Snowmobile manufacturers have implemented marketing strategies that offer enthusiasts exclusive vehicles during spring fever. Even though the winter seasons are hardly over in many parts of the province at certain times, dealers are able to take orders for the following season. This tactic offers snowmobiles that are unique to this time of year and will not be available for purchase afterwards. The Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS versions from Ski-Doo are a good example of exclusive snowmobiles with certain extras that offer marked advantages over standard models. Fanatics of this brand do not deviate from these prerogatives and the success is palpable year after year.
The 2021 Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 ETEC 154.
Ski-Doo’s Backcountry models are well established for purists and redefine the very notion of a hybrid snowmobile. A few improvements are noticeable on this choice mount in the 50/50 category.
Its changes:
A belt overheating indicator.
Among the new features for 2021, on some mountain models, including the Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 ETEC 154 2021, a belt overheating indicator is implemented. This monitoring system sends an indication to the driver when the belt is used too intensively. This indication appears when the belt exceeds 75 degrees Celsius between the 2 pulleys. It should be mentioned, however, that this warning is only for the driver’s information and does not affect the engine’s power. It is up to each pilot to take the most appropriate action to preserve the integrity of his belt when a signal appears.
A new kind of LCD screen.
For those who want the best in display features, Ski-Doo is pushing the envelope with the introduction of a new 7.8-inch widescreen LCD display on the exclusive spring packages. This oversized screen is subject to a rotary control and buttons for the main functions located independently on the left. This package allows you to perform a multitude of tasks not usually done on a snowmobile. For example, a high-end navigation system, access to our favorite music and weather information are just a few of the functions that this new screen allows through the BRP Connect application. We have to be honest, this new screen surpasses anything we’ve ever witnessed in terms of technological advances in the snowmobile world. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it’s an entertainment center that allows us to enjoy all the everyday conveniences that our smartphones provide. All we have to do is connect our phone to this system and place it in the heated pocket in the trunk above the screen. It allows us to benefit from the hands-free functionality we are now familiar with in our road vehicles. It’s a nice innovation for a substantial outlay.
A foolproof motorization.
This Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 ETEC 154 2021 snowmobile is available with the ROTAX E-TEC 850cc 2-stroke engine. The 165 horsepower are once again well exploited. Ski-Doo engineers found the right settings and calibration to offer us a snowmobile that stands out from the competition. Our altitude tests were more than conclusive and proved once again Ski-Doo’s firm intention to be one of the leaders in this field.
Some bite
The 154-inch track of the Backcountry comes close to the flotation capabilities that a FREERIDE can provide. The major difference in this regard is in the front in terms of ski spacing. The Backcountry has a wider spread, and therefore, better stability in trail use. That’s why it’s rightly considered in the 50/50 category. Two ski gauge positions are available, narrower at 38.4″ (for powder) and wider at 40.2″ (for trail).
Is the PowderMax 2.0 track suitable? That depends on what you want to do with it. One thing is for sure, it offers more vibration than a Cobra 1.6 at high speeds in trail conditions, but this PowderMax 2.0 track will obviously offer more traction when needed. And that’s the advantage of having this 154-inch track in powder and undeveloped environments. It gives you the confidence to get through obstacles without any doubts about your abilities. The snow is evacuated in such a way as to give this snowmobile all the traction it needs, regardless of the conditions.
A quick adjustment according to your preferences.
The KYB PRO shocks are easily adjustable without having to take off our gloves. A simple flip of a switch allows us to adjust the compression speed to our preference. During an off-road ride, adjustments are quick and we can return to our initial settings when we return to a surfaced trail just as instantly.
Its rear suspension is the cMotion, which is a hybrid of the best attributes of the rMotion and tMotion. As such, it has adjustable torque rods, springs and shocks with all the character to handle and absorb bumps like an MXZ on the trail. This suspension is rate-increasing, which means that as it compresses, its springs and shocks gradually start to stiffen. This means that the climb rate is soft and plush in the first half of the ride and then gradually stiffens in the last half.
The running boards are designed to handle all possible options with this snowmobile. They were designed for aggressive riding in a standing position. They are flatter, wider, stronger and made of thicker aluminum. They are equipped with front and rear reinforcements to withstand hard landings.
For us, it is easy to prefer this snowmobile compared to two of its competitors from the same manufacturer: the Freeride 154 and the Summit SP. This preference comes down to its greater stability and its behavior on the trail. The Freeride and the Summit named earlier are superior in powder, but don’t have the same overall poise as the Backcountry X-RS. It’s brilliant in every way, as it’s fast and sticks to the surfaces it faces. Its PowderMax track intensifies the riding experience and it defies obstacles in its path with a dose of cheek.
As soon as we got behind the wheel of the Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 ETEC 154 2021, we were able to experience a snowmobile that exudes confidence and assurance to its rider. During fast and lively dives around tight turns and bumpy terrain, the combination of the RAS 3 and cMotion gave us what we were looking for: control. The track clears everything in its path as the 850 E-TEC roars and shines. When we enter a corner and want to change course, the Brembo braking system slows this Gen4 platform down with a little pressure, and when we find ourselves in mid-air, it gives us the lean you want.
The first complaint we can make to Ski-Doo about this particular snowmobile is its springtime exclusivity. It is so exciting and has so much to offer that we would like it to be available in this version at all times. Secondly, the black version we have available is rather dull aesthetically and is the opposite of what Ski-Doo has regularly offered us over the years. In my opinion, if you own such a snowmobile, you’ll want to show it off to everyone and more attractive features would be in order. If you want to add a custom wrap, the already high price tag will be magnified.
In truth, what makes the Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 154 2021 the hybrid snowmobile of choice? There is, of course, the 850cc Rotax E-TEC engine, which sometimes requires restraint because it pulls so hard. This mechanic in the REV Gen4 pyramidal chassis, the pDrive clutch, the RAS 3 front suspension and the cMotion rear suspension gives us an absolutely amazing crossover. The low-end torque of this engine is mind-boggling, and when we open the throttle to its highest limits, we find ourselves behind the wheel of a truly incredible snowmobile. Without a doubt, the 2021 Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS 850 will give its owners a phenomenal season.
