Last year was a special season. Yes, we were in a pandemic, but despite the situation, I managed to try the Ski-Doo Skandic Sport 600 EFI. Thanks to Atelier Laforge in Sept-Îles.
The engine of this snowmobile is intended to replace the old 550 fans. Many owners were waiting for this new change. Cottage owners and people from remote areas.
Ski-Doo Skandic Sport 600 EFI Description:
So BRP needed to develop an engine with simple, reliable technology. Which they did. No fuss… Simple transmission with no gears, direct injection, key start, cylinder and parts already in place.
The snowmobile is equipped with a track 154 inches by 20 inches WT (wide track) wide and with 1 ” 1/4 studs. Of course, with an articulated tilting system SC-5 for reverse. Floating guaranteed!
LTS front suspension with “posts”. Again, very simple and effective in deep snow. This suspension is designed not to snag in off-road conditions.
BRP’s challenge with this snowmobile is mechanical simplicity and longevity. Direct injection, easily accessible spark plugs, let’s just say that dealerships are far away when you live in the Great North. In short, this is a snowmobile with everything you need and designed to last a long time. The price is also very good. It is one of the least expensive snowmobiles at BRP.
First contact with the snowmobile.
I received the snowmobile at the end of January 2022. At first sight, I loved the color of the snowmobile.
I had already had the chance to try the engine in 2021 at the Snowshoot in Yellow Stone. In the short test drive I had, I was surprised by this engine. I was looking forward to the opportunity to test it in the long term. I will do my test in the beautiful snow of the Monts Valin.
You understand my goal is not to test it on the trail, but really in its utility element. Off-piste, working with a sled as well as maintaining the trails around the chalet.
The first outing:
From the first outing, I knew immediately that I would have fun. The engine responds very well and the snowmobile is very easy to handle in the snow. I doubted the 85 hp of the engine. Surprised the engine gives me what I need and doesn’t leave me bitter. I can keep up with my companions on outings and even they are surprised by the snowmobile.
In the backcountry:
Off-piste, the Skandic is easy to handle. The front end becomes like a sled gliding across the snow, making handling exceedingly easy. A simple push on the footboard and the response is automatic. Another quality is the tilting system of the track makes it easy to back up. It’s really practical!
The power distribution is well done. The engine emits a pleasant whistle. I didn’t feel like I was running out of HP, rather having less becomes an advantage, as the snowmobile is less heavy, and when accelerating the back end doesn’t tend to reinforce.
In work mode:
In towing mode of a sled or a trail scraper. This is also a nice surprise. The 20” track helps a lot. The transmission responds well to the load. No difficulty to tow heavy loads.
Every time I arrived at the cottage, I couldn’t wait to get the Ski-Doo Skandic Sport 600 EFI out for some fun! I would like to thank Atelier Laforge in Sept-Iles and Motoneige.ca for making this possible. If you have any additional questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Thank you and have a great winter!
