Always further, higher and bigger, this is the essence of the Freeride lifestyle. For these snowmobilers, extreme riding is just a gateway to the spectacular. They are creative riders who examine the landscape for ways to exploit the terrain, always looking for the next challenge that will allow them to experience the thrill they are passionate about. These snowmobilers think big, because it’s in their DNA. They’re always looking to go the extra mile – to think bigger. With its equally bold attitude, the 2023 Ski-Doo Freeride is the perfect choice for these challenge enthusiasts.
Their perfect sled has to allow riders to move around easily – with as little restriction as possible, be extremely agile and quick handling, have big suspension capability and rugged durability. The 2023 Ski-Doo Freeride pushes the envelope further to answer these needs with the new REV Gen5 deep snow platform. The Ski-Doo pioneered concepts of mass centralization (both front to back and side to side) and open cockpit design hit the mark here, letting riders move about freely while the balanced chassis allows input to be directed almost telepathically for the agility and responsiveness these riders want.
New features on the REV Gen5 start with all new bodywork that’s shrink wrapped tighter and narrower than ever before, producing a very compact package that feels lighter, and is lighter by up to 12 pounds. It’s also narrower at the all-new running boards by 3.1 inches while still offering a good platform for a rider’s feet, and those running boards are even better at evacuating snow and providing great grip. These changes combined with new rear suspensions and tracks boost performance in all snow conditions.
The REV Gen5’s new look adds lighter weight LED headlights for those days when riders want to catch that last bit of sunlight before heading back. Another benefit of the new body work is improved air management, including engine intake and CVT cooling, which has been redesigned for less snow intrusion and better performance. In addition to the new CVT cooling system, there’s also a new chassis strategy that includes a fourth engine mount to provide longer belt life and more consistent performance.
The realities of servicing have also been taken into account as access to many items gets easier and there’s even a new quick removable drive axle and new suspension mounting to make track changes faster and easier.
The short tunnel design assures the sled can move about freely, too, with more maneuverability and less power being robbed by snow packing at the rear. Big hits are absorbed by limit-pushing KYB Pro series shocks the riders revere, updated this year with three clicker adjustments; Low, Medium and High. More weight savings can be found in features like lightweight shock springs, a compact weather resistant seat and even the running boards with larger openings.
For 2023 there’s a new lighter tMotion X rear suspension that’s improved in every way. The principle of rising rate motion ratio remains to absorb bumps better and the geometry is improved for better handling in the deep and on the trail. New calibration and more travel further add to its capability. The new PowderMax X-Light with FlexEdge track design is also lighter and features lugs that are as wide as the belt for more traction.
Power is supplied in two choices; the legendary Rotax 850 E-TEC and the NEW Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R that takes it even further for those riding at altitude. The turbo powerplant delivers 180 horsepower up to 8,000 feet and continues to add a massive advantage above that mark over the normally aspirated 850 E-TEC – and does so with zero throttle lag and about half the weight penalty of a typical aftermarket turbo kit. Both engines feature instantaneous response and class-leading power that take riders further with confidence inspiring durability.
A huge energy saving feature for mountain riders everywhere is the standard SHOT starter. This feature is unique to Rotax E-TEC powered snowmobiles and coveted by many.
There’s a new adjustable brake lever and rider-inspired features like small-diameter handlebars, that make the Freeride a premium extreme-rider experience on snow.
The 2023 Ski-Doo Freeride also ushers in a new era of connectivity for deep snow riders as the 10.25-inch Color Touchscreen Display with BRP Connect is available on the Freeride. This display offers great features for systems monitoring, communication, navigation, media and the ability to add apps, but with the new Wi-Fi connectivity it will also be able to update over the air for even more value down the road.
What’s New – 2023 Ski-Doo Freeride
- REV Gen5 Deep Snow platform
- 3.1 inches (7.7 cm) narrower at the running boards
- Redesigned body work
- LED headlamps
- Up to 12 lbs. lighter
- Revised intake system
- New CVT cooling system
- 4th Engine mount
- New quick removable drive axle
- Easier access to service areas
- tMotion X rear suspension
- Adjustable Brake Lever
- Optional 10.25-inch Color Touchscreen display
- New color scheme
2023 Ski-Doo Freeride KEY FEATURES
Narrow, adjustable ski stances: A 35.7 in. (90.7 cm) ski stance makes the front of the sled as easy to roll-up as the rear. Stance can also be widened 1.7 in. (4.3 cm) to add more stability for riding style and conditions.
NEW Tunnel design: Weight savings of over a pound dry and almost three pounds wet in addition to better cooling. Still provides more freedom for the rider to move thanks to the beveled shape allowing for narrow tank and seat. Open rear cap design eliminates drag in deep snow. Heat exchanger is integrated using cutting-edge friction stir welding process for greater heat transfer, added strength and less weight.
Short Tunnel: Shorter tunnel length allows for optimal maneuverability in deep snow. Standard rear lightweight snowflap with LinQ-ready attachment points.
NEW Rev Gen5 Profile deep snow running boards: Rigid full-length extruded aluminum grid-style design with 7% more openings for exceptional snow evacuation and improved grip. Flat foot positioning for comfort and control, plus more room to evacuate snow around the chain case and brake.
Open toe-hold: True freedom to choose. Enables rider to naturally and freely adjust footing on the running board. Optional toe-hold accessories available to customize the fit for all styles.
NEW LED Headlights: Small, lightweight and very effective with added bonus of weight savings
NEW Ergo-Step side panels: More comfort with a refined shape and the ergonomic design of the rear section of the panels formed to support the rider’s shins on downhills. Narrower profile and shape at bottom minimizes “paneling out” in sidehilling. Bottom pan is shaped for flotation in carving and sidehilling.
NEW Glove box: .8 gal. (3.5 L) storage box is ideal for storing a spare pair of goggles or gloves. Improved seal to keep moisture out. Wiring and marked cut-out for USB and 12V accessory outlets.
SHOT engine starting technology. Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull-start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. 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.
pDrive primary clutch with clicker adjustment: Fast and friction-free dual rollers transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons. Oversize rollers with needle bearings, wide based flyweights and a shaft on shaft design emphasize smooth operation and long life. Clicker ramps allow easy adjustment for top RPM. 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.
Drive belt: PBO material and design enhanced drive belt durability in deep snow.
QRS Vent Plus driven clutch: Finned fixed and moving sheaves maximize airflow of the CVT system to decrease overall operating temperature and offer consistent performance.
Drive Belt Monitoring System: Alerts riders in two different ways, duty cycle and temperature, if drive belt issues are impending before failure. Allows rider to be proactive to prevent belt failure.Brembo disc brake: Hydraulic system from the world leader in brakes and racing-style pads provide powerful, fade-resistant stopping power. Steel-braided line.
NEW Adjustable Brake Lever: Customizes the fit to each rider – toolless design.
Compact lightweight Seat: Lower, shorter, narrower, lightweight design allows for easier rider movement on the sled. Developed with backcountry expert Carl Kuster. Improved weather resistance to preserve its lightweight characteristic.
4.5-inch digital display: All-digital LCD gauge with flatter viewing angle for an easy-to-read info center while standing.
Mountain Light handlebar controls: Even more compact design for no interference with the rider. Warmer switches on console. RER reverse button further shielded.
Small diameter handlebar and grips: Tapered bar ends for improved rider comfort.
Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER): A simple push of a button reverses the sled – by reversing the direction of the engine. Adds nearly zero weight.
RF DESS Key: Ball-and-socket design with embedded radio frequency microchip ensures solid connection.
Sea Level Calibration: Many riders at lower altitude are adopting the Freeride model for deep snow use or lower elevation slopes. In order to meet those needs BRP is offering 2 calibrations of the drive train; One for high altitude, above 4,000 feet (1,220 m), and a sea level calibration for those who ride below 4,000 feet (1,220 m). Accessory-ready: Designed from the factory for easy installation of more than 150 Ski-Doo accessories for the REV Gen4 platform, including LinQ cargo system, skid plates, side panel vents, auxiliary LED light, GPS receiver, 1+1 seating system, alternative windshields and more.
About BRP
We are a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats built on over 75 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Our portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex boats and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft. We complete our lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel business to fully enhance the riding experience. With annual sales of CA$6.0 billion from over 130 countries, our global workforce is made up of more than 14,500 driven, resourceful people. www.brp.com
