There's something immensely sad about industries losing key players. Not just because of the loss of jobs that industry provided, but also because of the history behind the brands. The people it touched, the lands it conquered, the fun it provided, and the competition it bred.
That's the case with Yamaha's snowmobile business. Or rather was the case for Yamaha's snowmobile business, as late last year, the company decided that it would reduce its powersports footprint by killing its sled segment entirely.
Now, I get it. I get why Yamaha made the call. Despite having its toes in literally every industry on the planet—no seriously, go look at every industry Yamaha operates in—the snowmobile business isn't what it used to be. Climate change has affected snowpack, trails are closing, more and more groups are campaigning to end snowmobile travel and leisure, and the industry looks to be increasingly moving toward EVs, which cost millions in R&D. It didn't make financial sense. But, like many, there's a part of me that wishes the company had stayed, as the industry further shrinks with Arctic Cat likely on the way out.
Thankfully, fans of Yamaha's snowmobiles have one final chance to own one of the brand's sleds. In fact, it's the final snowmobile the brand ever made. And it's going up for auction real soon.
Being auctioned off to support snowmobile groups, the final Yamaha snowmobile is #998 of 998 and is a 2025 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE EPS sled. Part of the Final Edition snowmobiles, the Sidewinder SRX is powered by 998cc turbocharged four-stroke, complete with a 137-inch track, Fox Shocks, electric power steering, and an 8.9-gallon fuel tank. But you get far more than just the very last Yamaha snowmobile.
In addition to the sled, whoever wins the auction will also get a custom-built display case that's reminiscent of those toy die-casts you get at the supermarket. But instead of just the specs on the back of the box, you get a breakdown of Yamaha's 57-year snowmobile history, which is pretty cool. The whole thing was unveiled at Hays Days, where the auction was announced to be benefitting ISMA, which will dole out the funds to snowmobile groups around the country.
As for the auction itself, it'll be held on the site Bring a Trailer, where the auction will run from February 9th to February 15th. It's a great opportunity to not only get yourself a piece of snowmobiling history, but also give back to the community due to those funds supporting further sledding opportunities.
I, myself, don't have the money, but I will pour one out for Yamaha leaving the space. RIP.
