clicker 14
Rear skid rear – Fox Float 3 set @ 150psi
Rear skid Front – 2/3 preload on that shock.( haven’t touched from factory setup)
Limiter straps – stock location
So I elected to try some Elka Stage 3 ski shocks…The reason i went this route is I wanted to try a set of coil over shocks vs the float 3 shocks. These shocks do perform well...ride quality is premium through the rough trails to the riding areas. I have noticed that the sled wants to ski dive more than the floats in the corners. I need to play with the compression clickers more and I'm confident it will help.
Deep snow handling they never felt like they were sluggish compared to the fox float but a true test would be to swap back. So more work to do there.
As for climbing capability..... im not looking for my sled to climb a wall…I just want it controllable when doing a technical climb, need to get into the power and still have control. I did manage to find some fairly steep and deep hills…sled seem to hold the ski just off the snow at a manageable level. I never felt like it was wheeling out of control. I believe the 174 does help with this. I have ordered a Fox QS3 rear shock to try it with the lock out feature...more to come on that...
As for tree riding it performed great…very responsible to your body position. I know with the previous 4stroke sled i felt it was hit or miss how it was going to turn out. The Sidewinder is very predictable on how it will react to technical situations in the trees. I truly have gauged the handling of the sled by how tired i am at the end of the day, my Apex I was wiped, Sidewinder I felt no different than my XM 174 T3.
Clutching and belt heat
We put on around 60-70 miles each day…I burned a full tank and almost a 3.3gal jug of spare fuel…So needless to say the throttle was to the bars most of the day. I did stop once in a while to check clutch heat and signs the belt is wearing prematurely. Clutches were warm but not 850 warm…lol I only commented that because my 2 riding buddies blew a few belts in that 4 days….. As for backshifting and rpm it seemed to be spot on.... when I could see the gauge.
Power & air Intake
Power was very smooth and responsive….One of the Guys that tried it said he was surprised how responsive it was. We also got into a spot where it was technical through a ravine, trough some trees and a straight shot to the top. For as deep as the snow was I was amazed how it pulled all the way to the top. The riding style with these sleds is completely different that the 2 strokes so keep that in mind when you try one.
I never did install an external air intake as I wanted to see how it preformed without, I figured spending this kind of coin you really shouldn’t have to change anything to make it perform. The results of having the sled covered in snow all week….never felt once it was bogging or hindering the performance in anyway. I rarely stopped to clear the snow.
Rolling over
Yes I did manage to bury this beast a few time in the trees…lol. Most of the time I was by myself to get it out and with a few tricks it really wasn’t that difficult. If the slope was right I would just roll it over back on the skis and drive away…Sometimes I needed to shovel a bit to get the sled to go over, but for the most part just rolled on its own. I even flipped it over backwards once and it layed on the hood for 10 mins or so until I could get it uprighted. I did have a bit of oil residue in the air filter....It was a bit oily from new and should of been dry...will monitor this. One issue I noticed was when the sled was around 1/3-1/4 tank and facing downhill after a roll over it wont start until I leveled it….Not sure how the fuel pickups are situated but have contacted the local dealer to investigate more.
Push button start and Munster Controls
Man that push button start worked flawless….Since the key was continuously buried in the snow the button was super handy. Munster finger throttle…well really liking that unit. At first it was a bit awkward cause your looking for the thumb throttle, but by the 2nd day it was a natural thing. Works so awesome in the trees…easy to finesse the throttle while maintain full grip on the bars.
Changes
I had snowflap issue, but the was because of my custom bumper…doesnt have support for it. I ended up removing it and never had heating issues. The Yamaha tether was a issue also….It kept freezing up on me and wouldn’t shut the motor down…which is a scary thing if your upside down. I am going to take it apart and see if dieliectric grease can help. My skidoo handlebar bag(short one) kept knocking my tether off, so I eneded up reversing it around. Munster reverse button, had a wire pull out of their factory clip…not sure if something really tugged on the wire or their factory crimp wasn’t any good..planning on soldiering it.
So that’s the initial impression and ride report….very impressed with the sled and has been a blast to ride....more to come through the season. Like my buddy Jamie says "Power, Performance & Predictable"
Hopefully this helps and any questions let me know.
(Let me know if pics don’t show)
I test road a BTX Sidewinder last spring it sold me. FYI I’m a 30+ year Polaris guy. The Sidewinder is pretty impressive. I can’t wait to put the naysayers to bed in my group. They’re already talking trash and have never put a leg over 1. 
