THE Ski-Doo REV CHASSIS

Ski-Doo REV

Forget everything you’ve learned about riding a snowmobile. Be open-minded and you will not believe what Ski-Doo is bringing to the snowmobile world.

Over 40 years ago Bombardier was the first to produce a light, nimble snowmobile and winter was never the same. They have done it again. The new REV chassis is more than a snowmobile, like a BMW or Lexis is more than a car. The REV is a “personal snow vehicle” that will change what you think a snowmobile should be and again, winter will never be the same.

At first sight, the REV chassis MXZ is aggressive, bold and different. A–arm suspension up front, short, narrow nose, big side panels that sweep around to the seat and tunnel. Handle bar mounted hand guards and windshield, short, narrow seat, hinged tunnel closure/snow flap attached to the rear axle and the “cab forward” rider position. Have motorcycles/ATVs/snowmobiles collided?

A quick look under the hood reveals little, as it is small. The pipe, dual headlight and top of the motor are visible. Open the left side access panel and “WOW”. The motor is low and far back, right against the tunnel. On the lower drive shaft is an electronic speedo sensor (no cable). The motor is said to be 2.6 in. back and 1.25 in. lower in chasses than the ZX. The air box swings out with the panel for easy access. The clutches are fixed together with a plate (no more alignment problems).

Open the right panel, (they hinge and swing forward), and you have the chain case (straight up position) oil injection and after muffler. Again, it’s easy to get to these parts.

The front suspension is all new and long travel is here! Long A–arms are attached by ball joints to the spindle. The whole spindle moves with the ski. It is extruded aluminum, large, yet very light. The dual runner precision skis are from the 2002 ZX. The steering shaft goes OVER the motor, just like 40 years ago! This moves the driver forward, to the “pivot point” of the sled. The steering arm is supported from the front, middle and back (under the seat) of the sled. This is said to give the pyramid chassis 600% more rigidity than the 2002 ZX!

Sitting on the sled is familiar to motorcycle/ATV riders. Your feet are more under you and your back is straight. This makes it very easy to stand and move side to side. Your shins and knees rest against the panels and the inside of your legs hug the seat.

The controls are all new. The “fairing” attached to the handle bars includes the windshield and hand guards. With the short, narrow nose, visibility is excellent! You can easily see the skis and the ground. On the left handlebar cluster, all the switches are within easy thumb reach. Hi/low, hot grips, thumb warmer and RER can be found without looking or loosing grip. On the right cluster is a new rocker kill switch for a nice finish. The DESS key, gas cap, and gas gauge are in order, in the center console.

The seat is soft and easy to move around on because it is so narrow. It looks much higher than the ZX, but we are told only about 1 in. The narrow seat and large, top to bottom side panels make it look higher than it is.

The rear suspension looks to be the SC10-III from the ZX, but the tunnel closure is a strange sight. Will this thing work? Well, several dealers were ready and willing to find out!

We pulled out of the small Quebec resort for the start of a days ride and WOW, was I impressed right from the “get go”. I thought sitting so far forward would make too much ski pressure. Wrong! The sled had great balance and feel. At a quick pace it was easy to control, and felt very light (like a fan cooled) until you squeezed the juice. Hang on! This ain’t no fan cooled sled!! Going through some big dips I was expecting some kick, but it didn’t do it. The A–arm sucked up the big stuff and was flat and stable over drops in the rough trail. Most of the snow was gone so we got to see how tough this REV was. The consensus was you could go faster and remain in control, compared to anything ever ridden before. Short breaks in the ride produced much excited conversation about the REV chassis. The riding position and style are different, but easy to adapt to. Rider confidence in the sled and ability to ride the sled well quickly followed.

It is amazing, it is a blast, smiles were everywhere and you know these guys don’t smile for nothing! This chassis is the best I’ve ever ridden by far. The REV looks ready to adapt to any Ski-Doo two stroke motor with little work.

When was the last time you grinned when we’re ripping down the trail? Join the REVolution. Say goodbye to the old snowmobile and hello to your own personal snow vehicle. Winter will never be the same.

See you on the trail!

Andie Corbin