For the second consecutive year, I am honored to be able to run a long-term trial of a great BRP new snowmobile. As you already know, 2017 is a memorable year for BRP with the introduction of the new Gen4 REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine. As a test pilot, I adore riding on trails with a snowmobile equipped with the latest technologies, good balance for trail riding and very sporty characteristics. The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC model is perfect for this test. So, it is with great pleasure that I took possession of this trial snowmobile last December 23rd at our partner’s Riendeau Sports in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, to start my snowmobile season right on the day after. When I write this article, I already rode over 1 500 kilometers and I am very happy to share with you my first impressions within this long-term trial.
2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC
Chassis
The Gen4 REV chassis has been designed to offer top quality riding ergonomics to the pilot, no matter the trail conditions. The most outstanding feature is the presence of Ergo-Step panels that allow the rider to move much more easily in curves and to adopt an even more aggressive type of riding. The upper tunnel and the seat are tapered, which reduces greatly the inside-leg pressure. As soon as we get on the snowmobile, we have the feeling to be seated on a motorcycle or a motocross vehicle. The riding position is really improved with the new chassis. To be convinced, just sit on a model of previous years. As I am very tall, I feel even more comfortable with my legs on the Gen4 REV chassis. The seat is narrower and the foam is rather firm, which is perfect for pilots who move a lot. The ergonomics of the vehicle have really been designed to offer high quality riding experience, mostly in aggressive riding. There are much less physical and ergonomic restraints, so we can move more easily on the snowmobile. Also, since the chassis is very rigid and light, it makes the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC extremely stable in bumps and reliable. Its classic and modern looks are a big hit. One thing is obvious when I ride on trail, the black MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC definitely makes heads turn.
The look of the Gen4 REV chassis definitely makes heads turn on trail
Motorization
Right from the start, I was very curious to see how much the new 850 E-TEC engine would distinguish itself from its predecessor, the 800R E-TEC, and the 1200 4-TEC with iTC I tested last year on the MXZ Blizzard. After only a few seconds, I was totally seduced by the new engine. As soon as we start it, we know that the 850 E-TEC is no ordinary engine. Clearly, the snowmobile is powerful, really powerful! Press the accelerator and the snowmobile quickly accelerates and responses instantly. After few kilometers, we notice some magic at about 6 500 RPM. It is probably due to the supercharging injectors at the exit of the throttle bodies. In this range of speed, the engine delivers incredible power for extremely quick accelerations. Fans who are waiting since 10 years for the return of the Mach Z should not wait anymore because the 850 E-TEC will surely fulfill their expectations. This engine is also very pleasant to pilot at lower speed, even in Touring type of riding. At lower throttle, the 850 E-TEC is very smooth without important vibration. When presented to the medias last winter, Ski-Doo said that the 850 E-TEC was the first 2-stroke engine of the industry that was as reliable and durable as a 4-stroke engine. With a much more robust construction and the precision of the internal lubrication, I really believe that this engine will prove its qualities. To date, my experience with the 850 E-TEC is absolutely outstanding.
The 850 E-TEC is incredibly powerful
Suspension
The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC is equipped with the rMotion rear suspension of 129 in./327 cm and the brand new RAS 3 at front. They are both coupled with HPG PLUS shocks designed for optimal comfort on trail. I really had appreciated the performance of these shocks when I tested the MXZ Blizzard last winter. They were well balanced and offered much comfort on rough trails. With the Gen4 REV chassis, it is even better. The combination of these shocks with the rMotion and RAS 3 suspensions makes the snowmobile extremely stable, mostly in tough conditions. Considering the temperature variations we have this season, I recently piloted the snowmobile on very bumpy trails with very soft bottom. In these conditions, the MXZ TNT 850 is very efficient and eats up bumps like no other BRP machine I had the chance to test to date. The rigidity and lightness of the Gen4 REV chassis are important elements to get such performances. Despite these very tough conditions, I did not feel much fatigue. Maybe the X edition with KYB 36 shocks would have been even better, but the HPG PLUS shocks work very well even in very tough conditions. So, personally, I think that the MXZ TNT has passed the test of riding in very bumpy conditions. In perfect conditions, it is obvious that the MXZ TNT 850 will be at its best in matter of performance.
RAS 3 front suspension with HPG PLUS shocks
Clutches
To transfer all the power of the 850 E-TEC to the track, our trial snowmobile is equipped with the new pDrive drive clutch introduced last year on racetracks. As I have piloted since many years snowmobiles equipped with TRA and eDrive clutches, I notice that the MXZ TNT pDrive is silent and very responsive in accelerations. Clickers allow to adjust the initial clutching speed. I have not changed these adjustments yet, but clearly performance fans will want to get even more optimal performance according to their riding preferences.
pDrive drive clutch
Track
In order to optimize our riding experience of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC, we had installed a pre-studded ICE Ripper XT track of 129 in./327 cm. This factory pre-studded track provides better control in braking, cornering and acceleration. Considering the changing and unusual conditions in southern Québec, I am convinced that this track is required for safe rides. I tried it last year with a REV-XS chassis and it works also very well with the Gen4 REV chassis. Along with better traction, this track is less likely to be damaged than a track with deep-set studs. The ICE Ripper XT is an excellent compromise for any snowmobiler seeking optimal control and stability.
ICE Ripper XT track of 129 in./327 cm
Steering and skis
Our trial snowmobile has Pilot 5.7 skis, standard on BRP trail models since many years. An important fact I noticed since the beginning of the season is that the MXZ TNT is very stable on trail and without any darting. In fact, after 1 500 kilometers, I did not experience any noteworthy darting. I rode only once with original runners on the very beginning of the season. On my second ride, I installed Qualipièces Top Gold dual runners of 6 in./15,2 cm. These much more aggressive runners highly improved cornering performances. The front suspension pre-load had to be adjusted to find the right balance in accordance with the clearly increased bite. As any new snowmobile, the suspension must be adequately adjusted to get a good pressure on skis in all situations. So, it is better to add more aggressive runners on the Pilot 5.7 skis for improved riding experience. In the past, I had already installed more aggressive runners in the center on the side of the ski. This combination had also highly improved the stability of the snowmobile in curves. Personally, I think that this combination should be tested with the Gen4 REV chassis. Many types of runners are available, to be chosen in accordance with your favorite type of riding.
Heat exchanger
The heat exchanger of the Gen4 REV chassis is very different from previous models, as it is integrated into the structure of the chassis. So, I was very curious to test it in various snow conditions, mostly since there is no blade like on a traditional heat exchanger. In usual trail conditions with small amount of snow on the ground, it offers a very good cooling capacity to the 850 E-TEC engine. So, temperature is very stable all ride long. With the mild weather we had in January, I rode twice in unusual snow conditions where snow was similar to salt. During these rides, I even rode in rain with temperature rising above the freezing point. Despite these conditions, the heat exchanger is efficient and cools the engine adequately. Thus, it is reassuring for the vehicle functioning in all conditions and its long-term durability.
Overall riding experience
After all what has been said about the Gen4 REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine since its introduction last winter, I had very high expectations concerning the overall riding experience of this snowmobile. Also, since season 2009, I mostly rode Ski-Doo snowmobiles equipped with the 1200 4-TEC engine. After the first kilometers, I quickly realized all the capability that this combination offered to snowmobilers. The 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC is an extremely efficient snowmobile in matter of engine power and performance on trail. The engine power is impressive at any throttle speed. Acceleration is lightning-quick, but also offers smoothness for rides at lower pace. The front and rear suspensions are very efficient and let us ride with reliability and comfort in moguls. As the snowmobile is light and the chassis is very rigid, the vehicle is very stable. In very sporty riding, ergonomics of the Gen4 REV chassis let us move and bend in curves as any other snowmobile of previous years can do.
Ergo-Step panels
For the future, an interesting improvement would be the addition of storage space at rear of the seat, like we see on some models with REV-XS chassis. Presently, this can be corrected by adding optional LinQ bags or cases. The addition of a riser block/seat bag would be perfect for fans of travels or long-distance rides.
Am I satisfied until now with my riding experience of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC? Absolutely yes! This is the Ski-Doo most efficient and pleasant to ride snowmobile I ever piloted. I had so much fun riding it that I really feel 10 year younger. This fun factor has definitely been increased by the introduction of this new model and I wish you to have the chance, you too, to try the Gen4 REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine.
Our test pilot and the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC
Here is another interesting element… In the past, I was very attracted by 4-TEC type of engine. With this long-term trial, I can really see the advantages and the fun to ride the E-TEC models. I think I am going to have a hard time to change for anything else but a 850 E-TEC in the future… The lightness of the E-TEC models makes quite a difference for me, mostly on rough trails. Such a model requires less physical effort than models with more important dry weight.
When I write this article, we are in the 3rd week of January and I still have a lot of snowmobiling to do before the end of the season. I intend to take advantage of each ride to experiment even more all the technical characteristics offered by the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC in different trail conditions. I can’t wait for my next ride! I also appreciate the chance to be able to test various accessories available for the Gen4 REV chassis. They definitely improve the overall riding experience of this snowmobile.
The 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC offers an incredible riding experience
I also invite you to watch the video of our first impressions within the long-term trial of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC.
Finally, I would like to thank our partner Riendeau Sports for the snowmobile we use in this long-term trial. By the way, you can visit them to see all the 2017 Ski-Doo innovations and other BRP products. I am also grateful to BRP and Qualipièces for the accessories used on the snowmobile for this long-term trial.
