A long caterpillar and a new character
Most mountain car drivers believe that a mountain snowmobile should be equipped with a two-cylinder two-stroke engine with a capacity of at least 800 cubic centimeters. High power density is one of the keys to the success of the model, and it is difficult to disagree with this.
With a 162-inch track, the new Viper MTX LE 162 is designed for deep snow driving.
The M-TX 162 is powered by a three-cylinder four-stroke 1049cc Genesis engine with an electronic injection system. And in a base configuration the snowmobile travels very well. The lightweight PowerClaw track with 76-millimeter ridges and Yamaha drive pulleys unleash the full potential of the SR Viper M-TX chassis, and even seems to drive a more powerful and lighter snowmobile.
However, if you install an MPI turbocharger, then from Clark Kent this 135-horsepower engine turns into a Superman with a capacity of 185 "horses". And that makes the 162 LE Viper M-TX an unrealistically cool machine: the power density of the turbocharged model becomes overwhelming.
With 185-190 horsepower under the hood, the 162 M-TX turbine easily turns the 15-inch wide PowerClaw track. This beast can handle almost any deep snow and steep slopes.
Fox Float Evol premium shock absorbers control 419 millimeters of rear suspension stroke.
Let's not forget that the company borrowed the ProClimb mountain chassis from Arctic Cat as the basis for Yamaha M-TX.
This is the second year of the model's production and the M-TX 162 LE 2016 exceeds its predecessor in terms of efficiency in deep mountain snow in 2015. However, we would like the 2016 model to retain the eye-catching white, blue and orange colouring that LE 2015 had. However, LE 162 2016 is equipped with a more massive track, according to which the rear suspension has been improved. In addition, a new version of the front suspension is in the lead, which has improved the ride across the slope.
The SR Viper M-TX 162 is equipped with new forged aluminum front suspension spindles that are tilted 10 degrees back and positioned at an angle in the middle to be at a level with the lower side panels. They are one kilogram lighter than last year's spindles and are equipped with new control levers. All these modifications have made the M-TX 162 LE easy and manageable.
Moreover, the M-TX 162 LE is equipped with a front suspension stabilizer. The distance between the skis is adjustable between 876-978 millimeters; the optimum distance is 902-927 millimeters.
The 2015 Viper M-TX 162 LE was very good, but had to be cautious about the downhill trajectory because of the narrow snowmobile skis. Sometimes they pierced soft snow and the snowmobile changed direction dramatically. This, of course, was not good news.
A new feature of the 2016 model year is the improved cross-country skiing. Their width at the tip is 178 millimeters, and closer to the end they narrow down to 165 millimeters.
Under the front suspension of the SRV-M, the 2016 model has new 178 millimetre wide alpine skis at the tip, narrowing to 165 millimetres at the point where the hooks are attached to the main part of the skis. These new skis are reminiscent of those previously used on the Nytro MTX, but have a deeper and wider keel. Thanks to all this, it does not dive into the snow before the snowmobile.
The front shock absorbers on the M-TX LE 162 are very powerful and fully adjustable Fox FLOAT 3 EVOL.
As for the updated Dual Shock SR 162 rear suspension, the front lever is equipped with a Fox Float EVOL shock absorber, while the Fox FLOAT EVOL R with an additional camera is used at the rear. This camera offers almost infinite room for adjustment, which improves suspension performance, comfort and controllability.
The rear suspension is also unpaired: its shock absorbers work independently of each other, allowing it to move in deep, loose snow. However, the new suspension rails do not allow the nose of the snowmobile to rise during the ascent to the mountain, especially when the caterpillar is supplied with 185-190 horsepower turbo version.
In the heated handbag behind the windscreen, you can always carry a spare pair of gloves or glasses.
In terms of comfort, the M-TX LE is equipped with a vertical steering column that holds the driver's shoulders in an optimal standing position. The seat is low enough to lean without any problems, but it could be made a little shorter.Speaking of armchairs, the Special Model LE heats up. Mountain lovers will probably not spend much time sitting, but on the way home in the evening, warming up the seats will warm you up. Pleasure!
Speaking of the seat: The optional LE model is heated. Fans of dashing races in the mountains are unlikely to spend much time sitting, but during the trip home in the evening, heating the seat will definitely not freeze. Pleasant!
In general, the driver's seat M-TX 162 with a vertical steering column, a steering wheel of the right size, a mountain sling and intelligently designed steps promotes an aggressive driving style, as well as befits a mountain snowmobile.
The limited edition LE models were equipped with unique colours (red or blue) to stand out in the snow.
With 50 horsepower added, the M-TX 162 LE will be able to keep up with its lighter two-stroke competitors. The snowmobile is strong and maneuvers between trees at low speeds, but the driver will feel the weight of the chassis. You can keep up with your friends on light two-stroke snowmobiles, but it won't be that easy.
But when you give your will to the MPI turbocharger on a straight line or flat mountain slope, the engine does not care what height is the snowmobile, because all 185-190 horsepower is available at a height of 1200 to 3000 meters. You'll be running around the mountains as easy as your friends in two-stroke cars, even if they have a turbocharger.
But if you don't have the option to order LE with MPI turbo, that's okay. The snowmobile will also be a basic equipment for a lot of fun in the snow and will save you money. The LE engine can easily cope with the tasks and without a blower.