We have already reached the middle of this season, remarkable by its so various weather conditions… This said, we rode over 2 500 km on our machine generally on trails in good conditions, mostly due to our unique access to the Monts Valin. Despite the fact that snow depth is much less important than what we are used to in that area, trail conditions are outstanding this season, even if many times we experienced extreme cold weather such as 35 °C.
That was my greatest fear… Since many years now, BRP got us used to the absence of a mechanical starter when the snowmobile is equipped with an electric starter, like our Renegade X is. So, when the extreme -37 °C morning arrived, I was very anxious. I kept imagining the battery getting out of charge… and me trying to start up the big 800 cc engine with the small rope, on the driven clutch. Well, I must pay tribute to the E-TEC technology. The Renegade did start up every time I wanted, even if it needed more rotations than usual since the crankshaft of the big Rotax bicylinder had been temporarily seized by the extreme cold.
We had rain and cold successively, which gave us excellent hard-packed trails… Frozen bumps were harder than rocks and it offered me the opportunity to test seriously the suspension and riding. Frankly, I can’t think of a situation where the rMotion was not efficient. It never collapsed, even against very abrupt bumps. The 137” rMotion provides great comfort and is absolutely my favorite version. It should also satisfy over 80 % of the snowmobilers. I know I already said it, but the X seat is just better than average. Comfortable yet providing good support, it really improves the pilot’s comfort and riding experience.
The dual-A arms front suspension, equipped with HPG Plus R shocks, does a great job but it is a little less efficient in big bumps than the front suspension of the X-RS I tested last season. This is normal considering the category of our trial machine of last year. This said, the pilot must adjust the front springs preload in order to get more capability in big bumps.
Although this improves the vehicle performance on uneven terrain, it also makes the riding more precise but it requires more effort from the pilot in turns.
Effectively, some pilots may experience more fatigue on arms and shoulders during longer rides, even if the front strap of the track is in its extended position. The Pilot 5,7 skis provide a precise riding but we experienced some darting depending on snow conditions. Some special equipment should be added to totally eliminate darting.
Except for these adjustments that can easily be managed by the snowmobile owner, we can just enjoy the numerous qualities of the Renegade X.
Producing less polluting emissions, thus less odors, the fuel consumption is maximized for the available power. The E-TEC 800 is highly comparable to the other 800 cc engines in the industry regarding power and this, with very low vibration at all speeds. The Ripsaw track is efficient but the Ice Riper should be considered since we have more and more frequent rainy conditions that produce icy trails.
I must say that after meeting many snowmobilers on trails and in relays, the look of the Renegade X catches the eye with its design in black / yellow colours. The finishing is remarkable and attention to detail is noticeable everywhere, which is a famous characteristic of the Ski-Doo brand.
We may not see many small elements when we buy the snowmobile, but they become obvious when we pilot it. For example, the side panels fastening system is well designed and efficient compared to other brands. The rear seat storage and the compartment at front are so «convenient» ! Other manufacturers should take notes : good ideas may also be very simple. We noticed however a leak in the compartment at front (above the dials); it should be eliminated for 2014. Finally, the instrument panel of the X model, the electric controls and the overall ergonomy of this snowmobile are without a doubt among the most efficient in the industry.
With Mother Nature’s collaboration, we could still be able to test the Renegade X during about 2 months. I can’t see how I could be disappointed by this snowmobile, even knowing that nothing is perfect in this world.
The Renegade X is clearly the Ski-Doo model that offers me performance and comfort on trails along with a great sport look, which is part of my enthusiasm. We must notice that the X model provides low protection to the upper body under extreme cold weather; a taller windshield should be seriously considered by northern regions buyers.
The XS chassis is definitely the worthy successor of the XP chassis regarding the handling; I keep on thinking that the standard trail snowmobiles will shortly be the 137 in. machines, as offered by the Renegade series.
In short, the 2013 Renegade X with its E-TEC 800 direct-injection engine is clearly the right choice for sport snowmobilers seeking for performance and comfort during long rides on trails.
