2021 Ski-Doo: Summit X Still A Force To Be Reckoned With

February 2020 Feature

Ski-Doo Summit riders understand there’s little that compares to the deep snow riding experience. Effortlessly carving through powder bowls, snaking through tight tree lines or highmarking uncharted terrain, there’s no experience on earth quite like what one feels from behind the bars of a Summit.

What makes the Ski-Doo Summit experience unlike any other on snow? It begins with the REV Gen4 platform. So responsive, a simple glance is all it takes to point it in the rider’s desired direction. Powered by equally responsive Rotax 2-stroke engines, there’s no deep-snow snowmobile that understands the relationship between rider, sled and epic terrain better than the Summit.

And in 2021, BRP engineers continue what they started this past winter with the world’s first factory-produced 2-stroke turbocharged engine in the 850 E-TEC Turbo. Riders can enjoy every ounce of power from the industry’s leading 2-stroke engine to its fullest, all the way up to 8,000 feet. They continue to enjoy a 40-hp advantage over non-turbo 850s from that altitude up on the way to discovering stunning new winter playgrounds.

More than a new engine, it’s a complete lightweight, turbocharged package fully designed by Rotax. With no turbo lag, it keeps the same instant response from the 850 E-TEC that riders have fallen in love with. In addition to delivering all its power at half the weight of leading aftermarket turbo kits, the optimized layout keeps the sled balanced side-to-side. Available on the Summit X and Summit X with Expert Package, the 850 E-TEC Turbo option also comes standard with a new one-piece lightweight hood.

New to the Summit X with Expert Package in 2021 is the lightweight one-piece hood and the inclusion of a 175-inch track option. Riders will also find it easier to move about the sled with a new ultra-low seat designed to promote even easier side-to-side rider movements.

The X model buyers will be delighted to see Expert Package features migrate their way, like the new abbreviated tunnel design for ultimate deep-snow mobility. Updated ski spindle and stopper greatly improve sidehill consistency on the X as well, plus, smaller handlebars and weather-resistant compact seat give a boost to the sled’s overall rider-friendly ergonomics.

The naturally aspirated Rotax 850 E-TEC is available in all three Summit model trims, while 600R E-TEC can be found in the Summit SP. Those SP buyers will see a host of upgrades with the likes of a new gauge, updated smaller diameter handlebars and revised ski spindle and ski stopper giving all deep-snow enthusiasts the perfect Summit options to consider.

As deep snow sleds continue to grow more popular in lower elevations, BRP is again offering two calibrations for the drivetrain on Summit X and Expert package models (only); one for high altitude, above 4,000 feet, and a sea level calibration for those who ride below 4000 feet.

New For 2021

  • Summit X with Expert Package 175
  • One-piece lightweight hood (all Expert and X with 850 E-TEC Turbo)
  • 4.5-inch digital gauge
  • Ultra-compact lightweight seat (Expert)
  • Lightweight seat (X)
  • New color options

2021 Summit Packages

Package

Platform

Description

Expert:

SPRING

ORDERS ONLY

REV Gen4

Dedicated deep-snow sled with features sharpened for technical terrain riding.

X:

SPRING ORDERS ONLY

REV Gen4

A dynamic deep-snow machine with BRP’s high performance features and style.

SP:

REV Gen4

An excellent deep-snow machine for any rider.

www.brp.com

2021 Summit X

Seeking out bigger challenges and more technical terrain is woven into the fabric of every Summit X rider. Longer climbs, tighter tree lines and deeper powder are what they’re after. In 2021, the Summit X delivers even more ways for the rider to push the limits of the ride.

Knowing they’ve got the ultimate platform in the ultra-responsive REV Gen4 is a great starting point, and it gives riders a confident edge knowing they’ve got full control of the ride in any terrain. Add to that some key changes that takes the ride to new heights, and a rider’s mind starts to fill with new possibilities.

In 2021 those changes include the short tunnel design allowing for unmatched mobility on the deepest days. A revised ski spindle and stopper bring the benefit of more consistent sidehilling when the ride turns technical. Small diameter handlebars and new low-profile weather resistant seat upgrade the ergonomics of the Summit X and give riders added ease of mobility around the sled.

Those changes alone would be enough for most to push the envelope on any ride, but Ski-Doo engineers didn’t stop there. Model year 2021 also sees the inclusion of the recently released 850 E-TEC Turbo—the first ever factory-produced 2-stroke turbocharged engine—as a Summit X option.

The entirely Rotax-designed lightweight turbo package offers riders the same instant throttle response they’ve come to love on the naturally aspirated 850 E-Tec engine, while giving them full use of the 165 horsepower up to 8,000 feet. From there riders continue to enjoy 40 more horsepower than competitive naturally aspirated 2-stroke engines as they climb higher. It all comes at only half the weight of a typical aftermarket turbo kit and perfectly balanced in the chassis.

Accompanying the 850 E-Tec Turbo engine option is the naturally aspirated 850 E-Tec that changed the deep-snow game in its own right. Both are fully capable of delivering thrills and epic moments as they turn either a 154- or 165-inch PowderLite track with FlexEdge technology wrapped around the tMotion rear suspension.

The RAS 3 front suspension rounds out the ride with awesome agility in deep snow making the Summit X the perfect choice for riders ready to carve more powder and sidehills than ever before.

Platform

REV Gen4 platform: The open design of the REV Gen4 mountain platform allows riders to ride freely with their own style, attacking terrain as it suits them instead of the sled. Designed to be the most agile, responsive sled in the mountains, the side-to-side centralized mass creates a sled that’s ultra-responsive to rider input, making it easy to initiate sidehill and carving maneuvers even in the most technical terrain.

Suspension

tMotion rear suspension: The tMotion is both extremely agile and ultra-responsive to rider input. A simple shift in rider weight is all it takes for the sled to move in the desired direction. A swiveling rear arm and split front arm allow the skid frame to flex laterally for easier roll up into a sidehill or carve. Rising-rate motion ratio adds capacity to handle big drops and comfort when riding the trail to get to the mountain. Optional adjustable limiter strap gives riders quick, easy choices in ride dynamics.

RAS 3 front suspension: Precise, predictable handling and outstanding bump absorption, even in harsh conditions, with state-of-the-art unequal length A-arm front suspension.

HPG Plus shocks: Highest quality KYB lightweight rebuildable high pressure gas shocks front and rear. Rebuildable and revalvable.

Key Features

NEW Short Tunnel: Shorter tunnel length allows for optimal maneuverability in deep snow. Standard rear lightweight snowflap with LinQ-ready attachment points.

NEW Lightweight ski spindle: Lightweight alloy spindle with revised geometry and new ski stopper to reduce ski drag and improve predictability in technical sidehills.

Narrow, adjustable ski stance: Effortlessly roll the sled on edge with a 35.8 inch (91 cm) standard stance. Stable cornering on trails with the chassis’ low center of gravity. Stance can be easily widened to 37.4 inches (95 cm).

Pilot DS 3 skis: Precise control to easily hold sidehills in a ski specifically designed to work in tandem with the deeper and longer tracks. The Pilot DS 3 skis are a variation of the well-received Pilot DS 2 with a 12mm deeper keel offering an industry-exclusive removable ski tip extension: ride with it in deep dry snow conditions for flotation, ride without in crusty conditions to minimize tip-up.

Track options:

  • 154x16x2.5 inch (391 x 41 x 6.3 cm)
  • 165x16x2.5 inch (420 x 41 x 6.3 cm)

PowderMax Light track with FlexEdge: Easily initiate sidehill maneuvers with flexible track edges that reduce the amount of effort required to set the sled on edge. Climb with authority thanks to the 3.5-inch (9 cm) pitch that not only reduces weight, but increases performance by keeping more snow between the lugs for better traction and keeps the sled on top of the snow. Lug design is stronger and lighter also, combined with the 3.5 pitch it leads to an overall weight reduction of 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) on a 154 and 165 track with 2.5-inch (6.3 cm) lugs. Exclusive 16-inch (41-cm) wide design adds flotation and traction without sacrificing maneuverability. 154 and 165 available in 2.5-inch (6.3 cm) lug height.

Ice Scratchers: Rail-mounted scratchers provide additional snow/ice spray for cooling in icy and hardpack conditions. Reverse-capable.

Tunnel design: More freedom for the rider to move thanks to the beveled shape allowing for narrow tank and seat. Open rear cap design eliminates drag in deep snow. Heat exchanger is integrated using cutting-edge friction stir welding manufacturing process for greater heat transfer, added strength and less weight.

pDrive primary clutch: Fast and friction-free dual rollers transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons on this clutch. Oversized rollers with needle bearings, wide based flyweights and a shaft-on-shaft design emphasize smooth operation and long life. Ultra-responsive shifting, impressive rpm consistency, lightweight and maintenance-free. Fixed sheave is finned to circulate more air—paired with the new CVT cover delivers better air flow and cooling.

Drive belt: PBO material and design enhanced drive belt durability in deep snow.

NEW QRS Vent Plus driven clutch: Finned fixed and moving sheaves maximize airflow of the CVT system to decrease overall operating temperature and offer consistent performance.

NEW Drive Belt Monitoring System: Alerts riders in two different ways—duty cycle and temperature—if drive belt issues are impending before failure. Allows rider to be proactive to prevent belt failure.

Brembo disc brake: Hydraulic system from the world leader in brakes and X-exclusive racing-style pads provide powerful, fade-resistant stopping power. Steel-braided line.

Ergo-Step side panels: More comfort thanks to the ergonomic design of the rear section of the panels shaped to support the rider’s shins on downhills. Narrow profile and shape at bottom minimizes “paneling out” in sidehilling. Bottom pan is shaped for flotation in carving and sidehilling.

Profile II running boards: Rigid full-length extruded aluminum grid-style design with 60 percent wider openings for exceptional snow evacuation and three times more grip. Flat foot positioning for comfort and control, plus a 1 lb. weight reduction.

Open toe-hold: True freedom to choose. Enables rider to naturally and freely adjust footing on the running board. Optional toe-hold accessories available to customize the fit for all styles.

NEW Compact lightweight Seat: Lower, shorter, narrower, lightweight design allows for easier rider movement on the sled. Developed with backcountry expert Carl Kuster. Improved weather resistance to preserve its lightweight characteristic.

NEW 4.5-inch digital display: All-digital LCD gauge cluster with tilted viewing angle for an easy-to-read info center whether standing or sitting.

Mountain Light handlebar controls: Even more compact design for no interference with the rider. Warmer switches on console. RER reverse button further shielded.

NEW Small diameter handle bar and grips: Tapered bar ends for improved rider comfort.

6.5 inch/165 mm riser block

Glove box: 1 gallon (4 L) storage box under is ideal for storing a spare pair of goggles or gloves. Improved seal to keep moisture out. Wiring and marked cut-out for USB and 12V accessory outlets.

Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER): A simple push of a button reverses the sled—by reversing the direction of the engine. Adds nearly zero weight.

RF DESS Key: Ball-and-socket design with embedded radio frequency microchip ensures solid connection.

Accessory-ready: Designed from the factory for easy installation of more than 150 Ski-Doo accessories for the REV Gen4 platform, including LinQ cargo system, skid plates, side panel vents, auxiliary LED light, GPS receiver, 1+1 seating system, alternative windshields and more.

Rotax Engine

NEW Rotax 850 E-Tec Turbo engine: The first-ever factory-built 2-stroke turbocharged engine in any industry. The Rotax designed and built turbo provides full 165 horsepower from the industry’s strongest 850 twin up to 8,000 feet of elevation and remains a constant 40 horsepower more above that mark compared with normally aspirated 850s. Sophisticated design integrates flawlessly with the REV Gen4 platform for ideal balance at minimal weight. Ultra-impressive power, instant response with no lag, and factory reliability from a turbocharged 2-stroke only the industry’s leading manufacturer could develop and stand behind it.

Rotax 850 E-Tec engine: The next generation of the most advanced direct-injection two-stroke engine technology. This powerful twin delivers an exhilarating experience with 165 horsepower and 30 percent quicker response. The power comes instantly and forcefully. Fuel and oil economy remain impressive. Designed for reliability and durability with proven 4-stroke and long-lasting automotive engine technologies.

Color Choices

NEW Ultimate Intense Blue/White with panel wrap: Supreme look and finish, maximum protection. (850 E-Tec only)

Black (850 E-Tec only)

NEW Steel black metallic (850 E-Tec Turbo only)

Spring Option

SHOT engine starting technology. Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull-start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. Pushing the handlebar SHOT button for subsequent starts uses that stored energy to turn the magneto into an electric motor that turns the crank. E-Tec technology then fires the engine to start. Eliminates nearly 20 lb.s/9 kg compared to conventional electric start.

Sea-level calibration: For riding below 4,000 feet (1,220 m) in elevation (850 E-Tec only)

Why Choose Summit X Over Summit SP?

  • 850 E-Tec Turbo engine option with one-piece lightweight hood
  • Short tunnel design
  • Lighter and serviceable HPG Plus shocks
  • Profile II extruded running boards
  • X-package Premium and Ultimate colorations/graphics
  • Sea-Level calibration available from factory
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