If I mention the name MXZ, it will certainly make you think of the manufacturer Ski-Doo. This name easily crosses the years and it is, all things considered, almost mythical for a majority of snowmobilers.
Originally launched in 1992 as a 1993 model, the MXZ was inspired by cross-country racing. It was based on the new lightweight aluminum F-chassis – at the time – with the new Direct Shock Action (DSA) front suspension and updated C-7 rear suspension. It was powered by a 463cc Rotax liquid-cooled 2-cylinder rotary valve engine fed by two 34mm carburetors.
Eleven years after the MX Z first appeared in Ski-Doo showrooms, obviously modeled on the success of the Polaris Indy, the MX Z based on the REV chassis was unveiled, and it was nothing like what other manufacturers had produced to date. The 2003 MX Z at the time featured a front spar chassis that set a new standard for suspension and ergonomics. Ski-Doo put much of its prestige into the new REV concept. The idea was to bring the rider back into the equation by placing him forward and straighter so he could better interact with the snowmobile over bumps and through turns. Who doesn’t remember the exploits of rider Blair Morgan on an MXZ designed to take on the bumps and dizzying jumps of Snocross racing?
When you receive your Passion Motoneige magazine at the beginning of the season, you have the privilege of consulting at the same time the buying guide prepared by our friend and expert columnist Stéphane Miville. This section in our magazine highlights all the available models and will surely make you salivate over the snowmobile of your dreams. As a complement to the information provided in each description, we also include the retail price of each model so that you can store for your next snowmobile in an informed manner.
Fortunately, despite an increase in the price of certain models equipped with several devices and new technologies, some snowmobiles considered entry-level are still available at an affordable cost for beginners in the snowmobiling activity as well as for regulars looking for an affordable vehicle.
Let’s face it, Ski-Doo had disappointed us until last year with the presentation of its entry-level economical snowmobile, the MXZ Sport. It was offered with a package that, up until then, was simply a rehash. It was offered with the old REV-XP platform and the 550cc fan-cooled engine. We have to be honest, the proposed package had proven itself and we could not be deceived on that point. However, the suggested package was considered to be déjà vu and Ski-Doo had to present us with a complete redesign of its vehicle, which many consider to be the Valcourt manufacturer’s economical sport sled par excellence.
Finally, something new: 2021 Ski-Doo MX Z 600 EFI Sport!
First, for 2021, Ski-Doo has decided to integrate the REV Gen4 chassis into all of its models, dropping the old REV-XP platform in the process. This REV Gen4 chassis has been getting a lot of praise since its introduction in 2017. It’s about time this platform was offered to the Ski-Doo MX Z 600 Sport model and we all agree on that. The centralization of mass and its advanced driving position need no further introduction. In the case of our test model, probably for cost reasons, the chassis is unpainted and reminds us of the previous versions where we had to take jealous care of it and spend hours of maintenance to avoid excessive oxidation. Let’s face it, if you want to keep its original finish, appropriate products and some arm juice will be needed to keep this snowmobile impeccable.
As for the track, Ski-Doo returns with a 129-inch length for this class of snowmobile. The MXZ line has always been known for being a typical trail snowmobile and that tradition continues again this year. That doesn’t necessarily mean that venturing off the beaten path isn’t recommended, but this snowmobile will require tighter judgment on your part when faced with a large pile of snow of unpredictable density. The 1.25″ Ripsaw track offers acceptable performance on the trail, but nothing more. Depending on the conditions, it offers the desired grip on hard-packed snow, but when encountering loose snow or ice, its performance is somewhat disappointing and we have to be gentle on the throttle to avoid skids.
On the other hand, its low weight, about 50 lbs lighter than the MXZ XRS, and its minimalist dimensions make this snowmobile a very maneuverable vehicle to ride in all circumstances. The uncoupled SC-5M rear suspension, which reminds us of the mountain versions, is known for reducing weight transfers with a downward-rate center shock and a progressive increasing-rate rear shock. The RAS 3 front suspension gives us a precise and predictable ride without being exceptional. We have to be honest and admit that it does the job even in what we can call more technical conditions.
Up front, the RAS 3 suspension and compression-adjustable gas shocks do a pretty good job. Keep in mind that the designers wanted to design an affordable snowmobile and that the suspension package might seem basic, but if we make the necessary adjustments, it gives us very acceptable results and performance.
A new mechanism
For 2021, Ski-Doo is proposing an all-new 600cc EFI engine, replacing the fan-cooled 550cc engines (in certain models) and the carbureted 600cc engines found in the older versions of the MX Z Sport. To tell you the truth, Ski-Doo had no choice but to design a new engine, because the 2 engines that this new 600 EFI replaces were not able to be introduced in the Gen4 chassis by their configurations.
The challenges for the designers of this new engine in the 600 cc class were great. They had to design an economical, reliable, easy-to-maintain, low-cost-of-ownership engine based on the 600R, which was itself based on the 850 E-TEC. Therefore, by using proven components, Ski-Doo was able to offer a reliable new engine. The second challenge was to design a new, simple engine. We recognize that some areas are more remote and that some snowmobilers have to make do with what’s available to them. The new 600 EFI uses generic spark plugs that are readily available from a multitude of retailers. Access to the spark plugs is also very easy for quick replacement when the need arises.
The result is a 2-stroke engine with 85 horsepower and a very pleasant sound. This new engine is simple in design, as it has no exhaust valves, no E-TEC injectors and no complex computer mapping.
The low and medium rpm ranges are where it excels. At higher rpm, it is in this range that we notice that it is not as efficient as the 600R E-Tec could be. However, compared to the previous carbureted version, the degree of vibration has been greatly reduced. We frequently experienced numbness with the engines on the MXZ Sport of previous years, much to our displeasure.
Ski-Doo recommends the use of 87 octane gasoline for its new 600 EFI engine. Its fuel consumption is relatively similar to what we were used to with the carbureted 600 engine it replaces. We were promised a more fuel-efficient engine, but we found that it doesn’t quite live up to the promise. At the time of writing, it is still relatively early in the season and we hope that its fuel consumption will be reduced once the break-in period is over.
This new engine is relatively quiet and gives a false impression of its real capabilities. Its acceleration is surprising, without being explosive, and it offers us very good acceleration. Don’t worry, we don’t feel like both arms are going to rip off our bodies or that we’re going to have a heart attack with every stroke of the throttle. However, this engine allows us to keep up with our fellow snowmobilers on winding forest trails. It’s rather in the long straights that we notice the limits of its 85 horsepower. Nevertheless, beginner snowmobilers will get their money’s worth with this new engine bearing the famous Rotax name.
To be honest, this engine will suit 95% of snowmobilers. We have a misconception that we need to own high-powered snowmobiles to have fun on the trail. We have to remember that we have to respect a 70 km/h trail limit, and the Ski-Doo MXZ Sport 600 EFI 2021 already offers much more than what we really need in this regard.
Economical, but not without artifice!
This entry-level snowmobile is equipped with the latest model with a key switch for starting. It’s unusual these days to still see such a start at Ski-Doo. On the other hand, the starts are without hesitation and will not drain the battery unnecessarily.
When we want to engage the reverse function, it is enough to turn the starting key in the clockwise direction by a simple rotation. To go back to the forward gear, it is enough to repeat the same procedure. We noticed that the activation of the reverse gear lightens the left handlebar by the absence of a switch for this function at this place.
The P-Drive clutch is also standard on this snowmobile. This high performance clutch was designed to reduce friction, reduce weight, provide more consistent flow, require less maintenance and last longer. It is incredibly consistent at maintaining rpm while keeping the engine at maximum power.
The 2021 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Sport features the 4.5-inch digital dial introduced last year. This flatter dial allows for better visibility when the rider is sitting or standing.
Like all Ski-Doo models, this snowmobile can be fitted with the multitude of LINK accessories available on the market. A wide range of configurations is possible with more than 300 accessories available to the fans of this brand.
Agile on winding paths
Let’s be honest, the 2021 Ski-Doo MXZ Sport 600 EFI is very alert and supple when winding trails come our way. That’s when it really shines. Its 85 hp engine easily handles these particular situations, and we can be bold enough to shift our weight on the inside of the turns to accentuate its cohesion with snowy surfaces. The REV Gen4 chassis helps considerably in attacking the series of curves with a laissez-faire attitude.
However, it’s in the long straights that this engine will lose its breath compared to more powerful displacement and snowmobiles. We have to be aware of this when we buy the Ski-Doo MXZ Sport 600 EFI 2021. Its riding pleasure is not diminished when we are clear on this prerogative. Not all snowmobilers want top speeds in excess of 150 km/h. Within its limitations, this snowmobile is very nimble and its technical specifications betray its real capabilities. When we’re behind the wheel of this new MXZ Sport, we almost forget that it’s one of the least expensive sleds on the market today.
However, it is not perfect!
Even though we are aware that the Ski-Doo MXZ Sport 600 EFI 2021 is a purchase to consider and that for its price, it offers a lot, it has some shortcomings. First of all, the seat is very small and we would think that it is designed specifically for smaller snowmobilers. It is short and narrow and lacks firmness. A taller rider will quickly notice its lack of support. Secondly, the switch for the handles and the heated thumb is unique. We would like to have independent switches in this case, as we need to find the right compromise between the two. Lastly, it is obvious that the designers did not elaborate the safety aspect for the positioning of the low and high beam switch. In order to switch the lights, we have to take our left hand completely off the handlebars and operate the switch located lower on the snowmobile’s fairing. This operation also requires us to take our eyes off the trail for a fraction of a second while steering the snowmobile with our right hand only. Therefore, this action could make us deviate from our trajectory and unfortunately, an undesirable accident.
In summary, Ski-Doo offers us the MXZ Sport 600 cc EFI that is accessible to all snowmobilers, both on the economical side, but also with the rich experience of this manufacturer in this field. The Gen4 platform means that you get the most advanced and efficient configuration from Ski-Doo and you pay much less than you would for the same technology in other categories. So anyone who is tempted by this snowmobile will find something to like without emptying their wallet. Its attractive price and all its conveniences will satisfy beginners as well as experienced riders who want a snowmobile with a low acquisition cost.
