Since Ski-Doo launched the REV platform 10 years ago, they have been making great strides in all snowmobiling segments. For 2014, they are boasting increased market share and the “easy” button.
No, there isn’t really a button mounted on the machines like what you’d find in a Staples, but the entire Ski-Doo focus is how to make snowmobiling more enjoyable, user-friendly and easy in order to cater to seasoned riders, novice weekenders, and bring more new people into the sport.
One easy improvement was to make the new hand controls backlit for better visibility at night. The new 32-watt handwarmer is 15% warmer, and there is now a parking brake warning so that you don’t take off and smoke the pads. That was easy.
The new Silent Drive featured on the Grand Touring LE 900 has a new sprocket, track and rail design to eliminate track noise and further enjoy the snowmobiling experience. The Silent Drive produces 65% less noise and 70% less vibration than previous designs. That was easy.
How about adding another cylinder to the ever-so-popular 600 ACE? We found the 600 4-stroker to be a super-fun sled to ride but were hoping for more punch when we needed it. For 2014, Ski-Doo is offering a 900 ACE 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, which fits into the REV XS platform. It produces 90 HP, while providing up to 23.3 mpg in fuel economy. That was easy.
The new Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC) has 3 modes of control for various riders. No more cables from the lever to the throttle body—it is all controlled electronically. There is the Sport Mode that provides quicker throttle response, the Standard mode for typical riders, and the Eco mode for maximum fuel economy. It also features a learning key, which will be great for rental fleets or new riders that will limit the top speed to either 25 or 45 mph, but still offer all three modes of operation. That was easy.
The Summits now have a new adjustable riser for up to three inches of height change, a new double-coil ice scratcher that allows reverse and a quick-disconnect sway bar. The Freeride hardcore sled is totally transformed, moving to the REV‐XM platform. It’s specialized ergonomics and features are designed specifically for powder riding. the longer track versions have the tMotion rear suspension, and the 137-inch version rides ont he rMotion suspension. That was easy.
Other improvements include 100% electric start on all TNT and Adrenaline models. That was easy.
The BRP accessories department also released a new battery-heated glove with three heat positions for ideal hand warmth. That was easy.
Here’s the new lineup in a nutshell.
MXZ
Renegade
| Model | Features | |
| Renegade-X (Spring only) |
|
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| Backcountry-X (Spring only) |
|
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| Adrenaline |
|
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| Backcountry |
|
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| Sport |
|
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GSX
| Model | Features | |
| GSX-SE |
|
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| GSX-LE |
|
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GRAND TOURING
| Model | Features | |
| Grand Touring SE |
|
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| Grand Touring LE |
|
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| Grand Touring sport |
|
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MOUNTAIN
| Model | Features | |
| Summit-X (Spring only) |
|
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| Summit-SP |
|
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| Summit Sport |
|
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| Freeride |
|
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UTILITY
| Model | Features | |
| Expedition SE |
|
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| Expedition LE |
|
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| Expedition Sport |
|
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| Tundra Extreme |
|
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| Tundra LT |
|
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| Tundra Sport |
|
|
| Skandic SWT |
|
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| Skandic WT |
|
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Conclusion
To paraphrase from the late, great Steve Jobs, to build high technology it doesn’t have to be difficult. Ski-Doo has proven that “Easy” can just as appealing, have less apprehension, and best of all make it simpler for the next generation of snowmobilers. That was super easy!