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While handling took a little getting used to, we can’t say enough good things about Ski-Doo’s 800R E-TEC engine. The powerband is mellow and manageable at lower rpm and when revved out has an exciting pull on the top-end. Some of our test riders even commented that the Summit felt almost like a mod turbo sled.
Not only is the E-TEC powerful (163+ horses), but it also has some of the most advanced engine technology in the snowmobile world. When you first start the engine the digital dash reminds you that the machine is in warm-up mode and it limits rpm until the engine is up to temperature. Also if you leave the machine idling for too long the dash will start beeping and flashing “shutting-down.” If you don’t do anything the machine will turn itself off.
E-TEC’s biggest benefit is fuel economy. The direct injection system has the ability to adjust the fuel precisely for the engine’s load at any time, so at idle the engine is being fed the bare minimum to keep running. This efficient and variable method of fuel injection results in a more gas-efficient machine than with standard fuel injection and with high juice prices every little improvement in fuel economy counts.
With a 16-inch wide track and lightweight chassis the Summit has always been a great straight-up hill climber, and although the Summit gained about 20 lbs. for 2011 it still climbs extremely well. We proved as much in our
Powder Evaluation when the Summit made the highest mark in our hillclimb test.
While Summit climbs fast it also descends extremely fast. For whatever reason when coming downhill the Summit is faster than any other machine and in the spring when the snow is fast it can be pretty wild. However in deep-snow downhill turns the Summit works very well. With its tall handlebars and narrow front-end you can carve back and forth beautifully, almost like you are skiing on those deep powder days. It’s a great time!
The fast and lively Ski-Doo Summit has that unique quality that makes every ride exciting, no matter the terrain. The combination of a wickedly powerful motor in an aggressive chassis makes for a wild ride on the verge of control and one that always puts a smile on your face.
The geometry could probably be tamed down a bit, but that would take away from what makes this sled so much fun to ride. After all, we snowmobile for fun and the Summit X provides plenty of thrills.