2018 Ski-Doo MXZ X 850 E-TEC – Pre-ride Analysis

Last season, I had the opportunity to try out the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC. The model included the two most important innovations of the Ski-Doo lineup: the 850 E-TEC engine and the Gen 4 REV chassis. After spending 8 wonderful years piloting 4-TEC models, I can say that I really enjoyed my experience, be it for the power, the lightness and the driving experience. For 2018, it made sense to continue testing these innovations with a more refined model with even more performance features. So, it is with immense pleasure that I will perform a long-term trial of the 2018 Ski-Doo MXZ X 850 E-TEC in collaboration with our partners for Riendeau Sports, the BRP dealer in St-Mathieu-de-Belœil.

Picking up the MXZ X 850 E-TEC at Riendeau Sports

Chassis

The Gen 4 REV chassis generated quite a sensation last season thanks to its advanced riding ergonomics. It gives the snowmobiler better mobility on the machine during sporty driving. This is possible due to the Ergo-Step panels that allow you to move forward and bend over in the curves. The fact that the upper tunnel and seat are tapered significantly reduces inner leg pressure. Also, the front of the footrests is open allowing the snowmobiler to turn his feet more naturally in bends. At a technical level, the Gen 4 REV chassis is 4’’ narrower than the REV-XS. The centre of gravity is positioned to have a 50/50 weight distribution, which makes manoeuvring much easier. All the technical characteristics allow the snowmobiler to push the boundaries and have an incredible driving experience. I am also convinced that Ski-Doo will extend the concept to other motorizations in the coming years, as done with the new 2018 MXZ X 600 RS E-TEC racing snowmobile. To follow!

The Gen 4 REV chassis is designed for sporty driving thanks to its advanced ergonomics

Motorization

Since its arrival on the market, the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine of 2nd generation really draws the attention of a lot of snowmobilers because of its powerful and technical features. With its 165 HP, it’s not only the most powerful engine in the Ski-Doo lineup but the most powerful 2-stroke engine in the industry. Rotax engineers had a very ambitious task when designing the 850 E-TEC engine: to create the first 2-stroke engine of the industry as reliable and long-lasting as 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. The 850 E-TEC engine is equipped with a 3-piece forged crankshaft, aluminum pistons, steel segment holders and plasma cylinder coating. The diesel engine-inspired lubrication system lubricates directly and at the right moment, the bearings of the crankshaft and pistons rods. This is to offer the best protection possible to the components for increased durability. The 2017 comments on this matter are undeniable; the 850 E-TEC meets expectations in regard to reliability. So, it’s very positive for the future of this motorization.

Along with these additional 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, 30% more than its predecessor. The eRAVE exhaust valve system has also been improved. All this engine power is transmitted to the track by the new pDrive drive clutch that doesn’t need any maintenance. The 850 E-TEC engine is very impressive when it comes to its operating cleanliness. It emits very little smoke. Its oil and petrol consumption is very reasonable considering its power. The 850 E-TEC is an excellent choice for snowmobilers that are looking for power, savings, cleanliness and the presence of newer 2-stoke engine technologies.

Rotax 850 E-TEC engine of 2nd generation

Rear Suspension and Track

The rear suspension of the 2017 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC is the rMotion of 129”. Coupled with an HPG Plus center shock with adjustment ring, you can adjust the preload as you wish. The rear shock absorber is of the KYB PRO 36 type, and it allows bumps to be absorbed easier on hard trails. Our MXZ X has the ‘adjustments’ option which includes the rapid valve adjustment systems at the rear of the tunnel.  This allows the rear suspension preload as well as the rear shock absorber kickback to be quickly adjusted.

MXZ X rMotion suspension

During the 2018 spring fever, the MXZ X 850 E-TEC came with 3 track options: Ripsaw 1.25, ICE Ripper XT 1.25 and ICE Cobra 1.6. Our trial snowmobile is equipped with the ICE Ripper XT because it is a track that is better adapted for the kind of snowmobiling done in Southern Quebec. Having pre-cast spikes on the track significantly increase the snowmobile’s safety when driving on icy surfaces and in bends. In my opinion, this is a ‘must’ with our winters that are more and more difficult and conditions that are often ambiguous here in Southern Quebec.

1.25 ICE Ripper XT track

Front Suspension and Track

The 2018 MXZ X 850 E-TEC is equipped with a RAS 3 front suspension offering 1 additional inch of suspension stroke than the previous version. This allows for better control and a superior driving ability in bumpy trails.  It is coupled with HPG Plus shocks with adjustment ring allowing you to adjust the preload as you wish.

 RAS 3 suspension with HPG Plus shocks

Because our snowmobile is equipped with the ‘Adjustments’ option, it has the famous Pilot TS skis which allow you to adjust the height of the ski-bite according to trail conditions and your riding style. This is a clear benefit to having a snowmobile that performs flawlessly no matter the snow conditions. Another essential feature of the MXZ X 850 E-TEC is that is equipped with two swivels which significantly increase the driving accuracy.

Pilot TS Ski with adjustable ski-bite

Features

The 2018 MXZ X 850 E-TEC has many features that are usually found on high-end Ski-Doo models.  One special feature is that it has reclining handlebars that can be set to 4 different positions. This allows you to adjust the handlebar position to your liking, be it toward the front for sporty driving or to the back for a relaxing ride.  In addition, the MXZ X 850 E-TEC has a multifunctional LCD digital gauge packed with data. This model includes an engine temperature unit, a heated throttle lever and grips, electric start as well as RER electronic reverse. It is also equipped with J-hook grab handles for easier sporty riding and with clear air deflectors. As mentioned previously, our trial model also included the ‘Adjustments’ option.

Reclining Handlebars 4 positions of the 2018 MXZ X 850 E-TEC

Accessories

Last season, I had the opportunity to test accessories specially designed to be used on the Gen 4 REV. This year, I continue to examine the LinQ accessories I started last year with the 15L Fuel Caddy and the SR-21 Bag. A new thing I’ll be checking this year, thanks to the special collaboration of BRP Ski-Doo, is the Trail LinQ Seat Bags and the LinQ Combo Bag. Two beautiful new things I can’t wait to try out during a snowmobile trip. This meets the very needed storage space of the Gen 4 REV chassis.

Main Elements to Evaluate During our Long-term Trial

Since the models equipped with the Gen 4 REV chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine are in their second year of production, there are a few elements I want to highlight:

• Vehicle improvement or general performance gain
• Comparison of the X version toward the TNT option
• Ergonomics and riding experience of the new Gen4 REV chassis
• 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 LinQ accessories
• Belt life
• Overall reliability and maintenance

Jean-François Leclerc, our appointed test pilot, and the 2018 MXZ X 850 E-TEC

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 2018 MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC. 

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I would like to thank our partners Riendeau Sports Riendeau Sports, a BRP dealer in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, for their precious collaboration within this long-term trial. I am proud to be partnered with Rindeau Sports for the 2nd year in a row for a long-term Ski-Doo snowmobile trial. We invite you to go to the shop to meet the team in person and see all the new 2018 Ski-Doo and other BRP products. You can also visit their website by clicking on the logo below. I would also like to thank BRP for the lend of new LinQ accessories that I will have the chance to try out this winter. Here’s to seeing you on the trails this winter!