1997 skidoo touring e
Amsnow
As the base model for Ski-Doo's fan-cooled touring machines, the '97 Touring E doesn't hold any surprises. It is very predictable, and that'sits charm. If you found someone who had no experience with snowmobiling and asked them to close their eyes and describe a sled, they would most likely see the Touring E. It simply is a "snowmobile."
At first sight, the Touring E looks like a perky puppy waiting to go outside. The high windshield and the touring-style bent handlebars are very inviting to the novice rider. They give a sense of assurance that this is not a high-powered racing machine, but instead a pleasant-riding companion sled.
What the first-time buyer won't see on the outside is how the 'Doo folks designed the E for economy and dependability. The 368cc Rotax fan-cooled twin is adequate for zipping through the countryside, where the need is not necessarily for speed. This motor holds a long, reliable track record.It is fed by two VM30 carbs to maximize fuel economy. And the new external fresh air intake also adds to its miserly fuel consumption. This combo is as good as any other intro-sled on the market today.
Starting the E is fast and simple. It's electric! And for those cold days in winter (read: every day), the '97 model received a choke to help idling before the machine warms up. We liked that, and frankly so will everyoneelse.
The Bombardier Lite drive clutch is extremely fundamental with its effective moveable block design. You should count on it to provide exceptionally reliable service when used in concert with the 369cc twin's low horsepower rating. Nobody's going to go darting off into places unintended on this machine.The performance of the Touring E doesn't mandate a hydraulic disc brake. Its mechanical disc brake is adequate to handle the E's stopping needs,but in a modern sled we would like to see a hydraulic unit.
Between the seat and the snow, the E sports a pretty decent rear suspension package. The long-travel SC-10 Sport setup gives you a full 10 inches of vertical travel. The two stock hydraulic shocks give a good ride, but an upgrade to gas shocks would improve the smoothness factor. This is thesame base factory suspension as the Formula S and SL.
An upgrade on the shocks would put them all closer to the ride performance of the Formula 583, 500 and 500 De Luxe not too shabby for an intro-levelsled.
On the front end, the Touring E uses the basic Direct Shock Action independent front suspension found on other, bigger machines. Again, we found that the hydraulic shocks provide an okay ride, nothing spectacu-lar. But for someone who is interest-ed in learning the sport, the E's 7.5 inches of ski travel is more than adequate. The trailing arm suspension design and wide ski stance do their job to maintain stability in the rough. And the wide steel skis will offer years of service.
The overall fit and finish on Ski-Doo snowmobiles has been very good,this is no exception. While it is designed for the non-tinkering type, ifyou get the urge to tweak this sled, you won't have much problem getting around in the E's innards.
Compared to its electric start-equipped competitors, Cat's Puma Deluxe and Jag Deluxe, Polaris' Indy Lite Deluxe, and Yamaha's Ovation, the E is right in the thick of things in pricing. Factoring in a slightly larger engine displacement than the others (except the Jag Deluxe), its wide 40-inchski stance, and its generous 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the '97 Touring E is most likely going to be the best use of your entry-level sled dollars.
We liked the E because of its simplicity. In a market filled with tricked-out sleds laden with widgets and gizmos, it's nice to take a break and ride a machine as basic as this one. There are no surprises on the Touring E,it simply is a "snowmobile."
1997 Ski-Doo Touring E
Overall Height: 48 inches
Overall Length: 107.3 inches
Ski Stance: 40 inches
Engine: Rotax 368.3cc fan-cooled twin
Exhaust: Tuned muffler
Clutch:
Drive: Bombardier Lite
Driven: Formula cam on countershaft
Suspension Travel:
Front: DSA, swing arm, radius rods, hydraulic shocks; 7.5 inches
Rear: SC-10 Sport, 2 hydraulic shocks, 10.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 10.6 gallons
Key Features: Mechanical disc brake, electric start, heated grips and throttle lever,speedo, hi-beam indicator, parking brake, steel skis, high windshield, frontbumper.
Retail Price: $3,699
Riding Impressions:
"Great engine for a touring sled, very quick."
- Dave Hakensen, Test Rider