Pre-Ride Analysis of the Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo 2019

Most of Quebec’s regions are covered with beautiful white snow, and the clubs are working very hard to prepare the trails for the next season. I must wait a little longer before I can leave directly from home to do my first ride. Until then, here is my pre-ride analysis of the Renegade X 2019 equipped with the new 900 ACE Turbo engine in collaboration with Mini Mécanik Sport and SledMagazine.com.

Let’s talk a bit about the characteristics of the trail snowmobile that the SledMagazine.com team will have on a long-term trial this year. This model comes with a 137" track length, and our partner has selected the 1.25-inch ripsaw track with the new 900 ACE Turbo engine. We look forward to trying this engine out. 

The Renegade X 2019 comes with three different engine choices, the 600R E-TEC, the 850 E-TEC, and the 900 ACE Turbo. The SledMagazine.com team will have the opportunity to try out the new 4-stroke turbocharged engine. The engine design is based on the 900 ACE engine, which doesn't need any further presentation, this engine has been adapted to accommodate a turbine specially designed for snowmobiling. This engine develops about 150 horsepower.

I am looking forward to trying it on the trails and to test its reliability. The Renegade X 4-stroke comes standard with the Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC) like all Ski-Doo 4-stroke snowmobiles. This allows you to choose between 3 modes, eco-mode, normal mode, and sport. The system also allows you to operate the accelerator with your finger.

3 mode Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC)

The Renegade X snowmobile is built on the 4th Generation chassis that has been used on 2-stroke models for 3 years now. This chassis allows a better centralization of the masses for a better feeling in curves and better control. I am very excited to see the driving difference compared to a 2-stroke snowmobile. To be able to fit the 4-stroke engine, the designers had to redesign the side panels by widening them, a first in 2019. This provides better wind protection for the driver. In addition to expanding the panels, the seat has been enlarged to improve comfort and to allow for the addition of an extra 7-liter compartment. As you know, there is always a lack of storage space in a standard snowmobile. The Renegade X is equipped as standard with a 3 position adjustable coupler block which quickly adapts to your current driving style.

Regarding suspension, the Renegade X is equipped with the RAS 3 in front and the Rear Motion, with adjustable HPG+ shock absorbers. The Renegade X comes standard with a multifunctional digital gauge, hand protectors, backlit handlebar controls and a low windshield for a sporty look. We add mirrors on hand protectors, snow scraper and a heated visor socket installed as an option.

During the season and our tests, I will pay attention to the following points:

• Fuel consumption
• The power and recovery of the new engine
• Its manoeuvrability in different snow and trail conditions
• Comfort of the new seat
• Wind protection         

I will keep you informed of my conclusions in my next articles that will give you my comments and impressions. I would like to thank our partner Mini Mécanik Sports of Rimouski for their collaboration in this long-term trial.

We look forward to seeing you on the trails.