In regards of our trials of the 2015 Ski-Doo Freeride 146, I dedicated the second half of my snowmobiling season to off-trail tests. Snowfalls in January let me enjoy many off-trail rides in total security. Of course, we must keep into consideration that despite the usual precautions we take, there are still some risks when we leave the trails. However, I was ready to hit the powder snow in order to discover the capabilities of my sled.
Firstly, I adjusted the ski stance at 38,4 in/97,5 cm for a better handling on trail. Also, I quickly wanted to see how the snowmobile would react after disconnecting the sway bar. First observation : disconnecting the sway bar brings a radical change to the machine stability, mostly on trails. It becomes very hard to control in turns, which reminded me of the handling on the Summit models. The great thing is that in few seconds, I can get back the on-trail stability for the sections where I must get on site or, on the contrary, I can make the machine very flexible laterally. Other observation : the choice of two settings of ski width combined with the choice to use the sway bar offers a wide range of handling possibilities. In fact, from one extreme to the other, we switch from an extreme rough terrain snowmobile to a more traditional mountain snowmobile.
The Freeride 146 is at its best on frozen waterways where snow piled up noticeably.
Deep snow performances
Right from mid-January, it was a chance that abundant fresh snow let me measure the limits of my snowmobile. What surprised me rapidly is the floatation of the Freeride in very deep snow. Despite its track of 146 in/370 cm (vs 154/391), I was able to balance often with the combination «163 hp – 2,5 in » where other sleds of 146 got stuck. Also, I have been very pleased with the maneuverability of the 146 vs the 154s or 163s of the industry. As long as the ascent was not too abrupt, I could compete honorably with any other mountain sled, keeping the qualities of the 146 I already described above or in my previous article. The only situation where I am disadvantaged is in abrupt ascent, mostly if I did not get enough speed at the bottom. I can quickly end up chandelling because the so useful traction on flat terrain combined with the lack of length accelerates the vertical deepening. This said, if you know very well your machine, you will be able to solve this problem. Furthermore, as it is shorter, the Freeride 146 is easier to roll over by just one person if you get stuck in such ascents.
In most situations, the 146" track of the Freeride offers an exceptional performance.
Fun and versatility
After a full season with the Freeride, its versatility is obvious to me. I already talked about it, but this snowmobile offers much better handling on trails and rough terrains than the Summit models, which is due to the ski stance, the sway bar and the suspension. Despite its lower capabilities in ascents than sleds with longer tracks, the Freeride 146 can take us to most of the places where others cannot. So, it is one of the most versatile snowmobiles in its category I ever tested. What hits me even more is the huge fun this machine provided all season long. In almost all snow conditions, except for ice, you can have fun. Even if this snowmobile is equipped with high performance shocks and suspension, it is still comfortable on our way back, when trails have deteriorated over time.
Even if the climbing capabilities of the Freeride 146 cannot be compared with the 154 or 163 tracks, they are still great.
Consumption
How is it possible to talk about fuel consumption for this type of vehicle? The real mileage does not represent the usage we make of the sled. It is easy to see when we gas up that we can hardly compare a 800R E-TEC in a MXZ with the Freeride… It does not really make sense. The funniest is that I never thought about this at the gas station… It was just liquid happiness to me! However, we did some measurements on trail, but then again, we can see quickly that it takes much more power to operate a track of 146x16x2,5". It cannot be compared with a track of 121x15x1,25" and this, without considering gears that are not fuel efficient in a Freeride. Oil consumption is proportional. We can expect 21 to 23 liters per 100 km according to our riding energy. In brief, we do not purchase such a vehicle for its fuel efficiency and even more, it is a pleasure to fill it up.
With such a smile on our test pilot’s face, it seems that fuel consumption is not an issue in comparison with the pleasure given by the Freeride 146.
Bags and fuel caddy
I had the chance to test the LINQ rear bag and Jerry Can. I also asked for the small Goggle Bag to be put on the pulleys protection cover. Personally, I think that these LINQ equipments are not optional features anymore for this type of vehicle. Their design is unique and they are extra easy to install and to use. As we must often go far away to find our playground, an additional fuel tank is essential on this type of vehicle. Same thing for the rear bag because we must often bring more clothes to avoid being cold after 2 or 3 hours of constant physical efforts. As the cooling system runs all along the tunnel, powder snow however brings much ice to the bases of the LINQ system under cold weather. I was taking off the fuel tank when the small plastic fastener broke, due to ice and cold. Fortunately, the system is designed in such a way that the base is the weakest part because we can easily replace it for about 15 $. Concerning the small Goggle Bag, my goal was to dry out my set of goggles while I was using a spare set. This is not a total success because it does not dry out completely due to insufficient heat. However, this bag is very useful to bring one liter of oil, for example, or better, two bottles of water. When we put our muscles to work during off-trail riding, it is important to keep hydrated. Combined with the movements of the vehicle, the low heat of the bag prevents water from getting frozen even under extreme cold weather.
The Goggle Bag in the riding post is very useful in many ways, such as to prevent water from getting frozen.
Conclusion
It is no secret that I really like off-trail riding for the pleasure it gives me, for the physical efforts it requires and the quest for achievement. Personally, I think that the Summit models remain in a very refined segment for Québec reality, mostly after I saw them at their full potential in the Rocky Mountains. To my greatest surprise, the Freeride now seems to be more appropriate for our Québec reality, specially in the 146 edition. It is easy to pilot on trail, very comfortable for its category and it benefits from an impressive traction. Its performances in deep snow are conclusive all while being easy to handle and offering an optimal power for its category. Equipped with our optional features during my tests, the Freeride is very attractive in Manta Green / Magenta, proof of its DNA. It is therefore a snowmobile designed for those in search of adrenaline, robustness and power, yet accessible in terms of riding. We received excellent advices from our trial partner when it was time to choose the model and its optional features. Thanks to TY Moteurs, Ski-Doo dealer on south shore of Québec City; they have been great partners all season long. Unchanged for 2016, except for its colour, that will still be flamboyant, and the RAS 2 front suspension, the Ski-Doo Freeride 146 is a true versatile snowmobile that will please a large number of snowmobilers. Offered only in spring, do not hesitate. You still can catch the Ski-Doo Spring Fever.
The Freeride 146 is a versatile snowmobile that offers many nice rides to its pilot.
