My very first ride on a Ski Doo of any kind - 2020 MXZ TNT with the 600R E-TEC engine and 129 inch track. Overall, I was impressed. It seemed to be dialed in right out of the crate. Maybe it had some time on it and was broken in, I don’t know, but it felt good without any adjustments.
I’m not sure what the “R” in 600R stands for, but I think it should be “Race”. The 600 thinks it’s a bigger motor. There is no noticeable lag in the throttle at all, and when it goes it really goes. I think it can actually read my mind, because it seemed to know what I wanted before I did.
On the other hand, maybe “R” stands for “Real smooth”, because I may well have been riding an electric motor. At idle, it was smooth and quiet. In the video, you’ll hear me say that, because it took me by surprise.
The skis stayed planted through the corners, as much as can be expected for the tight trail I was on. This is the Gen IV Rev chassis and they’ve obviously got it dialed in.
When I started to pick up speed, the seat kind of pulled me in. I know the Ski Doo Rev is “rider forward”. I know that, but it’s hard to break old habits and it took a few minutes to accept the idea that it’s okay to be that far forward. Once I did, the sled seemed happy and handling improved. Okay, I get it now.
My only real gripe was the gauge, which at arms length and while in motion, could’ve been a simple hour meter for all I know. Up close and stationary there’s good information on the display, but it’s useless while I’m moving. Ski Doo makes a bigger gauge, and that should be standard, imo. The option/upgrade should be an even bigger gauge. The technology is here, I’d like to see them use it.
But, that’s really it. In every important way, the MXZ was awesome, even the less expensive entry-level model.
Thanks to Ray’s Sport & Cycle in Grand Rapids, MN for the opportunity to demo this snowmobile!
*** Oh, almost forgot: At the beginning of the video, I check the tether switch. You may notice that there wasn't a key switch, and that's because the tether has an RFID (or something like that) which makes it act like a key. I thought that was cool, just remember to take the tether cord with you when you leave the snowmobile, because that's your key!