The Yamaha SX Venom was an upgraded version of the deservedly popular Vmax 600 SX-R. Its bigger brother was the SX Viper 700, which delivered 122hp, while the 600cc engine of the Venom produced 99hp.
If you want to find out more about this classic Yamaha sled, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Yamaha SX Venom 600 review!
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Review
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Models
Manufactured from 2004 through 2006, the Yamaha SX Venom was one of the last 2-stroke trail Yamaha snowmobiles.
Referring to its 600cc engine configuration, this model was often referred to as SX Venom 600.
The Japanese manufacturer offered this sled in two versions, the base SX Venom (SXV60) with a manual start and the more advanced SX Venom ER (SXV60ER) with an electric start.
Their more powerful equivalent was the SX Viper 700, which was manufactured from 2002 through 2006, while the SX Venom 600 was only offered in the 2004-2006 seasons. Aside from having different engines, these sleds were almost identical.
Unfortunately, the SX Venom 600 was often overlooked since it was released when Yamaha entered the 4-stroke snowmobile market. Because of this, the Venom remained in the shadow of the innovative RX-1 and RX Warrior.
But today the SX Venom is like an old vine, it’s increasingly gaining popularity among classic sled enthusiasts.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about this iconic Yamaha 2-stroke snowmobile in detail!
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Engine
The engine of the SX Venom 600 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, power-valved, 593cc, “black-head, single-pipe” triple engine. According to contemporary dyno tests, this engine delivered 98.6hp at 8500 RPM and a peak torque of 60+ lbs-ft from 7800 to 8500 RPM.
This power mill was a close relative of the SX Viper’s 700cc engine. The key differences between the 600cc compared to the 700cc engine variants were as follows:
- Smaller displacement (593cc vs. 696cc)
- Different bore and stroke
- Lower performance: (99 vs. 122hp.)
- Smaller Mikuni carbs (TM 31 vs. TM 33)
- Lack of forced air induction system
In return, they shared many advanced technologies, which were as follows:
- Lightened powder metal forged pistons
- Lightened crankshaft
- One-piece cylinder head
- CNC-machnied exhaust ports
- Liquid-heated Mikuni flat slide carburetors (with T.P.S.)
- 300W DC-CDI ignition
- Self-cleaning electronic power valves
- NGK BR9ES spark plugs
- Automatic oil injection system
- New cylinder port timing
- Single-pipe exhaust system
- Electric start (on the ER models)
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Chassis and Suspensions
The SX Venom 600 shared its ProAction System chassis and suspensions with the Viper 700 and many other Yamaha performance snowmobiles.
In terms of dimensions, the SX Venom 600 measured 109.4 inches in length, 47.2 inches in width, and 50.4 inches in height, and its dry weight was 489-516 pounds depending on the model.
The lightweight ProAction chassis not only offered outstanding torsional rigidity but it was also paired with advanced suspension systems.
The key features of Venom’s front suspension system included:
- Type: Independent front suspension system
- Forged aluminum steering arms
- KYB gas shocks (non-rebuildable)
- Travel: up to 9 inches
- Lightweight skis
In contrast, the skid housed the innovative Yamaha ProAction SXV rear suspension. The key features of this system were as follows:
- Type: Parallel rail slide suspension system
- KYB aluminum gas shocks (non-rebuildable)
- Adjustable control rods
- Travel: up to 11.5 inches
The body and other features of the SX Venom 600 were also inherited from the Viper 700, and were as follows:
- New hood design with large vents for increased airflow
- New lightweight seat
- “R1-style” dual taillights and dual headlights
- Illuminated seat storage
- Illuminated engine compartment
- Dual-piston hydraulic brakes
- LCD gauge (borrowed from the R1 motorcycle)
- High-quality switches
- Upgraded seat
- And more
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Riding Experience
Yamaha snowmobiles built on the ProAction System chassis were known for razor-sharp handling and great performance, and the SX Venom 600 was no exception.
Even though it was noticeably less powerful than the triple-piped 700s, it topped out at 100-105 mph on the speedo.
It also ran more smoothly and was significantly more reliable than ancient twin Yamaha snowmobiles.
This engine was also known for its “forgiving” jetting setup, meaning that it could be operated in a wide temperature range without jetting the carbs.
The arm-stretching acceleration of the sled was accompanied by nice exhaust music, which could be enhanced with a triple-pipe exhaust system.
Although the SX Venom never became as popular as the Viper 700 or 4-stroke performance sleds, it was still commonly used as a second or “wife” sled.
Yamaha SX Venom Problems
The SX Venom 600 was one of the most reliable 2-stroke Yamaha snowmobiles, with many of them reaching 10,000+ miles without an engine rebuild.
However, it had some lesser-known minor design flaws, which were as follows:
Weak W-arm: The “W-arm” of the rear suspension was fairly weak and prone to cracking or breaking. It could be strengthened with welding guests or replaced with a high-quality aftermarket suspension arm.
Not-the-best suspensions: The suspension system of the Venom couldn’t keep up with the performance sleds from rival manufacturers.
Non-rebuildable gas shock: The biggest problem of the suspension system was arguably its cheap, non-rebuildable hydraulic gas shocks, which were prone to getting damaged on rough terrain.
Water pump seal and oil lines: For safety reasons, the oil lines and the water pump seal of the SX Venom had to be inspected and replaced periodically. To lower the risk of engine seizure, many owners removed the oil system and switched to premix.
Wire harnesses: Under the engine, you could find a wire harness that tended to rub through over time, causing various electrical malfunctions. This could be fixed by enclosing the wire harness into a convolute tube.
Power valve maintenance: Unlike the simpler “redhead triples,” the “blackhead triple” engine of the Venom featured electric power valves, which required periodic maintenance and cleaning.
Traditional riding position: Since it was a classic sled, the Venom offered a traditional seating position. Unlike on modern “rider forward” sleds, on the Venom the rider sat further back and lower.
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 2004 SX Venom 600 in these charts.
(Except for some minor graphic changes, the Venom 600 was carried over to the 2005 and 2006 model years without any noticeable changes.)
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Dimensions and Capacities
| Dimensions | 2004 SX Venom |
| Length | 2780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Width | 1200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Height | 1230 mm (50.4 in) |
| Ski Tread | 1070 mm (42.1 in) |
| Dry Weight (SXV60) | 222 kg (489 lb.) |
| Dry Weight (SXV60ER) | 234 kg (516 lb.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44.3 L (11.7 US gal) |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 3.0 L (3.2 US qt) |
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 2004 SX Venom |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 7-port |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Parallel, 3-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.56 x 2.35 in (65.0 x 59.6 mm) |
| Displacement | 593cc |
| Idle Speed | 1600 +/- 100 r/min |
| Carburetor | Mikuni TM31 x 3 |
| Engine oil type | YAMALUBE 2-cycle oil |
| Throttle Operation | Handle lever, right-hand operated |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded gasoline. Pump octane (R+M)/2; 88 Or Min. research octane: 93 |
| Starting system (SXV60) | Manual with recoil starter |
| Starting system (SXV60ER) | Electric and manual with recoil starter |
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Track
| Track Features | 2004 SX Venom 600 |
| Track | Molded rubber, fiberglass rod reinforced |
| Length on ground | 29.6 in (752mm) |
| Width | 15.0 in (381mm) |
| Track deflection | 0.98-1.18 in (25-30mm) / 10 kg {22lbs} |
| Drive Sprocket | Quadruple polyethylene, 9 teeth |
| Suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Transmission
| Transmission | 2004 SX Venom 600 |
| Primary reduction system | Belt |
| Primary reduction ratio | 3.8:1-1:1 |
| Type | Automatic centrifugal engagement, infinitely variable |
| Drive | Silent chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Secondary Reduction Ratio | 1.95 (39/20) |
Yamaha SX Venom 600 Electric Features
| Electric Features | 2004 SX Venom 600 |
| Ignition system | DC-CDI |
| Spark plug type | BR9ES (NGK) |
| Spark plug gap | 0.028 – 0.031 in (0.7 – 0.8 mm) |
| Battery Capacity | GM18Z-3A/12 V 20 Ah |
| Battery Maximum Charge Rate | 2.0 Amperes/hp for 10 hrs |
| Headlight | 12 V, 60/55 W x 2 |
| Tail/brake light | 12 V, 5/21 W x 2 |
| Meter light | 14 V, 50 mA x 6 |
| Indicator light | 14 V, 80 mA x 2 |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Yamaha SX Venom 600 For Sale
Despite its age, the SX Venom 600 is still a reasonable option for many buyers who are looking for a classic sled at an affordable price.
If you are considering buying one, you should start your research at Yamaha snowmobile forums and Facebook groups. Using these sources, you can find plenty of information on these classic machines, along with some good deals.
Also, you may find some used Yamaha SX Venom 600s for sale on Craigslist, eBay, Kijiji, or snowmobile classified sites.
Takeaway – FAQs About the Yamaha SX Venom 600
What year did the Yamaha SX Venom 600 come out?
Yamaha revealed the SX Venom 600 for the 2004 model year.
What years was the Yamaha SX Venom 600 made?
The Yamaha SX Venom 600 was manufactured from 2004 to 2006.
What size was a Yamaha SX Venom 600?
The (2002) Yamaha SX Venom 600 was 109.4 inches long, 47.2 inches wide, and 50.4 inches high.
What was the track size of the Yamaha SX Venom 600?
The Yamaha SX Venom 600 featured a 15x121x1” Predator track.
How much did a Yamaha SX Venom 600 weigh?
The Yamaha SX Venom 600 weighed 489-516 pounds depending on the model and the year.
What kind of engine was in a Yamaha SX Venom 600?
The power source of the SX Venom 600 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, power-valved, 698cc, single-piped, blackhead Yamaha triple engine.
How much horsepower did a Yamaha SX Venom 600 have?
The engine of the Yamaha SX Venom 600 produced 99hp on the dyno.
How fast did a Yamaha SX Venom 600 go?
The top speed of the Yamaha SX Venom 600 was about 100-105 mph on the speedo.
Was the Yamaha SX Venom 600 a 2-stroke?
The Yamaha SX Venom 600 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Did the Yamaha SX Venom 600 Have a Reverse?
The SX Venom 600 ER came standard with a reverse system, while its base sibling lacked this important feature.
Did the Yamaha SX Venom 600 Have an Electric Start?
The SX Venom 600 ER came standard with an electric start, while the base Venom came with an electric start.
How Much Oil Did a Yamaha SX Venom 600 Hold?
The SX Venom 600 had an automatic oil injection system featuring a 3.2-quart reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Yamaha SX Venom 600 Hold?
The fuel capacity of the SX Venom 600 was 11.7 US gallons.
How Much Does a Yamaha SX Venom 600 Cost?
The asking price of a used SX Venom 600 averages between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the year and condition.
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