AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
The engine is now centered in the new Gen4 REV chassis, making the MXZ X very responsive to rider input. A beveled tunnel and a narrower seat makes for an easy time of moving around on the sled. While the MXZ X doesn’t have the chassis reinforcements of the X-RS models, the ride instills confidence, even in the rough stuff.
The rMotion rear suspension continues to cushion trail chatter with ease, and an updated RAS 3 front suspension keeps this new chassis feeling similar to the previous RAS 2 that stayed so planted on the trail. I’ll emphasize “similar,” because the handling of MXZ X 850 is sharp and crisp, but the rider positioning is slightly higher, so there is more body roll in tight corners.
Of all the steering and suspension benefits consumers will enjoy on the X, one of the best is the rack steering system. Ski-Doo marketing will tell you it eliminates bump steer and quiets feedback through the handlebars. Our test rides showed us that it performs tightly with light effort.
Another feature riders will enjoy is the forward adjustable riser, which gives you four handlebar positions of fore-aft adjustment to pick from. A rider who spends more time on the seat will probably want the bars farther back than a rider who spends more time standing. Now you have that adjustability.
For all the good things the MXZ X has going for it in 2017, there are a couple we’re just not sure about yet. First, the redesigned chassis moves the battery behind the seat. To access the battery, you’ve got to remove the seat. It might also make adding sled-powered accessories a little more challenging to install. Second, the size of the fuel tank was also affected by the chassis design. The tank now holds 9.4 gallons, more than a full gallon less than the 10.6 carried by the 800 E-TEC sleds.