The 2023 Ski-Doo MXZ Blizzard 600R, for several years now, we have noticed a surge in horsepower, and 2023 will be no exception to this trend if we think about the arrival of turbo compression in the two-stroke trail version, hyper performing 4-strokes, etc.
But is it really the majority of consumers who are charmed by all this power? If you notice when you stop at snowmobile stops, for example, the percentage is quite divided. The clientele of the smallest or most moderate displacements, between 95 and 130 horsepower, represents a very large part of the market. The economic aspect is often considered, both in terms of purchase and cost per kilometer, at more than $2 per liter for gasoline, as well as insurance costs, we can bet that this aspect will be taken into consideration by more than one…
Every year when we attend the spring test at West Yellowstone, we try to test as many vehicles in as many categories as possible. As we have mentioned to you many times, this type of testing is short, and more importantly, done at over 6800 feet in elevation. It is important to keep in mind that a vehicle with a naturally aspirated two-stroke engine loses more than 25% of its power at this altitude, an element that we must consider in our tests.
Our test vehicle: MXZ Blizzard 600R
It’s hard to find a better word for this little machine, but without a doubt, it’s one of the best value in the industry. The MXZ blizzard 600R has all the qualities required to make it a great trail vehicle. An excellent power-to-weight ratio, very good handling, commendable fuel economy, and all this with a nice look… Without being too extravagant, we find the yellow-orange-red gradient on the seat, inherited from the very first blizzards of the 70s.
Engine
Probably one of the most reliable two-stroke engines in the industry. The 600R is in its sixth season, and its predecessor, the 600 E-TEC, had already set the bar very high in terms of reliability, and the R version has met the challenge. This little two-cylinder gem takes its DNA from the famous 850, and is remarkably smooth, with no vibrations to be felt.
The gasoline is delivered through two large injectors located directly on the engine’s cylinder head. To optimize response, engineers use very short intake manifolds, poppet valves and extremely efficient electronically controlled eRave exhaust valves. To frame the movement of the two pistons, the 600R is equipped with a Nikasil-coated single-block cylinder, which is renowned for its high quality.
Front suspension
Once again, value is on the menu, as the 2023 Ski-Doo MXZ Blizzard 600R will continue to offer outstanding comfort for 2023. Up front, the RAS X suspension, introduced several years ago, with KYB Pro 36 shocks provides bump absorption, while the dual-pivot steering, combined with the sway bar, does the job on the steering side. We continue to rely on the Pilot X skis for good cornering grip. The center keel is very aggressive with carbide healds, while a second, slightly less aggressive keel reduces wobble while increasing grip in turns.
Rear suspension
Although the 2023 Ski-Doo MXZ Blizzard 600R is considered a mid-range model, it has inherited much of the DNA of its XRS sibling. The famous rMotion X provides a smooth ride while offering excellent performance thanks to KYB Pro 36 shocks coupled with a nice range of adjustment in weight transfer. The Camoplast Ripsaw track, with a 1.25 inch profile, is a sure bet for good traction on the trail.
Equipment
Your Mxz Blizzard will come with standard clear handguards with a 120 millimeter lift block. Heated thumb and hand grips are standard, combined with a low windshield including side deflectors on both sides. The electric starter is standard, including the battery cover located behind the bench. The 7.2-inch digital display has proven its worth over the years, providing the driver with all the information he needs.
Our Test
The demise of the MXZ X leaves plenty of room for the Blizzard, which continues the legendary name. This snowmobile is probably one of the best compromises for an affordable and reliable trail sled. The 600R, with its 125 horsepower, offers acceleration worthy of much larger machines… The injection calibration is simply perfect, no hesitation, the throttle response is instantaneous, even at an altitude of over 6800 feet. As in the past, this mill offers a superb linearity; accelerations are powerful, for its small displacement, and very constant.
The combination with the clutch pulleys is the result of many years of development. The power transfer to the track is smooth, maximizing the power delivered by the engine. And without a doubt, the pDrive primary pulley is certainly one of the most reliable in the industry.
The rMotion X – RAS X duo has been in place for a few years, and remains one of the most efficient today. The combination with the KYB Pro 36 shock absorbers gives it an excellent rating for comfort, a very nice progressiveness in the bumps avoids reaching the limit of the suspension while keeping a very nice comfort zone.
The handling is excellent, a little understeer is observed due to the lightness of the front of the snowmobile, but you get used to it quickly. The front-rear suspension mix keeps the skis nailed to the ground, both during acceleration and when exiting a turn. It’s also interesting to note the lightness of the steering, and handling the handlebars in turns with great precision requires little effort.
As usual, the ergonomic aspect is without reproach, the riding position is comfortable in normal trail riding, and when you get closer to the handlebars, for a more aggressive riding, you find enough space for your knees and the handlebars handling.
The question that is being asked a lot in the industry right now: will Ski-Doo retaliate to its main competitor in this category with a 650 version soon? One thing is for sure, for the moment, the 600R is doing a great job… And the other question: will we see a blizzard with the Gen5 chassis soon? To be continued!
