Ski-Doo is the undisputed leader in the snowmobile industry, selling more machines each year than anyone else by quite a large margin. So when they announce their new models for next season, everyone – and we mean EVERYONE – stops what they’re doing and takes notice.
2020 marks year four of the REV Gen 4 platform. In its first year, 2017 brought us a limited number of 850 models. 2018 brought us many more models, expanding into the crossover segment with the 146” Backcountry sleds. 2019 was the year of expansion with the all-new 900 ACE Turbo and 600R engines and the conversion of many of the 4-stroke models to the Gen 4 platform.
So what in the world could possibly be next from the market leader? Like any savvy hunter, right about the time you think you’re ready for the hunt, you take a moment to check and sharpen your knife. One can never have their weapon too sharp, one can never be too ready for might lie ahead.
So for 2020 we introduce to you the sharpened and honed weapons from Valcourt, Quebec. We’ll be the first to admit that 2019 was a monster year of new introductions with two new engines and the Gen 4 Wide platform, so 2020 takes the technology to even higher heights with a new Gen 4 platform variation for the Sport Utility sleds, a new Expert package for experienced Summit riders, longer track length options for the Backcountry X-RS, and what we’ve all been waiting to see for over ten years now – all new digital gauge clusters.
What’s New – Ski-Doo for 2020
Summit X with Expert Package
Few snowmobiles can truly claim to expand a rider’s abilities. For Model Year 2020, BRP stakes its claim to another sled that changes the way deep-snow riders approach their day – the 2020 Ski-Doo Summit X with Expert Package.
Developed and designed with input from the team of Ski-Doo Brand Ambassadors, Backcountry Experts and hardcore deep-snow consumers, this Summit allows a rider to access more terrain than ever before. Intent on creating a sled capable of taking on more techincal terrain, deeper snow and delivering a better riding experience, this group of Ski-Doo product experts and enthusiasts focused on key areas to refine the highly capable Summit even further .
From ski spindle to rear fender, from shocks to seat and everything in between, the Summit X with Expert Package delivers access to terrain the most passionate deep-snow riders crave. There will be a “First Ride” Test Report on the Summit X with Expert Package in the upcoming Spring issue of SnowTech.
Features:
* Short Tunnel with lightweight fender to reduce snow drag and facilitate backing up
* KYB Shock Package calibrated stiffer with lighter weight springs
* New Spindle, ski stopper and modified ski for improved stability in sidehilling
* Adjustable Limiter Strap to adjust transfer and front end rise
* Lower handlebar strap for less interference
* Lower riser and smaller diameter handlebar and grips for more control
* Flexible handguards to protect brake kill switch and throttle
* Compact lightweight FORTY7C seat for freedom of movement
* Updated Profile Running boards extend all the way forward with less snow buildup
Backcountry X-RS with More Capability in 154” track options
With the need for adventure being second nature to the on/off trail crossover rider, there’s never been a greater demand for a crossover sled with long-track options. Adding two different 154” track options to the Backcountry X-RS stable gives riders who crave ultimate long-track exploration the perfect tool for long days of epic adventures with all the capabilities you’d expect from the industry’s leading crossover performance sled.
Powered by the unstoppable Rotax 850 E-TEC 2-stroke and its breathtaking dynamic response, the Backcountry X-RS is built to conquer any and all winter terrain. That engine turns one of five traction choices for X-RS buyers for 2020 – three 146” tracks including the 1.6” Cobra, 1.6” Ice Cobra or 2.0” PowderMax; or two 154” track options including a 2.0” or 2.5” PowderMax.
New Digital Gauge Clusters
It’s often times the little things that make a big difference in the ride. For 2020 a couple of those difference makers are the all-new digital gauges available on REV Gen4 snowmobiles. The all-digital 4.5” or 7.2” wide gauges (depending on sled package) offers a fully backlit display, and the 7.2” version automatically adjusts to ambient light. A flatter viewing angle ensures riders will have the best view of important ride information in any light conditions or riding position. Both versions of the display are fully customizeable to let riders select the exact information that’s important for any given ride.
Bad-Ass Sport Utility Lineup now on REV Gen4 Platform
With the line between sport and utility continuing to blur, consumers all over North America are demanding a single sled that can do it all. For MY2020, the new Expedition snowmobiles deliver everything today’s sport-utility riders want – like the industry’s most dynamic engines – and more. Sleek design with ergonomics focused on all-day rider comfort in a variety of riding situations and capability that goes beyond. From demanding jobs in rugged terrain, to 2-up comfort, and off-trail prowess, the REV Gen4 20” platform provides agility in deep snow and precision on the trail never before seen in the sport-utility market segment. Can one sled do it all? The 2020 Expedition can!
Multi-LinQ Plate Adds More Accessory Options
More customizable accessory options are available than ever before thanks to the new LinQ mounting system. Found standard on the Expedition LE, SE and Xtreme models, it allows the use of multiple 16” and 20” LinQ accessories – more than 200 REV Gen4 accessory combinations all designed with superior function and integration in mind.
To compliment the introduction of the REV Gen4 20” platform there’s a wealth of new innovative and functional accessories to get the job done, or just add more fun to the experience. For work there are tool mounts and cargo boxes designed with input from hardcore utility users. For the more recreational riders they’ll find new convenience and ride enhancing accessories that reflect BRP’s pursuit of the perfect day on the snow.
Rotax 600 ACE Joins REV Gen4 Platform
2020 sees the REV Gen4 platform welcome yet another power option with the addition of the Rotax 600 ACE 4-stroke. This newest powerplant option gives buyers on the lower end of the horsepower spectrum the opportunity to experience “That Ski-Doo Feeling” like they never have before. With all the benefits of the open cockpit design, centralized mass, and an ultra-responsive platform that reacts to the rider’s every movement, the ride will never be the same.
Just as the Rotax 900 ACE engine received a bump in power moving to the REV Gen4 platform, so too does the Rotax 600 ACE 4-stroke. Thanks to the new space created by the geometry of the REV Gen4 overstructure, new exhaust and intake tracts and other engine updates were possible. The end result is a 2-hp gain from 60 to 62 hp.
Look for more info on the 2020 Ski-Doo Line up in the Spring issue of SnowTech. Subscribe
