SKI-DOO’S GRAND TOURING: THE ULTIMATE TRAIL SNOWMOBILE
Looking for the perfect snowmobile to explore the trails? Look no further than the Ski-Doo’s Grand Touring. This trail sled offers a luxurious and refined experience, with the option to bring a passenger along for the ride. While it may not be the flagship model from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), the Grand Touring Sport is definitely a top contender.
We had the opportunity to test drive the Grand Touring at the Nova Guides snowmobile trail, and we were blown away by its performance. The sleek design, featuring a vibrant two-tone yellow and black color scheme, caught our attention right away. It’s like the Bumblebee Camaro of snowmobiles – stylish and eye-catching.
Measuring 123.1 inches long and 47.9 inches wide, with a track size of 137 x 15 x 1.25 inches, the Grand Touring is a great option for beginners. It’s approachable and easy to handle, even for those with limited snowmobile experience. Weighing in at 509 lbs, it’s not too heavy either, making it easy to maneuver and recover from any unexpected tumbles.
The controls and dash of the Grand Touring Sport are user-friendly and intuitive. While it may not have the fancy touch-screen infotainment suite found in the higher-end models, it does come with a clear LCD display for the speedometer. The throttle is thumb-operated and conveniently located on the handlebar, along with a hand brake. Plus, the heated handlebars can be adjusted to three different settings, ensuring your hands stay warm during your snowy adventures.
One thing to note, however, is that the heated handlebars can get extremely hot. In fact, the trail staff warned us that they can even melt gloves if not handled with caution. So, be sure to keep an eye on them and use proper protection.
Overall, the Ski-Doo’s Grand Touring is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore the trails on a snowmobile. Its combination of style, performance, and user-friendly features make it a top contender in the market. So, gear up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable snowmobiling experience with the Grand Touring.
Mounting the Grand Touring Sport was a breeze, and the seat provided excellent support with its soft-touch lining. The controls were conveniently located within reach of the driver, minimizing any distractions from steering. Ski-Doo has designed the setup to be user-friendly, making it perfect for first-time sled riders who may feel anxious about operating the controls. To start the sled, simply pull up on the battery kill switch and press the button under the left-side handlebar, and the engine comes roaring to life.
Under the hood, the Grand Touring Sport is equipped with a powerful 600 cc two-cylinder, four-stroke V-Twin engine from Rotax, a subsidiary of BRP. Known for their expertise in ultra-light aircraft engines and powersports, Rotax has created the 600 ACE engine with dual overhead cams, delivering 62 horsepower to the tracks. Ski-Doo has paired this engine with their patented eDrive clutch and a 1.43-inch drive sprocket, ensuring optimal performance. Despite its lightweight build, this sled packs a punch, offering a thrilling and accessible riding experience.
When you give the throttle a slight blip, the power is delivered in a controlled yet exhilarating manner, encouraging riders to push the limits without fearing they will be thrown off. Unlike more expensive sleds with larger engine displacements, the Grand Touring Sport’s power levels are well-suited for beginners, eliminating the intimidation factor. Whether you’re navigating compact, tightly packed trail snow or cruising along with good traction, this sled handles like a dream. The RAS X front suspension with ample suspension travel and Pilot 5.7 SL skis, along with the KYB 36 rear gas shock, ensure a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain. The acceleration is quick, but not overwhelming, and the braking is more than sufficient, although it lacks the tactile feedback of a motorcycle or e-bike.
In any scenario, uphill or downhill, the Brembo brakes prove to be more than capable. Overall, it would take a reckless individual to find themselves in a life-threatening situation while riding the Ski-Doo Grand Touring. When it comes to cornering, the sled is as easy or as challenging as you make it. By leaning into the intended direction of travel, even a novice rider can maneuver the Grand Touring with grace and confidence, ensuring a memorable experience every time.
Photo: Ski-Doo (BRP)
In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a little sled effortlessly tackles uneven terrain, even catching some air on unsuspecting dips. Thanks to its four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, the Grand Touring Sport snowmobile doesn’t leave you smelling like a combustion engine at the end of the day. Ski-Doo’s SilentDrive design philosophy ensures that the track and suspension geometry minimize vehicle vibrations by up to 70 percent compared to older models.
When it comes to deep powder, the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport proves to be a challenge for novices. Maintaining balance and transferring weight from side to side becomes tricky, leading to timid maneuvers and the need for assistance. However, in the hands of a competent rider, this sled carves through powder with the power of a much stronger machine. Our guides effortlessly maneuvered their sleds while the rest of us struggled to keep up.
During our adventure, we were pleasantly surprised by the fuel efficiency of the Grand Touring Sport. Even after a long excursion up and down a snowy mountain, the fuel gauge hardly budged. As an entry-level snowmobile, the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and capabilities.
While we can’t compare it to other brands like Polaris Indy or Yamaha SX Venom, we can confidently say that the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport holds its own in the trail market segment. It’s easy enough for beginners to handle, yet capable enough to satisfy experienced riders.
In the world of powersports vehicles, the Ski-Doo is a standout. With its impressive features and sleek design, it’s no wonder that enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar for this machine. The entry-level Grand Touring Sport, with a starting MRSP of $11,199 before taxes and fees, offers a great value for the price. But for those who want the ultimate luxury experience, the fully-kitted Grand Touring LE with the Luxury Package is worth the extra $5,500. The performance and comfort of this model are truly unmatched.
When it comes to ratings, the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport deserves nothing less than a 4.5 out of five stars. Its exceptional performance and reliability make it a top choice for powersports enthusiasts. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising through the snow, this vehicle will not disappoint.
So, if you’re in the market for a powersports vehicle that offers both style and substance, look no further than the Ski-Doo Grand Touring Sport. With its reasonable price and exceptional features, it’s a true winner. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this incredible machine.
