This season, thanks to the collaboration of BRP dealer Les Motoneiges Géro in St-Jean-de-Matha, I have the opportunity to test drive the 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo. It’s a high-performance hybrid model that has been specially designed to provide a superior driving experience, especially in terms of suspension. At the time of writing, I already have more than 1,700 kilometres on the speedometer, and it is with great pleasure that I share with you my first impressions.
The Ski-Doo Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo, a true performance snowmobile to the delight of our test rider.
Expanded REV GEN4 Chassis Design
Our trial snowmobile is equipped with the REV GEN4 chassis with an enlarged design. It has the same advanced ergonomic features such as a narrow seat, bevelled tunnel and Ergo-Step panels. These elements allow the driver to move smoothly on the snowmobile and to adopt a very sporty driving style. The X model has a 4-position tilting handlebar that enables the rider to select the ideal riding position for the type of ride he or she wishes to make. The expanded design version further enhances the vehicle’s wind protection while maintaining a performance look. The windshield is low, which offers a sporty look. It is possible to have an optional windshield that is slightly higher for better protection. Again, this year, I’m impressed with the design of the snowmobile, especially the presence of the snowmobile’s front grill, showing all the muscle of the 900 ACE Turbo version. Personally, I really like this chassis for the comfort and driving flexibility it provides. In my opinion, this snowmobile is genuinely superb and undeniably turns heads on trails.
The expanded REV GEN4 chassis design offers superior wind protection.
Rotax 900 ACE Turbo Engine
Once again this year, I am impressed with the performance of the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo engine. This engine is so smooth, efficient and linear under acceleration that I regularly compare it to an electric motor. Torque is excellent at all RPM levels, and the power range is very linear. This engine offers 150 HP, a level of power that is much sought-after by snowmobilers who are both performance and touring enthusiasts. It is also economical in terms of fuel consumption. An essential element to note is the ultra-fast throttle response. In this second year of testing with this engine, I can mention that I use it almost exclusively in standard mode with the throttle. The reason is quite simple; its calibration offers performance that’s optimized for trail riding, i.e. lively accelerations, but with a level of response that’s predictable. It’s also true that the magic happens in sport mode with a much quicker acceleration. It’s ideal for an adrenaline rush. However, on a trail with tight bends, my preference is for the standard mode. ECO mode is also available and does an excellent job of optimizing fuel consumption.
The performance and smoothness of the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo engine are truly remarkable and ideal for long rides and trips.
Suspension
One of the main reasons snowmobilers buy the Renegade X version is because of the performance characteristics of the suspension. At the front is a RAS 3 suspension with HPG PLUS shock absorbers. The central shock absorber is also an HPG PLUS coupled to a 137-inch rMotion. The big difference with the X version is the presence of a KYB PRO 36 shock absorber at the rear. Although the HPG PLUS shocks are well calibrated for the trail, the rear shock absorber significantly improves the performance of the snowmobile under challenging conditions. In addition to its high performance, it has a wheel to adjust the rebound, which is sure to please those who love to make fine adjustments. In my trial so far, it’s obvious that the real fun starts when the trail gets difficult.
The rMotion suspension with KYB PRO 36 rear shock absorber is synonymous with performance.
Pilot R Skis
During the preparation of our long-term trial snowmobile, our partner Les Motoneiges Géro suggested that we install the Pilot R skis as an option following many positive comments from the store’s customers. It is therefore with great pleasure that we have accepted this as part of the long-term trial. First of all, Pilot R skis are specifically designed for use in Snowcross races. They are very wide skis and also their profile is very aggressive. So far, I have tried different trail and snow conditions. First of all, these skis require an increased effort to turn due to their aggressiveness. It is most noticeable on very hard surfaces or with little snow. It is crucial to have a good suspension setup to limit the pressure on the skis. When the snowmobile is adjusted correctly, it’s evident that the Pilot R enhances the snowmobile riding experience, and drifting is quite low. In fact, on a recent trip I took, I was able to really appreciate these skis the day after a storm for their performance in loose snow and their flotation. Pilot R skis are an accessory to consider if you want to improve the performance of your Ski-Doo snowmobile.
Pilot R skis improve the overall performance of your Ski-Doo snowmobile.
Miscellaneous Equipment
The other important element on our test snowmobile is the presence of the ICE RIPPER XT track. With a length of 137 inches and 1.25-inch spikes, it is equipped with spikes that are pre-moulded into the track. These allow the snowmobile to have a much better grip on icy surfaces, in bends, when braking and accelerating. As far as I’m concerned, with all the rain and marginal trail conditions that are sometimes encountered on trails, this is a must for all trail riders. I also appreciate the new 7.2-inch digital dial that provides excellent visibility of operating parameters. Its evening display is also excellent for viewing essential information while riding.
Another very cool thing about our snowmobile is the fact that we have two positions of LinQ accessories on the back of the snowmobile. It allows me to use large LinQ bags or other combinations with the auxiliary fuel tank. Very handy for trips or video reports that we make during a season.
The ICE Ripper XT 1.25 inch track is really ideal for Quebec trails.
Points to Improve
So far, I have really been enjoying my test drive, and the Renegade X is an ideal model for my type of driving. However, I do have two suggestions for the Ski-Doo team to enhance the overall experience with this model further. The first element is the calibration of the fuel tank sensor. When on trips, we are often called upon to travel great distances without refuelling. I have noticed this season that the low-level light comes on relatively quickly, even though there is still about a third of the fuel tank available. There is an element of security in this programming, but, in my opinion, it could be more linear. The second element is concerning lighting. Since all lighting accessories such as auxiliary or long-range headlights are LED, it would be interesting to have standard bulbs for the lights as well. It would be an excellent addition to improve the basic lighting and standardize it with the addition of auxiliary or long-range headlights.
Overall Driving Experience
I have really been enjoying my driving experience so far with the Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo since the beginning of the season. It’s definitely a performance snowmobile that’s ideal for trail riding. The 900 ACE Turbo engine is awe-inspiring, both for its brisk acceleration and smooth ride. All of the features of the Renegade X make it an ideal snowmobile for active riders, as well as for travel with the two LinQ attachment positions.
Having driven Ski-Doo snowmobiles equipped with the GEN4 chassis and 850 E-TEC engine over the past few years, the big difference for me is how the snowmobile handles on very bumpy trails. It’s clear that the extra weight of the snowmobile, by the presence of a 4-stroke engine, makes a slight difference in handling on challenging trails. Models with the E-TEC version were more likely to fly over bumps at good speeds. The extra weight makes you feel the action a little more, but the snowmobile is really capable of negotiating these types of conditions.
This season, I have also had interactions with snowmobilers who still have doubts about the added value of the 900 ACE Turbo engine and GEN4 chassis versus their venerable 1200 4-TEC. For this element, I can tell you that it is a significant improvement in terms of driving experience. In addition to having all the benefits of the advanced ergonomics offered by the GEN4 chassis, the 900 ACE Turbo engine is better in every category than its predecessor. It’s really best to give it a try. Personally, I love this combination, and I’m really looking forward to racking up more kilometres to test the snowmobile’s features even more.
To learn more about our first impressions of the 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo, I invite you to watch our video made for this purpose at the following link: https://youtu.be/uh5vpbFGaCk.
In closing, I would like to thank Les Motoneiges Géro, a BRP dealer in St-Jean-de-Matha, for making this snowmobile part of this long-term trial. I invite you to go and meet the Géro team in the store to see what’s new at Ski-Doo and Can-Am off-road. Follow us throughout the season to find out more and read our final review at the end of the season.
