Ski-Doo MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 – First impressions
Last spring when we took a look at the Ski-Doo models that were to be in our long term test fleet, the MXZ X 850 E-TEC was at the top of the list. The reason is simple, the MXZ X has been a popular choice for experienced snowmobilers and performance enthusiasts for many years. With the long-term testing of the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2017 last season, my expectations were extremely high. I can tell you right now that the MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 is amazing. Here are my first impressions.
Our test driver and the MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 in action
Engine
Introduced last year, the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine is now in its second year of production. According to the specifications provided by Ski-Doo, the engine power is set at 165 HP. According to several experts, it is obvious that the engine develops even more power. All this power is very impressive, but the dynamic response is even more impressive. The 850 E-TEC offers a 30% more responsiveness compared to the 800R E-TEC. This makes the engine extremely dynamic and provides incredible acceleration. Vibrations felt at idle instantly disappear as soon as you touch the accelerator. In addition, the 850 E-TEC has been designed to be very robust. Ski-Doo mentions that the 850 E-TEC is the first two-stroke engine to be as robust and reliable as a four-stroke engine. After several thousand of kilometers with this engine, I am convinced of this aspect and I am really confident during my rides. The 850 E-TEC engine offers incredible power and responsiveness. It is capable of satisfying the most demanding snowmobilers in terms of performance and technology.
850 E-TEC engine delivers incredible power of 165 HP
Platform
In addition to the 850 E-TEC engine, the REV Gen4 platform is another reason why this snowmobile is amazing. This platform offers a driving position and ergonomics that allow the driver to move easily on the snowmobile. This is possible thanks to 3 different elements, the presence of the Ergo-Step panels, the seat and the top of the tunnel which is bevelled. I'm a tall snowmobiler and I really appreciate the riding position of the REV Gen4 platform. It allows me to move very easily on the snowmobile and to adopt a very sporty and sloping driving position in the curves. For a more relaxed ride, the driving position is just as good. I find the MXZ X seat very comfortable even if it's narrow. As for wind protection, despite the fact that the platform is 4 inches narrower than the REV-XS, it provides very good protection. I did several rides at the beginning of the season in very cold temperatures and wind protection was not an issue.
The REV Gen4 platform offers ergonomics for sporty driving.
Suspension
The MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 offers a rear suspension that is superior to the TNT model with the addition of the KYB PRO 36 rear shock absorber. The front and center shock absorbers are HPG PLUS. Last year, in my final long-term test report, I mentioned that the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC had an incredible ability to absorb bumps and that I was very impressed to see what it was capable of. As far as the MXZ X is concerned, it's the same thing, but according to my first impressions, the rear suspension is definitely more powerful and capable of handling it. I personally find that the HPG PLUS calibration is excellent for trails and my riding style. The shock absorbers are adjustable for the rear spring preload only. For a performance model like the MXZ X, it would be interesting to have the option, when ordering in the spring, to have shock absorbers that offer a little more adjustment. Our long term test snowmobile has the adjustment package that includes a valve system on the footsteps, left side for rear shock preload and right side for rebound. The system is very useful when you want to change the behaviour of the rear suspension, especially when trail conditions become difficult.
Handlebar
The MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 has a 4 positions handlebar that allows you to adjust the position to suit your riding style. Forward for a very sporty ride and backwards for a more relaxed position. This is a very nice addition to the MXZ X, which offers an additional adjustment option that will certainly please snowmobilers. The beauty of the system is that the angle of the controls does not change, regardless of the handlebar position. Since I started my test, I have tried several positions and I really appreciate this feature.
Accessories
For 2018, Ski-Doo offers even more accessories for snowmobiles with the REV Gen4 platform. One element that needed to be improved in 2017 in my final report was the storage space. With the addition of the Trail LinQ seat bag this problem is solved. This bag adds 11 litres of extra storage capacity. For long rides, the LinQ Combo Bag with a capacity of 31 litres is ideal, as it allows us to carry a lot of personal belongings. Very good additions to the range of accessories available for 2018. The addition of ice scrapers is also an excellent addition to the snowmobile's cooling capacity on icy trails or in mild weather. This will allow us to extend our season, especially in spring.
The 2018 range of accessories is even more complete
Driving Experience
Beyond the technical characteristics and components of the snowmobile, there is the super driving experience. The MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 is incredible. By combining the engine high power, ultra-fast response time, a platform that offers a sporty riding position and a suspension that easily absorbs bumps on very difficult trails, you have a very high-performance snowmobile. Compared to the TNT model, the MXZ X has a two-pivot steering system that improves steering accuracy. This is noticeable in very sporty driving. As mentioned above, our test snowmobile has the adjustment package which includes rMotion Quick Adjust system with no-tool tuning of the rear spring preload and shock compression damping on the running boards and new Pilot TS adjustable skis. Personally, I love the Pilot TS skis because it allows me to perfectly adjust the bite of the front skis, regardless of trail conditions. In addition, our test snowmobile has the ICE Ripper XT track with crampons that are pre-moulded directly into the track. This provides more stability in curves and braking and a greater confidence when driving on icy surfaces.
The MXZ X 850 E-TEC is designed for sporty driving
My first impressions of the MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 have been excellent so far, and it is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to the next rides before the end of the season. With such a powerful snowmobile, it's obvious that fun factor is unbelievable.
Our test driver for the MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018
I would like to thank our partner Riendeau Sports, a BRP dealership in St-Mathieu-de-Belœil, for their trust and commitment to SledMagazine.com for this long term trial. We invite you to visit the Riendeau Sports website at www.riendeausports.com or visit our store to see all the latest Ski-Doo 2018 and other BRP products. I would also like to thank BRP for the loan of several test accessories this season.
To learn more about this long term trial and to see the MXZ X 850 E-TEC 2018 in action, I invite you to view our video on our first impressions.
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