After getting a last-minute call to fill in on the Ski-Doo 2023 Introductory ride this past January and getting first-hand seat time on the new Gen5 platform which highlights the Summit line, I quickly realized that I picked the wrong time to retire. I can’t recall a time in the past four decades when I felt so excited to ride a new model line.
Ski-Doo didn’t just hit it out of the ballpark with the changes coming for 2023, it likely changed the game. There are three things that makes significant differences in a new snowmobile—weight reduction, power and handling. Ski-Doo managed to put big red checkmarks in all three of those boxes.
Although the introductory ride is designed to give snowmobile media and quick look at what’s coming for next year, often many changes are in the experimental stages so it’s really hard to get a feel on what the impact may be. But the new Gen5 Platform shows Ski-Doo is a long way along through the development stages and have mastered the geometry and fit/finish of the product. The 2023 Summits have taken the best from past development and embedded them in the new design.
First, the most obvious is the compact design of the hood and running boards. Everything is new (even the tunnel is redesigned for weight reduction and improved cooling). The hood is narrower by three inches. There are no bulges, nothing hanging out that can create drag, nothing extra. Everything on the sled has a purpose—even the small 850 E-Tech decal with Turbo R in red letters. This tells you the power has just reached an entirely new level—180 hp.
When you first get aboard you feel the change. The sled just seems smaller, lighter. As you straddle the seat, you immediately notice how narrow it looks and feels. You can look down and see your spindles. Once you crack the throttle and point the nose to the trees you see opportunities open up as the tight windows aren’t so tight anymore with its 34-inch ski stance. The Gen5 allows you to roll from side to side with ease. It’s predictable in its lines. As you work in and out of the throttle you experience immediate response and incredible low-end torque. The snowmobile lifts out of holes and stays on top of the snow.
Even with the increased horsepower, the power transition is smooth. You have everything you need on the bottom end and midrange … and there’s still plenty left over for the top end. You have the confidence to pick your line, hold your line and glide through the deepest snow.
Although a lot of attention will be focused on the Turbo R, the significant changes with the Gen5 Platform will be found across the board on the Summit Expert, Summit X, Summit Edge and Freeride models. There are a lot of contributing factors that make the 2023 Ski-Doo Summit snowmobiles lighter and more balanced, but some very specific innovations likely have a great influence to this new design. Although weight reduction and the narrowness of the new design are huge, there’s a new engine cradle and four engine mounts that seem to better distribute the weight and eliminate any unwanted vibration.
Along with the narrow front, you also have all-new running boards and tunnel that continues down the length of the snowmobile. Most riders will notice the running boards immediately. As for the tunnel, this is one of those changes you really don’t see but you will come to appreciate the slight weight reduction and improved cooling.
Also with the narrow frontend design, you can’t help but notice the unique design of the clutch-side panels. The CVT is self-enclosed and designed to eliminate all under hood heat from reaching the clutches. The integrated panel takes fresh air from the top and move it through the clutches and out the bottom. It’s quieter, cleaner and very effective. It’s a combination of a highly functioning airflow design and a piece of art. And before we leave the hood, let’s not forget the bonus storage Ski-Doo has provided in front of the gauge. Now you have enough convenient storage to pack some gloves and goggles that are easily accessible. And speaking of gauges, Ski-Doo offers an accessory 10.25-inch display gauge that likes like an iPad mounted right to your hood (and functions like a mini-computer). The touch screen is super crisp and easy to use. It will accommodate all the features that the techies want—GPS maps, music, Bluetooth, etc.
The rear suspension and track are also new. Although the changes to the geometry are very subtle, it did require the re-tooling of 90 percent of the suspension parts. This shows Ski-Doo’s commitment to making everything exact … not just sort of close. It’s cleaner, lighter and more durable.
The track is also new and lighter weight, which means less rotating mass. This will not only help increase track speed but will also allow the snowmobile to be just a little quicker coming out of a hole. The track hooks up well and climbs up on top of the snow.
Finally, Ski-Doo is added two lightweight LED headlights that are perhaps the brightest in the industry. Low beam is one single light and bright is two lights with the second being really bright-like and LED flood light. The headlights cast a brighter beam that is longer and broader.
New Platform delivers power, performance and light weight.
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New Gen5 Platform. A combination of design and a bunch of small changes have made a world of difference in performance.
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If it says “Turbo R” then it’s saying power … like 180 hp with a seamless progression that will run out of mountain before you run out of throttle.
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Weight reduction (8-16 pounds depending on model)
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Side Panels are 3-inches narrower which improves sidehilling, tree riding and deep powder performance. With a 34-inch ski stance you are as narrow as possible.
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CVT compartment design brings air from top and spins it out the bottom … no engine heat. The clutch is also self-contained so there is no engine heat.
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Running boards are also narrower and provide larger windows to allow snow to escape and clean out.
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Tunnel is lighter and facilitates improved cooling.
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Rear Suspension is designed for better balance to improve sidehilling predictability, holding an edge and stability. There is 90 percent new parts so everything has been designed to make the rear suspension work better. Summit X still has FlexEdge and tMotion.
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New lighter track that delivers better hook up, predictability and less rotating mass.
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Accessory 10.25 touch screen gauge is like having an onboard iPad.
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LED Headlights are lighter, brighter, the new generation of night visibility.
Extra on Expert Package
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Brake Lever is smaller and adjustable.
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Expert with fixed rear arm, non FlexEdge track (for those who want a more rigid rear suspension).
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New skis offer better flotation, predictability and handling, even in crusty snow conditions.
New Entry-level Mountain Sled
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Summit Neo will offer a smaller, less intimidating snowmobile for new or younger/smaller riders.
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It wasn’t available on the January Introduction ride so we have no seat time on it.
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It is based on the Gen4 platform with the focus on stability and easy handling.
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It will have a 600 EFI engine, electric start and easier throttle control.
Observations
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When you are standing upright on the Gen5 platform, you can see your spindles.
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Running boards do not collect snow … even at the end of the tunnel there is no area where snow can pack in.
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Just getting on the snowmobile you feel like the sled is smaller and lighter.
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You instantly feel the less weight and more available power due to the lighter track (rotating mass) and track hookup.
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Bottom end and midrange power are awesome.