First impressions: The Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 2018
It’s now the beginning of 2018 and the Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 2018 running-in is finally over. I am now able to give you my first impressions of my long term test drive thanks to the collaboration of Mini Mécanick Sport and SledMagazine.com.
Last year, I had the opportunity, on several occasions, to test the REV Gen4 platform and the 850 E-TEC engine combination on the Renegade X 2017. I was impressed by the power of the new 850 E-TEC engine and the pDrive clutch. I can now tell you that this year I still have the same opinion. Driving this machine is like driving a Formula 1 or a motocross, it's really fun. Being more of a trail enthusiast, I had doubts that this machine was not designed for my needs. With a 146-inch (371 cm) track and 1.6-inch (4.1 cm) studs, I thought the length and height would be a handicap on a hard trail, but so far I can tell you I was wrong!
The narrower width of this machine made me doubt its trail capacity, as it is 2 inches (2.5 cm) narrower. It is certain that this machine can't drive like a larger snowmobile, you have to work a little more and you have to look out for curves, skates tend to lift. By positioning the knee on the outer ERGO-STEP panel on the side of the curve, it gives you a better control in curves.
The new C-Motion suspension is a combination of R-motion and T-Motion. This new design gives you the best of both worlds: sharper trail comfort and impressive flotation capacity. It is not worrying to go off the beaten path where it is permitted. The engine power, the RAS-3 front suspension design, the narrow skis and the new C-Motion, all together makes the snowmobile easy to lift out of deep snow.
The position of the switch, that looked more like mountain snowmobiles type, made me perplexed. During my first rides, I was looking for the controls, but the reflex begins now to be there. The most annoying thing is that you have to let go of the handlebars to change the intensity of lights, handles, and heated thumbs. The large switches are easily accessible with gloves, but it would have been interesting if they were backlit though.
Mountain type handlebars for better positioning
Having no switch over the handlebars allows a better positioning of the hands when riding sporty and off-trail. Having the handles and heated thumbs on a single switch were worrying me, will I be too hot on the thumbs compared to the hands? So far, with the cold temperatures we've had, it’s enough. The standard handguards on the X version help protect against wind. Calibration of the heat of the thumbs with the hands is very well balanced.
The type of gauge chosen did not impress me, especially on the X model. The information available is very simplistic. Was it to reduce the weight or the cost that the manufacturer chose this type of gauge, who knows? In spite of all this, the model has a temperature gauge which is important for a 2-stroke machine. The only downside is that you will have to choose to make either the temperature reading or your fuel level reading. To change it, you will need to press the "S" button for a few seconds while you are on the total mileage of the snowmobile.
During the running-in period of the Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 2018, I averaged 19.25 miles per gallon. It's still great for a snowmobile of this power. I can't wait to see if his consumption will improve by the end of the season.
The accessories included in our long term test machine are provided by our partner Mini Mécanik Sport.
The 14-liter fuel caddie adds extra safety in the event of a fuel failure and gives a safety of about 100 km. This is very practical when riding at night and in places where you can’t find gas. The storage bags can be used to store emergency kit, spare clothes, saws, axe and small tools in case of breakdown. The RollerSki self-retracting wheels have not yet been used except in the garage, they will be very useful in gas stations and on asphalt.
Rollerski in action in the garage
In conclusion, it's a snowmobile that I really appreciate. It is handy, light and nervous. It's a pleasure to drive on trails and even more in deep snow. I would like to thank our partner Mini Mécanik Sport, Ski-Doo, and SledMagazine.com for the snowmobile used for the long term test.
See you back on the trails.
