At last, our 2015 Freeride has arrived in its garage, ready to be examined for our pre-ride report. As soon as I parked this beast, my very first reaction was : « Wow ! This is an impressive snowmobile ! » Yes, this machine is in the Extreme Mountain category; in fact, « Extreme » would refer more to its performances outdoors. Effectively, the REV-XM chassis gives its stylish look to the Freeride, but the additional RS caracteristics show its robustness. The 146 in. track edition, a Spring Exclusive offer only, seemed to be the most appropriate for snowmobilers riding in Québec back-country.
Our Ski-Doo Freeride 800R E-TEC 146 in our test pilot’s garage.
Once again, BRP people found the way to produce a snowmobile with such a package that it makes it an outstanding model in its category. It begins with a bold look in Manta Green / Magenta, offered last March. Later, the manufacturer adjusted his audacity by also offering the Manta Green / Black edition to their more conservative customers. Anyway, we have the original edition with enhanced Magenta on suspension rails, skis supports, and some Magenta touches on body and seat. When you see it for real, the Freeride is just flamboyant, mostly if you take a closer look. Of course, you can check its specification sheet by clicking here. Now, I am going to highlight the specific caracteristics that caught my attention when I closely examined the Freeride.
Two colors were available for the 2015 Freeride.
Caracteristics of the Freeride
Actually, the Freeride is to the Summit category what the X-RS is to the MXZ and Renegade categories. It is a mountain sled with « extreme » capabilities and robustness brought by many specific components. Firstly, the Freeride is only offered with the Rotax 800R E-TEC engine that develops more than 160 HP, which sets the pace for what’s coming up. Offered since many years now, the proven E-TEC technology equips many Ski-Doo snowmobile lineups. It is the obvious choice of motorization for this type of machine. Mounted on the rear tMotion that flexes laterally by 4°, the PowderMax 2 FlexEdge track has a 2.5 in. lug height, which is quite impressive for a 146 in. track. Like the X-RS models, the Freeride is equipped with lightweight chromoly front suspension lower A-arms. Same for the front and rear shocks. The piggy-back KYB Pro 40 shocks are easy to adjust by a button that you can reach easily, even those located through the rear suspension.
Rotax 800R E-TEC engine on our 2015 Ski-Doo Freeride 800R E-TEC 146
Of course, all this power and traction must be adequately controlled. This is why the Freeride is equipped with Brembo racing brake, Pilot DS 2 skis with adjustable ski stance of 38.4 to 40.1 in. This last feature combined with the sway bar quick-disconnect system seems very appropriate if we want to modify the handling of the vehicle on trails and off trails. Therefore, some reinforcements have been made to crucial elements, such as the tunnel and suspension rails, which confirms the reinforced capabilities of this beast.
The front suspension sway bar quick-disconnect system is an innovation that should be very useful this winter.
Standard features
Other standard features caught my attention, such as the new RF D.E.S.S. key system. It seems to eliminate a problem experienced over the years as the key could be badly inserted (bip-bip-bip…). It is clear that the pilot spends much time standing from one running board to the other. This is why I like the low and lightweight REV-XM seat; it should allow all kinds of quick maneuvers in deep snow. The multifunction analog / digital gauge also presents an angle in order to fit the dominant riding position of this snowmobile. During these same maneuvers, the increased running boards with snow evacuation holes should eliminate snow accumulation and should help the pilot to remain steady on the machine, mostly with the boot grips located on the edges. In order to fit the type of riding of this sled, the handlebar has a specific angle of attack with a grab handle that should be useful in abrupt sidehilling when we must bring back the vehicle. Along with the 4 l storage above the gauge, there is another smaller storage behind the seat. I particularly like the quality design of the electric controls on the handlebar and at its base. Unlike the other manufacturers’ models of the same category that are equipped with more traditional controls, each control button has been designed in regards of its shape, its location and its size in order to be easy to use when we are moving.
Each control button has been designed in regards of its shape, its location and its size in order to be easy to use when we are moving
Optional features
This season, we took the opportunity offered by BRP to equip the Freeride with some optional features that seemed appropriate for this snowmobile. Our test snowmobile is equipped with an electric start, which is not considered optional for many snowmobilers in 2014. The manufacturer chose to offer one OR the other to reduce weight. Without a manual starter, it is important to take a few minutes indoors and practice hand starting with the driving pulley, in case you experience a starter failure in remote areas. Ready to receive the LinQ System, I installed myself the anchorages for the Jerry Can and the tunnel bag on the machine. The Freeride tunnel is preperforated for the LinQ System, so it took me only 15 minutes to install both optional features. Our beast also received a full body skid plate for underbelly and suspension protection when riding in deep snow. I have the feeling that this larger type of skid plate should increase the flotation of the snowmobile … , to be confirmed ! Of course, I asked our Ski-Doo partner to install a medium windshield for more protection against extreme cold in northern part of the river, since the standard equipment of the Freeride is the ultra low windshield.
Ski-Doo people thought about many details in order to produce a deluxe snowmobile.
For me, another very important component was the new adjustable riser block of the handlebar. As I am 6 foot tall, it causes me some problems when I sit down as well as when I stand up on many crossover and mountain models. At first sight, the BRP system seems very easy and quick to use. However, I will watch for its rigidity over the weeks, after several thousand kilometers of vibration. We also equipped our Freeride with the LED auxiliary lights for evening rides. I heard about the outstanding performances of the LED lights, so I wanted to experience it myself on a snowmobile. Finally, we can’t have a track of 2,5 in. lug height without ice scratchers. This new model is attached to the rear of the vehicle on the upper suspension bar, which allows reverse without any problem.
Even if the new LED lights are hidden and well integrated to the hood, their effectiveness at night should be useful this season.
What to expect ?
Unlike my numerous tests of the past years, this season my expectations will not only concern my rides on trails. After our analysis, it is easy to understand that it is not the primary purpose of the Freeride. However, as any mountain machine, a large part of the mileage is made on trails to then reach our favorite playgrounds. So, it is important that the snowmobile offers minimal handling on trails. We will use the beginning of the season, with more precautions in woods, to evaluate the capabilities of the Freeride on groomed trails and on some uneven terrains. Later, as soon as snow level is high enough, I will ride out of groomed trails and put our sled to the test in more extreme powder snow conditions. We wish that Mother Nature will provide winter conditions that will highlight the caracteristics of the Freeride. It’s now time to finalyze our preparations if we want to be ready to try out the new 2015 Ski-Doo Freeride 800R E-TEC 146.
