Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 – Season Review
Last season, I had the privilege to do a long-term trial with the Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017, thanks to our partner Riendeau Sports. This snowmobile has two big innovation, the engine Rotax 850 E-TEC and the REV Gen 4 platform. I was really looking forward for this trial, see if the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC would be what I expected. After a whole season and more than 3200km, I can say that it really exceed my expectations.
MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017
The engine
I was really pleased to try this snowmobile. It has the most powerful engine of all Ski-doo snowmobiles. It’s not only powerful, it also responds quicker than its predecessor. By using booster injectors at the air intake and a shorter distance between the throttle body and the cylinders, the 850 E-TEC responds 30% faster than the 800 R E-TEC. It’s pretty impressive in the trails when driving over 5000 RPM. The engine response and the strong acceleration are incredible. The Rotax 850 E-TEC is very powerful with a stunning 165 HP. For those who were waiting for the Mach Z to come back, the power of this engine will fulfill your expectations. Even if it is really powerful, the engine is smooth and I didn’t notice any excessive vibrations, whatever the speed I was going. Even in touring mode, the 850 E-TEC was really pleasant to drive.
The powerful 850 E-TEC
During the presentation of the 2017 models, the Ski-Doo team presented the new 850 E-TEC like the first two-stroke engine as reliable and durable than a four-stroke engine. During my rides, everything went well with the snowmobile I was testing, only fuel and oil. It was the same thing for the other two snowmobiles with the 850 E-TEC we had in long-term trial with Motoneiges.ca and same for the dealers. For the first year, the engine passed the test, really exciting for the future.
The Platform
The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 is assembled on the brand new REV Gen 4 platform. It offers some impressive characteristics which improve the global driving experience. First the snowmobile is 4 inches thinness compare to previous model. It’s possible since the engine is smaller and because of the driving pulley pDrive. Also the engine is centered on the platform, it makes the snowmobile more stable and precise. The Ergo-Step side panels and the smaller seat allows the snowmobiler to move easily on the snowmobile. The top of the tunnel is beveled. The global ergonomics of the REV Gen 4 has been reshaped to offer a lot more comfort and freedom of movement.
Rev Gen 4 platform
The Ergo-Step side panels
As a tall person I really appreciated the spare room offered by the REV Gen 4 platform. I was sitting higher and I could move as much I liked on the snowmobile, I enjoyed the sport driving without compromising comfort and vehicle stability. If you really want to see the difference, you have to try a snowmobile from previous generation. The difference is astonishing. This platform is significantly superior in terms of performance, stability and comfort.
Suspension
The MXZ TNT 850 E -TEC 2017 is equipped with the new RAS front suspension which offer 1 one extra inch of travel. This suspension is really stable in bumps and on difficult trails, it’s really impressive. The back suspension, is the famous rMotion with the HPG PLUS shock absorber in the 129 inches version. This combination is what makes the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 an impressive trail snowmobile. It’s the most stable Ski-Doo snowmobile I had the chance to try. This model, with its REV Gen 4 platform, is really stable in difficult trails. The HPG PLUS shock absorber are doing an excellent job, offering a performance close to the MXZ X model.
RAS3 front suspension with HPG PLUS shock absorber
Clutch
The models which are equipped with the 850 E-TEC engine have also the new pDrive driving pulley. First it was made for racing snowmobiles, it gives a better respond to the vehicle. With a roller design instead of ramps, the pulley don’t required much maintenance, which is a good news for Ski-Doo owners equipped with the 850 E-TEC.
Equipments et accessories
During my long term trial, I had the chance to try some accessories which made my experience even more enjoyable. I tried the DEL auxiliary headlights, the knee protections, the lateral plate for the feet, the 15 L LinQ gas can, the LinQ SR-21 bag and the 129 inches ICE Ripper XT track. I especially liked the visibility offered by the DEL auxiliary headlights. The difference is incredible if you compare with or without the auxiliary headlight open. Esthetically, it really fits on the front hood. The other accessory I really appreciate is the ICE RIPPER XT track. Cause of Quebec’s changing weather conditions during winter, a pre-Studded track is, I think, a must for safe driving on ice and snow. For spring 2018, BRP will offers, on various model, track option, which can be ordered directly from the factory. For the MXZ TNT the track is an option.
LinQ accessories for the REV Gen 4
Driving experience
With its powerful engine and platform, it’s hard not to like this snowmobile. It’s the perfect equation to have lots of fun! BRP once again level up the standards in the industry in term of performance, comfort and stability. Whatever your driving style is, you’ll find what you’re looking for. I was very comfortable on the snowmobile, because of the ergonomics and the fact that I could easily move. It has nothing to envy to other models, especially the X models. With the HPG PLUS shock absorber, the front and rear suspension, this model as an incredible capacity to move in bumps. The difficult trails would now be a playground. For me, the MXZ TNT 850-TEC 2017 is the best snowmobile I had. Also, with its black head-spinning color the snowmobile is really beautiful.
MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017
What can be improve
I have been really impressed by the reliability and the built quality of the engine and the platform, remembering that it’s its first year. I have been driving all season without any problem, only gas and injection oil throughout my rides. Even if it’s the best snowmobile I had, I think there’s some points that can be improve. Not like the REV-XS models, the REV Gen 4, does not have a trunk at the back of the seat. There’s LinQ accessories that can rectify the situation. In 2018, BRP will offer 2 new bags to install on the backseat, one combo bag and one bag for the LinQ seat. It’s a nice offer and it will give more space. Also, to extend your season BRP suggest you to add the BRP ice scratchers which can be installed at the rear end of the tunnel. It work very well at the end of the season when the snow becomes heavy and gritty. In 2018 BRP improved some components for the clutches and strap. Increased cooling of these components will extend the belt's life.
The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 is the perfect trail snowmobile
Conclusion
For me the trial of the Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC was an amazing experience. After driving 4 strokes Ski-Doo snowmobile for quite a time now, going back to the 2 strokes engine was really special. I really liked the 4-TEC, it felt reliable, but I did not have to worry with the 850 E-TEC. Made for performance and durability, it also function really well. Regarding its strength, it does not consume lot of gas and oil. The fact that it’s lighter in front of the snowmobile, makes a huge difference in difficult trails and for its handling. It’s a great sensation to float on bumps.
As I said earlier, the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 is the most powerful Ski-Doo snowmobile I had the chance to try for a long period of time. In all aspects this snowmobile went over my expectation in terms of performance, stability, comfort, and precision. I was really impressed by its capacity to move in difficult trails.
It's the perfect snowmobile for difficult trails
For 2018 the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC comes back with a trail configuration a little bit more traditional, with a medium size windshield and a standard indicator. The 2017 model, like the one I had in trial, is made for sport riding with its low windshield, hands protectors integrate in the handlebars and the multi-function indicator. This snowmobile is closer to the X model.
It’s obvious for me that my ideal long time trial would be another Ski-Doo model with the 850 E-TEC and the REV Gen 4 platform. Ski-Doo has many more new models that comes with it like the MXZ X-RS and the Freeride in the 850 E-TEC version.
The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 at the Labelle railway station
I would like to say a big thank you to our partner Riendeau Sports, BRP dealer from St-Mathieu de Beloeil, who provided us with the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 snowmobile used for this long-term trial. We invite you to visit the Riendeau Sports team to discover all the newest BRP products and accessories. Also visit SledMagazine.com to see all the new Ski-Doo products.
Our pilot at Riendeau Sports
