Renegade X-RS 900 ACE Turbo—My First Ride of the 2019 Season

Since its announcement last February, all projectors have been turned towards the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo engine. Indeed, snowmobilers have high expectations of this 150 hp engine.

Last spring, I had the opportunity to do a quick ride on some snowmobiles equipped with this engine. (Read…) These tests gave me a little taste, but there is nothing like running a machine over a longer period to really see what it is capable of. Also, in the spring, I tested prototypes, while today we are talking about production models.

Of course, the Renegade X-RS 900 ACE Turbo is the snowmobile that offers the best platform to get the most out of the engine. So, I’m very lucky to be able to try it out this year.

First test on October 27…

Before I give you my first impressions of this snowmobile, I want to point out that we were in early-season conditions and that, of course, there were no surfaced trails. However, there was between 30 cm and 40 cm of compacted snow on the ground. So, we couldn’t “open the machine” as much as we would have liked since there were often pickup and jeep tracks in the trails. Besides, it is important to understand that the machine is being run in.

Now, let’s get down to business!

As soon as you start the engine, you are quickly charmed by the sound of it. The people from Ski-Doo have been focusing on this aspect, and the result is positive. We are not talking here about engine noise, but about music that leaves no one indifferent. When you press the accelerator, it’s even better.

Engine Response

When the accelerator is pressed, the engine responds quickly and energetically. We get good acceleration… Oops… We’re in normal mode… Let’s switch to sport mode. When the engine switch from normal mode to sport mode, you can hear the engine “change range.” We guess the performance will be quite different. Accelerations are truly higher. Wow! No worries here, you can feel the 150 horsepower that this engine develops. No hesitation!

I must admit that I liked to use the normal mode in places where the trail was more difficult or tortuous. In these circumstances, the engine in sport mode is too aggressive to make riding comfortable. However, when you arrive in more linear areas or with less pronounced curves, you switch to sport mode to release all the power of the 900 ACE Turbo.

Of course, this is my very first contact this season, and over the next few months, I will be able to tell you more.

Renegade X-RS—Successful first date…

Over the years, the X-RS have always been able to catch my snowmobiler heart, and the current version of the Renegade X-RS continues this “tradition.” From the very first kilometers on this snowmobile, I felt very comfortable. Yes, I felt the front end a little heavier, since it is after all a 4-stroke engine at the front. This naturally has an impact that we must deal with, but after riding several four-stroke snowmobiles over the past 15 years, I quickly got used to the behavior of this X-RS.

For the suspension, the only adjustment I made was the preload I usually place at about 3.25. For the rest, in early-season conditions, I didn’t bother to find the best possible fit. I will do this later when the trails start to be opened. My ride was very comfortable.

Regarding control, after getting used to the weight factor of the front of the snowmobile, it was very predictable. We didn’t have excessively difficult conditions so the opposite would have been a surprise.

Cockpit

The driving position is very ergonomic. Everything is in its place. Also, with the adjustable position handlebar, the Renegade X-RS allows the driver to adjust the handlebar to his or her preferences. However, I will have to get used to the reverse mechanical control since, in the last few years, I had the electric control directly on the handlebars. We agree that it is minor.

One addition I’m going to have to make on this snowmobile is a medium windshield. The standard tiny windshield is super elegant but will not provide enough protection against the wind.

In conclusion, it’s a successful first date and the Renegade X-RS 900 ACE Turbo, and I will certainly have several other trips together in the coming months!

Have a good season everyone!