1999 skidoo touring e
Amsnow
Like most snowmobile fans, we would go to a Ski-Doo store to check out the nifty looks and features of the MX Z 600. As we walk over to the hot one for '99, we'd tend to pass by the Touring series without giving them much of a look. But we'd be wrong to think that these sleds didn't have as much to offer their owners as the new "Z." The Touring E isto Ski-Doo what the Indy 340 is to Polaris. The Touring is a value sled.It has a bulletproof twin, pleasant features and long term residual value.
A low-priced family sled with moderate power from a twin cylinder 369ccRotax engine, the Touring E accommodates two and is basic Ski-Dooing. Big couples who want a bigger, wider touring sled should immediately consider the liquid-cooled options. This Touring model is a stretched version of the base S-2000 chassis. The ski stance is relatively narrow for a touring machine, but we found the moderate power of the 370 twin isn't enough to make this a big concern.
On standard groomed trails, the Touring E driver will find the new Pro-Active Control System really does reduce "darting" and make steering lighter and more positive in a wide range of trail conditions. Ski-Doo combines a wide, flattened bar with a more conventional steel bar runner. Engineers feel that this is a better answer to the darting situation that has come about as ski suspension systems have placed more steering power into the new breed of sleds. Bottom line: Ski-Doo's Pro-Active Control System is effective.
While the Touring E is basic Ski-Dooing, one extremely nifty feature immediately separates this sled from the low buck pack. Only the Touring E offers Rotax Electronic Reverse. Push the big red button and you're going in the opposite direction. Once the button is pushed, the engine slows to an idle, the ignition retards to effectively stop and reverse the pistondirection. There are no levers, no gears and no added weight to the sled.Anyone buying a sled should give this some serious consideration. It makes the sled much more versatile, easier to unload from a trailer, move in a garage, etc.
Combined with the proven Rotax twin, comes a simple, but effective, Bombardier Lite drive clutch- a '90s version of the PowerBloc design that has beenaround since the 1970s.
For general riding, the Touring E is a nice value. While there are fancier and more powerful Ski-Doo touring models, the basic Touring E is one of the best sleds for the bucks when you look at value received. And no other non-Ski-Doo touring sled has push button reverse- at any price!
Ski-Doo Touring E
Overall Height: 48 inches
Overall Length: 115.7 inches
Weight: 452 lbs.
Ski Stance: 40 inches
Engine: 369cc piston port, fan-cooled Rotax twin
Exhaust: Tuned muffler
Clutch:
Drive: Bombardier lite
Driven: LPV27
Suspension Travel:
Front: DSA, swing arm, radius rods, hydraulic shocks, 7.7 in.
Rear: SC-10 Touring, hydraulic shocks, 10.0 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10.6 gallons
Key Features: Mechanical disc brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, trip meter, electricstart, RER, mirrors, steel skis w/ PCS skins
Retail Price: $4.599