Last winter, when Ski-Doo representatives introduced the brand new MXZ Blizzard at the presentation of their 2016 models, I knew right away that this model would be very popular among snowmobilers. I thought so because of the numerous high performance technical features that we usually see on the « Spring Exclusive » models, while the Blizzard model is available during the season.
The technical feature I noticed the most at the time was the length of the track. A few weeks before this presentation, the MXZ Iron Dog Special Edition had been launched and was very attractive with the addition of the rMotion rear suspension and the track of 128 in/325 cm. This opened the door, for coming years, to a new configuration of track length for trail high performance snowmobiles. The name Blizzard also brought lots of emotions to me, because of the story about this legendary name in the racing world. Last fall, when we discussed with our partners Contant, about the choice of Ski-Doo models available for a long-term trial, quickly the name MXZ Blizzard has been mentioned. We also suggested the motorization of 1200 4-TEC, since there had been many modifications brought to this edition for the 2016 production year.
Chassis
Important innovation for 2016, the Ski-Doo trail snowmobiles equipped with the 1200 4-TEC engine now switch from the REV-XR chassis to the REV-XS chassis.
Ski-Doo fans have been eagerly awaiting this rejuvenation and it offers a wide range of advantages, such as the choice and availability of accessories that are more numerous in the XS edition. The 1200 4-TEC edition of the REV-XS chassis has larger lateral panels in order to make room for the installation of the engine and the more compact muffler. Snowmobilers really liked the REV-XR chassis for its excellent protection against wind. The XS configuration with the 1200 engine seems to be also pretty good in this matter. We are going to check this out all season long. Our trial snowmobile is equipped with the standard medium windshield.
Motorization
Introduced for Ski-Doo 2009 production year, the 1200 4-TEC engine has also been significantly improved in regards of its electronic management. The 2016 edition of the 1200 4-TEC motorization is raised to the same level than the ACE engines, by the addition of the intelligent throttle control system iTC. This system offers to the pilot 3 engine mapping modes, « Sport », « Standard » or « ECO », to customize the snowmobile performance in accordance with the type of riding you want. The addition of a new smaller throttle body also allows a quicker engine response compared to the throttle control. Also, The throttle lever is reversible to let our fingers rest during a long ride.
Rear suspension and track
The MXZ Blizzard is equipped with the rMotion rear suspension and the track of 129 in X 15 in X 1.25 in / 327,6 cm X 38,1 cm X 3,18 cm. On our model, we have the Camoplast Ice Ripper XT track with studs embedded in track lugs. This type of track is an excellent choice for all snowmobilers who want to get a significantly improved control of their machine, in acceleration or braking, on hard or icy surfaces. HPG Plus shocks equip the MXZ Blizzard. The maximal course of the track is 15.5 in/39,4 cm.
Front suspension and skis
Introduced in 2015, the famous RAS 2 front suspension is standard feature on the MXZ Blizzard. This suspension with maximal travel of 9 in/22,9 cm offers a better control in big bumps and makes the snowmobile much more stable when cornering in aggressive type of riding. The HPG Plus front shocks have the same adjustment capability than the KYB 36 found on the MXZ X, for example.
The MXZ Blizzard also offers as standard equipment the brand new Ski-Doo Pilot TS skis. Not only are they new, but they are also remarkable. Thanks to the adjustment knob located on the ski leg, the snowmobiler can choose among 20 settings to raise or lower the ski runner in accordance with the bite needed in turns. The square shape of the Pilot TS ski keel reduces darting significantly. The suspension behaviour and the performance of the new Pilot TS ski on trail are also important elements we are going to check out during our long-term trial.
Equipements
Along with the above-mentioned technical features, many other elements improve the aspect, the small details and the riding experience of the MXZ Blizzard. This snowmobile is equipped with standard multifunction gauge, digital display and engine temperature gauge.
The J-hook handlebar of the MXZ Blizzard provides improved control of the snowmobile in sporty riding. This machine also offers all the standard equipments found on models mounted on the REV-XS chassis, such as the front glove box and the advanced ergonomy of controls on the handlebar. The REV-XP X seat matches the snowmobile style.
Looks
The MXZ Blizzard is really stylish and uses the same colors than the models of the 1970s in reference to these racing legends. I like the sober graphics of the lateral panels and the name Blizzard on the rear seat. This snowmobile will surely make heads turn all season long.
Main characteristics to check out during our long-term trial
There are many characteristics we want to validate during our long-term trial in order to see if the impressive list of technical features performs on trail as well as on paper. Here are the main elements we are going to check out :
- Overall performance on trail of the rMotion rear suspension of 129 in/327,6 cm versus the comparable models of 120 and 137 in/304,8 and 348 cm.
- Performance on trail of the RAS 2 front suspension and HPG Plus shocks.
- Performance on trail of the new Pilot TS skis.
- Protection against wind and ergonomy of the REV-XS chassis.
- Behaviour and performance of the engine in regards of the 3 riding modes of the iTC system.
- Fuel consumption.
- Calibration of clutches.
- Overall reliability of the snowmobile.
As snow is now abundant enough, we are very anxious to start our long-term trial of the MXZ Blizzard 1200 and to share with you our comments and impressions about its riding and its performance all season long. Along with the above-mentioned technical elements, we are also going to test some accessories that will improve our riding experience of the MXZ Blizzard. To complete this article, we invite you to watch a video made by our columnists about their pre-ride analysis. The link appears below.
Please visit us regularly in the special section of long-term trials to read the latest news. To conclude, I would like to thank Contant, BRP dealer in Laval, Mirabel and Sainte-Agathe, for their trust and for the MXZ Blizzard 1200 used in this long-term trial by the web magazine SledMagazine.com .
