Last winter, when Ski-Doo Marketing Team introduced for the very first time the 4th generation of the REV chassis, combined with the brand new 850 E-TEC engine, I have known right away that I would come back to a 2-stroke model for the next season and this, after 8 wonderful years piloting 1200 4-TEC models. In fact, who would not want to try the Ski-Doo most powerful production snowmobile ever created?
MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC – Present at the introduction of the 2017 models
Just like many of you, I was thrilled to be able to test within a long-term trial, the result of many years of innovations, and the result of the combined development of a new chassis and engine. Among the available models with this combination, I chose the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC, since it is a production model very popular among snowmobilers and according to its characteristics on paper, it is very efficient on trail. So, it is with great pleasure that I present to you my pre-ride analysis.
2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC – Long-term trial in collaboration with Riendeau Sports
Chassis
The new Gen4 REV chassis is not only an esthetic evolution of the previous edition, but a drastic modification in matter of design and riding ergonomics. In fact, this new chassis represents the Ski-Doo most important evolution since the introduction of the first REV chassis in 2003. In front of it, we have a cast aluminum suspension unit that makes the pyramid-shaped chassis extremely rigid. The heat exchanger of the snowmobile has also been modified significantly and is now an integral part of the snowmobile platform. New Ergo-Step side panels now help the pilot to slide and offer extreme-forward position in aggressive cornering.
Ergo-Step panels – 2 Step Knee Pads
The upper tunnel and seat are also tapered, which reduces pressure of inner legs. Overall, the Gen4 REV chassis is narrower by 4 in./10,1 cm than its predecessor. With all these improvements, steering position is really more ergonomic and facilitates the pilot’s motion in sporty riding. Along with all these technical innovations, BRP designers succeeded to produce a very attractive snowmobile with a classical look, yet modern. We are also convinced that the new Gen4 REV chassis is only the first step towards other innovations and modifications to come during the next years on existing motorizations.
Ergonomics of the new Gen4 REV chassis
Motorization
Since it has been announced, the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine of 2nd generation really draws attention of lot of snowmobilers with its technical characteristics and because it is the most powerful engine in the Ski-Doo lineup. For the design of the 850 E-TEC engine, Rotax engineers had a very ambitious task : to create the first 2-stroke engine of the industry as reliable and long-lasting than a 4-stroke engine. To achieve this, they introduced in the design of the engine some technologies taken from the 4-stroke and diesel engines. For example, the 850 E-TEC engine is equipped with 3-piece forged crankshaft, aluminum pistons, steel segment holders and plasma cylinder coating. The diesel engine-inspired lubrification system lubricates directly and at the right moment, the bearings of the crankshaft and pistons rods. This in order to offer the best protection possible to the components for increased durability. The 850 E-TEC is also narrower than its predecessor, which allows the Gen4 REV chassis to have even more centralized masses.
Rotax 850 E-TEC new engine
Along with the addition of the 4-stroke and diesel technologies, the 850 E-TEC has improved E-TEC injectors that are even more efficient. The distance between the throttle body and the reed valves, along with the addition of the booster injectors, provides an even quicker response. The eRAVE exhaust valve system has also been improved. The engine power is transmitted to the track by the new pDrive drive clutch, introduced last year on race tracks. Finally, this engine develops 165 HP when leaving the factory, which is 10 more than the 800R E-TEC. As I have already run few kilometers with the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC, I know that the power of this engine is already very impressive, even during the running-in period. I can’t wait to ride many hundreds of kilometers to see its performance over various rides and to be able to present to you my first impressions.
Rear suspension and track
The rear suspension of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC is the rMotion of 129 in./327 cm that has been introduced last year in the 2016 Ski-Doo lineup. Coupled with a HPG Plus center shock with adjustment ring, you can adjust the pre-load as you wish. Last winter, I tested another MXZ, the Blizzard edition with the same shocks. I really appreciated the comfort they provided all season long and I am anxious to see how they will perform combined with the Gen4 REV chassis.
On the TNT model, the standard track is a RipSaw of 129x15x1.25 in./327x38x3 cm famous for its performance on trail. However, considering the variable and different conditions of trails in southern Québec, we replaced it by the factory pre-studded ICE Ripper XT track of the same size. We think that this type of track is required to provide much more safety and control during our rides when braking as well as when cornering. This type of track is also a very good alternative to the installation of deep-set studs as the Woody’s 286 Phantom Series studs. Special thanks to our partner Riendeau Sports for this addition on our long-term trial snowmobile.
ICE Ripper XT track by Camoplast
Front suspension and skis
The RAS 3 front suspension of the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC is another great Ski-Doo innovation for 2017. The geometry has been specially designed for optimal performance of the Gen4 REV chassis, offering a better control and 1 in./2,5 cm added suspension stroke in bumps. It is coupled with HPG Plus shocks with adjustment ring.
RAS 3 front suspension
Our trial model is equipped with the Pilot 5.7 skis, Ski-Doo standard skis since many years. For an even greater performance of our trial machine, we replaced the standard runners by Top Gold dual carbide runners of 6 in./15,2 cm from Qualipieces. This additional grip will surely help us to get the maximal control of our snowmobile in all conditions.
Features
Many standard features of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC are usually found on more high-end models. The most remarkable element is the LCD multi-function digital gauge packed with data. The standard features of this model include the engine temperature unit, the heated throttle lever, the heater grips, the electric start and the RER electronic reverse. It is also equipped with J-hook grab handles for easier sporty riding and with clear air deflectors.
View of the steering post of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC from the pilot seat
Accessories
SledMagazine.com team members are very happy that our partners Riendeau Sports and BRP packed our long-term trial snowmobile with so many optional features. All season long, we are going to test accessories specially designed to be used on the Gen4 REV platform. To improve our night vision, we installed an auxiliary headlight of 8 LEDs with wide pattern that provides 2 500 additional lumens.
Auxiliary LED light with wide pattern
To lock our feet better in turns, the trial snowmobile is equipped with lateral foot plates that will let us use our feet to push for a better control in aggressive cornering. Concerning the Ergo-Step side panels, we added the 2 Step Knee Pads made of rubber for more comfort and better grip in turns. Also, we are going to test the brand new 15-liter Stackable LinQ Fuel Caddy with the semi-rigid SR 21 L LinQ Tunnel Bag.
Stackable LinQ Fuel Caddy of 15 L and SR 21 L Tunnel Bag
Finally, for easier motion on pavement, like at gas stations, we added the RollerSki B-2000 system for Pilot 5.7 skis from Qualipieces. All these accessories will surely provide an important improvement to our riding experience. An article to be published later in season will report on these accessories.
Rollerski B-2000 for Pilot 5.7 skis
Main elements to evaluate during our long-term trial
Since this snowmobile is almost totally new in matter of design, there are many elements on which I am going to bring special attention all season long. Here are a few :
- Ergonomics and riding experience of the new Gen4 REV chassis.
- Overall performance of the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine.
- Fuel consumption and injector oil consumption.
- Performance of the front and rear suspensions.
- Steering precision.
- Use of the various controls.
- Integration and use of the accessories.
- Overall reliability and maintenance.
Jean-François Leclerc, our appointed pilot, and the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017
Video clip of our pre-ride analysis
To complete this article, we invite you to watch a video clip we produced last December about the pre-ride analysis of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC.
Finally, we invite you to visit us regularly on the la page spéciale des essais à long terme to read the latest news in this matter. Also, I would like to thank our partners Riendeau Sports, BRP dealer in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, for their precious collaboration within this long-term trial. Do not hesitate to go in store and see all the 2017 Ski-Doo innovations and other BRP products. We are also grateful to Qualipieces for the Top Gold dual carbide runners and the Rollerski designed for this new chassis.
