first impression skidoo mxz 700 sc10ii

We really wanted to like the 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600. But our impressions were set sideways by a sour engine at last year's test session and, when we got our long term test sled, we had a heckuva time getting the sled to handle the way we liked.

So, in short, we went to St. Donat for this year's test session with a bad attitude toward Ski-Doo's top mogul machine. Yeah, yeah, we came in knowing that the MXZ 600 cylinder reed twin was way better than we had experienced at the unveiling of the '99s last season. It worked well in our long term test unit. Good power, quick acceleration, outstanding mileage for a sled of its type (sorry, see long term write-up in next Fall's American Snowmobiler issue), and the suspension systems (front and rear) were very rider-friendly for adjustments. It's just that we found the handling lacking because, even with the "acceleration control module," the rear suspension never really connected with the front ski suspension. Heck, it hardly connected with the front of the rear suspension.

The Y2K version of this sled is a whole 'nuther (and much better) animal. Ski-Doo really gets it right in all but one minor area (more on that later). Our compliments to the engineering chefs.

The 700cc twin is much more impressive than we would have hoped. That will make many of us easily forget the now-discontinued, rotary valved 670 high output twin that couldn't be lowered into the new style ZX chassis.

As we all knew, Ski-Doo can get power from the Rotax twins. Now it has a suspension system to handle it. The 10-inch rear travel of the SC-10-II rear suspension is a light year advanced from the previous "ZX" suspension. And it's as easy to tune as before. With high pressure gas shocks, the rear suspension is in virtual lock step from front to back, anticipating the moguls and reacting well to each and every hit. Weight transfer is excellent. Fully coupled action, excellent. Adjustability, excellent. Overall ride comfort, excellent.

To get good action out of last year's MXZ rear unit, you had to bang the moguls hard. The suspension would respond well in those conditions, but the lower speed action on groomed trails was stiff and unforgiving. Not for 2000. This new SC-10-II works especially well at all trail speeds. In short, the new setup is extremely impressive.

Ergonomics on the sled are exceptionally well thought out. You'll find that the "sticky" seat covering goes away in favor of a material that lets you slide a bit more so you can get into a better riding position without feeling your snowpants trying to turn you into a soprano (nice move!).

But, there is one thing, and to their credit, Ski-Doo designers were upfront about it. There will be NO flatslide carbs on these 2000 model MXZs. The necessary engineering time to develop tuning needs and warranty/durability data just didn't happen in time for Ski-Doo to feel comfortable about adding those carbs to the new engine for model year 2000. We expect to see such carbs in future years. In the meantime, Ski-Doo stays with the proven - but heavier pulling - round slide versions.

The 2000 MXZ has big 40mm roundslide type carbs. That's okay. Except that rack-assist flat slide carbs like those used by Polaris and Yamaha give you an easier throttle pull - less stress on the throttle thumb for a day's worth of riding and a greater impression of the sled's overall "lightness."

As for lightness, Ski-Doo will be bombarding us with lightest in class claims in the near future as the Bombardier machines were found to be at the low end of the scale in weight measurements - in virtually all key performance classes.

In short. The 2000 MXZ 700 is the real deal. Strong. Light. Excellent suspension tune-ability. A little stiff on the throttle, but "Hey!" Total perfection comes in 2001. For Year 2000, Ski-Doo proves it has done its homework. And it makes us very, very happy. And leaves us with a totally new attitude. Thanks, Ski-Doo!