Z REV platform in early February, some might have thought that’s all the Valcourt, Quebec, manufacturer had in store for model year 2003. Not so.
There’s a lot of new things coming from Ski-Doo. The company first teased us with its new REV platform that redefined rider placement on a sled.
That was just the start. In addition to the new REV, Ski-Doo is coming out with a new 800 Semi-Direct Injected (SDI) engine, a V-1000 four-stroke, a 550 fan-cooled powerplant and two high-output engines.
Ski-Doo also unveiled a 159-inch mountain track, an Auto-Air suspension, a new TRA III drive clutch and expanded the ZX-X chassis. Also, all liquid-cooled trail sleds come with electric, white-face tachometer and speedometer gauges and new handlebar controls. The hand and thumb warmer switches and combination electric start/RER button moved to control blocks on the handlebars.
New Engines
The new 800 SDI reduces emissions by more than 50 percent and increases fuel and oil economy up to 25 percent. The engine has two injectors per cylinder that inject fuel directly into the transfer ports. The engine is also equipped with an electronic Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (e-RAVE). The height of the exhaust valves is determined by throttle position and engine rpm. The engine also has a knock sensor and retards the ignition or enrichens the fuel/air mixture to prevent detonation. The engine is available in the Legend SE and Grand Touring SE models.
Unveiled last September, the V-1000 four-stroke will be in two models for 2003 (Legend and Grand Touring). The Rotax liquid-cooled V-twin was specifically designed for snowmobiles and includes dry sump lubrication and heated throttle body.
For high-performance riders, Ski-Doo unveiled two new two-stroke twin engines: the 600 H.O. and 800 H.O. The 600 H.O. has the bottom end of Doo’s 700 and 800 twins, new reeds and improved exhaust ports. Ski-Doo claims it pumps out 10 hp more than the standard 600 twin. The 800 H.O. boasts a 7 percent increase in power thanks to twin-stack reed valves, higher compression ratio and larger exhaust ports.
A new 550cc fan-cooled twin offers improved acceleration. It has an improved crankcase, reed valve intake, new connecting rod bearings and sealed PTO bearings.
Mach Z, MX Z Lineup Return
Returning for 2003 is the mighty Mach Z with its 800cc triple with triple pipes. The muscle sled gets the SC-10 III rear suspension with 13 inches of travel and Ski-Doo’s dual-carbide Precision skis.
As mentioned, the MX Z line sports the new REV platform in the spring-only X and full-build Sport packages.
In addition to the REV models, the ZX-X chassis unveiled for model year 2002 expands to the Adrenaline and Trail packages. The ZX-X offers a tilted tunnel and wider running boards. The Adrenaline package is equipped with the new 600 H.O. twin-cylinder engine. It also has new reeds and exhaust porting. Other engine options include the 500, 700 and 800 Series 3 twins. The SC-10 III rear skid has an HPG Variable Rate shock on the rear arm. New to the Trail version are the dual-carbide Precision skis, and available RER. Engine options include the 500 and 600 Series 3 engines. Motion Control shocks are all around.
The MX Z Renegade is back for a second year. The hybrid trail/mountain sled returns in the ZX chassis but now has a new 600 H.O. engine option, the SC-10 III 136-inch rear suspension has 11.5 inches of travel. Also new are height-adjustable handlebars and softer grips.
In 2002, Ski-Doo upgraded the MX Z fan to the ZX chassis. This year, it returns in that chassis but is now powered by a larger engine. A 550cc twin delivers the power to the track. It also has new plastic skis.
Legend Hosts New Technology
The Legend line of solo touring sleds offer many creature comforts for today’s long-riding ventures. Their basis is the ZX chassis.
Starting with the SE package, it can be ordered with Ski-Doo’s new ground-breaking 800 SDI engine. Also on the SE is the SC-10 III rear suspension with 12 inches of travel, Variable Rate shocks and a 600 or 700 Series 3 engine option.
The Sport package comes with a V-1000 four-stroke engine option. Also available is mechanical reverse, a TRA IV drive clutch and a 1-inch track. It also has Variable Rate shocks and new handgrips. Other engine options include the 500, 600 and 700 Series 3 engines. The Legend Fan gets the new 550cc fan-cooled engine option and plastic skis. It returns with the SC-10 rear skid.
Take It To The Summit
Mountain sleds are becoming as extreme as the mountains they are made to climb. All liquid-cooled Summits come in the ZX-X chassis with the new TRA III drive clutch, electronic white-face gauges and handlebar controls. Depending on the package, customers can choose from the new 800 H.O. engine as well as existing Series 3 engines or the 550 fan.
New for 2003 is the spring-only order Highmark Extreme that features a 159-inch track. The Highmark X returns with new handgrips and warmers. Also returning is the X with hooked handlebars and an aluminum rack. The Highmark Extreme, Highmark X and X packages are available in the spring only.
The Highmark and Adrenaline packages are available all year. The Highmark comes with a new aluminum rear rack, hooked handlebars, handgrips and warmers, while the Adrenaline comes with the 800 H.O. or 600 Series 3 engines. The fan-cooled Summit gets the new 550cc twin.
Grand Touring Offers Surprises
The Grand Touring SE is equipped with Ski-Doo’s new Auto-Air suspension.
The suspension uses an integrated hydraulic pump to automatically set pre-load for weight and trail conditions. The SC-10 III 136-inch rear skid offers 11.5 inches of travel. The SE is available with the new 800 SDI engine or the 600 or 700 Series 3 engine options. The Sport is available with the V-1000 four-stroke and other engine options.
The fan-cooled Grand Touring model gets new plastic skis and the new 550cc fan-cooled engine.
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