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A small four-stroke
Ski-Doo brings a new small 4-stroke engine to the market this season in its most popular platform, the REV XP. The model? The MXZ TNT 600 ACE, aimed at beginners looking for reliable, long-term low-cost operation.
MXZ models have been known for their sporty handling and performance. But like the Sport model with its 550 fan, the 600 ACE version tempers that with a lower horsepower motor, but this new 4-stroke is a particularly clean motor.
Ski-Doo’s new 600 ACE is an electronically fuel injected parallel twin (See Tech Notes Xtra, p. 62) that creates roughly 60 horses, Ski-Doo engineers tell us. We hope to dyno the engine ourselves this season. But they say that like other 4-strokes it’s a clean burner. Look for this to replace Ski-Doo fan engines in the next few seasons.
On top of that, because it’s a 4-stroke you won’t be adding injection oil to it and not only does it burn 87-octane fuel, but, it’s estimated to get 29 mpg. That’s nearly double what you’d expect on most modern sleds, whether it be 2- or 4-stroke, fan or liquid, EFI or carbed. Our most efficient demo fleet sled last year was Yamaha’s 125-horse 4-stroke Vector LTX GT and it got 17.05 mpg. Ski-Doo says the 600 ACE gives you 300+ miles of range too! So, low-cost operation will be a big selling point here, especially if gas prices rise.
But how’s it run?
Like the other TNT models, this one feels light and is easy to maneuver on the trails. It’s fun to toss around and tracks well in turns. We love the Pilot 5.7 skis, which help eliminate darting, something that will be a comfort to a new rider.
Power is sufficient to do 75 mph-ish on a straight wide-open trail. That’s what we saw on the speedo out West and for a beginner that’s plenty fast. The new eDrive clutch engages quickly, but this is no rocket, the engine feeling strongest in the upper end of the mid-range. It runs fairly quietly though, which could be another selling point to a newcomer.
Ride is sporty and fun, just like other TNT models. The SC-5 rear suspension works well and coupled with the performance-oriented HPG Plus shocks front and rear this sled sucks up the bumps better than its competitors.
Like the Polaris, the TNT offers an excellent braking system featuring a Brembo hydraulic disc that puts on the binders in a hurry.
We also like the RipSaw track that’s under the TNT. It features a 1-inch lug and seems to help the sled jump out of corners better than the smaller-lugged Shockwave on the Shift.
Ergonomics are good on the TNT and since this is not the least expensive model there are some goodies here too. First, as common on 4-strokes, there’s electric start, but a manual mechanical reverse with the pull lever by your right knee. It works easily.
We also like the j-hook handlebars and TNT’s seat offers good grip so you don’t slide on it. It’s easy to maneuver and sits tall enough that it’s easy to stand up on.
This new windshield is a winner too, low enough to look good, but well shaped to direct the wind up and over you, and your hands. This eliminates previous complaints we’ve had about lack of wind protection. Ski-Doo’s analog gauge pod also is attractive and easy to read while riding, another plus for new riders.
The new TNT 600 ACE (which stands for Advanced Combustion Efficiency), is pricier than the Polaris though. It lists at $8,699. But again, you’ll be getting much better fuel economy and won’t have to add oil all season. Plus the 4-stroke is cleaner so you won’t be smelling oil on each ride, as you do with most 2-strokes.