Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo 2019 – Mid-Season Impressions
The Grand Touring 900 ACE TURBO 2019
Having already tested a BRP Grand Touring before, which had a different chassis and engine (900 ACE and 1200), it was exciting to start this test of the Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo provided by the BRP dealer in St-Jean-de-Matha, Les Motoneiges Géro.
From the very beginning, I noticed the performance and smoothness of this snowmobile: sharp acceleration, very quiet, no vibrations. The new Silent Track II system is doing an excellent job. I can almost only hear the engine and the wind on my helmet. You will appreciate this system.
The Heart of Snowmobiling
The 900 ACE Turbo is very powerful, even during the running-in period you could feel all the power that this engine has. The onboard computer does not allow the turbo engine to provide all its power until the running-in is completed, which is about 500 km.
Having the ITC system, we can use three modes of operation, so far, I have used the standard and sport modes.
In sport mode, accelerations are sharp and without hesitation. You must hold the handles firmly. If you are driving in a location where you can legally drive at high speed, you will notice that the engine will not lose its power. The accelerations remain strong. In standard mode, accelerations are more linear, but you still must hold the handles firmly if you press the accelerator strongly.
On bumpy trails, I mainly used the standard mode to avoid being surprised by fast acceleration due to involuntary throttle pressure.
There is a compression effect when the accelerator is released.
The engine’s sound is enjoyable to the ears and as specified earlier, thanks to the Silent Track II system, the engine can be heard very well.
Transmission and Traction
The transmission is a pDrive and seems well calibrated with the engine power.
The snowmobile comes with a 137 X 15 X1.25 Silent Track II track. You can also have the Silent Track II system with an Ice Ripper track as an option, and with the current winter conditions, this may be an option to consider.
Comfort and Suspension
The rear suspension is a rMotion with an air-controlled shock absorber. Moreover, this year it is equipped with the RAS 3 front suspension.
We end up with a snowmobile with perfect comfort. I have been riding on trails that were quite bumpy, and I have enjoyed its performance.
Being able to control the air shock absorbers directly from the handlebar control allows us to adjust to trail conditions quickly.
The rMotion
REV Gen4 Chassis With an Extended Design
The other significant change on the snowmobile is the change to the GEN4 chassis with a wider design.
We are sitting in a slightly higher and more forward position. This makes us more comfortable and, moreover, it allows us to get up quickly whenever the situation requires it.
Also, we are very well protected from the wind.
The handlebar is adjustable, and for me, it is useful because I like to drive while standing when the situation requires it, and I can change the angle of the handlebar.
Sitting position
The Driving
As indicated earlier, the new riding position provides a unique experience that is much appreciated. It is easy to move on the bench both horizontally and vertically.
Coupled with the front and rear suspension, it feels comfortable.
The engine offers high accelerations and is very soft at the same time.
The skis Pilot 5.7 SL do an outstanding job of preventing skidding, but on the other hand, they bring a certain amount of understeer in the curves. I am still playing with the suspension to correct this situation, which is not dramatic.
Since the snowmobile has a 4-stroke engine, it is a little heavy in the front but less than with the 1200 engine.
The snowmobile in the trails
Other Features Included
The equipment switches are positioned near the handlebars on the left side and are backlit, so you can stay focused on the trail and not look for them.
To adjust the angle of the headlight beam, open the trunk above the multifunction gauge and see the adjustment screw. Before, it was a controller, but now you need a screwdriver or Allen wrench to adjust it.
It’s convenient to be able to adjust the headlights because the angle of the snowmobile will change depending on the height of the air shock absorber.
The mirrors are adjustable and provide excellent visibility on both sides of the snowmobile. I have not noticed any vibration, and it can be folded up if necessary.
Mirrors
The snowmobile comes with a new bag adapted to the LinQ system, and it is convenient (62 L), and everything stays dry.
Storage attached to the LinQ system
The multifunctional gauge offers much information and is easy to read.
Our snowmobile came with a medium to high adjustable windshield, and I appreciated this option. Very easy and quick to adjust.
Adjustable windshield
Conclusion
So far, I like the behavior of this snowmobile, and the performance of the engine is impressive.
For those who like to compare, the Grand Touring 900 ACE Turbo is more powerful, agile and economical than the 1200 engine of previous years.
I look forward to trying it out in different conditions and telling you more about it in a future article.
Finally, I want to thank BRP Les Motoneiges Géro of St-Jean-de-Matha for allowing me to do this long-term trial.
St-Jean-de-Matha
Follow us throughout the winter on our different platforms. You can also visit Les Motoneiges Géro on their website ou Facebook.
