We already rode more than 1 000 km on our new Ski-Doo Renegade X equipped with the powerful Rotax 800R engine and its E-TEC direct injection technology. Even if some qualities of our sled have been quickly proven, our first impressions are not reflecting a precise analysis of the snowmobile but rather our feelings right at the first kilometers.
We must keep in mind that the Renegade has not been used in various conditions yet, so the results may vary in accordance with the trail and weather conditions. The first tests were conducted from mild temperatures to -30 °C. At that time, we had perfect snow conditions like usual on the Monts Valin, north of Saguenay, and the trails were just incredible !
Columnist Marc Thibeault testing Ski-Doo Renegade X E-TEC 800 R
My first thought after a few hundreds of kilometers may seem exaggerated, but here it is : Do we still need 121 in. snowmobiles in 2013, mostly after riding a Renegade ? Its 16 X 1,25 X 137 in. RipSaw track provides to the Renegade almost the same agility than a 121 in. , adding the comfort and flotation of the crossover category. It is really outstanding how quickly we get acquainted with this snowmobile; every pilot who tested it immediately felt safe on it. Its extraordinary handiness and agility let us stay in complete control in all the situations we have met. So, our question is justified.
The other remarkable feature of this snowmobile is the capability of the rMotion suspension. We only need to adjust the rear spring tension in accordance with the weight and we quickly find the perfect adjustment for a comfortable ride. No need to be expert in suspension to appreciate its qualities.
The comfort range is easy to find and combined with the special X seat, the Renegade becomes a great touring-performance machine with all the qualities desired by long-ride fans. The X edition offers shocks with sharper rebound damping adjustments. Honestly, most of the riders may not give it any attention because this snowmobile offers great performances as delivered. Maybe our opinion will be reviewed as the season goes on with possible tougher trail and weather conditions.
Since a few years, Ski-Doo people paid a lot of attention to many details on their snowmobiles and it produced positive results on the Renegade. The gauge has often been forgotten by others; on the Renegade, it is functional and successfully designed. The multi-function dials are easy to operate and the electric controls are sharply styled. The ergonomic design makes the functions operation easy and safer while riding.
Furthermore, the addition of a warm glove box above the gauge seems at first to be a smart idea… simple, but efficient. The position of the pilot also offers a very enjoyable riding experience, still comfortable with the new XS chassis. Be cafeful, however : on the X series, the lower part of the body is very well protected by the new design of the hood but the upper part is much more exposed, mostly under colder temperatures. It’s the price to paid for aggressive X look. Snowmobilers who often ride in northern regions must buy a taller windshield.
Ski-Doo Renegade X E-TEC 800 R
Finally, the E-TEC 800R engine delivers the performance we expected ; it is still smooth at lower speed but very powerful when we push the accelerator. Combined with the traction of the 137 in. RipSaw track, the power of the Renegade seemed at first very impressive in the different conditions we have met. Power and control in any situation, this is so exciting. We feel in control with the handling of the Renegade, even if we experience understeering sometimes.
However, this Renegade requires a little more effort from our arms, even if the belt location at front of the track were suppose to makes the front end lighter. Also, the Pilot 5.7 skis tend to produce some darting on harden surfaces, but this is not a major problem. These minor inconvenients should be adjusted during our next rides.
In summary, the Ski-Doo Renegade X E-TEC 800R seems to offer great performances as a trail-performance snowmobile and we expect wonderful adventures for the upcoming rides of the season. Of course, we enjoyed nice surprises very soon in the season, but we must ride in various trail conditions to really discover a machine. I have already been so impressed by the capability of the Renegade X that I could review my standards regarding trail-performance snowmobiles.
