Imagine riding a crossover sled that just fits you perfectly. The sled reacts almost telepathically. When you want to lean in a corner, you just naturally slide over. When you want to attack a corner, you easily slide over even further, your outside foot turns out and the snowmobile carves like nothing you’ve ever ridden. Then when you squeeze the throttle, it feels like the engine anticipated your move and the power comes on instantly, as does the adrenaline. You thought your last sled was the best ever, but you instantly realize this one is better. Not by a little, but a whole lot. Really? Yes, really.
This has been our experience when riding the new 2017 Renegade Adrenaline with the Rotax 850 E-TEC. Both its engine and new Gen4 REV platform were designed together to deliver the most powerful, responsive, agile and versatile crossover yet. The potent combination of more torque, a more responsive chassis and the ability to ride it in so many different ways and positions opens up a whole new world of possibilities. No longer are you forced to ride it a certain way. You can ride it any way you choose.
One of the objectives for the 4th generation of the REV platform and Rotax 850 E-TEC engine project was to produce a sled delivering “pure unadulterated fun”. The latest REV Gen4 platform has been designed around the rider. The new chassis is supremely compact and agile with extremely centralized masses. It’s very narrow with beveled tunnel, sculpted tank and side panels so there’s ample room to move around and ride how you want. Combine the more capable and precise RAS 3 front suspension with the proven rMotion rear suspension and optimal side-to-side mass centralization (a major benefit of designing the engine and platform together), and you have an incredibly precise that responds to the rider almost telepathically. Flickable, responsive, almost magical, this sled takes it to the next level.
The second generation E-TEC engine and driveline were designed to be not only more powerful, but ultra responsive and even more precise. The 850 E-TEC is a technical tour-de-force, delivering 10 more horsepower and 30% quicker response with the same amount of fuel and less oil than the 800R E-TEC. Technologies from long-lasting 4-stroke and diesel engines are used to further ensure reliability. This should easily be the most durable 2-stroke engine we have ever had in a snowmobile, designed from the ground up to be fueled by direct-injection, and it shows.
But the sled’s full potential and enjoyment is truly unlocked by its new ergonomics. It can be ridden comfortably and quickly in many ways. Its overall narrow design (compact fuel tank, beveled tunnel and minimized seat) and Ergo-Step side panels give the rider much more room to move around and influence handling. Riders can really hang off the sled in a corner due to the sculpted side panels and novel open toe holds. Shifting to the side and forward to plant the skis in a turn is natural.
Ski-Doo sleds have long been a leader for years and the new REV platform with 850 E-TEC has reliability and easy maintenance designed in, reducing ownership costs and hassles. Spend more time riding and less time wrenching, or worrying.
Key Features
The 137” rMotion rear suspension is THE standard for control, capability, comfort and adjustability. Separate spring and shock dynamics, plus the most rising-rate/progressive motion ratio in the industry give the rMotion suspension its supple ride in small bumps with added capability in large ones. Adjustments for springs and coupling blocks are all quick and easy, matching the sled to the rider or the conditions.
The premium shock package includes HPG Plus shocks at front, center and rear. All four shocks are aluminum and rebuildable/revalvable, but none of them are adjustable on the Adrenaline models, you have to step up to an X-package for that.
The new RAS 3 front suspension features similar geometry and design to the stable and precise RAS 2, optimized for the Gen4 REV platform, and delivers an additional inch of added suspension stroke and 0.7 lb of reduced weight. A-arm mounting points on the new die-cast bulkhead are optimized for the application, now with a constant caster angle for uncanny stability through the rough terrain. The RAS 3 works even more in sync with the rMotion rear suspension, especially in nasty terrain for unmatched precision.
Key platform features include Ergo-Step side panels, designed to offer a natural progression to three riding positions for different cornering styles, including a new, extreme-forward position. Never before have riders been able to extend themselves out over the skis this far, this easily.
One of the features that most riders will immediately take notice of will be the Open toe hold. This design feature enables rider to naturally pivot their outside foot outward in aggressive cornering. We kind of freaked out when we first rode sleds with this feature, but after a while we started to appreciate the options it added to our capabilities. Even so, some riders might not like this capability so there are accessory pieces that can be installed to close this up just like what you’re used to.
Another feature that Ski-Doo riders will immediately notice as being different from their REV-XS sleds is the new seat. The new Gen4 REV Trail seat features a narrow design that eases shifting from side-to-side and front to back. A wider and flat rear section adds comfort.
Up front we find the familiar and capable Pilot 5.7 skis. This is the Dual-keel/single runner design for aggressive bite in corners and virtually no darting that works extremely well across a wider range of conditions.
In the traction department we find the time-tested and super durable 15 x 137 x 1.25” RipSaw track. Now in the 15” width, this is still the industry standard for hardpacked trails as it delivers exceptional bite in packed snow and better cornering with the 1.25” lug height. It delivers excellent traction in all trail conditions, is very lightweight, and demonstrates how this sled is still aimed at being the best trail machine money can buy.
One of the most profound features to improve long term durability and reliability is found in the new pDrive primary clutch. Fast and friction-free dual rollers transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons on this 100% new clutch. Oversize rollers with needle bearings, wide based flyweights and a shaft-on-shaft design emphasize smooth operation and long life. Shifting is ultra-responsive with impressive RPM consistency, and the clutch is lightweight and maintenance-free. Seriously, forget about clutching rebuilds every season or two. This is an expensive clutch to design and manufacture, but oh so worth every bloody cent.
OK, we’ve been saving the best for last, by design. The main reason most riders will be attracted to this awesome sled is the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine. This engine is next generation of the most advanced direct-injection two-stroke engine technology on the planet. The all-new twin has been narrowed up to fit this new narrow Gen4 platform and delivers an exhilarating experience with 165 horsepower and 30% quicker response. When we tell you the power comes instantly and forcefully we mean business. Seriously, you will wonder why in the world anyone would ever want to ride a heavy 4-stroke sled, regardless of the power. With the Rotax 850 we find design features, durability and the biggie – TORQUE – at levels all unheard of from a lightweight 2-stroke. The 850 is easily the single most impressive feature of this new sled, and will forever change what we expect of a 2-stroke engine from this point forward. Funny thing, the fuel economy remains impressive at 19 mpg, while the oil economy is amazing as well. Designed for reliability and durability with proven 4-stroke and diesel technologies, we find all new pistons, plasma-coated cylinders, a new oiling system, the list of trickery goes on and on and on. Suffice it to say, this engine, like the pDrive clutch, cost some serious cash to design and manufacture, but in the long run you will enjoy performance, durability and consistency unlike anything you have ever experienced in a snowmobile. All BS aside, this is THE new standard in snowmobiling.
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