Snowmobile manufacturers have the difficult task of producing snowmobiles for all types of users. God knows there are many! They also have to consider production costs. Indeed, with all the technologies known today, it would be possible to produce a snowmobile for the cost of 50 000 dollars. But would there be buyers? And these are just a few of the many issues.
Everyone will agree that the arrival of the 900 ACE a few years ago literally changed the snowmobile market. Its evolution in the lineup demonstrates this very well. Several models with this engine have been released over the years, to the benefit of consumers.
Our test model will certainly make its mark among trail riders in Quebec. The Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo 2024 is likely to be a hit for several reasons. Indeed, its quality-price ratio and its performance are very respectable. This model fits in the middle of the range, based on its power, suspension, equipment and price.
Gen5 !
One of the features that will tip the scales in its favor is the arrival of four-stroke engines in the Gen5 chassis. When equipped with a four-stroke engine, the Gen5 offers an ideal configuration for long-distance riding. Its standard windshield offers very good protection against the wind, both for the body and for the hands. This is also a must-have feature for a long-distance snowmobile.
The other factor influencing wind protection also comes from the larger version of the Gen5. Its side panels are more curved, improving the heat output. The Gen5 also has much more efficient LED headlights.
Having driven a Gen5 in 2022-2023, the LED lighting is much more powerful than the Gen4 versions. Some “After Maket” LED conversion bulb companies will see their sales drop…
Following the arrival of the 900 ACE Turbo R in 2022, Ski-Doo’s top management made the decision to lower the production costs and power of the 900 ACE Turbo. The goal with this addition is to fill an important range in the market, the 130 horsepower range. Ski-Doo offers the 900 ACE with 95 horsepower, the Turbo version with 130 horsepower and the 900 ACE Turbo R with 180 horsepower. There are two factors to keep in mind for the 900 ACR Turbo: air cooler (intercooler) and intake pressure. In fact, the engine and turbo part is identical to the R version because it’s the same engine and turbo. However, the engineers have reduced the pressure propelled by the latter. This means that the air propelled in the intake heats up much less, which allowed the removal of the intercooler. So, lower manufacturing cost, a few pounds less, a very good compromise!
Suspension
When you produce a vehicle like the Renegade 900 ACE Turbo, you’re targeting the market of those who like to put a lot of miles on the road every year. Comfort is part of the selection criteria for the future buyer. Nothing is better than sure values, using concepts that have been in place for several seasons and that have proven themselves. Up front, we continue with the RAS X suspension,
which provides 235 mm (9.3 in) of travel. For damping management, we rely on KYB Pro 36 shocks. They offer a good compromise between comfort and performance. At the rear, nothing beats the rMotion X, with 292 mm (11.5 in) of vertical travel. On the shock side, we also find the KYB Pro 36 in the middle and rear positions. As in the past, the rMotion has four-way adjustable linkage blocks. These allow you to add more support or not to the steering; simple and very effective.
Standard equipment
Nothing extravagant, but everything is there, and focused on comfort. In the Adrenaline version, the Renegade 900 ACE Turbo is equipped with manual reverse,
push-button electric start, heated grips and thumb, medium windshield with side deflectors to ensure good wind protection. And a nice new feature for 2024: all Adrenaline models are now with the Gen5 chassis. So, that also means powerful LED lighting!
On the trail
This model is sure to make its mark on our trails in 2024. This snowmobile is very comfortable and offers excellent value for money. Although the engine makes the front end of the sled a bit heavier, the front and rear ends are well balanced. The suspension is very comfortable and will keep your back in good condition. It will offer you good performance in the end of the day conditions. And what about the smoothness of the 900 ACE turbo, a vibration-free engine, very quiet, with a reliability that has proven itself in 2023. On the performance side, you’ll have a nice balance between driving for hours at a cruising speed or letting off your crazy from time to time, and this with a very respectable fuel consumption.
On the improvement side now, the steering. The latter lacks a bit of grip when cornering. You’ll have to adjust accordingly, and you’ll have more powerful shoulders at the end of the season. 😊
We like the wind protection, it’s worth mentioning. While the option of a higher windshield is available, the vast majority of drivers will be very well served with the stock one.
The Verdict
If your goal is to have a comfortable snowmobile to ride thousands of miles without worrying about reliability, you should consider the Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo 2024.
