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E-TEC may challenge 4-strokesBecause Ski-Doo's new 600 H.O. E-TEC runs so clean and Ski-Doo claims it gets excellent gas mileage, you may want to consider it for your luxo-performer.
Testing late last season convinced us this will be a powerhouse in any sled with great low-end torque. Because the GSX with an E-TEC weighs 91 lbs. less than the 4-stroker, you'll also have a great power-to-weight advantage on your side with E-TEC.
We can't yet vouch for the gas mileage. We want to get more miles on one of these engines before we comment too much on that, but Ski-Doo says you'll see 21 mpg US/25 mpg Canada using only a fraction of the oil that conventional 2-strokes use. What we can vouch for is the lack of smoke and smell you'll get from one of these engines. Running it side-by-side with several competitors, including a few 4-strokes, the E-TEC was the obvious winner.
There are other 2-strokes you might consider too, such as Cat's lower powered F5 LXR, or a Polaris 600 IQ Touring or Trail Touring DLX, which accommodate two riders.