For the model year 2023, Ski-Doo has released the REV Gen5 chassis for mountain and trails models. The REV Gen5 mountain chassis isn’t just a facelift. It comes with a full redesign including many upgrades. A more powerful two-stroke turbo with narrower side panels and running boards is just a couple of these. The new Gen5 platform is loaded with upgrades and innovations to improve the handling and performance on the snow as well as your riding experience. It’s lighter, narrower, more powerful and more refined. Ski-Doo didn’t just tweak a few things they redesigned the whole package.
Gen5 Summit X Expert Package Platform
The Gen5 Summit X Expert package was one of my favorite packages on the mountain while testing this winter. By shrink wrapping and integrating the clutch cover into the side panel and narrowing up the running boards, Ski-doo has narrowed up the total package by 3 inches. While riding the Gen5 platform, you can feel the narrowed platform and how these changes make for a more agile and controllable sled on the snow. For the model year 2022 Ski-Doo narrowed the A-arms and front end to get a 34” front end. Now, with the Gen5 they have also shrink wrapped the side panels to compliment the 34” front end and hold a sidehill better by having more clearance to the side panels from the edge of the skis.
Not only did Ski-Doo make the Gen5 narrower, they also made it lighter. The Gen5 weight reduction ranges from 7lbs in the 850 naturally aspirated (NA) 154” track length to 12lbs in the 850 E-Tec Turbo 165 & 175.Engine Package and Track Length 2022 Gen4 2023 Gen5 Weight Reduction
850 NA E-Tec 154 437lbs 430lbs 7lbs
850 NA E-Tec 165 446lbs 437lbs 9lbs
850 E-Tec Turbo 154 458lbs 449lbs 9lbs
850 E-Tec Turbo 165 468lbs 456lbs 12lbs
850 E-Tec Turbo 175 474lbs 462lbs 12lbs
The three main areas that provide the impressive weight savings on the 2023 Expert Package came from the redesign of the track, the rear suspension and overall Gen5 chassis engineering.
tMotion XT with rigid rear arm and PowderMax X-Light track with full rods
The Expert Package will be the only model for 2023 that has the tMotion XT locked rear arm and PowderMax X-Light track with full rods. With the tMotion XT, the rear arm is locked and coupled with the PowderMax X-Light track to better hold a steep technical sidehill without washing out and providing a higher level of feel to the terrain. With the extra rigidity, the rider will feel more precision and predictability. When riding this set up, it did take a little more input from the rider to get the sled to come up on edge but was quickly offset by a higher level of control, to more confidently hit technical lines, perfect for the expert rider wanting to push the limits.
tMotion X with the PowderMax Flex Edge Track
The tMotion X with the PowderMax Flex Edge track will be Ski-doo’s standard rear skid design and track set up for all of their mountain line except the Expert Package. This combination is no slouch and is a very capable rear skid and track combination.
850 E-TEC Turbo R 180HP
As if all the changes with the Gen5 platform weren’t enough, Ski-Doo has also raised the bar in the engine department. For the model year 2023, Ski-Doo has also pumped up the already powerful and capable turbo to a higher level. This year they have the 850 E-Tec Turbo R boosting an industry leading 180hp of two-stroke power and maintaining 180hp up to 8000ft of elevation. By increasing the horsepower, they have added 15hp from the previous year.
Optional for the model year 2023 is the new 10.25” full color touch screen display with BRP Connect. This beautiful, sleek tablet design has been seamlessly integrated into the top dash of the sled and surrounded by the new air intake system. The Ski-Doo engineers have done a great job designing a high resolution, clean, modern and appealing package. The display is Bluetooth and Wi-fi capable, allowing over-the-air software updates and seamless connectivity through your smartphone. The 10.25” display is not only stunning but easy to use and navigate. While testing the display, I left my gloves on and was able to easily navigate various screens and select items without any problems.
Modified Running Boards & Adjustable Brake Lever
For model year 23, the Summit X, Expert Package and Freeride have modified running boards with more openings to reduce snow and ice buildup. The Expert Package also has an adjustable brake lever.
The Expert Package will come with the new Pilot DS 4 skis with slightly more ski in front of the spindle and a deeper more aggressive keel for deep snow control.
Ski-Doo brought the big guns to the mountain segment for the model year 2023. They engineered, modified and improved almost every piece on the Expert Package Turbo. Collectively the modifications and improvements to the Gen5 Expert Package turbo are massive and make this sled one of the most capable and impressive sleds on the mountain.
Don’t delay! The limited Gen5 sleds will go fast, with the special Snow Check promotion season ending March 31st. Visit Ski-doo.com for more details and to find a dealer near you.
