Excellent 2-up touring snowmobile
We went with pleasure to TY Moteurs in St-Jean-Chrysostome, a Ski-Doo dealership owned by Mr Yvan Théberge. We received a warm welcome and met two representatives, Mr Jimmy Brochu and Christian Moreau. They described to us the features of the Ski-Doo snowmobiles we were going to try out and then, they kindly moved it to our point of departure. Here are the comments gathered by the three test pilots who rode over a hundred kilometers on groomed trails, in respect of the snowmobiling regulations such as speed limits.
The following elements have been evaluated :
- riding, ergonomics
- aesthetics, finish quality
- engine, noise, fume
- track
Modifications
There has been no modification made on this Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE 4-TEC 1200 for our test. We just removed the luggage bags for the day.
Riding
We all liked the riding position that allows short as well as tall riders to be comfortable. The passenger enjoyed the soft seat and backrest, perfect for long rides without fatigue. As it was extremely cold that day (-25 °C), the easy-adjust heated seat was really appreciated. Thanks to the cockpit and windshield configuration, we were completely protected against wind on our lower body as well as upper body.
The Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE 4-TEC 1200
The Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE 4-TEC 1200 is equipped with a multi-function analog / digital gauge with display that is easy to read at a glance. You get full data such as the actual fuel consumption, the average speed during your ride, the average consumption, the psi level of the air suspension along with the fuel level, the RPM and odometer. However, it takes some time to get used to the gauge; to select the data you wish to see, you need to proceed to a specific sequence. So, we suggest that you read the owner’s manual and try the different selections before departure; this way, you will not be distracted when riding.
On Ski-Doo snowmobiles, the controls on the handles are located on the left handle (brake); their size could be a little larger.
We liked the gradation of the heat controls, which are easy to use. The 4-position adjustable handlebar improves the pilot’s comfort, no matter his height. On trail, the suspension was at level 3 when riding solo and at level 5 for more comfort when riding with a passenger.
It is such a pleasure to adjust the suspension simply by pushing a button.
The snowmobile is even easier to pilot with a passenger on.
Aesthetics
The REV-XR platform and design of this snowmobile are modern. Its pearl white colour gives a kind of luxuous look. The side cases (removed for our test) are lockable and easy to take off, such as the large and efficient tunnel bag. Engineers should improve the windshield, because we saw that the different pieces of the windshield did not fit together perfectly. Besides this minor problem, the 2013 Grand Touring LE is very nice and well built.
Engine
The 4-TEC 1200 cc engine is very powerful with its 130 HP. This is a high-tech 4-stroke engine with an excellent couple on all power range. We have been surprised by its smoothness and absence of vibration. The 4-TEC 1200 produces virtually no smoke and is silencious at cruising speed. The track was a little noisy at 70 km/h, despite the rubber band (SilentTrack technology) added to it. We think this was due to the hard packed surface hardened by the wind and extreme cold weather .
Conclusion
The 2013 Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE 4-TEC 1200 is the touring snowmobile, comfortable, stable and easy to pilot with a passenger on. Its engine is efficient and well balanced (power vs handling). It is an excellent 2-up touring snowmobile, thanks to its comfort. We could even add that the 2013 Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE 4-TEC 1200 is built for the pilot who loves his spouse.
SledMagazine.com is sincerely grateful to
Ski-doo Dealer
1091, rue CommercialeSt-Jean-Chrysostome, QCG6Z 2E8Tel : 418-833-0500684, Route 281St-Raphael, QC G0R 4C0Tel : 418-243-2292
https://www.tymoteurs.ca/index.htm
Thanks to Kimpex for their appreciated collaboration during this trial.
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https://www.kimpex.com/en-ca/home
Effectively, our trial pilots wear Kimpex clothing and accessories during every ride and they appreciate it !
Jacques Bélanger
Maurice Fecteau
Jacques Turgeon
SledMagazine.com test pilots
