Every year, I headed to Bas-Saint-Laurent at the end of March to enjoy the region. On this occasion, I took the opportunity to test the Renegade X-RS 2024 provided by Ski-Doo.
The Renegade X-RS 2024 is a high-performance snowmobile designed for long-distance travel in all trail conditions. With advanced features and cutting-edge technology, the Renegade X-RS 2024 ensures drivers have a fantastic riding experience.
New Features for 2024
This year, the innovation lies in the model with a 4-stroke engine integrated into the REV Gen5 platform. It has a slight increase in width compared to the one housing the 2-stroke engine from previous models since last year.
10.25-inch color touchscreen, optionally equipped with BRP Connect, becomes very user-friendly once you become familiar with its usage.
The 4-piston brake calliper with adjustable brake lever is a well-functioning addition.
The premium LED headlights, known from other Gen 5 models last year, provide excellent illumination. It was about time the manufacturer addressed the lighting issue.
ROTAX 900 ACE TURBO R 4-Stroke Engine
With a power of 180 horsepower, the 900 ACE Turbo R engine delivers outstanding performance, pushing the rider’s adrenaline to the maximum.
It is smooth and quiet at idle and low speeds. However, when you switch to Sport mode and open the throttle, it’s a real pleasure to hear that roar! It sounds really good! (RRRRRR)
Dimensions
The overall length of the vehicle is 119.6 inches, and its overall width is 47.8 inches. The pilot X ski stance is 43 inches. Its Ice Ripper XT track is 137 x 15 x 1.5 inches: it is truly perfect and silent.
We can also opt for the 137 x 15 x 1.25-inch Ripsaw or the 137 x 15 x 1.25-inch Ice Ripper XT.
Suspension
The Smart-Shox option offers three incredible adjustments (Sport +, Sport, and Comfort). In combination with:
- The RAS X front suspension and KYB Pro shocks;
- The Smart-Shox option;
- The rMotion X rear suspension;
- A central KYB Pro 40 EA-3 shock and;
- A rear KYB Pro shock equipped with the Smart-Shox option.
It goes without saying that with all these elements, our riding experience becomes exceptionally enjoyable, regardless of the conditions!
Features
- High-performance KYB Pro shock package
- Launch mode (with 10.25-inch touchscreen only)
- Semi-active Smart-Shox suspension (optional)
- Electric starter
- RS running boards
- pDrive pulley
- Two-pivot steering system
- Open foothold
- Backlit multifunction control module on the handlebar
Strengths
Thanks to the carefully placed insulation inside the side panels, the ride is very quiet. Moreover, pairing our phone with the 10.25-inch touchscreen is very easy. Simply plug our device into the glove box, grant the permission requested by our phone, and we’re good to go.
The powerful engine offers a fun-filled driving experience. Additionally, the optional E-LINK key has two practical functions: one to start the vehicle and the other to connect our heated visor. Thus, we only have one cord to manage.
The handguards with LED lights, indicating the presence or absence of a fellow snowmobiler, are an interesting option. This solution allows us to keep both hands on the handlebars, avoiding hand signals.
Areas for Improvement
The seat, after long rides, can be described as more or less comfortable. In this context, considering the option of choosing a more comfortable seat would be worthwhile. It feels like it lacks foam, and after some time, you can feel the bottom of the seat.
Regular manual adjustments of the shocks differ from models without Smart Shox. Therefore, tools are necessary to adjust the springs of these. It cannot be done manually.
So, for example, if one wants to increase tension on the front springs to improve road holding, it becomes a bit more complicated. We notice a slight understeer in turns, but I believe that the ability to adjust the front shock springs would have solved this problem.
Conclusion
I had the pleasure of riding this beast for about 700 km. I found it very enjoyable to drive.
The new Gen 5 chassis gives it the look of a rocket. When I’m behind the handlebars, I feel comfortable.
The adjustable elevation block, included as standard, is well thought out and helps anyone find their preferred position. Trying it out simply fulfilled me.
For more details, visit your Ski-Doo dealer and check out other articles from my colleagues on SledMagazine.com.
