For 2013, Ski-Doo rang in the new year by introducing its tMotion rear suspension and FlexEdge track to its mountain series. The new technology, which was integrated in Ski-Doo’s REV-XM platform, apparently did exactly what Ski-Doo wanted it to—making sidehilling and powder riding easier and more predictable for the rider. It comes as no surprise, then, that for 2014 Ski-Doo decided to expand the REV-XM platform with its mountain-specific technology to other models in the mountain lineup.
We will be seeing the new 2014 Freeride 146 and 154, as well as the Summit SP and Summit Sport models riding on the REV-XM platform. The Freeride 137 appears to get the upgraded REV-XM platform but it features the smooth-riding rMotion rear suspension instead of tMotion. The 2014 Freerides are also sporting a flashy new colour scheme and revised Pilot DS 2 skis.
The REV-XS platform also goes deeper into Ski-Doo’s trail lineup. For 2014, it will be featured on the new race-inspired MX Z X-RS and the new MX Z TNT cross-country model, as well as on the Renegade Adrenaline, Renegade Backcountry, GSX LE and Expedition Sport models.
The big news is Ski-Doo’s new Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) 900 engine. This high-tech four-stroke is similar to the ACE 600, but Ski-Doo says it delivers 50 per cent more horsepower and up to 77 per cent more torque than its little brother. It also features Ski-Doo’s breakthrough new intelligent Throttle Control technology (iTC).
An industry first, this throttle-by-wire system is designed to provide seamless power delivery and ultra-smooth engagement. With the ACE 900, riders can even choose between three driving modes: sport, standard and eco. The modes are controlled by push button and the rider can switch to a different mode while the sled is in motion. According to Ski-Doo, the ACE 900 can achieve up to 23.3 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency when it is set in eco mode. What’s more, the ACE 900 comes with a learning key to limit speeds, which is great for beginners or younger riders.
Ski-Doo is putting the new ACE 900 in its 2014 MX Z TNT, Renegade Adrenaline, GSX LE, Grand Touring LE and Expedition Sport.
The company’s line of easy-on LinQ accessories will also grow for 2014.
For more information on the new 2014 lineup, see Ski-Doo’s website.
First impressions >> Dave Norona
Dave Norona of Norona Life is a Ski-Doo Backcountry Expert. Here is what he had to say after testing out the new 2014 Freeride:
“They’re going to sell a ton of them because it’s fancy and the colour is just awesome,” he said. “Not just riding for Ski-Doo, I think it is the coolest-looking sled that anybody has produced. It looks good. It’s wicked for pictures. The green skis are just awesome. But in the trees and stuff, it does not snap up on the snow like a Summit does. It just doesn’t because it’s 30 pounds heavier and people like you and I who are smaller than the typical snowmobiler, we notice that. People like Wilson Prewitt, who does the demo, would love the Freeride (with its wider 38-inch ski stance) so I’m not saying that it is a bad sled but if you want the lightest feeling and most nimble and easy to carve, it’s a Summit. That’s what I would ride.”
What other fans are saying
We asked riders what they thought about the new 2014 lineup from Ski-Doo. Tell us what you think by commenting at the bottom of this story.
“My first impression is as I hoped. I wanted to see the Freeride updated and that is what they did. Good colour choice. Nice to see they are working on the four stroke and finally someone is coming out with drive by wire. Some of the options, like the LED lights, are a nice touch for someone that rides a lot at night. The LinQ system is getting better. The have a good lineup and with the refinements they are getting better. Hopefully they have learned from the issues they had in the ’13s and have improved on them.” — the_real_wild1, SnowandMud.com forum member
“Very interested in the 900 ACE, going to see what it is in. Drove a 600 in a Tundra and very responsive to a point another 300-cc and 14-lbs of boost in a Tundra, nice sleeper.” — rsaint, SnowandMud.com forum member
“Kinda’ what I expected. There were some pretty solid rumors out there about a weight reduction of 10-15 lbs. on the 800 Summits; that didn’t happen but it’s still the best all around mountain sled in my opinion.” — snopro, SnowandMud.com forum member
