2011 Yamaha FX Nytro MTX SE Review

Yamaha prides itself on being different, but equally so, being the same. Let’s explore this for a minute.

No different than Ski-Doo with its Summit line, Polaris with its RMKs and Cat with its M series; Yamaha builds a snowmobile for the mountain rider who likes to boondock and hill bust. But Yamaha is proudly different in how it goes about it — choosing to use a four-stroke motor instead of the more common two-cycle. In fact, a four-stroke motor is the only engine Yamaha installs in its mountain snowmobile, the FX Nytro MTX SE.

And that is not a bad thing.

Unlike the many variants that Cat, Ski-Doo and Polaris offer, Yamaha gives the buying public only one mountain sled, although there are choices in track length between a 153 and 162. For 2011 Yamaha’s MTX SE is basically the same as the 2010 model, with a few subtle updates.

Since its inception, Yamaha has refined the FX Nytro MTX. We’ve been aboard two, a 2008 and 2010 (the 2009 was essentially a 2008).

Suspensions

The 2011 FX Nytro MTX SE front suspension, the FXG2, stretches the MTX’s ski-stance to 40.7-inches, center-to-center. The double A-arm front suspension cradles Fox FLOAT 2 shocks. From previous tests, we found that the FXG2 front suspension gave optimum trail performance and did not hinder side hilling. The FXG2 has no sway bar, which helps the MTX better handle mountain terrain. Travel for the front suspension maxes out at 8.5-inches.

We do believe that the Yamaha Nytro MTX SE ski is superior to the other builders’ powder skis. It supports the Nytro MTX in deep snow and allows it to make sharp turns in deep powder. This ski is important to the MTX’s deep snow function. As the Nytro’s motor is heavier than the other OEM’s two-stroke engines, it’s important that the Nytro ski keeps the nose aloft.

For the rider, the MTX utilizes Yamaha’s “sport rider-forward position.” This design places the engine low and back in the chassis, which Yamaha refers to as mass centralization. Also, the Yamaha’s design ergonomics puts the rider in a forward posture that is both aggressive and comfortable.

To match the tall and forward position, a single-piece, dual-hooked handlebar is standard.

The MTX has a tall and narrow seat which is comfortable and does not slow down foot transitioning — where the rider is moving leg and foot from one running board to the other.

The MTX’s tunnel is light with runningboards that are tipped up to an 11-degree angle to improve both tunnel and running board clearance for deep snow conditions. You should expect less hanging up (resistance) from the runningboards. Yamaha also built in big evacuation holes that clear out unwanted snow from the runningboards. Tunnel stiffeners give the boards needed strength when taking the MTX off a cornice or across deep-impact moguls.

Pro Mountain Air

The FX Nytro MTX SE air intake design pulls in fresh air from around the headlight and feeds it through the radiator fins for engine cooling. This is beneficial in low-snow conditions.

The Nytro MTX uses Yamaha’s latest Genesis 130 Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) liquid-cooled, 1049cc four-stroke Triple with Mikuni 41mm fuel injectors. Horsepower is rated at 130.

MSRP is US$12,499 for the153 and $12,899 for the 162.

Riding Impressions

The Genesis 130 FI (electronic fuel-injected) engine proves more than adequate at getting the job done. The near 41-inch ski-stance didn’t hamper side hilling capabilities; credit too, goes to the ski, which holds a fine edge into a slope. Down the trail the FXG2 front end handles the chicanes and whoops like its sibling, the crossover XTX.

The Nytro chassis uses a horizontal steering post (also known as laydown), which positions the handlebars at the rider like a steering wheel. We’ve mentioned many times our thoughts about horizontal steering posts (which Ski-Doo uses on its Summit), and it’s no secret we prefer vertical steering posts as, we believe, it positions the upper body and arms better for side hilling. However, there are Nytro MTX masters in the West who scoff at our opinion; they prefer laydown steering posts and how these posts make the handlebars swing.

With all this being said, the FX Nytro MTX handles side hill maneuvers very well. Additionally, the sled feels light and responsive when stuffed into a side hill. We also found with its smooth 4-stroke power, the Nytro MTX is particularly fun to boondock as it’s very easy to handle.

From our testing, the Fox Float shocks are stiffly set from the factory. The torque-filled motor, with factory limiter strap settings on the rear skid, caused the MTX to over-transfer when taking on a steep ascent with crusty or hard-packed snow, meaning that riders must throttle down the motor to keep the nose on the snow. As with any mountain sled, the Fox Float rear skid needs to be dialed in for the driver’s weight and terrain.

The Nytro MTX churns well in deep snow — it clubs any mountain with deep powder. However, as mentioned before, we found its over-the-motor steering post kicking us out of position when tree whacking and ravine bashing. Again, that is us. You may feel differently.

We applaud Yamaha for building a 153 SE. In mile deep snow, the 162 would loose much of its oomph, the longer track chewing up precious horsepower. We believe the shorter 153 is the perfect fit for the Nytro MTX SE. With that said, the longer 162 will float in waist-deep powder better than the 153, but we like track speed.

Economically, the Nytro MTX SE is a money-conscience snowmobile. Its operating costs are significantly less than two stroke mountain sleds. When pouring expensive $20.00 to $30.00 per gallon synthetic oil in a two-stroke, per outing, credit cards quickly max. After riding a Nytro for three years, we understand Yamaha’s marketing claim that states its four-stroke snowmobiles are miserly. They are — and appreciatively so. Plus, Yamaha snowmobiles are reliable and oh-so dependable. Also, we appreciate the MTX’s electric start. Suh-weet. In essence, when calculating $3.50 gallon mid-grade fuel and costly synthetic two-stroke oil, the Nytro MTX makes “money-sense.”

When asked by novices, who desire to snowmobile in the Rockies for the first time, we point them to the Nytro MTX as its easy starting and low operating costs will please them and will keep them in the sport. Additionally, the Nytro MTX is as sweet on the trails as it is in the mountains. Likewise, for those of you veteran snowmobilers yearning for simpler and more economical snowmobiling, then the Nytro MTX is a logical choice.

Lastly, when taking the Nytro MTX into the mountains, owners must understand, this is not an 800-class mountain snowmobile. If an owner expects it to compete head-on against a Summit 800, Cat M8 or RMK 800, then they will be disappointed as we find the Nytro MTX competes very well in the 600- to 700-class niche.  With that in mind, an owner will be fully satisfied as they operate it in its envelope. As for us, we have tested the Nytro MTX against the “8s,” because we work in an 800 world. We pushed the Nytro hard, but understood its limitations against the 8s. If throwing the Nytro MTX against the 800s, be patient when working the steep-n-deep, it will make the ascents, not with arm-stretching speed, but it will crest a peak by using some old-school right and left cuts.

Second Opinion — Jake Allred, Test Rider and Photographer

The Yamaha Nytro MTX SE has a great four-stroke engine that is smooth, pulls hard and has reliability second to none. I am impressed with the Nytro’s light feel through the handlebars, which means the engineers did a great job of designing the MTX chassis.

Boondocking with the MTX Nytro is fun — it responds fast to rider input. However, I feel with its horizontal steering, I have to swing the handle bars more, which tries to push me off the sled. Basically, it is not as easy to maintain a side hill as the Apex MTX; which is no longer in Yamaha’s product line. I liked the power of the Apex, but not necessarily its girth. I like the smaller lighter Nytro MTX chassis, but not its horizontal steering. The perfect Yamaha mountain sled would be a combo Apex and Nytro.

More Opinion — Kevin Allred, Sr. Test Rider

After spending a season on the 2010 Nytro MTX SE 162, we learned much about the sled’s capabilities — what it can and can’t do (all snowmobiles have limitations).  We managed to push it outside its comfort zone.

For 2011, Yamaha offers the MTX in a 153, which for my riding preference is the track length I like the best. I sometimes felt the 162 track labors down the Genesis’ 130 horsepower motor. Then to be honest, at other times the 162 just plain ripped. The issue here is track speed verse flotation. All-in-all I really enjoyed our Yamahas throughout the years, especially when it comes to the lower operating costs. As mentioned, this is for real. We throw the Yamaha Nytro MTX into our 800 two stroke world, but the Nytro MTX is in a different horsepower class, that of the 600s, and that is where it best fits. Yet, the FX Nytro MTX surprises me how it hangs in there with the 800s. The FX Nytro MTX is a very good mountain snowmobile, and deserves serious consideration.

2011 Yamaha FX Nytro MTX SE 153 Specs
Engine	Yamaha Genesis 1049, 4-stroke, three cylinder, 41mm Mikuni fuel injection
Horsepower	130
Drive	Yamaha YVXC variable ratio drive
Front Suspension	Yamaha FXG2 double wishbone with Fox Float 2 shocks and up to 8.5-in of travel
Rear Suspension	Yamaha Pro Mountain Air with Fox Float 2 shocks and up to 14.5-in of travel
Length	131.5 in
Height	47.0 in
Ski Stance	40.7 in
Track	15 x 153 x 2.25
Weight	N/A
Fuel Capacity	7.4 US Gal (Regular Fuel)
MSRP	US$12,499

Related Reading
2010 Yamaha FX Nytro MTX SE 162 Review
2010 Mountain Sled Report Card
2010 Yamaha Apex MTX Review
2010 Yamaha Phazer MTX Review
All Things Yamaha on Snowmobile.com