For the winter of 2019, I had the chance to do a long-term test of the 2019 Ski-Doo Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo provided by our partner Les Motoneiges Géro, a BRP dealer located in St-Jean de Matha. In my article and video on my first impressions, I informed you that I was pleasantly surprised by the performance and output of this snowmobile.
I can now tell you that it is one hell of a snowmobile; it is exhilarating to drive and is extremely comfortable.
So, here is my final review of the 2019 Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo.
We have had a winter with many upheavals, from Arctic cold to mild temperatures, from snow to freezing rain. It is safe to say that I had ideal conditions to analyze and try this snowmobile properly.
It is available with a choice of 3 engines: 600R-ETEC, 900 ACE and 900 ACE Turbo; I tested the latter.
Mainly trail enthusiasts that love comfort and/or want to go out on long rides know the Grand Touring, but with the Limited 900 ACE Turbo model, we can also add a clientele who is looking for performance.
ITC Intelligent Accelerator and 900 ACE Turbo Engine
The wireless electronic accelerator called ITC (Intelligent Throttle Control) allows us to use the 3 driving modes and you can also rotate it to make it more comfortable.
To come back to the driving modes, we have:
- Sport mode: this mode supplies the full power of the engine. The snowmobile is a lot more nervous, and recoveries are done without hesitation. One must, however, be wary with this mode because the slightest pressure on the accelerator provides an instant response; this means you can be taken by surprise when accidentally pressing it, which can occur when trails are pretty damaged. It is a very captivating mode and given that we don’t have to apply a lot of pressure on the accelerator, our thumb does not get fatigued.
- Standard mode: accelerations are more linear yet very bold. You will not be surprised when involuntarily pressing the accelerator. This mode will be greatly appreciated in bumpy and winding trails. Most snowmobilers will use this mode.
- Eco mode: reduces fuel consumption and performance of the snowmobile. I was surprised by the performance of this mode, and the accelerations are more than respectable; peak speed was high enough to follow the other snowmobilers who drove in standard or sport mode all while offering a good economy on fuel.
On the fuel consumption side, I used the 3 modes for good distances, in different trail conditions, at varying speeds and I noticed that my consumption was within normal ranges:
- 6.0 and 6.5 kilometres per litre for sport mode
- 6.5 and 7.5 for standard mode
- 7.5 and 8.5 for the Eco mode
Regarding the engine, it always started, no matter the temperature and without any hesitation. It also never overheated. It has a very pleasant sound, which clearly is a plus because this snowmobile comes equipped with the SilentDrive system that significantly reduces all noise associated with the track in addition to decreasing vibration. When driving, we can hear the sound of the engine and the wind hitting us. It would be interesting to be able to get this system on more models.
Transmission, Silencer and Traction
The 2019 Grand Touring Limited 900 ACE Turbo comes with the pDrive transmission, and the engine is well calibrated with this transmission.
The silencer does an excellent job, and as I mentioned earlier, the sound is really pleasant to hear and not disruptive to the environment.
The snowmobile comes with a 137 X 15 X1.25 Silent Trak II system. You can also have it as a 137x15x1.25 Ice Ripper Silent Trak II, and with the winters that we have, this could be a good choice.
Comfort and Suspension
Given that the Grand Touring Limited is now on the expanded REV GEN 4 chassis design, there is a noticeable difference in the driving position compared to the older models. The seating position is a little higher and closer to the front allowing us to be a lot more comfortable on the snowmobile. It also recovers a lot quicker to absorb the imperfections of the trail.
The front RAS 3 suspension, rear rMotion suspension, ACS system and the very soft seat make it a very comfortable snowmobile. Also, the driver and passenger seats are heated; and you can really feel the heat. I found it very useful this winter with the cold we endured. The rear backrest supports the back of the passenger very well, but I would have liked to be able to adjust it and remove it easily, as it was possible with the older models. The backrest is fixed in place, and we need to remove 6 screws if we want to drive without the backrest and armrests.
Protection
When it comes to wind protection, the Grand Touring Limited’s REV Gen chassis is equipped with deflectors that do a great job. Our partner Les Motoneiges Géro had also installed an adjustable medium to high windshield, which was much appreciated. In cold temperatures, I put it up and was very comfortable; when I drove in powdery snow, I could put it down to minimize the twirling effects of the snow resulting in accumulation all over the dashboard.
Switches and Mirrors
The snowmobile’s operating switches are well positioned. The handle buttons and heat-ed thumb are easy to access, and you can see the temperature level at which they are set via the digital dashboard. To adjust the suspension, you need to slightly move your hand upward to reach the button located on the top of the handle, which activates the adjustment and then you can make the changes with the button of the heated grips. They are backlit, which I appreciated when driving at night because I did not have to look for the switches and could remain focused on my driving.
For the rear-view mirrors, I have nothing to say really. They are securely attached to the deck plates on each side of the windshield, do not vibrate, offer an excellent view of either side of the snowmobile, are adjustable and can even fold away.
Switches and adjustable mirrors
Pilot SL Skis
These skis make the driving most enjoyable, with only minimal wandering, if any. The traction is good on hard or icy trails, but in powdery snow, there was some understeer. If the suspension is well adjusted, this can be decreased, but it does not disappear. In a lot of powdery snow, I increased the pressure on the skis and the air shock absorber beforehand. As a result, there was a little more weight transferred to the front, and it decreased the understeer.
Front Headlights
It is very easy to adjust the angle of the light beam of the front headlights. You only have to open the luggage compartment above the dashboard. However, unlike last year, where you could adjust it via a joystick, this year you must use a tool. It is convenient to be able to adjust the angle of the light beam because the positioning of the snowmobile will change according to the height that you adjust your air shock absorber.
By experience, we knew that the headlight lighting was insufficient. It lacked brightness. BRP and Les Motoneiges Géro installed the LED auxiliary light kit, and I noticed a significant difference.
Brightness with the headlights in the high position 
Brightness with the headlights in the high position and LED auxiliary light kit
Accessories
Our partner, Les Motoneiges Géro, had also installed tunnel snow scrapers with replaceable nozzles. They are very powerful, and with the winter that we had, I used them on several occasions. I consider them as essential on a snowmobile.
Another accessory, which is standard on the Grand Touring Limited, is the 62 L LinQ storage box. All my belongings during rides and trips fit in this box, and it all stayed dry despite the rain and snowstorms that I encountered.
LinQ storage box
Finally, Les Motoneiges Géro installed Rollerskis from the company Qualipièce. I strongly recommend this accessory. They are so simple to use and are well built. There was no stress on the skis and it had better control on paving as if we were driving a motor vehicle. We were not pushing the snowmobile anymore and were at the same time sparing our smooth carbide.
Suggestions
This test has allowed me to see that the 2019 Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo proves to be one hell of a trail snowmobile, is super comfortable, efficient and most pleasant to drive.
Below, you will find my suggestions to make it even more interesting:
- As I often ride in remote areas, I think it would be an asset to be able to rely on more fuel. The tank has a capacity of 36 L, and currently, there is no way to install a LinQ fuel canister with the storage box.
- With the winters that are more and more strange, we should have the choice between purchasing the 2 Silent Track II tracks be it the Ice Riper or without Spike.
- It would be nice for us to be offered the choice between the Pilot SL skis and Pilot TS skis.
- The ability to remove the rear backrest and armrests without the use of tools.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Sophie Farrier and Pierre Généreux, owners of Les Motoneiges Géro, a BRP dealer in St-Jean de Matha, for the loan of this snowmobile and their collaboration throughout this long-term test.
