Despite the lack of snow we have known this season in the Bas-St-Laurent region, we have been able to find places with lots of snow where we tested this snowmobile to its full potential.
The 2013 Summit is mounted on the REV-XM chassis, an evolution of the REV-XP platform. We also used this test to compare this 2013 Summit SP with our own 2011 Summit X.
The new programming of the E-TEC 800 is the most remarkable feature we noticed at first. For the previous years, the programming overprotected uselessly the engine when it was over-exploited, which delivered less power. This year, the new programming is not continuously in protection, so the engine seems much more powerful.
We like to push it to its maximum without being scared of an unexpected power cut, as we had been experiencing before. Here is another interesting point : with the old programming, the engine would not always start on its first revolutions at a specific operating temperature. We never had this problem in 2013; the engine always started instantly.
At BRP’s, we can modify the clutch adjustments at any time, but we did not need to do it during our test. No need to play with the clickers as we did during the past years when snow conditions were changing. We always had to take this into consideration because the engine would always get in protection. So, we can say that the update of the clutch is perfect in 2013, but BRP must give us even more during the next years; we would appreciate a non-overdrive clutch on the mountain sleds and we know they can do it!
What could I say about the tMotion ?
Consumers thought that the tMotion would be a revolution, or would make the sled keel over when riding off trail. This suspension has really been designed for off-trail riding. The handling is easier than before. Many said that it would be harder to handle on slopes but on the contrary, it is easier and more predictable and the new track brings a radical change to its performance.
Concerning the ergonomy of the REV-XM platform, we can say that we really like the change brought by the new running boards that are kept clear of snow (no more snow piled up!). Also, the new rounded side panels allow us to incline the snowmobile without any surge. And the snow guard actually offers 2 positions; the natural one is the position that we all know. The second position is quite special; we get it by warping the snow guard. This way, it remains turned up and it is very helpful when we go backwards. It also offers more clearance to the track in deep snow.
Talking about clearance, we would like it if the chassis or the suspension had more space in front of the track in the tunnel, because snow piles up a lot there and it requires more HP from the engine in deep snow conditions.
However, each snowmobile is imperfect. On previous models, with its backlight, the multi-function gauge was very easy to read in daylight as well as at night time, but not this year. It was always too hard to read due to a poor lighting and sometimes, there was even some mist. It is not as it used to be.
However, the angle is perfect, we see all the data we need at one glance ! Some other innovations : the rear storage and the «heated» glove box. But they are not waterproof or heated and they are always full of snow. So, they do not keep our belongings dry.
Overall, this trial has been very positive !
The new programming of the E-TEC 800, the famous tMotion and the snow-free running boards are only few of the nice things we will remember about this snowmobile ! We just can’t wait for the next season !
Even if Mother Nature has not been very generous this season in snow falls in the Bas-St-Laurent region, it has been a positive trial of the 2013 Ski-Doo Summit SP.
We are grateful to Claude and Jean-François, from Matane Motosports, for their trust in the SledMagazine.com Team.
