skidoo 2004 revving up more of the same

 The production model REVs and the 2003 prototype models we rode in McCall, Idaho, were two extremely different sleds. The 2003 production versions that you bought were far superior. Had we ridden pre-season models like those that came off the production line, we would have had much more positive impressions of Ski-Doo's REV concept.

As it was, we were impressed with the fact that the REV concept was ideally suited for big bump, aggressive riding. We were not sold on the REV as an everyday choice for the rest of us. After spending miles and days on standard 2003 production REVs this past winter (wherever we could find it!), we realized that Ski-Doo seriously underplayed its cards at the annual spring test session. By the time production rolled around, the real REV had been sorted out. Spring and shock rates were finalized. Intake and exhaust silencing set. Final quality standards determined. Production was spot on and consumers won.

For 2004 Bombardier broadens its commitment to its reinvention of snowmobiling and making snowmobiling truly fun again! For 2004 there is a REV for every rider, every level of riding ability, every taste.
 
REV MX Z - The Original REV
You'll find that the original REV model of MX Z has moved into a series of five packages, with the "X" pack being offered to early season 2004 model year buyers only.

MX Z X - The Hot Dog REV- This package is for the Blair Morgan emulators. From the hairy-chested power of a High Output 800cc twin to a choice of 600cc twins- a carbureted HO version or semi-direct injection that is new this season. A Spring-only selection the X package has all the tricks, like a special racer seat with rounded contours for side to side control; special racer-quick braking action; handlebar j-hooks for added control; low racy windscreen with Acerbis hand guards; 1.25-inch lug track; and a choice of three team color packages- black X-team, black and Morgan yellow; or the blue and yellow XPS color combo.
 
Renegade- The stretched trail REV- If you liked the REV for trails, you'll love the boonie seeking capability of the new REV Renegade. It's all REV with a 136-inch track (versus standard 121-incher) that sports optionally available lugs that reach a half-inch deeper into the snow than the basic REV Renegade track. Available with a choice of 600 or 800 High Output carbureted twins the '04 Renegade features the same racer-tested REV-X tilted tunnel as the aggressive MX Z X models. In fact, you can get an X pack for the Renegade that has take-apart piggyback shocks just like the shorter tracked racer styled X model.

The spring-only Renegade X includes: offset ski leg, Summit -style mountain grab strap, a choice of the SDI 600 twin, mountain-style seat and rack with "jerry" can for extra fuel, and the same color options as the MX Z X version.
 
Adrenaline- The REV for the rest of us- If you're secure in your manhood and don't need the racer look for image enhancement nor have the desire to turn every outing into an off-trail adventure, then the REV's adrenaline package is your ride. This is the sled you buy for all day fun riding; all day, every day, as long as there is snow!

Equipped with the new tilt tunnel platform and four engine choices, it's impossible to make a bad choice here. The 800 HO is for the rider with wide-open lakes. The 600 HO and its 40mm carbs or the 600 semi-direct injection motor is a terrific all around choice. But if you want to make a great buy, there's the 500 SS- actually a 600cc twin but without the HO's goodies.

The suspension uses gas shocks that give you greater performance in a wider variety of trail and bump conditions. The track has a 1-inch lug and rotates around a SC-10 III rear suspension.

Electronic reverse is standard but factory-installed electric start is a spring option.
 
Trail- The REV for the follow the groomer crowd- If your level of riding preference is primarily groomed trails, you'll find that the basic REV package with Motion Control front shocks and fewer bells and whistles may afford you a cost savings while still providing the goodies of REV platform with Rev-X tilt tunnel design, unique riding position, and choice of two 600cc engines- high output or 500SS (600cc non-HO). You get only one color option, black, but electric start is available as a spring factory option.

MX Z Fan - Conventional chassis and econo-twins- Price sensitivity is the word on this non-REV model, conventional "ZX" platform. The engine options are the 550cc or 380 series fan-cooled engines, both of which come standard with electronic reverse.
 
REV GSX- Luxury & Sport
For many riders, the all-new GSX series may be their ultimate snow vehicle as it combines the best features of the performance MX Z with the style and amenities of the top line luxury sleds. There are two levels of sophistication in the new GSX line- Limited and Sport.

Limited- The GSX with everything- There are no sacrifices made or considered in this REV-based sports luxury model. It starts off with a choice of high output 800cc twin with digitally monitored carburetion or semi-direct injection 600cc twin. You'll find variable rate shocks controlling the action of the SC-10 III rear suspension. Dual runner skis up front and supple Motion Control shocks on the A-arm front suspension.
 
As you would expect the GSX is about sophistication: electronic reverse, electric start, rearview mirrors, high performance hydraulic action Brembo brake, electronic fuel and temperature gauges, and even a custom-styled touring bag mounted on the tunnel.
 
Sport- The GSX with almost everything- Just a step behind the Limited edition, the Sport package offers three 600cc engine choices: high output, SDI or the 500SS (600cc non-HO). No 800 twin is offered.

Otherwise, expect the same features on the Sport as the Limited. Key differences show up with the Sport's use of Motion Control rear suspension damping versus the Limited's high-pressure gas shocks. The electric fuel gauge and temp gauge are optional on the Sport. And the color options are slightly different as well. Both Sport and Limited come in black, but the Sport comes in what Ski-Doo calls full moon and black versus the Limited's full moon and voltage blue coloration. But either way, these sleds are full blown REVs designed for all day riding regardless of trail conditions.
 
REV Summit- The reinvention of the powder sled.

Don't kid yourself, the 2004 Summit is as significant to powder riding as the original Summit was 10 years earlier. While Ski-Doo calls the REV Summit its re-invention of the Summit, we call it the reinvention of the powder sled. Ergonomically the REV suits powder riders better than a conventional sled could. You are already in a near standing position on the REV Summit. You are centered in a position that immediately places you in control of the sled's side-to-side motion. But add in the nuances of the REV Summit and you find yourself piloting one of the best powder designs ever invented. The REV Summit is truly amazing and extraordinarily well conceived by Ski-Doo's mountain riding engineer group.

Including Spring Only models there are five Summits, but only four REV platform versions. The low buck Summit Fan is a carry-over ZX chassis with 550 fan-cooled engine to entice the low-end buyer.
 
REV Summit X- Serious "Spring Only" sleds- The serious highmarking crowd that orders early will have a choice of three X models: X-package of 144 inch track length; Highmark X with 151 inch track; or, Highmark Xtreme with 159 inch length. All feature a new 16-inch width for enhanced flotation and two-inch lug grip. Available in black or yellow and black the X Summits (and standard REV Summits) are designed around the upright positioning of the REV platform and new tilted tunnel enhancement. A-arm front suspensions, electronic reverse, a clear fuel tank and 4-pound lighter sculpted seat are standard. Spring Only models include a fuel canister; shovel and avalanche probe which suggests that Ski-Doo expects REV Summit owners to be doing some very serious powder running.
 
Power options, or lack of them, also suggest Ski-Doo expects serious highmarkers moving up to the REV Summit. The X model offers a choice of 800 HO or 600 HO while the longer tracked models offer only the high output 800 twin.

REV Summit- Everyone's Powder REV- If you pass on the spring only specials, you can expect to find the amply acceptable Highmark 151, Adrenaline and Sport available. The new wider 16-inch track with 2-inch lug pattern is standard but the Adrenaline features a shorter 144-inch track. The Sport comes with a lower price tag for a 151-inch tracked hillclimber since its Rotax 800 twin goes without the electronically compensated carbs.
 
These are all serious snow machines. The Adrenaline's 144-inch track length and optional 800 or 600 engines make it more of a powder buster and a bit less of a highmarker. Still, all three (and X packages, too) will feature Ski-Doo's offset ski, convertible ski stance, j-hooks, and mountain rack.
 
Legend- Unconventional power in a conventional chassis
In a stroke of lucidity, Ski-Doo has joined the solo touring and grand touring models together. Now they are simply Legend (one-up) or Legend GT (two-place). But there are three levels and price points of Legend models- SE, top line luxury appointments; Sport, middle range features; and Fan, price leaders. Also, this is the only sports segment in the Ski-Doo line to retain the 700cc Rotax twin.

SE- Top dog - If you want it all in a conventional ZX style platform, this is where you go. The two-up is the newly reclassified Grand Touring model of old, and the one-up is a returning Legend complete with gas shocks, tilt steering, mirrors, etc. You name it, the SE has it. And that includes the surprisingly agile 4-TEC V1000 four stroke Rotax. Other engine options are an SDI 800 or SDI 600 and 700cc twin.
 
Sport- Comfort with style- You can get a four stroke vee-twin in this classification, but you will find cost savings due to decontenting of the SE models. The basic model is good as it comes on the ZX chassis and has variable rate shocks and little features like a visor outlet plug, mirrors and Brembo brake.

Fan- Styling and saving- Many touring riders still like the idea of a fan-cooled powerplant. It saves money initially and you'll find further decontent on the Legend Fan. The base package is very competent and nicely priced for the features you get.
 
Elite- Is the third time a charm? Two previous interations failed to spell significant sales volume on this specialty twin tracker, but this third version with its 140-plus horsepower might be a different story. Power is from Sea-Doo's 1500cc three cylinder 4-Tec four-stroker. Top speed we saw was easily more than 60 miles per hour in about three inches of ungroomed snow. No price nor launch date was set as we went to press.