AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
The KYB Plus R rebuildable/revalvable shocks up front on this sled and the KYB Pro 36 easy-adjust rear shock in the SC 5U rear suspension still set this sled apart as an overall package from other machines on the trail, as far as a well calibrated “fun factor” shock package goes. Yes, it’s not new, but these shocks are some of my personal favorites. In addition, the RAS 2 front end has a very loyal following that often sparks bench racing conversations of being better in certain flat trail situations than the new RAS 3. It will be interesting to compare this niche sled in particular, especially in the utility chassis, if Ski-Doo decides to upgrade it to the Gen4 chassis.
A steel braided Brembo braking system stops this big machine, but the 1.75 track is a little different than the new 1.6 and 1.8 lugged tracks out there. Honestly, I would go with a 1.6-inch Ice Ripper track if I had my choice on this sled, but until I get the call to be the product manager at Ski-Doo, the 1.75 works well in an array of conditions both on trail and off.
The fuel and mileage discussions have gotten more interesting as of late, and those conversations mean more to some of the utility crowd than to the mountain or performance-trail crowds. But putting 91 octane, at a higher cost, into all three of the 2-stroke sleds in this comparo means more dollars at the pump, unless you go 4-stroke. The cost per mile is always going to be higher even on a direct injected 2-stroke because oil, maintenance and longevity come into play. That being said a 12-gallon tank on this direct-injected motor gives this sled a longer range than even larger tanks on EFI sleds on average.
More positives include a radiator with fan, large mountain grab bar, DESS tether, electric start and standard rack with hitch. I would personally take the Pilot skis off and replace them with Ski-Doo’s DS2 skis, and put a larger windshield on, but that’s just me.