As a member of Team SledMagazine.com, I had the chance to test many 2017 snowmobile models. This season, I put the 2017 BRP Renegade X 850 E-TEC to the test. This Spring Only X model is equipped with the new bicylinder 2-stroke 850 E-TEC Rotax engine that delivers about 165 HP, with the new Gen4 REV platform, with a low windshield, with Pilot TS skis, with an adjustable handlebar and quick adjustments on running boards. After over 1 200 kilometers on this machine, I can now share with you my impressions.
As soon as I started piloting this snowmobile, I felt in total control and at ease. It is a very intuitive machine, even beginners will feel in control. This snowmobile has been designed in consideration of the rider’s position and riding fun.
I noticed its lightness and power.The instant response of the new engine is mostly due to its design, 30 % more powerful than the 800R engine, and due to the new pDrive clutch with dual rollers. Despite its power, the fuel consumption is reasonable, about 14 liters per 100 km or 20 MPG. So, it is less thirsty than the 4-stroke 1200cc engine. The oil consumption is about 2 liters per 500 km, which allows you to ride a few days before filling up with oil. When the engine is warming up and when it runs at low speed, I noticed some vibration. But this is not felt once we are riding. In extreme cold, icing under the tunnel increases the feel of vibration under our feet, but this is the same situation on many other snowmobiles on the market.
New 850 E-TEC engine
The quick-adjust handlebar with 4 settings can be adjusted in accordance with the type of riding we choose. Most of the time, I prefer setting #2, forwarded handlebar, for a better control in turns. Add to this the Ergo-Step side panels and the tapered seat that let us move our body and knee on the same side of the turn in aggressive riding. Being thinner, I thought that the seat would not be comfortable, but this is not true. I could see it during a long ride of over 400 km in very bumpy conditions.
The model used for this test was equipped with a RipSaw Ice track of 348,7 X 3 cm / 137 in. X 1.25 in. This is almost essential to keep a better control on icy trails. The standard Pilot TS skis on this model let you adjust the runner in 20 different settings, outer runner for soft snow conditions and withdrawn runner for hardened snow conditions. It takes only a few seconds to adjust the skis, 1 or 2 rotations of the knob on the skis and it is quickly done during a halt to admire the view. At the same time, it will improve the steering. Once you get the reflex to adjust your skis during your rides, you will not be able to ride without this feature.
Quick adjustment on running boards
Thanks to the rMotion rear suspension and the RAS 3 front suspension, the machine is very comfortable in bumps and on much frequented trails. The more centralized riding position also helps absorbing bumps with our knees and legs.
The numerous intensity levels of the hand and thumb warmers let you find the ideal temperature for your hands all while riding. Everything is at your finger tips, it is very ergonomic. The buttons are even backlited for a better vision at night. Just after a few hundred kilometers on this machine, you will not need to look at the commands anymore. The halogen headlight gives good lighting at night but I would have preferred a white LED lighting that makes all the difference at night, because personally, I prefer evening rides.
This orange model could displease the Ski-Doo purist fans because they think that a real Ski-Doo is yellow/black. But the white/orange combination provides an attractive look for fans of design. The white tunnel will keep busy the riders obsessed with cleanliness because traces of boots and non-consumption of oil stain the chassis. Just clean regularly with a good stuff like Daki product and a microfiber clothe.
There was no accessory on the model used for this test, but BRP offers a wide variety of LinQ accessories for the new BRP generation of chassis. The standard glove box is large enough to store few essential items for our rides.
I would like to thank SledMagazine.com, our partner BRP and Jean Morneau, BRP dealer in Rivière-du-Loup, for this short-term trial of the 2017 Renegade X 850 E-TEC.
