Let’s think back a few years in the Ski-Doo line-up, back to the time when the GSX was the luxury trail sled from Ski-Doo. Yep, GSX. Kind of an MX Z or Renegade but with a taller windshield, smoother suspension, maybe even a set of mirrors or heated seat. There were even models fitted with an air shock (Air Ride) version of the fabulous rMotion rear suspension, making the smoothest ride even smoother.
But perhaps more importantly, think back to how the GSX sleds came on the wider REV XR platform. This was pretty much considered to be the Ski-Doo 4-stroke chassis, but in the GSX series it also housed the 2-stroke engines. Which, for a luxury trail sled configuration, was brilliant. The wider body REV XR platform gave the rider better protection from the elements, better wind blocking and better roost protection, not only from the body styling and width but also from the taller (standard) windshields.
So when Ski-Doo decided to drop the GSX sleds from their line-up, they had this fantastic air shock version of the rMotion that had nowhere to go. Something that worked that well just couldn’t get put on a shelf somewhere, no way. Thus was born the idea of an adventure crossover sled, the Renegade Enduro. In many ways the Renegade Enduro could be considered the evolution of the GSX, more of the true adventure machine than what the GSX ever was, but also better suited to the changing snowmobile market as well. The air shock rMotion was re-calibrated to fit the new riding style, not as plush as what the GSX was fitted with but still so very comfortable and now even more capable. Nice.
Now with the introduction of the 2019 Renegade Enduro models, we once again see the similar theme of using the wider Gen4 REV “Wide Body” platform for not only the 4-stroke engine models, but also for the 2-stroke engine models. Again, brilliant. There are a segment of riders who would prefer to have the greater wind and cold protection, who would like to have a decent windshield included in their original purchase price instead of having to spend even more money for a second windshield to their liking.
Ski-Doo describes their Renegade Enduro models as being “Geared for the true adventure rider who wants to see just how far that trail goes, or where those tracks lead.” Being fitted with a 137” track length this is kind of optimistic, as the Enduro configuration is really more about high-performance on-trail with the ability to occasionally tackle fresh snow. That said, the 2019 Renegade Enduro provides an unmatched riding experience for the pure explorer. Packed with industry-revolutionizing technology, this advanced crossover combines the ability to pile up miles of trail, yet is still perfectly suited for exploring off trail (in moderate snow depths) to reach new remote destinations.
For 2019, the Renegade Enduro continues to evolve into the ultimate combination of comfort, style and performance by moving to the REV Gen4 “Wide Body” platform. This architecture creates more possibilities in riding style thanks to the freedom of the spacious cockpit design. Whether a rider is after ultra-responsive, performance trail handling, or confidence in handling rough, ungroomed terrain, the REV Gen4 handles both with great capability.
Three new engine offerings introduce a new attitude of performance to the Enduro for 2019. Joining the freshly updated 900 ACE 4-stroke for a total of four engine choices are the proven 2-stroke 850 E-TEC, its smaller sibling – the responsive 600R E-TEC 2-stroke, and the new dynamic 900 ACE Turbo 4-stroke.
The 900 ACE gets bumped up to 95 HP for 2019, making it a serious contender for the very best trail engine available. If you truly need or want more than 100 HP, then you can step up to the brand new 600R two-stroke that cranks out 125 HP, giving you acceleration and performance more akin to a 700-class sled of years past. If you prefer the hard-pulling torque of a turbocharged 4-stroke then we have the new for 2019 900 ACE Turbo, rated for over 150 HP and showing nearly 160 HP in early dyno testing. If you want to go all the way to the land of ultimate high performance then look no further as you can get your Renegade Enduro fitted with the mighty 850 E-TEC, all 165 HP of lightweight screaming 2-stroke technology.
Keeping with the Enduro’s technologically advanced reputation for adjustability, features like the Air Ride adjustable on-the-fly rear suspension, Pilot TS adjustable skis, studded Ice Ripper XT track and a heated seat remain standard, giving riders the ability to dial in their sled for any conditions.
One often overlooked item is the different seat found on the Enduro models. The Wide Body Gen4 REV gets a different seat than the narrower 2-stroke sleds, something the Enduro riders are sure to notice and appreciate. This all fits well with the theme of being a premium high-performance luxury trail sled. All of the power of an MX Z, all of the capability of a Renegade, but with the luxury and versatility of the GSX models of the past. With an aging demographic of trail riders, the Renegade Enduro models are a nice offering to satisfy those looking for something a notch better, a notch nicer, a notch more unique than what everyone else is riding.
We’re here to tell you the Air Ride version of the rMotion rear suspension is the very best ride quality money can buy, with instant adjustability though the electronically-controlled Air Ride, or air shock, on the rear arm. You still set the torsion spring preload for the rider weight and you still have the shock valving, but the Air Ride gives you added capacity and added adjustability by being able to further vary the preload and spring rate on the rear shock and rear arm. This is perfect for adding gear or cargo, perfect for a second rider, and it also works very well for changing conditions. You can reduce the preload for a lower ride height and less ski pressure, or you can increase the preload for better resistance to bottoming and more ski pressure, as conditions change. All through the handlebar-mounted rocker switch, with the setting indicated on the dash gauge.
The 2019 Ski-Doo Renegade Enduro. Arguably the very finest in technology available in a high-performance crossover adventure snowmobile. Offered in four power levels and engine packages. The 4-stroke 900 ACE (95 HP) retails for $13,049. The 125 HP 2-stroke 600R E-TEC sells for $13,499. The 150+ HP 4-stroke 900 ACE TURBO sells for $15,499, and the 165 HP 2-stroke 850 E-TEC retails for $14,899. Each one is offered in your choice of Black or Lava Red with Black, available now at your local Ski-Doo dealer.
