2019 Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850

When Ski-Doo introduced their all-new 146” Renegade Backcountry X for 2018, ultimate crossover riders were thrilled with the new capability and versatility – but many of them wanted even more. They wanted the traditional X-package gauge, and they wanted better shocks. This was an X-package sled, and some riders felt they didn’t get X-package features.

So for 2019, Ski-Doo has come back with an even meaner, even more capable ultimate crossover sled in the form of the Backcountry X-RS. First notice how the “Renegade” part of the name is missing. All Backcountry sleds will now be known as Backcountry, not Renegade Backcountry. These machines have evolved into their own identity, with their own unique rear suspension and front end width. It is a logical progression for these machines that bridge the gap between deeper snow off-trail riding and packed snow on-trail riding.

In that realm, the Backcountry X-RS rider dominates. Designed for the hardcore rider who splits their time between on and off trail riding, the 2019 Backcountry X-RS is the most capable crossover sled ever offered by Ski-Doo. The X-RS is capable of handling intense off-trail demands, and the most intimidating of trails with ease.

In bringing the DNA of Ski-Doo’s X-RS sleds to the Backcountry, crossover riders gain benefits that open up even more riding possibilities. Features such as chassis reinforcements, wider running boards and adjustable KYB Pro series shocks match the X-RS riders’ attitude. Where others hope to follow the groomer for an easy trail ride, the Backcountry X-RS rider seeks out the challenge of both on or off the trail – to truly push the limits of both rider and machine.

Based on the strong and agile REV Gen4 architecture, the Backcountry X-RS is built with a crossover version of the RAS 3 front suspension. The front end is outfitted with Pilot DS 2 skis with an adjustable ski stance emphasizing the intentional off-trail use for the true crossover rider. KYB Pro 36R EA shocks provide a large sweet spot for absorbing high impacts or harsh landings.

In back, the 146-inch cMotion features an uncoupled design that’s incredibly responsive to rider input to effortlessly initiate off-trail riding maneuvers. Its tipped rail allows the rider to better carve tight trail corners and carry speed down the straights.

Riders can customize their level of traction with three different spring choices: the 15x146x1.6 Cobra track provides the ideal dual-purpose footprint for hard acceleration and cornering on the trail, and churning through fresh powder. Add a little traction for slippery conditions with the 1.6 Ice Cobra option, or go all in for deep snow with a 16 x 2.0-in. PowderMax option.

In the heart of the Backcountry X-RS beats the ultra-powerful, dynamic 850 E-TEC motor. With gobs of horsepower ready to instantly respond at every squeeze of the throttle, it’s the ideal power plant for a sled that boasts a seek-and-conquer relationship with winter terrain. For 2019, X-RS buyers have the option of electric start or they can lighten their ride with the Ski-Doo exclusive SHOT starter system.

Backcountry X-RS Features

cMotion 146 rear suspension: The cMotion 146 takes the best from the trail rMotion and mountain tMotion suspensions, and puts them in one crossover-specific rising-rate suspension for a true 50-50 riding experience. Bump compliance is stellar because of separate spring and shock motion ratios – a design feature of all Ski-Doo rear suspensions. Cornering is razor sharp thanks to tipped rails that allow the 146-inch skid to crisply handle turns with the feel of a much shorter track, and maintain high trail speeds. Rigid front and rear arms in an uncoupled design provide excellent weight transfer enabling the sled to respond immediately to rider input for off-trail riding.

KYB Pro 36 R piggyback front shocks: Extreme capability, extreme durability shocks for control in the toughest conditions. New design is more efficient for higher performance; compression and rebound calibration ranges are optimized. Easy Adjust knobs for compression and rebound adjustments.

KYB Pro 40 piggyback racing rear shocks: Extreme capability, extreme durability shocks for control in the toughest conditions. Easy Adjust knob for compression damping adjustments without tools.

RAS 3 crossover front suspension: Strikes the best balance between trail and mountain sled geometry and width to deliver great trail precision and off trail agility. State-of-the-art unequal length A-arm front suspension for the 50/50 rider.

UPDATED 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.

NEW Premium handlebar control: Includes warmer switches, electronic reverse button, mode-set buttons for operating gauge cluster and backlighting.

COLOR CHOICES
* NEW Ultimate Lava Red with panel wrap: Supreme look and finish, maximum protection.
* Black

Spring Options
* 16 x 146 x 2.0 in. (41 x 371 x 5 cm) PowderMax track. Proven PowderMax design and taller lugs for best performance in deep snow.

* 15 x 146 x 1.6 in. (38 x 348 x 4.1 cm) Ice Cobra track: Taller cupped lugs provide superior acceleration and braking in loose, soft snow conditions. Lugs have carbide studs embedded in the tips for added grip when it gets icy.

* SHOT engine starting technology: Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull-start, the engine charges an ultra capacitor. 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/9 kg compared to conventional electric start.

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