Every year, when the first snow falls, snowmobile enthusiasts can’t wait to get out on the snow. The various models offered by the manufacturers allow everyone to have the snowmobile that will perfectly suit their taste. 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade Enduro 600R E-TEC Test
The Renegade range:
Ski-Doo offers its snowmobiles under 9 categories according to a vocation and a specialty for each one. 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 spaces, but with a little restraint.
Our snowmobile in action: the Ski-Doo Enduro 600R E-TEC :
Among the snowmobiles that we were allowed to test during the winter of 2020, we find the Renegade Enduro 600R. 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 Ski-Doo for many years. For those of you who are used to it, you’ll agree that the old designation was more related to a luxury touring vocation for the trails. In this case, nothing has changed except the name.
Adaptive suspension at your fingertips:
We find a snowmobile equipped with all the specifications to face several hundred kilometers daily. Its comfort has made its reputation in the past and this year is a logical continuation of this already enviable reputation. The Enduro sub-category is more of a ”touring deluxe” solo machine in its initial version. For our part, we took the bold step of swapping its original bench, which we find rather too firm, for a double bench to evaluate its ability to adapt from a solo version to a snowmobile with a passenger. This very simple and quick transformation highlights the versatility of this mount. The replacement bench offered by Ski-Doo is far more comfortable than the original solo version. However, this choice forced us to opt out of the heated bench feature. Instead, we opted for practicality by sacrificing comfort with this heated function. Nevertheless, the passenger benefits from heated handles and a plug for an electric visor.
It should be mentioned that Ski-Doo was the first manufacturer to offer an air suspension on a snowmobile in the late 90s. This adaptation, on our test snowmobile, is very quick by simply flipping the switch located on the left section of the handlebar. We immediately feel the hardening of the rear suspension as we select the numbers in increasing order. Nothing better to face several hundred kilometers daily.
It should be noted that the addition of this bench, which allows for the addition of an extra occupant, in no way hinders the rear portion of the snowmobile, which allows for the addition of Link accessories offered in the Ski-Doo catalog.
A daring motorization:
Despite a wave of complacency towards 4-stroke engines, manufacturers are presenting us with 2-stroke engines that are less and less polluting, and as a bonus, more economical than ever at the gas pump and in their oil consumption. Based on the same type of technology as the 850 E-TEC, the 600R E-Tec’s accelerations are instantaneous and more than respectable. Producing 125hp and 30% faster responses than its predecessor, this version introduced in 2018 initially, produces 5hp more compared to the one touted as one of the best 600cc engines: the 600 H.O. E-Tec.
The power developed by this motorization is really adapted to the 2 person tours we did. In the opinion of all the members of the Passion Motoneige team, it produces the necessary power for accompanied rides. Our partner, well anchored on the back seat, felt confident throughout the rides on our surfaced trails. The progressive throttle allows for smooth speed increases.
Unique skis:Ski-Doo designers have equipped the Enduro 600R E-TEC 2020 with Pilot TS skis. These skis allow the height of the boom to be adjusted by simply turning the handle. This adjustment provides the necessary bite for different trail conditions and riding styles. Who knows, one day, we will have an adaptive version by simply flipping a switch on the handlebars?
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.
To add to the traction aspect on the trail, this snowmobile comes with a pre-cramped Ice Ripper track. This track adds a lot of confidence to the rider, it performs well on all surfaces and the incorporated studs increase the direct cohesion to the icy surfaces we frequently encounter in winter season.
A chassis with a logical continuation:
When Ski-Doo introduced the REV chassis in 2003, it shook up everything that was established at the time by 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 for the past 20 years, you’ll be in for a shock when you get on a Ski-Doo snowmobile like the Enduro we have for winter 2020. However, as the miles roll by, that’s when we appreciate all the work that has been done since 2003.
The 17-inch windshield offers excellent protection against the wind for both the rider and the companion. The deflection provided by the windshield protects the rider from the cold as the miles go by and as our rides progress. The only addition is the optional rear view mirrors that can be attached to either side of the windshield, which provide excellent visibility to the rear.
The only point of improvement we could suggest to Ski-Doo engineers is the addition of adjustable handlebars. This modification would undoubtedly propel this snowmobile a step forward in terms of ergonomics for the enjoyment of all.
Nevertheless, in conclusion, we enjoyed this snowmobile to easily ride more than 300 km daily. Its 600cc engine could lead one to believe that a more powerful engine would be necessary, but this is not the case at all. This Ski-Doo snowmobile offers everything trail riders want and more.
