If Santa Needs a New Sled, Yamaha's Got Him Covered With the New Mountain Max LE

Winter is here, and in most regions of the world that means snow, lots of it. It also means a whole new playground for adrenaline junkies, and one of the best toys to have at this time of the year is a capable snowmobile.

Since supplying such toys to enthusiasts for decades is its specialty, Yamaha has recently released its latest snow-carving sled, the 2021 Mountain Max LE, which is available in two 154 and 165-inch (3.9 and 4.2 m) track sizes.

The nimble little monster is powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) 794-cc (48.5 cu in), two-cylinder 2-stroke engine with electronically controlled fuel and oil injection.

It does not require a battery as the spark is generated by a digital CDI with knock control sensors. It’s also equipped with an advanced exhaust system with three-stage auxiliary port power-valves that control the gas flow through a stainless-steel collector and silencer.

The engine is mounted on a mountain-specific SRV-M lightweight aluminum chassis that features a load-bearing triangulated structure centered on the rider. The pyramidal upper frame increases strength without excessive weight, and additional bracing is added to the running boards for those who like to use the snow as a ramp and spend more time in the air.

For precise handling on the wildest slopes, the lightweight tunnel includes narrow, tapered running boards, which also provide increased ground clearance for the eight-tooth drivers and single-ply Power Claw track.

Yamaha has employed a lightweight single beam skid frame construction borrowed from the Mountain Cat sleds, and as you would expect, it works wonders, making it extremely easy to carve in deep snow conditions.

Compared to dual-rail suspensions, the single-rail system doesn’t trap snow, and the perfectly placed single pivot point provides increased track flexibility and precise handling. The use of this system also results in a 15-inch (38 cm) rear suspension travel.

Carrying the load are sturdy Fox Zero coil spring shock absorbers that can be adjusted on both the front and rear arms through a QS3 damping system. The rear is fitted with mountain-specific QS3L shocks that feature a special lock-out mode during severe ascending.

When climbing on the Mountain Max LE, riders will notice the comfortable and lightweight M-TX mountain seat. It features a tall and narrow profile that makes transitions from side-to-side a lot easier and improves stand-up ergonomics.

Underneath it, there’s an easy-to-access, water-resistant 20-inch tunnel bag that provides much-needed storage space. It is equipped with quick-release fasteners so it can be easily removed. The handlebar has a left-sided switch cluster for easy access to the multi-step adjusters, the push button reverse gear shift, and the multi-function digital gauge.

Also, on the left, a Hayes 'Stealth' brake cylinder is mounted, along with a composite brake lever, while on the right side an ergonomically shaped throttle lever and a simple emergency stop switch are placed.

The 2021 Mountain Max LE is a beast of a sled that is guaranteed to live up to the expectations of the most demanding riders. It is by far the most capable snowmobile Yamaha has ever released and it is available in dealerships with prices starting around $14,000.