Selecting the snowmobile of your choice from among the more than 50 models available from the Valcourt manufacturer is no small task. On the other hand, if we think carefully about our preferences and the use we will make of this snowmobile, it is possible to purchase the vehicle that will meet our exact requirements and desires.
Ski-Doo strives to design snowmobiles for everyone who wants to dominate the snowy terrain in the way they want. From the engine to the length of the track, every specification of every snowmobile makes it as easy as possible to do business.
The Renegade range
BRP offers its snowmobiles under 9 categories according to a vocation and a specialty for each of them. Among these, the Renegade line has been well established for several years and needs almost no introduction for 2020. A few sub-categories are included to allow for a wide range of snowmobiles available to snowmobilers. However, there is one common thread that culminates in a 137-inch long track. This size of track allows for agile trail riding, rough and bumpy terrain as well as uncharted territory, but with a little restraint. Let’s be honest, the Renegade line can handle off-roading, but will not be able to compete with the Freestyle or Summit class in more extreme situations. That’s why we can call it a hybrid snowmobile, but with a preference for groomed trails.
Enduro 900 ACE turbo
Among the snowmobiles we were allowed to test during the winter of 2020, we find the Renegade Enduro 900 ACE turbo. Even though it has been in the BRP catalog for 5 years, the name Enduro may not be familiar to all snowmobilers and could be slightly confusing in its interpretation. We may be under the mistaken impression that the name is associated with racing or other endurance event attributes. We would like to correct this if, at first glance, your reasoning went in that direction. This name replaces the now famous GSX name used by BRP for many years. For those of you who are used to it, you’ll agree that the old name was more related to a luxury touring bike for the trails. In this case, nothing has changed except for the name.
The Enduro sub-category is more of a “touring deluxe” solo machine. In its initial configuration, we find a snowmobile equipped with all the specifications to face several hundred kilometers daily. Its comfort has made it famous in the past and this year is a logical continuation of this already enviable reputation.
Introduced last year in its current presentation, the BRP Enduro 900 ACE turbo returns for 2020 with only one major change. BRP has been upgrading its digital LCD gauges, and our tester was no exception. Available in a 4.5-inch configuration on some entry-level models, an extended 7.2-inch dial is just right for this luxury model. A switch on the left handle allows for quick switching of the various functions available. This new digital dial has greatly charmed us and we seem to notice that its response is faster than the old version for a real time information input. It is easier to read, even if it took us a moment of adaptation when we took possession of this snowmobile at the beginning of the season. As the miles went by, we also noticed a better readability in both sitting and standing position. Personally, I would have liked to be able to customize the background color. Maybe the designers will read this recommendation and this variant will be available for years to come, who knows?
A motorization that awakens the senses!
BRP uses its famous ACE engine in several applications in its recreational vehicles. This 3-cylinder engine has already proven its worth and has the ability to make the hair on my arms stand up every time I hit the throttle. In fact, the last time I experienced this many thrills when hearing an exhaust system was more than 2 decades ago when 3-cylinder engines were introduced in BRP’s CK3 chassis in the late 90s. It is also worth mentioning that the decibel level exhibited by the 900 ACE turbo is relatively low. It could be compared to a soft purr that is pleasant to the ear.
The 900 ACE turbo engine that powers our test snowmobile was introduced last year by BRP. It was a huge surprise, but also a big thrill for us. This engine is BRP’s first turbocharged 4-stroke engine. It’s about time, some would say, and we are among them. In the past, many of us were hoping for a turbocharged engine for the now-defunct 1200 4-tec, which unfortunately never came. Our prayers to St. Joseph-Armand bore fruit and we can now enjoy the results of our invocations.
Nevertheless, the figures put forward by its designers regarding the power of the 900 ACE turbo are 150hp. Many of us at the time were asking the same question: why such a conservative figure? BRP’s answer to this question was that they had evaluated the potential buyer pool for a type of snowmobile equipped with this engine and that this power was in line with the majority of them. We can however warn you that the figure given seems to be underestimated, as the power and acceleration seem to be superior. In reality, the clutch is activated at very low rpm and provides good acceleration.
But don’t think that the designers of the 900 ACE only added a turbine to add compressed air to increase its power. Twenty-four modifications were made compared to the naturally-aspirated version: pistons with lower compression, stronger connecting rods, a crankshaft that includes larger bearings for connection to the connecting rods, an oil pump and a more efficient water pump, and much more. The compact turbo has a very fast response, installed very close to the exhaust manifold, it reaches a revolution of 200,000 rpm providing about 12 lbs of boost. This is part of the improvements that were made to support the extra 55hp compared to the original naturally aspirated 900 ACE.
The electronically controlled Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC) system offers 3 riding modes and allows you to customize the behavior of the BRP Enduro 900 ACE Turbo. The ECO mode provides progressive acceleration and is ideal for beginners to snowmobiling. Its responsiveness is relatively reserved, but it doesn’t take away from the fun of this trail sled. The STANDARD mode, the one I prefer, could be described as “explosive”. Every throttle push is unmistakable and requires a firm grip to keep control of the sled. This is the mode I used 95% of the time, because I felt it was the one that corresponded in every way to my snowmobiling habits. Last but not least, the SPORT mode could be described as “unleashed”. It takes advantage of the full potential of the turbocharged engine and is reserved, in my opinion, for the most seasoned riders.
Unique skis
BRP designers equipped the 2020 Enduro 900 ACE Turbo with Pilot TS skis. These skis allow the height of the boom to be adjusted with a simple twist of the handle. This adjustment provides the necessary bite for different trail conditions and riding styles.
Compared to last year, the front portion of the ski has been extended (7 to 8 mm) and is now similar in length to the rear section, which results in improved steering precision.
A chassis with a logical continuation
When BRP introduced the REV chassis in 2003, it shook up everything that was established at that time among all manufacturers. A more upright and forward position was the basic principles of this new configuration and this change can be described as innovative. Previously, we were used to a low riding position and a center of gravity that was just as low. These old-fashioned snowmobiles allowed us to attack turns quickly at the desired angle with the simple action of the brake for a perfect slide of the track. The more seasoned riders appreciated these techniques, but this compromise had to sacrifice comfort.
For 4 years now, we have had what could be the best snowmobile chassis available on the market. The forward orientation of the GEN4, with our feet firmly planted and our hands firmly on the handlebars, reminds us of a more familiar position on a motorcycle or quad. This arrangement allows us to stand up to absorb the imperfections of the trails for better backlash absorption. If you’ve given up snowmobiling in the last 20 years, it will be a shock when you get on a Ski-doo snowmobile like the BRP Enduro we have in our possession for the winter of 2020. But as the miles roll by, that’s when we appreciate all the work that’s been done since 2003.
The GEN4 chassis for 4-stroke engines has a variant compared to those with 2-stroke engines. This slightly larger engine requires slightly wider body panels at the front, which is called the extended design. The hood also has openings to allow air access for intercooler and turbo cooling.
The Enduro version we own has a medium windshield with a height of 17 inches, excluding handguards on the handlebars. We believe that this windshield is the ideal compromise between sport and touring. It offers the right protection for the different conditions that our winter season offers us. The only option we added, to be legal on the federated trail, are BRP mirrors. Take note of this, because it could be an argument if you are interested in this model, when negotiating your next snowmobile. Also take note that, for the sake of the environment, BRP does not provide installation instructions when purchasing accessories, simply to be eco-responsible. However, these instructions are available at www.instruction.brp.com for consultation in the language of your choice.
This chassis was also developed to centralize the weight. The designers took care to position all the components of the snowmobile for similar weight on the left and right sides. Even the battery, which has a weight that is not negligible, is located on the tunnel at the end of the seat for a better distribution of the mass. All this adds up to a well-balanced snowmobile for a very pleasant ride.
Ride like a cloud!
This analogy could certainly refer to the snowy surface we are used to driving on. However, I would also like to refer to the 5-way adjustable rear air suspension. Did you know that BRP was the first manufacturer to equip its snowmobiles with an adjustable air suspension in 1998? This tradition has been going on for more than 2 decades now to modify the rear damping of certain models according to individual preferences or trail conditions.
So, nothing better than having an adjustable suspension with a handlebar switch while riding without having to stop or use a tool. The result is absolutely brilliant, it takes us to nirvana and is worthy of a snowmobile that can be easily adjusted according to the desired comfort level.
Traction is provided by a 137 inch ICE RIPPER XT track with original studs. The many temperature changes during the winter seasons create icy surfaces in many places. This track gave us the confidence to stay on course on winding trails to our delight. It certainly won’t prevent skidding, but it does provide that little extra boost to have adequate propulsion when climbing.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the standard heated seat. This one, stamped ENDURO in big letters, allows, as well as the heated handles and throttle thumb, an unequalled comfort, whatever the winter conditions. It provides a constant warmth without being extreme, it is worthy of luxury cars.
In short, there are as many types of snowmobilers as there are snowmobiles. However, if after reading this review, this vehicle seems to fit your type of rider, don’t hesitate to consider owning it and you simply won’t be disappointed with your choice.
