Ski-Doo has a long history in mountain snowmobiles… Since 1994 to be exact with its very first Summit. We’re a long way from this precursor model with the Ski-Doo Summit 2023, which we were able to test in Montana as a backdrop during the last SnowShoot. This year, the Valcourt-based manufacturer is presenting a new line of mountain snowmobiles with the introduction of its REV Gen5 platform. It’s not just a redesign, as the vast majority of components have been revised at the same time.
Depending on the equipment, the location and of course the budget, Ski-Doo offers several variations of the Summit. There are the Expert, X, Edge, SP and finally NEO versions. Definitely, there is something for every type of rider and with the introduction of the entry level NEO models, we will certainly see a new generation appear. In this article, we will focus on the Summit with the new REV Gen5 chassis that we were able to test more.
You’ll find yourself behind the wheel of a snowmobile with high-performance mechanics, perfectly calibrated suspension, well thought-out ergonomics, etc. No aspect has been left to chance with the ultimate goal of presenting us with snowmobiles ready to face the worst conditions.
New REV Gen5 Platform
The 2023 Ski-Doo Summit is back on the market with a brand new look. At first glance with the pictures available on the net, many have compared them to a bunch of ”Ninja Turtles” or other cartoons. We could indeed see some similarities. However, when you see them live, you can fully appreciate the new design and every element that has been judiciously integrated.
Obviously, we get a new fairing completely redesigned while limiting the width to a minimum. This way, it will be easier to penetrate the snow and reduce the efforts required when side-hilling, for example. In the same vein, the running boards have been redesigned and are now 3.1″ narrower on both sides combined. This will reduce drag in the snow and the evacuation of snow through the running boards has also been addressed. Most of the models are now equipped with a short tunnel with a minimalist snow guard. So, the rear is very open allowing a better evacuation of snow as well as maneuvers that will now be easier to perform.
New left side panels
If we look at the left panels of the 5th generation 2023 Ski-Doo Summit, we will notice a very interesting and well thought out change. We now have access to 2 distinct panels. The first one opens quickly to give access to the oil tank for a quick refill without sliding since the neck is now at a more convenient angle. The second panel is dedicated to the belt and pulley assembly. The engineers understood that these types of snowmobiles are subject to extreme conditions and that the clutch was subject to intense temperatures. Instead of reusing air from the engine compartment that has already been heated, the clutch is kept isolated from this environment and provided with an independent intake system to capture outside air. This will allow for more efficient cooling of the belt and pulleys. This will certainly limit breakage of these components.
Lighting signature
In the first few seconds, you can quickly see that the Summit has a new lighting signature. It was high time that this aspect was addressed to be up to date with other manufacturers. These LED lights provide great light power and will certainly be appreciated to light up the trails when you come back from a long day in the mountains with the night slowly setting in.
Powerplants
In order to give life to the Ski-Doo Summit 2023 with the new REV Gen5 platform, the manufacturer uses two Rotax 2-stroke engines. The 850 E-TEC with 165 HP as well as the new Turbo R version now developing 15 more horses to reach a whopping 180 horses. This last engine will allow you to keep this enormous power up to an altitude of 8000 feet thanks to the turbo compression. If you ever reach terrain above that altitude, you’ll notice that the power gradually decreases, but you’ll still have a 55HP advantage over the naturally aspirated 850 E-TEC. Wow!
The only disadvantage of a turbocharged engine is that there is a delay in response when you press the throttle. Even though the Rotax plenum system greatly reduces this aspect, there is still a delay and when you want to perform fast maneuvers, you have to plan ahead. So, if you expect to need the turbo for altitude or just to get the extra 15 horsepower, keep in mind that the engine response will always be better on the non-turbo engine.
Length and track options
To propel the Summit efficiently, there are many choices for track length and stud height. You can choose a length of 146, 154, 165 and even up to 175 inches depending on the type of terrain you are working on. Furthermore, you can choose a stud height between 2.5 and 3 inches to obtain optimal traction depending on the type of snow you usually encounter in your play areas.
Driving Impressions
Now it’s time to give you our driving impressions following our test of the Ski-Doo Summit 2023. The first thing we’ll talk about is the advantages of the new platform. When you sit down on the Summit, you feel even more comfortable and you immediately notice that the cabin is much less wide than the previous version. The ergonomics are very well done and on the Expert version, you even get an adjustable brake handle.
When you look down, you have an excellent view on the dial which is positioned very flat on top. Perhaps a little too much directed towards the sky when it is very sunny, but the contrast is good. We were able to try the new 10.25″ screen and it works very well, even in cold weather as well as with gloves. We also took the time to connect it to our phone to receive alerts and especially to use it live with the BRP GO application. This system is totally worth the money. Unfortunately, this screen is only available on the most expensive versions and only on spring orders. Moreover, at the time of writing, there are already no more available for spring orders.
It’s time to start the engine…
After a few minutes of riding it, you will notice that it is even easier to swing in the snow than before. The efforts required for slalom and side-hill are greatly reduced. This is the advantage of the short tunnel without snow guard, which allows for optimal snow evacuation. In addition, the narrower running boards contribute to the improved handling and reduced effort.
As you go through the turns, climbs and jumps, you can’t help but praise the Summit’s well-calibrated suspension. They provide excellent damping and precision. You can even opt for the tMotion XT rigid rear suspension on the Expert version for the ultimate in precision. However, this is the only version that offers such stiffness, which we know is necessary if you want the ultimate in control. The tMotion offered on the other versions, however, offers a good side-hill behavior.
Despite a distinct lack of snow during our test in Montana, we were able to confirm that the suspensions are doing a great job, as we were able to keep our lines side-hill or make tight turns without losing direction. A really important aspect of the new platform is that the running boards extend further forward and allow the rider to put a lot of weight forward. This way, you can keep your nose to the grindstone when climbing a steep mountain. Certainly, with the introduction of this new platform, Summit is raising the bar on the performance and prowess that can be achieved with them.
Strengths
- Choice of powerful engines: 850 E-TEC with instant response and a TURBO R version that maintains its 180 horsepower up to 8000 feet.
- The new REV Gen5 contains several new features that contribute greatly to Summit’s ability to perform even better in the mountains.
- Option available for a 10.25″ touch screen. Well integrated and contains a mountain of information. The whole thing can be connected with the BRP GO application.
Areas for improvement
- It is necessary to take into account a certain delay in the response of the turbo engine even if the manufacturer announces it otherwise
- Space on top of the machine (lid) that doesn’t allow to contain much. Of course, Ski-Doo has foreseen this and offers an accessory to make it usable… At the price we ask, why not include it as standard?
- The touch screen and the tMotion XT suspension are only available as spring orders and only on the most expensive models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the Gen4 platform continues to give good results, we noticed an advantage this year for the big competitor from Minnesota with the redesign of its platform for 2022. So, with the introduction of the REV Gen5 at Ski-Doo, we will once again see a hot battle between the 2 manufacturers that dominate this market niche. It’s good for us that this rivalry continues to be aggressive, since we benefit from many advances that help mountain machines progress every year.
For more information on Ski-Doo Summit models, visit www.ski-doo.com or your local dealer.
