AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
At American Snowmobiler we tend to like the big muscle, big buck machines. But, then, because we are spoiled rotten, snotty snowmo-writers, we can do that. But, when we get back to the office and look for something fun that we could afford until our Powerball checks start rollin' in, the old pocketbook raises other issues. That's when we start touching reality and look for added pop in our pesos. We've found a little fun for not a lot of money in the base fan-cooled Ski-Doo MX Z.
Housed on the familiar and trusted S2000 chassis, the base fan-cooled MX Z could be a lot of fun for a nimble rider looking to learn sled control that's not reliant on throttle input.
Our choice would be a 380 fan-cooled version MX Z with hydraulic shocks and traditional Ski-Doo yellow. We could make a case for the 500 fan, but like the challenge of flogging the 369cc Rotax twin a bit better.
Standard suspension on the baseline MX Z is a SC-10 with trailing arm ski suspension. This is the basic package and will quickly teach you how to read a trail- deciphering stutter bumps from pitted moguls- without sacrificing your fanny or spinal column in the process. You'll also quickly pick up the importance of entry and exit of a turn. With little power on tap at the throttle, you have to rely on being smooth and precise in your handling or you lose gobs of miles per hour- in a big hurry! But once you learn the tricks of the trade and move up to a 700 twin, you'll be a faster, wiser and safer rider.
An added plus to the base MX Z is the standard Rotax Electronic Reverse. You get reverse at no appreciable gain in weight nor loss of power.
No, you won't be a threat to make triple digits on a radar gun, but you will be a snowmobiler having a heck of a lot of fun. When you do move into the big bore twins, keep this base MX Z for those days you need to feel good about yourself.