Is This CHEAP New Snowmobile Still Real FUN? 2021 Yamaha SXVenom In-Depth Review + Top Speed Run!

We put the new Yamaha SXVenom to the test to see if it is truly an affordable option for snowmobilers.
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#Yamaha #Snowmobile #Winter

[@rustyredram7197]

Personally, any toys you can get your hands on I would love to see. ATV, side by side, snowmobile, hovercraft, you name it. Thanks for the great videos.

[@TruckKing]

That's our goal

[@Nikephorus]

This is exactly what I would want if I was in the market. I don't want anything crazy fast or bloated with features. The fact that this thing has heated handlebars and reverse is pretty damn nice. If I had some friends that were still into sledding I would definitely consider this thing. Great review.

[@666dynomax]

Skidoo 600 mxz would be a better choice

[@eb626]

Can't believe how times have changed. My last sled was a 1997 Ski-Doo Mach 1 700 triple. Paid $9,000 for it. Now 10 grand gets you entry level.

[@obviously1373]

Way she goes man everything was cheaper in those times🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@nomoremr.niceguy4778]

The engines built at the Cat engine plant in Wisconsin. It’s all Arctic. They borrowed technology from the 800 twin but built a new bottom end that has a counter balancer in it to fight vibration. So far I’m not hearing any gossip about engine issues on the web yet. With the emissions laws they had to go with fuel injection. Carbs won’t pass emissions. Dude here makes a great point about the soft springs. Now the Blast LT touring version should have a beefier spring set up. I’ve not heard complaints on that yet. Chances are maybe you could swap in the stiffer springs.

[@BG-vq9fd]

I haven't bought a sled since 1982 Polaris Indy. This video reminded me of the fun.

[@davidcarter6807]

I've never been much of a snowmobile enthusiast but this video got my excitement meter going. I enjoyed the review and hope to see more recreational vehicles in the future.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks buddy!

[@ih302]

I like these but the ski-doo sport line with the 600 efi engine is a lot more machine for less money.

[@joeyleagjeld]

Yeah, for the money they want for this sled, you can buy a used sled thats in really nice shape and is capable of more.

[@bmt_awesome9198]

they need to bring the bravo back

[@TruckKing]

You can still get a Bravo in Canada

[@kwmiked]

8 grand for that? Dam I remember in 2006 I bought a MXZ X 600SDI for 8250$ brand new

[@pajamatime5750]

Of all the power sports snowmobiling is my favourite! Grew up on em’ and to this day think they’re the funnest thing to do! Great to see my favourite channel reviewing my favourite machines!!! Keep er up guys! Take care

[@TruckKing]

Agreed. Snowmobiling is the best powersport. Not necessarily the best financial choice or the most versatile of off-road machines, but if you're looking for straight thrills, you can't beat sledding. Thanks PJ Time! - Stephen

[@pajamatime5750]

@@TruckKing Totally agree. Plus, unfortunately, there just isn’t the snow here in southern Manitoba that there once was not long ago! You don’t get the use out of them like you do an ATV or SxS.... But, like you say, the thrill of ripping 90MPH in 3 feet of snow on a northern lake is not matched by very much!!!

[@MrHugawa]

wow, how spoiled we get...lol. Heated thumb, handles, electric start, and reverse & that is "basic". I grew up riding yamaha's in the mid 70's with a GP292 & GS340, they didn't have any of those goodies. I ran the lakes all the time & the GS340 had only 24HP & would consistently hit 65 mph. They were a blast. Thx for the review, keep them coming!!

[@danielpomeroy]

The enticer series were great sleds, too. Not very fast but a blast too ride & very reliable. Sucks big time Yamaha is leaving the market.😊

[@guyincognito1431]

Once broken in (the programming changes from 0 miles up to 550), it is approx a 75mph sled but 65 to 75 is a slog.

[@johnstjean1422]

In 2015 I bought my 2013 Arctic cat f8 sno pro rr 8000 for 12,000$ brand new form the dealer. my opinion it way to expensive for what it is

[@clutchitup8565]

Ya I bought a 2012 polaris assault 800 switch back 144 for 12k lol they want 10500 for that I laughed at the end when it took off gutless lol

[@PotatoeJoe69]

Being the last ski I owned was a 1997 Polaris XLT Touring, this thing would ride like a dream as far as I'm concerned 😅

[@fergieferg60]

11 grand canadian for 4 to 5 months use little on the pricey side hardly what u call affordble

[@aldyson3469]

You should see if you can get your hands on a 146 version and see if that handles the bumps better for you

[@jasonwulff8341]

I want to see the Yamaha vs. the Arctic Cat version in a drag race. Let’s see who has the better clutch set up

[@K.J.Ray421]

Not sure why you chose the 121" track but you would have a better ride in many ways with the 146". It will stay on top of the deep snow easier but also hold more weight. Even now, the shortest track available on a normal size adult sled of any engine size is 129" instead of the 121 found on sleds up to 2005 or so.

[@obviously1373]

Not sure how I feel about sled reviews on this channel also I’d like to add that Yamaha and cat did not work on this together with Yamaha cat made it last year Yamaha just changed the colour same thing goes with the alpha yama cat Yamaha made a few other changes to the alpha like tune up on the ecu and clutching thought I’d add that before getting called on it and who can forget not having an option to not have electric start adding weight to a mountain sled just what one would want but I suppose if it’s not the heaviest in its class then it’s just not Yamaha

[@stephenirwin2761]

Nice review! I started sledding in my late fifties and this is the type of machine I was looking for and could not find several years ago. I bought a second hand Venture GT which was more than I wanted but is still a very good sled. I am considering a closer look at one of the lighter, simpler machines.

[@thatalaskaguy]

Great review. I was quite interested in these until they released the price and it’s too expensive for what it is. I bought my kids an EVO instead and install longer front shocks off a 600 Indy, install longer front limiter strap, remove the rear limiter strap and unplug the governor wire to the CDI and it’s a fun sled with great performance for way less money.

[@mathyouschmitz]

They should of put the 2 cylinder 4stroke from the Phazer in it

[@alexeykustov6402]

Too heavy and expensive

[@gregsmith3410]

Blue pops... definitely has the look..!! would go with Yami version just for that reason..

[@UBDSLO1]

Wow, a great video with a honest review! I'm just starting to look at sleds, but more of a utility one. Any chance for a review on the Yamaha VK 540? Thanks!

[@gregmve6gcm]

Keep the snowmobile reviews coming! Great real world review, showing how the powder really does slow you down a bit. Great video!

[@TruckKing]

Thanks! Will do Greg - watch for more soon

[@The-Capitalist]

Cheap??? 😂 Almost got me there.

[@volvo09]

Great review! Excited to see more sled content.

[@mikewilliams-no9cm]

A 4 stroke phazer engine would be nice in it

[@michaelhodgkinson9730]

Well I think it’s very overpriced for what you get. Your better off getting brand new 600 Polaris or skidoo. Or you can get a 2012-2015 Polaris 800 for half the price of that. You just need to learn throttle control. Im 22 and I bought a 2014 Polaris pro RMK 155 for 4K this year. put on scratchers and new sliders and was ready to go. My only experience riding a sled was 8 years ago on a buddies sled twice, I’m riding it 60 mph on the lake and through deeper snow off trail no problem. Cost less, plenty of power to do anything and I wouldn’t be itching to upgrade it to one that has more power in a year or two. My only issue I’ve had was it does over heat if it’s warmed up and froze over again it doesn’t like to throw up enough snow and it is geared very low so you blip the throttle it wants to pull your arms off lol. The switchback assault was much better throttle and gearing.

[@86dieselman]

If the price was less I might be interested in this Arctic Cat Blast. Read nothing but good things about Arctic Cats new two stroke engines.

[@joesainato8051]

I think it’s great to see snowmobile content. I enjoyed a few years back when you were working on the older one. Keep it coming. As far as the venom I think it’s a great thing for the industry. Sleds have got much pricier so this is a way for some to get a new machine at a reasonable price

[@curlybrownk9]

There was a huge empty hole in this segment, and cat/Yam should play around with this package more. The 70's and early 80's sled prices have been climbing, because people want a boot around sled, to mostly mess around localy on the lakes and fields. There's also a market for family riders. These sleds will be sold and resold for years to come. They should offer even performance, and luxury versons too.

[@Bigben-pz8bx]

I like your reviews. Atv utv snowmobile boat baby buggy whatever.

[@TruckKing]

That's great, please invite a million of your friends to watch too. ;)

[@abqcrutch]

Stephen, your video took me back to the mid-80s. We had a cabin in the White Mtns of AZ. Groomed trails all around. Dad bought a basic Yamaha snowmobile. We had tons of fun with that sled. You guys have a ton of snow. Makes sense to have snowmobiles too.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks for sharing John.

[@heatmoon]

Wow, thats one smooth single at speed. Great bargain

[@billmustardproductions9443]

Subbed. *starts chanting* "more sled vids, more sled vids, more sled vids"

[@dalemseitzer]

65 horse power from a single cylinder two stroke 397 cc! That is awesome power if true

[@2cthetruth]

HOW much does this darn sled weigh???? Can't find it ANYWHERE!!!!

[@connorklevesahl7846]

I wouldn’t call that a carve dude that was more like steering side to side🤦

[@thomasnikkola5600]

I think it's the quality of the materials used. Yeah it's got the look and the travel. But is it a 1979 Yamaha ET? Cheap sled for the day but still had the same build quality of the Exciter or shall I say SRX? For the cost I say no. They couldn't offer it at the price point they are if it had titanium and carbon fiber. But for the kids to blast around the lake out front of the house and local trails it's really cool!

[@jordanlittle5391]

It's also more expensive by 2000 then the polaris evo

[@mp40submachinegun81]

In a couple years when these have depriciated they may be an absolute steal, especially for a sled to buy your kid. Even new they are pretty much half price of the other sleds on the market.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Good review. We have such inconsistent winters that snowmobiles would be spent collecting homeless mice then riding trails. On the other hand I was able to pick up a snowmobile trailer on the off season for a great price to store some of my 3 wheelers in. Keep on testing.

[@mikefoehr235]

My nephew got a 1984 AC PANTHER in Wisconsin for $200. The machine was in near show room condition.

[@moimayamahaetmesnounours]

1:43 It's a 2 strokes ? I always thought that ... ... I ... I'm so disappointed, ... I don't like two strokes but I know (and i don't know why) 4 strokes snowmobiles are so rare ? I ❤ very much the sound of 4 strokes single cylinder from the atv engines...

[@kevingroulx9205]

Hey guys I hope you will do a couple of videos on dirt bikes and Atvs this spring

[@TruckKing]

ATV's for sure - dirt bikes? (picturing Steve on a dirt bike here - hmmmm) not so sure.

[@jay101379]

If it were cheap why not but for the 8k plus price tag may as well pickup a full size sled.

[@rmitchell1]

That sled looks fun

[@coryernewein]

I enjoyed the sled review. Intermediate sleds are a good idea for teens. I had a Lynx as a 12yr old and it was a great learner!

[@supersoul4541]

Didn’t mention what you weighed for comparison

[@Greenstang02]

Thanks! really good review. Never understood why arctic cat stopped making the z370. More or less the same speed as this, but was very confortable.

[@cberz8858]

The cost of a sleds these days especially the top of the lines are almost as much as a car

[@shperax]

Cheap? I don't think so bud. You can get a full size Indy or MXZ for the price of one of those. Being that its just a Arctic cat with blue paint your getting ripped off hard on this one.

[@wildeyedcountryboy]

Definitely. If they priced this at $7500-8000cad I would order one today. But at the price of an MXZ sport 🤔 but kids still need something between a 200 and a 600 in a mid sized ergonomic platform.

[@shperax]

@@wildeyedcountryboy Its called a Evo. and you can get it in mountain or trail. and they are $7300 CAD. Also with a kit they upgrade to a full size sled when your kid is ready. How AC and Yamaha sell these at all is beyond me.

[@culinarycaravan]

Nice sled. But with my track record on recreational toys, I'll do you guys a favour and pass on this beauty.

[@nybergsgarage]

So if this is so much cheaper, imagine if a snowmobile manufacturer were to build an even SIMPLER sled... Carburetor instead of EFI (which I'd prefer anyway) small simple air cooled two stroke engine (250-400cc) short travel rear suspension, because the sled can do less so why bother with so much travel, simple steel tunnel, no electronics whatsoever. I think people would love it. You can't find any sleds now that aren't full of delicate electronics and habe the emgine buried under miles of plastic.

[@grantdeisig1360]

He said it's "exciting". Maybe Yamaha should have called it an Exciter? (Lol) still riding my 5/8 sized 1978 yamaha Exciter.

[@NattyGainz]

I wish i lived where it snowed to buy one of these

[@thebibleandbikes599]

I think it’s great you’re reviewing snowmobiles too!

[@maxrioux6863]

Great review!! If you guys are doing more sled reviews i would like one on the 800 yamaha transporter if that is possible. You guys are one of the best guys i look at for great honest reviews love your videos thanks guys!!!

[@PaulO-ew3hd]

Range?

[@joeyleagjeld]

Here's my opinion. This sled would be perfect for a young kid, but teenager and up theres a better way. For $8000 you can buy a newer full size sled that's in really good shape and lower milage. Its better off to start by spending the same amount on a sled that you can continue to use and won't outgrow. You will be use to the full size sled instead of having to learn to operate a bigger machine if you upgraded. Just my 2 cents if your looking at getting a sled and getting into the sport.

[@nybergsgarage]

Or even better, for under a thousand (100-500 around here) you can get a classic 70s sled. Let's the kids learn to work on engines (a skill everyone should at least have some of) and they'll never outgrow them.

[@coldspring624]

Nice try..but 8000 grand for almost makes little sense to me. And I am shopping for my 1st machine.

[@kchase1311]

I have a old Yamaha brovo and I saw this and I want it now

[@Steve-hv5wn]

Please more reviews on toys ....slingshot, dirtbikes, argos

[@mohnster4000]

Great review 👏 Maybe a review comparing a Quad and sled on the trails

[@TruckKing]

Thanks Grant! We could definitely arrange that. Been thinking about taking Big Green out for some fun in the snow as well, so stay tuned... :)

[@richardkoehler9917]

No from Arctic car . It's a blue Arctic cat mostly Arctic car .

[@killorkubed]

Going to try not to be overly critical, this is the first video of yours I have seen, but as someone who is an avid snowmobile and has ridden everything from 125cc minis to 850 skidoo's and polaris', big turbo yammi cats, and everything in between... After watching your review I probably wouldn't touch this sled with a 10 foot pole, you have pointed out it seems to have very poor suspension and a high center of gravity... being able to pull over a mountain sled with one hand is a must, but I don't want my trail sled to be that tippy, 62mph top speed is absolutely atrocious, In my opinion, the gold standard trail sled is a ski-doo zx 600, or the polaris xc 600, that type of sled... 90 mph top speed, reliable, cheap to maintain, you can get a clean model for $2000, not $9000 USD by the time you get it out of a dealership, good suspension, low center of gravity... Newer riderforward sleds are great, they are my preference, especially in the powder, but when we have beginner riders we put them on a zx, and they love it... "If you are young, or learning how to snowmobile I don't think there is a better unit" I honestly don't think that's true even if you look at brand new sleds, for 8700 (USD) you could get a 2022 ski-doo mxz sport, everything this sled has plus ski-doos top of the line g4 chassis, 16" wide 129" long track, another 20 horsepower, and all-around a sled that as an expert rider I would happy trail ride all day long.. great chassis, great suspension, great platform, and a sled that would keep a beginner rider happy for a decade, instead of buying a brand new sled they would only ride for maybe a season, a season that they're only going to want to ride the sled for a couple hours... I don't get this argument at all

[@yorkchris10]

Yamaha with a Suzuki engine? My grandfather got to ride a snowmobile near Sicamous. The sleds all looked pokey by todays standards, but maybe still suitable for him now - utility sled maybe.

[@ih302]

No, a Yamaha with an Arctic Cat engine. Suzuki's contract with Arctic Cat has been limited to the 570 fan cooled twin for several years now.

[@Kevin-ix4qz]

Everyone..... Do yourself a favor and just buy a skidoo sport. Twice the sled for about 1k more. The arctic cat or blue arctic cat, is way overpriced for what you get

[@jjfromthebigland781]

Mark my words, if skidoo releases something akin to the "12" it will outsell anything else on the snow...

[@mikefoehr235]

Is Arctic Cat now owned by Yamaha? I see Yamaha uses the Arctic wishbone suspension. Last machine I rode was my dads super jag 440 LT...It was a 1994 and also 340 Bearcat...1995.

[@ih302]

Arctic cat is owned by Textron, Yamaha partnered with them because it was no longer worth it to develop their own sleds and ship them from Japan.

[@Chris-nt4vs]

Love the sled content

[@gregholloway2656]

Great review, Stephen! 30 years ago, I was riding sleds daily on Balsam Lake (back when Blue = Polaris) Did you actually mention the weight of the Yamaha? I missed it. Keep the sled reviews coming!

[@supersoul4541]

When I was riding, Polaris and Yamaha were white. Blue was sno jet, snow cruiser, etc

[@DawnDimension]

I think it's good to throw some sleds in the mix

[@Honda42Racer]

Is there a break in time we just got one and it won’t go over 20mph

[@chrisshirey5772]

I did some research It’s just over 400 lbs

[@R.Nelson]

Good morning Truck King!!!🌞Nice machine...looks fast!!

[@patl.5504]

Is it another Arctic Cat with a blue paint job ? The engine and Cvt is from Yamaha ? really like the look, i got a yamaha Sidewinder with 200hp stock so not the same thing at all ... but the first sled my dad bought for me was as 1981 Yamaha Enticer twin 300cc... had a blast with it, i learn on it (broken windshield !)

[@TruckKing]

There is something to be said for "learner sleds" I put my boys on 340's early on - enough juice to have fun but not enough to really get hurt.

[@clutchitup8565]

No back up pull start ?

[@Liam-uc9xk]

Awesome video!!! Hope we get to see more of theese.

[@1BlackopsGuru]

a 2021 ski-doo mxz sport with a 600 efi gen 4 chassis, is cheaper,lighter and more powerfull than this overpriced kids snowmobile.

[@mikajlgaming6489]

This sled seems like it's targeting smaller children that are learning how to ride a sled.

[@backdoormailman]

@@mikajlgaming6489 that's correct. But they shouldn't cost more don't you think?

[@kwmiked]

4 -4500 seems like a affordable price for this single cylinder basic sled

[@Ajaxaxxess]

@@kwmiked Ive been saying that for years. One of the big companies make a twin,fanner 440 n sell it for 4500 it would fly off the shelves.

[@666dynomax]

Seems like I should just keep my old 07 phazer 500 fourstroke

[@vanceduke5196]

Like the Video. My question is awkward, but how much do you weigh?? I am 210lbs would that work with the suspension?

[@TruckKing]

300 lb. it works but I do bottom it out from time to time

[@LifeWideOpen780]

If this was 7500 canadian it would sell like hot cakes. Its too expensive

[@TruckKing]

We agree - if it takes off, maybe BRP and Polaris will do the same and drive the price down.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

@@TruckKing i hate how brp raised the price of the spark. It was 5500 wen it debuted now its way more

[@ih302]

@@TruckKing A 2021 mxz sport with an 85 hp efi 600 twin is $500 less than the machine reviewed here and Polaris sells the EVO for around $7500 CAD. IMO, the 400 cc yamicats are over priced by about $1500 CAD.

[@johnlatts2620]

More sled reviews. Also a few used sled reviews

[@lanceripplinger8352]

That looks fun! Looking forward to more of these type of videos!

[@TruckKing]

More to come!

[@BCJ371]

Nice review but good lord that thing is slow. If you're new to snowmobiling I feel like you're better off getting a used 600 class sled. My girlfriend is new this year and I picked her up a 2013 Indy 600. It's something she won't outgrow or be left behind like you would be in this snowmobile.

[@joeyleagjeld]

Exactly.

[@chuckmuellerleile8729]

Nice review, like to see more sleds....may be in the market to finally replace my 96 V Max 600

[@joesmith2044]

Is your vmax 600 for sale

[@jaycleveland6910]

Got 93 attic cat 550..... for free....would much rather ride it

[@brianredban9393]

Your a big dude for a 400 sled

[@hewy_y7998]

Great review!

[@medievalman3737]

Do a review of a Polaris assault 144 or sks 146 600 or 850

[@TruckKing]

Have not gotten any Polaris sleds this season to test - maybe latter.

[@jordanlittle5391]

The fact they used a 14x121 and not a 15 is a piss off lol no cheap tracks

[@EC_ATV_Outdoors]

I know nothing about snow mobiles, but as soon as I saw the display pod I knew it was actually an Arctic Cat.

[@TruckKing]

Right you are - this model was developed in partnership with AC

[@EC_ATV_Outdoors]

@@TruckKing so curiosity took me down the rabbit hole, best I can tell, it looks like the entire Yamaha lineup is Arctic Cat. If you look closely all the electronics, suspension, and skis are pretty much identical. 🤔

[@dancollins2546]

Yamaha should of brought the bravo back!

[@alexeykustov6402]

I'll just keep my 2003 1500 dollar RX1 and 300 dollar 87 exciter )))

[@bradley7104]

If you had a method to weigh snowmobiles that would be awesome. No one who reviews snowmobiles does that and it is hard to find that info for some snowmobiles.

[@joeyleagjeld]

If you google the sled there will be sites that have all of the specs for sleds

[@bradley7104]

@@joeyleagjeld Then please tell me the weight of an Yamaha sx venom. Arctic cat and Yamaha don't post "dry weights" of their sleds so it is nearly impossible to find unless you actually buy one and it will tell you on the spec sheet. I also want to know what the actual weight of a sled is full of gas, oil, coolant and accessories.

[@joeyleagjeld]

@@bradley7104 just looked it up.......that's BS. They don't haven't listed the weight for the sled. All polaris and skidoo weights are listed. Looking at similar sleds compared to this, I would guess its gonna be under 430lbs, but can't say for sure.......if its got a 11.7 gallon tank, Then full your gonna have 98lbs of gas plus roughly another 8 for oil, and at figure 10ish lbs of collant or so.

[@bennyb6071]

Great honest review

[@LifeWideOpen780]

You guys are awesome. Canada is #1

[@gymkhanadog]

8K for a toy sled?! OMG pricing is out of control!

[@dannybailey2882]

Oh to ride again !@ Awesome boyz @!

[@TruckKing]

Any time brother - call us.

[@robschafer2723]

Nice review. Great beginner sled.