Why I Ride Ski Doo Snowmobiles…
Related: Enduro On Tour
Many people ask why ride Ski-Doo snowmobiles on my snowmobile tours or snowmobile vacations. Just like you, I want the most enjoyable and comfortable experience on the snow I can get. Thanks to their industry-leading technology, Ski-Doo snowmobiles deliver that to me consistently, season after season, mile after mile.
That’s not to say anything bad about other brands (or other people’s opinions). But as a touring trail rider, there’s lots to like about Ski-Doo…
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles – Ride Comfort
In 2002, Ski-Doo introduced the REV platform. For me, REV simply accommodated the ride-forward position I was already using most of the time, upping my comfort factor 100-fold. Besides being a great fit for me, REV also enabled me to exercise more control, better handling and improved steering. They did this by moving my 6’ 1”, 220 lb. front and centre on the sled. Also, this more upright, anti-slouch, riding position, gave me less fatigue and fewer aches, thanks to better ergonomics.
It even put an end to my post-lunch riding indigestion! Since then, Ski-Doo has consistently improved on that original REV platform, making me even more comfortable, especially with the current REV-XS that also significantly cuts wind chill.
The much-emulated REV platform was a natural home for Ski-Doo’s new rMotion suspension that debuted last season. I’m no suspension expert. But with only a few tweaks, I was quickly able to make my 2013 Renegade X 600 ETEC the best riding sled for touring I’ve ever had. 2014 is no different, with early rides on my Renegade Adrenalin 900 ACE as smooth as silk. For those long days on the trail, it simply doesn’t get any better for me than the REV-XS/rMotion combo. And when I asked media colleagues from other snowmobiling magazines and TV shows for their personal opinion on this, they’ve privately agreed.
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles – Fuel Efficiency
I put on many 1000’s of miles each winter. So fuel availability and cost are important to me. Each of Ski-Doo’s present Rotax engines – 600 and 800 ETEC, 1200 4-TEC and 600 ACE – have given me good to exceptional fuel economy. This has minimized my sledding expenses and helped to ensure that I make it to the next gas station every time. I fully expect this season’s new 900 ACE engine to more than measure up to my needs.
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles – Reliability
Frankly, I debated including this one, because every brand has breakdowns or recalls. In addition, I only keep each sled for one season, not multiple years. But in any one season, I put on between 10,000 (6,000 mi) and 15,000 (9,000 mi) kilometres on my sled, more than many guys do in three or four winters. So within that context and as a snowmobile journalist with a magazine responsibility to complete every tour, I can say that Ski-Doo snowmobiles have proved to be very reliable for me.
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles – Accessories
I’ve always been impressed with the extent to which Ski-Doo accessory technology and innovation have improved my ride comfort and enjoyment. Over the years, they’ve had some handy, well-thought out gear, and 2014 is no exception. My current four favourites are their rock solid LinQ System tour bags, ultra-bright LED headlight, see-thru handlebar muffs, and REV-XS platform glove box with extension.
Like many other snowmobilers, I first started riding a specific brand because there was a Ski-Doo dealer near my cottage. So it was most convenient. Since then as a powersports journalist, I’ve had ample opportunity to ride other brands all of which have their merits. But for my body, riding style and personal preference, Ski-Doo snowmobiles are the perfect combination when I need to get the job done. Or simply ride for fun. By the way, did I mention how much I like Ski-Doo’s DESS (Digitally Encoded Security System) key and RER (electronic reverse)?
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The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.