AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Ski-Doo engineers also tell us they've recalibrated the shocks and springs to cut dive in cornering and during braking. That hadn't been a big problem for us before, and still isn't. Another plus, all the shocks are aluminum bodied and rebuildable. If you're a punishing rider, that's vitally important.
Braking is good here too with racing brake pads and a Brembo caliper. Additionally, longevity should be aided by the X model's steel-braided brake line.
Power? We almost forgot. The MXZx uses the Rotax E-TEC 2-stroke, which was introduced last year. This 600cc engine delivers a solid punch, but equally important, it burns virtually no oil, at least during our riding last season. There's no smoke either and gas mileage is good. We managed 16.69 mpg in our Real World testing last winter.
That adds to this model's value story, good power, low oil use and good gas mileage. A down side? It drinks premium gas.
The X model also has a 1.25-inch lugged track to give you a little more traction when you weld the throttle to the bar ripping out of a corner.
Other pluses here include nice multi-function gauges, RER reverse and electric start. Another change is the use of a narrower race-inspired seat, which allows for easier side-to-side movements. The seat also is 1.25 inches taller, but firmer too. Some won't mind and some will, depending on your own natural padding.
Ski-Doo faithful also may not be wild about a white, red and black sled, seeing as how there's no YELLOW on it. But we like its looks. Our only changes here would be to add the taller sport performance windshield and a soft tunnel bag for some storage as the sled is woefully lacking in that otherwise.
If you like this sled's handling, but need to go lighter on your wallet, the TNT with the carbureted 600 runs you only $8,349 and add $350 for electric start. Or, even lighter, the Sport (the best deal in my book) also with the carbureted 600 starts at $7,499 and you get a mid-height windshield too. The Ski-Doo remains our pick in this segment.