2019 Summit 600 Gen 4 Reports

[quickdraw]

I picked up my 2019 SP 154 a few weeks ago. I've put on maybe 300 miles and it's down to 30% on the break-in countdown. I'm coming off of a 2017 SP 600Etec 154 so a similar older model.

My impressions:

Power: Comparing the 600Etec to the 600R isn't even close. There is definitely more power based on seat of the pants. It feels more like an 800 than a 600. The big thing though is that the throttle response is very quick and strong. This is probably a combination of not only the new motor but the new clutch as well. I'm still getting used to that when boon docking as a little blip goes a long way. In the open it has everything need and then some. I'll probably need to adjust the clickers as it just up to 8300rpm. Top speed on a trail is way more than my previous 600's and it gets there much quicker. I can only imagine what it will be like after the break-in times out.

Handling: I'm still getting used to this sled. I'm 235lbs and the 600R with the 154 2.5" track takes me everywhere with ease. I played with the front and rear springs a bit and ended up right back at the factory settings. Skiis are set narrow. The sled is incredibly easy to roll. I started off thinking that it was tippy. After a few days of riding I'm starting to get used to the handling and wouldn't want it any other way. I use so much less effort going out for a days riding and it is noticeable. Like I said, I played with the suspension a bit and ended up going back to factory because I didn't want to give up the ease of handling. I find myself using my feet to steer more than the bars. A little weight shift and it goes where I want. Intuitive is a good description. Climbs up on top and floats very easy in all conditions going slow as well as fast. Handles trails well, floats over the rough well.

Build Quality: The sled feels strong when bouncing back and forth from running board to board. Snow evacuation and grip of the boards is good. The instrument cluster if fine, easy to see seated or standing although cycling all the way through to reset the trip meter is a bit of a pain. Fit and finish is excellent. Seat, bars, side panels and clip all good.

 

[rab]

That 600 r 154 sounds like the sleeper weapon ,
What pitch is the 2.5 they are using on it ?

 

[ak]

That 600 r 154 sounds like the sleeper weapon ,
What pitch is the 2.5 they are using on it ?

3.5 same as 850

 

[sdsnocop]

As of today I have just over 1000 miles on the 19 600R Summit. I had the sled broke in at 130 miles. It was pushed hard and dumped a lot of fuel the first 2 days resulting in a quick breakin period. Initially it seemed the 19 600R liked its fuel more than the previous 600 etech. However after racking on some additional miles it seems to be similar in fuel consumption to the old 600 etech. The sled is still impressive and is smoother after a few hundred miles. No problems or issues.

 

[BeartoothBaron]

I've always considered myself a Polaris guy, but at the same time I'm a confirmed 600 rider after many years on my 600VES. Seems like the 600s just work year after year without complaint, unlike the big motor drama queens (and I know, those aren't always as bad as they're made out to be). So, until I find myself pining for more power, there's a good chance my next sled will be a 600 as well. As best I can tell, the Polaris and AC 600s have barely changed in the last 10 years, making the 600R the first brand new 600 in a long time. So it's hard not to be tempted to jump ship. Of course, an AXYS 600 is also tempting; I'd like some seat time on both, but I'd bet the 600R wins in the motor department by a country mile. For now, keep the reports coming!

 

[8emup]

Yes I purchased a 600R summit today. The kids are getting upgraded from 300 freestyle. They've already been riding a couple of 800's a far amount so I guess it was time. I had my mind set on 2.5x154 but the dealer only had the 3"track left with shot. Shot was a must so 3"track it is. I love the 3"track on the 850 165 so hopefully it keeps snowing a lot and I'm sure the track will be just fine. Generally we ride off trail from the car and if it's not powder I'm probably doing something else.

I see people having issues with the track but I have a feeling they're running a lot of trail. I think this track probably isn't happy on a hard packed trail. Hard to tell on my 850 it's been pretty much powder or super soft trail. Sunday will be the madien voyage.

 

[mtncat]

2019 600R 154x3, unload at 8500ft and go up from there, SkiDoo missed the clutching on this summit 600R, Primary is setup with 997 arm, 15.2 gram bolt, 150/350 spring, secondary is setup with Bl/Bl spring and 46/42 helix, gearing 21/53, in stock form 7300-7500 max RPM in the deep, clutching and gearing changes now achieve 8100/8200 in the deep and performs very well

 

[biggdaddy]

What. Hanges

Would you be willing to share your changes? I purchased 2 and ride mainly 3500-5500 feet and thought they worked great. I am up for making changes if it is better for sure. Thanks

 

[hoov165x]

Would you be willing to share your changes? I purchased 2 and ride mainly 3500-5500 feet and thought they worked great. I am up for making changes if it is better for sure. Thanks

His elevation is much higher than yours so setup will be different.

 

[8emup]

2019 600R 154x3, unload at 8500ft and go up from there, SkiDoo missed the clutching on this sled

Interesting did you complete the break in? By no means do I think that many RPMs will be made up by break in but I think 200 might be possible. Sounds like I'm going to be working on clutching. In my past experience if it's that far off my dealer will push ski doo to do something or they might even take care of it themselves. They generally stand behind it being correct for our elevation.

Maybe not always beating up the dealer on price helps that kind of service!!! That's just from another thread with everyone looking for best price. I'd prefer service and not best price for this exact reason.

 

[Dyno Dan]

My 2019 Summit 600 (3” track w/ SHOT) now has 80 miles on it after 2 rides. I’d like to share a few observations.

There is no indication of break-in indicated on the display.

RPM is 7400-7700 @ 8000-9000 feet in “mixed snow” (10-15” of fresh, on 40” base”). This seems consistent with the snow flap on or off

It’s my first Ski-Doo and more importantly it’s my first time on a G4 platform. It’s certainly different to me relative to a Polaris Pro RMK or Axys RMK. I’m only 5’9” and 155#, but the chassis is very sensitive to inputs. Foot position seems to have a significant impact on handling when in technical situations. Lastly the front end seems a little twitchy to me when side hilling, especially if running across old tracks.

Today I’ll adjust the clickers to hopefully yield a few more RPM’s. Perhaps there’s a few more R’s hiding once break-in completes. The engine is amazingly smooth and easy to ride, so I’m definitely looking forward to adjusting to the “new to me chassis” and enjoying my new ride.

 

[Xrider]

I'm thinking a 600 will be my next ride. At 65 years old I'm finally past any ego issues and I think a new 600 would be plenty for me and where I ride. I used to have to have the biggest baddest and then mod it some. I love boondocking through good powder on moderate terrain. Oh and elec. start too. Ha

 

[Laundryboy]

I bought a 2020 Summit 600 with a 146" track. Still have 80% break in left so not a lot of experience. We have a 600 Polaris with about 1000 miles and the power feels pretty similar, maybe that will change as the Summit gets more miles. When it's cold it idles rough. It even occasionally dies until it's fully warmed up. I've owned a number of etecs that have purred at idle, regardless of being warm or cold. I'm wondering if plug indexing is a problem with the 2020 600s like it has been with the 850s.

 

[Twistgrip]

My 2019 Summit 600 (3” track w/ SHOT) now has 80 miles on it after 2 rides. I’d like to share a few observations.

There is no indication of break-in indicated on the display.

RPM is 7400-7700 @ 8000-9000 feet in “mixed snow” (10-15” of fresh, on 40” base”). This seems consistent with the snow flap on or off

It’s my first Ski-Doo and more importantly it’s my first time on a G4 platform. It’s certainly different to me relative to a Polaris Pro RMK or Axys RMK. I’m only 5’9” and 155#, but the chassis is very sensitive to inputs. Foot position seems to have a significant impact on handling when in technical situations. Lastly the front end seems a little twitchy to me when side hilling, especially if running across old tracks.

Today I’ll adjust the clickers to hopefully yield a few more RPM’s. Perhaps there’s a few more R’s hiding once break-in completes. The engine is amazingly smooth and easy to ride, so I’m definitely looking forward to adjusting to the “new to me chassis” and enjoying my new ride.

Target rpm's is 8200, your not getting the full potential of the 600r running 7400-7700.

 

[Dyno Dan]

Changed the clicker from between 2 and 3 to 4 today. Not sure that that will yield, but we’ll see.

My buddy’s dad is 68 and prefers his 600 all day ever day over the Summit 850.

 

[sdsnocop]

I should end the day tomorrow with 5000 miles on my 19 600R 154 for patrol. Still runs strong. The only thing I had to replace was a battery and belt. Due to the radio equipment I usually only get a season on a battery and the belt failure was operator caused (burned a flat spot).

 

[sdsnocop]

Last weekend was the last day for the 2019 Summit 600R used for patrol. New sled next year. 6900 miles. Replaced battery, 1 belt and had to replace the track at 5500 miles. The sled sees a lot of trail miles. Noticed some of the A-arm bushings were starting to get some play in them. I did have to ride one of our older etec 600 while the track was being replaced. The old etec had a smoother idle and the 600R had more low end and mid range grunt. The 2019 came arrived halfway through last season and missed out on 2200 miles of riding.

 

[Dyno Dan]

Last weekend was the last day for the 2019 Summit 600R used for patrol. New sled next year. 6900 miles. Replaced battery, 1 belt and had to replace the track at 5500 miles. The sled sees a lot of trail miles. Noticed some of the A-arm bushings were starting to get some play in them. I did have to ride one of our older etec 600 while the track was being replaced. The old etec had a smoother idle and the 600R had more low end and mid range grunt. The 2019 came arrived halfway through last season and missed out on 2200 miles of riding.

So it’s been a reliable sled That’s great to hear and reassuring in regards to my investment. Wish I got to ride more this year, but snow was lackluster in SW Montana, and that’s a bit of an excuse, because there’s always ridable snow above 7500’........even now. I was out last weekend with my son, and it’s dumping right now so I’ll try to get out again.

Here’s a shot from a good day. This was with the clickers of 4 and RPM’s turning 7800-8050. I was very impressed with the performance on this day. Snow was kind of heavy / wet too.

 

[Hawkster]

She's got a thousand plus on her 19 , 146 and I think the length is totally overlooked , but to be fair she's small framed . It's way more capable than it's previous builds and over looked for the longer . I did put the 20 spindles on that actually made a difference plus the new bar and heavier bumpers and a few other personal touches and mods , haven't decided on what shocks to upgrade to yet .
It's wicked fast and goes pretty much anywhere the bigger machines go . The big guys are kind of mindless machines at times . As far as I'm concerned these new 600's are the old 800's but better .

 

[Dyno Dan]

She's got a thousand plus on her 19 , 146 and I think the length is totally overlooked , but to be fair she's small framed . It's way more capable than it's previous builds and over looked for the longer . I did put the 20 spindles on that actually made a difference plus the new bar and heavier bumpers and a few other personal touches and mods , haven't decided on what shocks to upgrade to yet .
It's wicked fast and goes pretty much anywhere the bigger machines go . The big guys are kind of mindless machines at times . As far as I'm concerned these new 600's are the old 800's but better .

Can you expand on the 2020 spindles? What did you notice if anything? Any mods to OEM 2019 skis to make work?