Over the past few years, Ski-Doo has introduced and/or improved several engines in both the 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Two years ago, all people were talking about was the new 850R E-TEC, and last year it was the 900 ACE Turbo that got all the attention. However, there is one engine that has gone under the radar in the snowmobile press: the Rotax 600R E-TEC.
That’s right! While it boasts impressive features and performance for its class, it has been somewhat overlooked. With this in mind, we decided to opt for a snowmobile powered by this engine when we made our choice last spring. As a platform, we wanted a trail snowmobile so we asked for a 2020 Renegade X 600R E-TEC for this trial. Let’s now look together at the main features of this model and what the objectives of our long-term trial will be.
Rotax 600R E-TEC Engine
Ski-Doo introduced this engine halfway through the 2018 season. It is the successor to the original 600 E-TEC that appeared in the Ski-Doo fleet in 2009. After nearly 10 years of loyal service, this engine needed to be revamped and that’s what the people at Rotax did. At first glance, with an increase of only 5 HP, one might be led to believe that this is insignificant, but the reality is quite different. In fact, the way the 600R E-TEC delivers its power leads us to believe that we’re in the presence of a more powerful engine than the previous version. The response time is 30 percent faster and there is more acceleration. During this test, we will be able to validate that this engine is appropriate for snowmobilers who take long rides in a riding mode ranging from touring to very sporty. Fuel and oil consumption will also be checked during our tests.
Rotax 600R E-TEC engine
REV Gen4 chassis
In 2020, the 4th generation REV chassis (Gen4) is in its fourth year of production. We all know its qualities and we’re not going to go into that again. However, what we want to test is the combination of this chassis with the 600R E-TEC engine. How the snowmobile behaves in turns, acceleration, on rough trails, etc.
4th generation REV chassis (Gen 4)
Rear Suspension
Once again, this is familiar territory, as the Renegade X is equipped with the time-tested rMotion 137 rear suspension. The shock absorbers are a combination of HPG Plus in the centre and KYB Pro 36 in the rear. The unit we have as a trial is equipped with quick adjustments located in the footboards that allow to quickly change the preload as well as the compression speed of the KYB 36.
Quick adjustment
Front Suspension
Upfront, there’s the RAS 3 suspension, which has accustomed us to predictable and precise driving. HPG Plus shock absorbers complete the package.
RAS 3 Front suspension
Track
We have opted for the Ice Ripper XT track, which is pre-studded. With the ups and downs of our winters, we often encounter icy trail conditions. This track will help us keep good traction when accelerating or braking, no matter what surface we drive on.
Ice Ripper XT Track
New Display Dials
Last spring, Ski-Doo introduced us to the new display dials. The Renegade X features a 7.2-inch digital display. As this new set is entirely digital, we will pay attention to its readability in every possible situation. Whether the sun is shining from the front, the back, or the side, the dials must be easily readable at all times. We will also test the readability of the information when the snowmobile is running or stopped. Finally, we will focus on the configuration of the dials and the data that can be displayed.
7.2-inch digital display
This is an overview of the key features of the Renegade X 600R E-TEC 2020. Of course, many other features will be part of our evaluation of this model during the season and we will share them with you in our next articles.
Sledmagazine’s 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade X 600R E-TEC
Speaking of season, it’s now time to get ready and set off to discover the trails on this snowmobile!
