While Polaris and Arctic Cat utilized the Haydays event to proudly release race sleds and other products, Ski-Doo’s approach was notably more subtle. That’s likely because, after making a big jump forward with its race sled in 2016 that resulted in a better season last year for Ski-Doo racers, the brand is making smaller changes to its snocross-focused sled for 2017.
The most notable changes on MX Zx 600 RS for 2017 are in the clutches, with beefier clutch weights and a stiffer spring in the primary and a different cam in the secondary clutch. Those changes, plus adjustments to the progressive coupling system in the rear suspension, should result in “explosive holeshots” and quick launches off the starting line and out of corners for Ski-Doo racers, the company claims.
Designers also tightened the tolerances and refined the slip gear in the chaincase to improve overall durability, Ski-Doo said. At the same time that it announced its race sled details, Ski-Doo also announced the makeup of its race teams for 2016-17. It includes the return of last season’s second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers in Pro Open points, Tim Tremblay, Lincoln Lemieux and Adam Renheim, respectively. Also, Norway-native Elias Ishoel will move to the Pro Open class after he closed last season by winning the final six rounds in the Pro Lite class on the Amsoil Championship Snocross series.
Below is the press release from Ski-Doo:
2017 SKI-DOO MXZx 600RS UNVIELED WITH REFINEMENTS
Valcourt, Québec, September 12, 2016 – BRP introduces the 2017 Ski-Doo MXZx 600RS racing snowmobile designed specifically to attack North American snocross tracks. The sled will feature revised clutching, improved progressive coupling system and a refined slip gear that results in better holeshots, acceleration and traction with even more durability.
The 2016 MXZx 600RS made big improvements in all aspects of snocross competition with the radical engine changes, new pDrive clutch and unique progressive coupling system, while maintaining the sharp handling and superb bump capability MXZ’s are renowned for this new version just elevates it even further. This sled is the basis upon which the Open
Mod snocross sleds that took 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the National ISOC Snocross circuit are built. The clutching changes combined with a further improved coupling system will result in explosive holeshots and instant response out of corners and deep snocross craters. The changes also keep a constant eye on making the most durable snocross machines even more so to lower costs and assure racers trouble free performance.
The Rotax engine features a proven cylinder design with a tight tolerance manufacturing process to maximize power and consistency. In addition, the crankshaft, drive clutch and stator reduce inertia for faster response. The powerpack also features a very efficient Y-pipe shape, and tuned pipe to match the cylinder, plus a lightweight muffler. The engine delivers fast revving, consistent and robust power from engagement all the way to the 8000 RPM redline.
Last year BRP introduced the pDrive clutch on the 2016 MXZx 600 RS and it immediately delivered results at the season opening ISOC race as this video shows https://snowgoer.comsnowgoer.comsnowgoer.comyoutu.be/dvGz81YIpEg. The pDrive is designed to reduce friction, reduce weight, tighten tolerances, allow for more consistent RPM delivery, require less maintenance and last longer. To accomplish this, the specialty racing pDrive clutch features unique elements like fast and friction-free dual rollers to transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons, the renowned BRP-exclusive adjustable clickers, needle bearings in oversize rollers and a compact open design.
