It is with great enthusiasm that I have begun my 2021 snowmobile season… Not much choice, given the level of snow at the beginning of the season. I had been waiting for a long time to get back to the mountains. Plus, I was looking forward to trying Backcountry Sport.
I was just as enthusiastic about the engine that revolutionized the entry-level market last spring: the 600 EFI. In front of me stands an affordable, full-size frame with many of the features of the more expensive snowmobile series. So how does this beast behave?
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It lets itself be guided like a charm; the driving of the BC is very intuitive. For Gen4 regulars: it feels like returning home after a long trip; we soon find our bearings. It surprised me … it is very maneuverable both on the trail and in the snow. It is light and floats surprisingly well on snow. Despite its 1.6 inch lugs, it rides very well in deep snow. When it comes to power, we’re a long way from the 850 E-TECs that would lift the skis every time. However, this is more than enough to gain momentum and lift the snowmobile out of the snow. With BC sport, you get back to the basics: a feeling of freedom, fun and the possibility to live adventures.
I started my 2021 season on this snowmobile with ease: I even managed a few maneuvers that were more complicated for me in the past. Initiating sidehill maneuvers is very smooth on this snowmobile. Due to its lightweight and shorter track, it requires little effort to put the machine on its side. And keeping it in this position requires little energy, apart from a few corrections on the handlebars. Turns are easy and smooth.
In terms of buoyancy, it is light and has a relatively large footprint in the snow. This makes the machine like to stay on the surface, at least in the snow conditions I received at the beginning of the season. In addition, the 1.6-inch track does not have a tendency to dig too much; it allows you to float. However, on the ascent, it is possible to lack traction. “When in doubt, full-throttle” applies in these situations.
It was a very positive first contact. The machine behaves beyond my expectations and I can go ahead and say that I will undoubtedly have a very good winter.
As usual, over the next few weeks, I will be doing suspension testing on the vehicle. I will bring you some configuration leads according to my discoveries. For the moment, the snowmobile had the following configuration: Ski = 40 inches, front suspension = first notch, stop strap = 3rd hole, center rear suspension spring = first notch and rear spring = position 1. In short, the machine is adjusted so as not to push too much on its frame while allowing the transfer with the rear spring. For my next outings, I will make several modifications to improve the behavior of this machine in the mountains.
Finally, although affordable, this snowmobile has all the essentials to have a good time in the snow. I am happy to try it out for the winter. Thanks to Mini Mécanik of Rimouski for offering me this opportunity. I invite you to follow us to read my season report on the Ski-Doo Backcountry Sport.
