For the past 7 years, the kids from the Canadian sled maker to the north have had their proverbial right foot firmly planted on the go pedal. As the Rev platform completely changed the game, followed by an all out assault on weight reduction, Ski-Doo has made more than a subtle dent on the make-up of modern day snowmobiles. In short they have proclaimed themselves as trail boss, and left others to fight for position in their snow dust wake.

However, at first glance it may appear the market share leader is content to relax at a trailside shelter for the 2010 model year, and frankly, why wouldn’t they? Already Ski-Doo has laid claim to what many would vehemently argue as the best handling chassis on snow, not to mention the lightest. Plus, their 600 cube direct injection e-tech mill is just plain silly when it comes to run quality, emissions and fuel economy. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find the yellow swarm from Valcourt has been busy gathering more nectar for their growing legion of fans.

Of course, prognosticators including those here within the padded walls of OSM central were nearly certain that 2010 would be the year BRP would uncoil the other direct injection punch with the much anticipated 800 e-tech motor, but that didn’t happen. However, indications point to a possible mid-winter release this forthcoming season, in what is sure to be a replication of its smaller 600 sibling, albeit with more punch.

What you will find for the new model year however, is a host of improvements and a few key new models that should keep Ski-Doo in the driver’s seat for another winter. Most notable for the ditch banger crowd, is the return of a full-on race chassis for the masses. The new XP version of the
RS (Race Sled) buggy, carries both 600 and 800 power options, and is race-ready right down to its more forward steering post, rear tunnel braces and skinny seat. Also new is a top of the line KYB shock package that introduces a near complete revamp of the Ski-Doo dampening options. The KYB Pro 40 piggyback style shocks, tout high and low speed user adjustments along with rebound control on the front suspension mounts. And like all many of the new absorbers for 2010, the marketing department got into the mix and added a new black dip color scheme with flashy red decals and control knobs. You will also find the same race chassis in a deep snow version dubbed the Summit X-RS.

Not wanting to let engineering have all the glory, the Ski-Doo marketing folks also got their fingers into the crossover segment and have given Ski-Doo 137” crossover models their own moniker aptly named the Renegade. Aside from subtle tweaks, most models return unchanged, save the new Backcountry editions which feature a wide 16” track with 1.75” lugs, a narrowed Summit type front suspension/skis and standard grab strap. Spring buyers will have the chance to opt for an all black version in the X package.
 
2010 also marks the year when the first generation Rev chassis has been put out to pasture, as entry model sleds such as the GSX Sport, Grand Touring Sport, Renegade Sport and MXZ Sport combine the XP chassis with the 550 Rotax fan-cooled engine.

We admit that we won’t be pinning any 2010 Tundra posters to our bedroom wall. In fact, we don’t plan on field dressing a Caribou anytime soon either. But for those in the far north or across the pond, the introduction of the all new Tundra models in the Rex-XU platform should come as much welcomed news. For the past couple of years, Ski-Doo attempted to satisfy the work ethic of this crowd with a utility vehicle based on the now defunct Freestyle platform. While lighter and quite possibly cheaper to build, what the Freestyle touted in profit margins, it lacked in toughness and flotation. That should change with the new Tundra line, which resurrects a beefy strut suspension, a broad high-flotation belly-pan, and ample towing and storage. Caribous beware.