Expedition SWT 600R 2022 Test. In the media whirlwind of new snowmobile products, we sometimes neglect certain categories of vehicles. Several factors have brought us into this frenzy of performance and technological novelties, leaving certain snowmobile segments that are often among the biggest sellers in the industry.
Passion Motoneige Magasine has always given itself the mandate to cover the world of snowmobiling in depth, in order to reach as many enthusiasts as possible. That’s why, during our stay at Destination Mont-Valin, we had the opportunity to try and present you our test drive of a mostly utility vehicle, the Expedition SWT 600R!
Destination Monts-Valin offers, among other services, snowmobile rentals. For both trail and off-trail use, it is possible to rent a snowmobile at a competitive price, allowing you to explore the region. Snowmobile rental brings with it a lot of uncertainty, which forces the company to be prepared for any eventuality. Foremost among these is the need for a reliable vehicle with good flotation and towing capacity to carry out any rescue should it become necessary. The Expedition SWT 600R, was one of the most logical choices to accomplish this vital task in certain situations.
Expedition SWT 600R 2022 Test A little bit of technique
Our vehicle was developed with the primary goal of providing excellent flotation and traction. To achieve this, the designers opted for the best of the best, a huge Silent Cobra SWT track 154 inches long by no less than 24 inches wide and the icing on the cake, 1.5 inch high studs. That’s simply gigantic traction, not to mention the flotation capacity in deep snow, which is simply impeccable. To continue in the same vein, we ensured the flotation of the front part with the huge Pilot 7.4 skis.
Suspensions
At the rear, the proven SC-5U articulated suspension offers a maximum travel of 9.4 inches. This suspension has proven itself over the years. As in the past, you can lock its articulation, without any tools, to obtain maximum grip when towing. The control of sagging and bouncing has been entrusted to the HPG shock absorbers, which have proven their worth.
Up front, engineers rely on the RAS 3, which debuted in 2017 on the Gen 4 chassis, it offers 8.7 inches of travel, with just like the rear, HPG shocks.
Engine and transmission
We’ve mentioned it many times, and the same words still come to mind, the 600R ETEC, still needs to be known. This little two-cylinder direct injection engine is a real little gem. It’s 125 horsepower is more than enough to get the job done. Direct injection optimizes performance to the max while maintaining one of the best fuel economies on the market and above all, very low emissions. To ensure cooling during low-speed maneuvers, it is equipped with an air-cooled radiator with a fan at the front, ensuring a constant engine temperature.
Worthy of mention is the famous Easy Shift transmission, offering two forward speeds, low and high, as well as neutral. Our 600 cc version is equipped with the long proven RER electronic reverse gear.
Frame
The SWT has a wider design to accommodate the huge 24-inch track. Along with its utility side, there are off-road running boards, which offer large openings to facilitate snow evacuation. The rear part is particularly interesting with a huge Multi-LinQ plate that allows you to attach 16 or 24 inches accessories and if, like us, you use the space for luggage other than those equipped with the LinQ quick-release system, the snowmobile is equipped with a metal frame that allows you to retain your merchandise, to which it is easy to attach straps or other attachment systems. And we finish it all off with a trailer hitch with a towing capacity of 1500 pounds!
Not just a utility vehicle
The SWT Expedition also has a very interesting trail vocation, starting with the very comfortable removable passenger seat, including heated grips with hand protection and a high backrest providing good back support. The rider is also pampered with a 23-inch high windshield offering excellent wind protection, including securely attached pivoting mirrors. Heated handle and thumb are standard, as is the heated visor grip.
Expedition SWT 600R 2022 Test On the trail
I had the opportunity to ride it for several kilometers while we were in the mountains with the SWT Expedition, and I must admit that I was greatly surprised by its versatility and comfort. The articulated suspension makes it easy to move around at low speeds while remaining comfortable. The wide track combined with the articulated suspension offers optimal performance in reverse, reducing the risk of getting stuck. And this even in deep snow…
Ergonomics and wind protection are essential when you’re putting a lot of miles on the road in a day. And our test vehicle excelled in these areas. The huge windshield does a good job against the wind. The positioning of the mirrors is very secure, allowing us to see what’s going on behind us without taking our eyes off the road. However, depending on your size, you may be able to see your shoulders.
The clutch calibration does brilliant justice to the power of the ETEC, without any hesitation, it always maintains a good engine revolution allowing good acceleration at all speeds. We also tested the low speed, which offers a very smooth reaction combined with great power, which is not given to all in this niche.
On the more negative side, the width of the chassis. Although it is essential because of the wide track, you will have to get used to a very wide position, which increases considerably the difficulty of access, especially for the passenger, the less flexible people will be better served with a 20 inches version. You will also have to spend a few dollars for foot rests for your passenger, to be more comfortable.
For Destination Monts-Valin, the Expedition SWT 600R ETEC is their evacuation vehicle, the ambulance sled is continuously attached to it, ready to save lives. A judicious choice combining reliability, performance and versatility, our only wish is that it never be used for its primary purpose… Be careful!
In closing, a huge thank you to Dan and the gang at Destination Monts-Valin, it is always a great pleasure to work with them.
