With more than 4 500 kilometers on the odometer at mid-season, it is time to assess the Ski-Doo snowmobile we had for our 2011 trials, the Renegade Backcountry X E-TEC 800R. As for any long-term trial, we had some expectations at the beginning of the season since the Backcountry is a model mostly designed for the north-eastern market of the continent, like the Province of Québec. Let us remember that when this machine was launched, the first goal of BRP was to offer a snowmobile to country touring fans who thought that the mountain sleds did not fit their needs. Unlike the Rockies snowmobilers in western Canada, the eastern snowmobilers seek for a hybrid machine that would be efficient in trail and still provide off-trail riding without fearing lack of flotation, traction or power. As mountain snowmobiles are designed for long changes in altitude on many hundred meters with much space for maneuver, many eastern snowmobilers were not completely satisfied with the machines offered in this segment of the market.
With its ultra light XP chassis, its powerful E-TEC 800R engine developing more than 160 hp, and its 1,75 Powermax track, we can say «Mission accomplished» to the Ski-Doo team. It was quite a challenge because I have always been suspicious about the crossover category, as it proposed many compromises often giving at the end some decent «do-it-all» snowmobiles that would not «do all» decently. It is true that all the manufacturers have greatly improved their crossover category, but the Renegade Backcountry X E-TEC 800R is noteworthy because its performances have been impressive in all conditions met until now. The first doubt we had was about the handiness in trail because its narrow ski stance of only 40,1 in. in wide adjustment combined with its 137 X 16 X 1,75 track made us fear the most in sharp bends. Much to our surprise, it has been easy to get used to the riding of the Backcountry. If, furthermore, we adjust the front belt of the track and the transfer case in the maximized riding position, then the pilot is far from feeling penalized in turns.
The other impressive element in trail is the acceleration and top speeds provided by this snowmobile. The 1,75 in. track remains very efficient during acceleration without becoming a major handicap at high speed. Our closed-circuit trials have clearly impressed us compared with shorter models equipped with 121 X 15 X 1,25 track. Of course, we must expect a little more vibration at some speeds when we have such a track, but it does not become an issue. The E-TEC 800R meets its promises regarding the performance in accelerations, pickups and at high speed. The running softness provided by the E-TEC fuel injection system is mostly remarkable in a big 800 cc engine. Concerning the fuel consumption, our analyzes report an average close to 17 MPG or 13,4 l / 100 km after 4 500 kilometers; this may seem a little less than advertised by BRP. However, the manufacturer’s data are based on a short TNT snowmobile with a 121 X 15 X 1,25 track, probably ridden with softer acceleration than most of the snowmobilers with 163,9 hp would do. Concerning the injection oil, the consumption is a little higher per 100 km than advertised, but once again, we must consider the sled type and the riding type.
Also, the 2011 edition of the rear SC-5 suspension is very comfortable and this, in most of the conditions we met in trails. In spite of riding the X edition, «supposedly» firmer, the comfort of the Backcountry has seduced every snowmobiler who tested it, either riding solo or 2-up with the 1+1 seat. We had a good time in powder snow due to the lightness and handiness of the XP chassis. With much traction and power, the Backcountry is a very enjoyable off-trail snowmobile easy to pilot. Its narrow ski spacing (adjustable) at 38,4 in. makes the sled easy to handle in deep snow and this, just with the shifting of bodyweight. The optional knee pads are recommended to riders who move a lot on their machine. They protect them against hits and they spared us a few «bruises». The white side panels of the X edition provide a unique look to this snowmobile. However, they need a regular maintenance, mostly near the pilot, where they quickly blacken due to the friction of the legs against the panels.
The only problem met to this day is the engine cut during accelerations and pickups, more precisely when putting full throttle. After many conversations with our experts at TY Moteur’s, Ski-Doo dealer on the south-shore of greater Québec region, and also with BRP’s experts, we had to reduce the engine rotation by 200 RPM so that the computer would not detect a danger zone over 8 200 RPM. The maximum adjustment recommended by BRP is 8 000 RPM. Since then, this problem also met by many other E-TEC owners, seems to be resolved. So, we end our 2010-2011 season with much enthusiasm because we cannot imagine any situation that could change our impressions to this day… But who knows? This snowmobile seems to be perfect for snowmobilers seeking for versatility in trail as well as in off-trail riding. So, we are on the last stretch that will bring us to the end of April and to the conclusions of the 2011 trials.
