Backcountry X 850 E-TEC Pre-ride Analysis

We are a few weeks away from the start of the new season. I can't wait to test my new ride for 2018, the Backcountry X 850 E-TEC, in collaboration with Mini Mécanik Sport in Rimouski.

Following the many positive comments in 2017 about the Gen 4 REV chassis and the new 850 E-TEC 2-stroke engine combination, I cannot wait to test the latest version of the Backcountry snowmobile. It has both of these new technologies as well as a redesigned rear suspension for better trail driving and enhanced pleasure in deep snow. This snowmobile can take on all kinds of situations. It is a 50/50 hybrid.

Motor

Already in its second year of production, the new 850 E-TEC 2-stroke engine is available on the 2018 Backcountry model. With 165 HP, thanks to an improved E-TEC injection system, this engine allows a recovery improvement of more than 30 %, compared to the 800R E-TEC from Ski-Doo.  Combined with a friction-free pDrive clutch, this will enable you to enjoy a super fast gear change. This engine was also designed to be durable, with 4-stroke diesel engine technologies, plasma coated cylinders and direct injection crankshaft bearings. Last year, I witnessed its power during my short-term tests on the Renegade X model. Seeing this engine in a hybrid snowmobile will undoubtedly make quite a difference. I am very excited to test it this season. 

Chassis

This snowmobile has the lighter new Gen 4 REV chassis which allows better mass centralization. This technology is now available on several of the 2018 Ski-Doo models including the new Backcountry. The chassis’ design allows incredible agility and response in turns and slaloms. The Ergo-Step side panels enable the pilot to move and bend forward more in curves during sporty driving. This chassis allows off-trail novices to control the snowmobile better and have a blast. With this new chassis, the Backcountry snowmobile promises to be more performing on trail and in deep snow.

Front Suspension

The Backcountry comes with a hybrid suspension similar in geometry and direction as the RAS 3 Mountain which enhances the machine’s abilities, enjoyment in curves and manageability on and off trail. With the 2 ski stance positions of 40.1" (102 cm) and 38.4" (97.5 cm), you can adjust your snowmobile to your driving style. I plan on starting with the wider stance, which is closer to the trail snowmobiles, to get used to this new hybrid snowmobile gradually. During the season, I will change to the narrower stance to enjoy the ease of manageability off trail.

Rear Suspension

New, this year on the Backcountry, is its rear 146” (371 cm) cMotion suspension, which is designed especially for hybrid snowmobiles. “C” stands for “Crossover” or Hybrid. It blends the best attributes from rMotion (technology and comfort) and tMotion (manageability). It allows for the perfect mix of confidence in turns, control in the bumps and ease in deep snow. Its curved rear rail allows for maximal speed to increase, reduce fuel consumption and take turns as if it were equipped with a shorter bridge. The rMotion and tMotion’s reputation, comfort and manageability are already known, now we need to see if the cMotion’s hybrid version will rise to the occasion on rugged trails and in the backcountry.

Specifications

The X version comes with high-quality KYB aluminum shocks, light handlebar commands designed for the mountain and racing-style brake pads. It is available in 2 high-end color schemes, Black or Octane Blue and Manta Green.  Upon purchase you can choose among 3 types of tracks: Cobra  146 x 15 x 1,6 inches (371 x 38.1 x 4.1 cm), PowderMax  146 x 16 x 2 inches (371 x 41 x 5.1 cm) or ICE Cobra 146 x 15 x 1,6 inches (371 x 38.1 x 4.1 cm). We chose the Blue Octane color scheme for our trial snowmobile, and it had Cobra tracks. 

Accessories

Ski-Doo offers a wide range of accessories for the new Gen 4 REV chassis. To increase the pleasure of driving, our partner Mini Mécanik Sport in collaboration with BRP, equipped the Backcountry X 850 E-TEC with several Ski-Doo accessories. We’ll test the pivoting mirrors for handguards, stackable 14.5L LinQ auxiliary fuel caddy, SR 21 LinQ tunnel bag and all the tunnel snow scrappers. All these accessories are available at your local Ski-Doo dealer, and they will be discussed in articles throughout the next season. Please feel free to check them out in the Trial section on the www.sledmagazine.com website.

A whole new passion has been ignited in me: off-trail riding! I believe this hybrid will allow me to mix on trail pleasure, something that I have been enjoying for several years, and discovering this new passion that will let me to explore kilometers of virgin ground.

It remains to be seen whether I’ll be up to the task of this hybrid snowmobile. Here are some points I would like to validate with you during the upcoming season:

• On-trail behavior
• On-trail ergonomics and comfort
• Off-trail behavior
• Off-trail ergonomics
• Control usage
• Fuel and oil consumption
• Reliability

I invite you to keep an eye out for my upcoming articles (first impressions, mid-season and end of season reviews) that will take stock of my expectations and will allow me to give my overall opinion on this long-term trial. I would like to thank our partner Mini Mécanik Sport in Rimouski for their collaboration in this long-term trial.

Here is to seeing you on the trails!