AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
We focused our Real World Shoot-Out last season on the 600 class, and this REV-based Ski-Doo was #1 on the mph chart. But how is it on the trails?
Well, if you're thinking top speed, you thought of the right 600. The MXZ-X topped out the highest of any 600 in our Real World test, hitting a peak of 101.75 mph in the quarter mile. The MXZ's elapsed time of 14.16 seconds was third best behind the Polaris Fusion and Arctic Cat F6.
The rideOne of the great features of this sled is evident even before you get on the trail - the motorcycle like electric starting system! Just a push of the thumb and you're ready to go, and there are no worries about hard starting in cold weather with this sled.
Our test model was an X package, which means it had upgraded shocks that included HPG take-apart piggyback front shocks and an HPG T/A aluminum C-36 racing clicker, among other spring-buy upgrades. These left us with a plush ride, even along rough trails with less than stellar snow conditions.
It was easy to compare how well the MXZ-X took the bumps when trading back and forth between the Ski-Doo and its other 600 class competitors. For me, it was no contest - this sled took the bumps much better than the rest.
Ski-Doo's new Pilot 5.7 skis were a favorite among our testers as the ski's design and square carbides made them grip well and the front end would go exactly where we put it. Cornering was simple and the ease of handlebar movement made the whole machine feel light on the trails.
As for the chassis and ride, it's a REV. By this point, most have ridden one and you can decide pretty quickly if you like it or not. I like it, as being able to sit so far forward gives me an extra sense of control, especially through the bumpy, twisty trails we always seem to find during our tests in northern Wisconsin.
Acceleration was instant. You can feel the burst of speed immediately after you punch the throttle. The performance comes from the new version of Ski-Doo's 600cc engine, the Rotax 2-TEC 600 H.O. SDI.
600 vs. 550 fanThe instant speed was even more noticeable after riding this sled's little brother, the MXZ-X 550 fan. Not that there's anything wrong with the 550. It's a fun ride too, with plenty of speed for the trails. It just takes a bit longer to feel the power, that's all.
Throttle pull on the 600 was more fluid and confidence inspiring than the 550 as well.
Trouble-free milesThis is one of the few sleds that we had no mechanical problems with last season. We rode it hard for hundreds of miles through many different kinds of Midwestern trails and didn't have any manufacturer defects or failures whatsoever - something we can't say for all the sled in our test fleet.
The MXZ-X 600 was quick and well behaved on the trails, and it appeals to all levels of sledders with its quick acceleration along with its easy handling characteristics!
2006 MXZ-X 600 H.O.Engine: Rotax 2-TEC 600 H.O. SDI
Exhaust: Single tuned pipe
Drive/Driven: TRA III Cushion Drive/HPV Roller
Ski stance: 47.0 in.
Front suspension: RAS
Rear suspension: SC-4
Track: 15x121x1.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 10.6 gal.
Dry weight: 474 lbs.
2007 MSRP: $9,349 US/$12,249 CA
REAL WORLD STATSTop speed: 101.75 mph
1/4-mile time: 14.16 sec.
MPG: 12.5