Positioning:
The Yamaha SX Viper 700 was positioned as a high-performance, trail-oriented snowmobile, known for its reliable triple-cylinder engine and comfortable ride.
Competitors:
Competed against models from Ski-Doo (e.g., MXZ series), Arctic Cat (e.g., ZL series), and Polaris (e.g., RMK/XC series) in the 700cc class.
Engine Configuration:
Triple-cylinder, 2-stroke engine
Suspension System:
Yamaha's Pro-Action SR suspension for improved handling and ride comfort
Performance Focus:
Balanced performance suitable for trail riding and general recreational use.
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Engine Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and overhaul, fuel pump, fuel lines
Engine Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing
Drive System:
Clutch operation (primary and secondary), drive belt inspection and replacement, chain case lubrication
Electrical System:
Starter motor, lighting, battery, charging system, sensors, ECU (Engine Control Unit)
Suspension Front:
Front ski suspension, shock absorbers, spindles, linkage adjustments
Suspension Rear:
Pro-Action SR rear suspension, shock absorbers, torque arm, trailing arm, idler wheels, track adjustment
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brake system, caliper, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications and bleeding
Steering:
Handlebars, steering post, tie rods, ski alignment
Body Panels:
Removal and installation of hood, side panels, seat
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment, lubrication points
Major Engine Repairs:
Top-end rebuild (pistons, rings), crankshaft service, valve adjustments (if applicable, though typically 2-stroke), cylinder head removal/installation
Carburetor Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, cleaning, jetting, and reassembly instructions
Clutch Service:
Clutch removal, cleaning, inspection for wear, and proper installation
Suspension Adjustment And Repair:
Shock absorber rebuilds, spring preload adjustments, bearing service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common electrical faults, testing procedures for components
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake pad replacement, rotor inspection, hydraulic system bleeding
Track And Hyfax Maintenance:
Track inspection for damage, hyfax replacement, slide rail lubrication
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, reed valve
Engine Manufacturer:
Yamaha
Displacement:
698 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 56.8 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
7.4:1 (typical for this engine family)
Cylinder Material:
Aluminum with Nickel-Silicon Carbide (Nissan) plated bores
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 110-120 HP (manufacturer estimates may vary)
Torque Est:
Not typically published in HP terms, but implies strong mid-range power delivery.
Carburetor Type:
Triple Mikuni VM34-33 carburetors (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Oil Injection:
Yamaha's Autolube system (premix recommended for engine longevity)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters (manual will specify exact capacity and type)
Coolant Type:
Yamaha's recommended ethylene glycol based coolant (manual will specify exact type and mixture ratio)
Exhaust Type:
Triple exhaust manifold with tuned silencer
Oil Change Engine:
2-stroke engines typically do not have oil changes in the same way as 4-strokes. Autolube oil reservoir needs refilling. Manual will specify type: Yamaha 'L-Type' Premium 2M Oil or equivalent.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 1,000-1,500 miles or annually. Manual will specify exact intervals and part numbers (e.g., NGK BR9ES or BR9EYA).
Clutch Inspection:
Inspect primary and secondary clutches at 500-mile intervals or annually. Belt inspection at 100 miles initially, then every 1000 miles.
Track Tension Adjustment:
Check and adjust every 500 miles. Manual will specify correct tension measurement and procedure.
Chain Case Lubrication:
Check oil level every 500 miles. Change oil annually or every 1000 miles. Manual will specify lubricant type and capacity (e.g., Yamaha Gear Oil or equivalent).
Engine Oil:
Yamaha 'L-Type' Premium 2M Oil (or equivalent API-TC certified 2-stroke oil for pre-mix applications, though Autolube is standard).
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Manual will specify exact type and color.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (manual will specify exact type).
Chain Case Oil:
Yamaha Gear Oil (GL-4) or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Manual will specify exact viscosity and quantity.
Carburetor Fouling:
Can occur with improper fuel mixture or stale fuel, leading to poor idling and performance. Manual provides cleaning and adjustment procedures.
Drive Belt Wear:
Regular inspection and replacement of the CVT belt is crucial to prevent sudden failure and damage to clutches. Manual details inspection criteria and replacement procedure.
Suspension Wear:
Over time, bushings and bearings in the suspension can wear, leading to imprecise handling. Manual outlines inspection and replacement of wear items.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Ensuring proper coolant levels and flushing the system periodically is important to prevent overheating. Manual details the procedure.