Ski-Doo went big in model years 2008 and 2009 when it introduced its award-winning lightweight REV-XP chassis one year followed by more award-winning technology with the E-TEC fuel system. For 2010, the REV-X platform expands to include every snowmobile market segment.
Not that being preceded by “MX Z” is a bad thing, but the Renegade lineup is no longer plagued by the three-letter prefix — the Renegade now has its own identity with packages specially tailored for either on-trail or backcountry riders.
Notable changes and additions to the REV-X platform include fan-cooled REV-XP sleds and a revised steering system. One package from the recent past makes a return: the X-RS.
Trail Performance Class Expands
All REV-X-based machines (X-RS, XP, XR and XU) get a new steering pitman arm that increases leverage for what Ski-Doo claims requires 20 percent less steering effort.
The MX Z X-RS trail sleds are built on the same chassis as Yellow’s MX Zx 600 RS snocross/cross-country race sled, but the familiar 800R or 600 H.O. E-TEC engines power them, not the special 600R race engine that debuted for 2008. (Whether that powerplant will come to consumer sleds is still a mystery outside BRP’s walls.)
The X-RS package — available only for spring order — has wider running boards and extra reinforcements throughout the chassis. The steering post is about 2 inches farther forward than other XP-based sleds, which puts more driver weight over the front end for aggressive steering and a more active rider position. The chassis isn’t all there is to talk about for the X-RS.
The front suspension has new KYB Pro 40 R shocks. The rear end has KYB Pro 40 shocks. The new dampers were standard on the 2009 race sled. The large body has more oil capacity to resist fade and the 16mm shaft is more durable and improves damping performance. Other racer add-ons include a new narrow seat and multi-function gauge that records 10 minutes of engine rpm and vehicle speed for tuning.
X package MX Z sleds are available again this spring. They get the updated steering system along with recalibrated shocks and springs for better suspension performance. The most obvious change, though, is the white-and-red color scheme on the two-stroke models. You can’t miss it. Engine choices are 800R and 600 H.O. E-TEC in the REV-XP body and the 1200 4-TEC behind the REV-XR body.
All X package sleds get HPG Plus R ski shocks, an HPG Plus center damper and a KYB Pro 36 rear track shock. The seat is narrower and 1.25 inches taller for easier side-to-side movement and a less-strenuous transition to stand up.
TNT models are the flagship full-season machines. The 600 — formerly called the 500SS — 1200 4-TEC or 550 Fan power MX Z TNT models. The sleds have HPG Plus shocks all the way around and a white-and-red color scheme similar to the X package.
Adrenaline package machines get upgraded to HPG Plus front shocks. A new mid-height windshield provides better wind protection and straight, aluminum bars with hooks improve the sled’s feel. Engine options are 800R or 600 H.O. E-TEC. The MX Z Sport has the 597cc liquid-cooled twin with Motion Control shocks.
Renegade Gets Promoted
The Renegade hybrid sleds have been under the “MX Z” banner since shortly after their inception in 2001, but for 2010 the package has its own identity.
Ski-Doo knows that these customers use hybrid machines mostly for on-trail riding, so the 16-inch track has been swapped out for a lighter, better handling 15- by 137- by 1.25-inch Rip Saw track and the center handlebar grab strap has been axed from the features list. The Adrenaline package is available with the 800R or 600 H.O. E-TEC in REV-XP skin, or the 1200 4-TEC in the REV-XR body. All Renegade Adrenalines have HPG Plus front shocks and straight aluminum handlebars with J-hooks. Rear shocks are HPG.
The Renegade Sport is a new model with the 550 Fan engine. It has a Camoplast Cobra track and Motion Control shocks.
Grand Touring Badge Returns
Ski-Doo touring sleds return with few changes, other than a new name: Grand Touring. Previously called GTX, the touring lineup now includes a fan-cooled sled in the REV-XP chassis.
The Grand Touring SE is the top-of-the-line 2-Up sled from Doo. It has the 1200 4-TEC engine and Air Control rear suspension with HPG front and center shocks. A switch on the handlebar lets the driver choose one of five preload settings for the rear air spring. This is a slick system that provides a comfortable ride and is easy to dial in for load and conditions. The machine also sports tilt steering, more than five gallons of storage and new Regal Red bodywork.
Grand Touring LE machines are available with the 1200 4-TEC or 600 H.O. E-TEC engines. They have the SC-5 skidframe with Motion Control shocks in front and center with an HPG-VR rear shock. It comes in a Bright White color scheme.
Budget-minded 2-Up customers have two engine choices from Ski-Doo for 2010. The 600 is a 597cc, 105 hp carbureted engine; the 550 is a 553cc fan-cooled engine. These black Grand Touring Sport models include comfortable 2-Up seats, Motion Control shocks and the analog/digital gauge with LCD information screen.
The new GSX SE is the ultimate solo-touring sled from the Valcourt factory. It gets the same Air Control rear suspension and 137-inch track as the Grand Touring SE, but with a single, heated seat bolted to the tunnel. Tilt steering, console padding and a heated visor outlet are just a few of the standard creature comforts. The GSX SE has the 1200 4-TEC engine. GSX LE models add the 600 H.O. E-TEC engine option.
Plan Your Backcountry Adventure Now
If you’re a hybrid buyer who ventures out into the backcountry more often than the average long-track rider, Ski-Doo has a special sled for you: the Renegade Backcountry. This machine is powered by the 600 H.O. E-TEC and rolls on a 16- by 137- by 1.75-inch PowderMax track for serious off-trail traction. It also has a center grab strap, wide Pilot 6.9 skis from the Summit models and lower gearing improves bottom-end grunt in deep snow compared to standard Renegades. Front shocks are HPG Plus with HPG rear shocks.
The Renegade Backcountry X is a special spring-only model powered by the 800R engine. The casual observer will likely notice the sled’s special black tunnel, but a closer look will reveal the shocks are upgraded to HPG Plus R up front, an HPG Plus damper on the front arm and a KYB Pro 36 on the rear. The Backcountry X has the same skis track as the 600 H.O. E-TEC Backcountry.
The Summit X-RS Hillclimb Edition has HPG Plus R shocks in front. The SC-5M skidframe has an HPG Plus front track shock and Pro 36 rear. Aside from top-notch shocks and special graphics, the sled also has a narrower, taller seat than standard Summits for better maneuverability and easier transitions to stand-up riding along with the upgraded gauge. The Summit X-RS is only available with the 800R engine.
More “Sport” In The Utility Lineup
The Tundra utility sleds move to the REV-X chassis for 2010. Though its telescopic front suspension is nothing like what’s bolted on Ski-Doo’s trail sleds, the Tundra, Tundra Sport and Tundra LT are built on the same pyramidal chassis and wrapped in backcountry-friendly body panels.
The body was designed for good off-trail performance with superior flotation and protection while riding through the woods. The narrow 32-inch ski stance improves maneuverability through tight spaces. We spent time in the Quebec backcountry on board the new Tundra at Ski-Doo’s media sneak peekand were impressed with the snow-mobility of this machine and downright amazed at how much fun it is to drive the sled. It was maneuverable and easily influenced by driver input.
The 550cc Fan engine powers the sled and the track is a 16- by 137- by 1.25-inch Rip Saw. The LT version has a 154-inch track with articulating suspension rails.
2010 Ski-Doo model lineup
Spring only: MX Z 800R X-RS
Big change: New model, race chassis
Spring only: MX Z 600 H.O. E-TEC X-RS
Big change: New model, race chassis
Spring only: MX Z 800R X
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Spring only: MX Z 600 H.O. E-TEC X
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Spring only: MX Z 1200 4-TEC X
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Spring only: Renegade 800R X
Big change: 15-inch track
Spring only: Renegade 600 H.O. E-TEC X
Big change: 15-inch track
Spring only: Renegade 1200 4-TEC X
Big change: 15-inch track
Spring only: Renegade Backcountry 800R X
Big change: New model, 1.75-inch lugs
Spring only: Summit 800R X-RS
Big change: New model, handling package
Spring only: Summit 800R X
Big change: Handling package
Spring only: Summit 600 H.O. E-TEC X
Big change: Narrow seat
Spring only: Summit 1200 4-TEC X
Big change: New engine choice
Spring only: Expedition 600 H.O SDI SE
Big change: Warn winch
Spring only: Expedition 1200 4-TEC SE
Big change: Warn winch
Full season: MX Z Adr. 800R
Big change: Straight aluminum handlebar
Full season: MX Z Adr. 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: Straight aluminum handlebar
Full season: MX Z TNT 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Full season: MX Z TNT 1200 4-TEC
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Full season: MX Z TNT 550
Big change: New model in XP chassis
Full season: MX Z TNT 600
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Full season: MX Z Sport
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Full season: Renegade Adrenaline 800R
Big change: 15-inch track
Full season: Renegade Adrenaline 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: 15-inch track
Full season: Renegade Adrenaline 1200 4-TEC
Big change: New engine choice
Full season: Renegade Backcountry 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: New model, 1.75-inch lugs
Full season: Renegade Sport 550 Fan
Big change: New model, Cobra track
Full season: Summit Everest 800R
Big change: Handling package
Full season: Summit Everest 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: Handling package
Full season: Summit Sport 600
Big change: Revised steering ratio
Full season: GSX SE 1200 4-TEC
Big change: Air Control suspension
Full season: GSX LE 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: Bright white color
Full season: GSX LE 1200 4-TEC
Big change: Bright white color
Full season: GSX Sport 600
Big change: Graphics
Full season: GSX Sport 550 Fan
Big change: New engine choice
Full season: Grand Touring SE 1200 4-TEC
Big change: Name change from GTX
Full season: Grand Touring LE 600 H.O. E-TEC
Big change: Name change from GTX
Full season: Grand Touring LE 1200 4-TEC
Big change: Name change from GTX
Full season: Grand Touring Sport 600
Big change: Name change from GTX
Full season: Grand Touring Sport 550 Fan
Big change: New engine choice
Full season: Tundra 550 Fan
Big change: REV-X platform
Full season: Tundra Sport 550 Fan
Big change: REV-X platform
Full season: Tundra LT 550 Fan
Big change: REV-X platform
Full season: Expedition 600 H.O. SDI
Big change: Tilt steering
Full season: Expedition 1200 4-TEC
Big change: New engine choice
Full season: Skandic SWT V-800
Big change: Graphics
Full season: Skandic WT 600
Big change: Graphics
Full season: Skandic WT 550 Fan
Big change: Graphics
Full season: Skandic SUV 550 Fan
Big change: Graphics
Shock Decoder
For 2010, Ski-Doo has changed the name of its shocks and added a new package. Here are the highlights of the eight dampers used throughout the lineup.
KYB Pro 40; KYB Pro 40 R
• All-new shock from MX Zx race sled
• High-pressure gas
• 40mm bore, aluminum body, 16mm shaft
• Piggyback, rebuildable
• 20 high-speed compression adjust (with tool)
• 16 low-speed compression adjust (tool-less)
• “R” means rebound adjustable KYB Pro 36
• 36mm bore, aluminum body
• High-pressure gas
• Rebuildable
• 20 high-speed compression adjust (with tool)
• 16 low-speed compression adjust (tool-less)
• Tool-less rebound adjust on ski shocks
