Från Dootalk:
So I rode some 2017's today:
154x3
165x2.5
165x3
As well as 2016 T3 163 and 174
Conditions were 2 feet of fresh. I typically ride tight trees. All sleds were stock and ridden as is, suspension set soft. 2017's were late prototype / pre production models and still in break in mode.
I am impressed. They flat out rip. All of the improvements and changes are apparent and significant. The styling is much nicer in person than in photos IMO.
One of the most significant improvements is the clutching. Power delivery is dramatically quicker than the XM. WFO engine speeds are consistent and stable. The clickers are a little more finicky to adjust but still pretty straightforward.
The 850 is excellent. Starting, idle and exhaust tone are quite similar to the 800. Power increase is obvious. Throttle response is much better.
The chassis has a lighter feel and the sled is much more nimble and responsive to steering and body inputs. I think the weight balance is noticeable.
The tunnel holds much less snow. The extruded boards are the best yet. The narrower tank and tapered tunnel make quite a difference. The seat is alright too
Nobody crashed, so no feedback on the front bulkhead strength. It is confirmed as all one piece with the upper triangle. There was some discussion that the production models may not be welded where the two halves join.
The spindle and ski rubber has been redesigned to prevent the ski from going vertical. This was a very frustrating problem for me on the XM, so I am very happy to see it addressed!
I very much liked the tracks. IMO, they are better than the XM tracks in the conditions we had; notably the new 3" gets on top of the snow and recovers from a near stuck better.
I was able to do back to back comparisons between the G4 and t3. The 165, I feel, out performed the 174 in every way. norona wasn't bullsitting. To be fair though, the 174 we had was high mileage and had lived a rough life.
The new display looks and functions basically the same as the digital portion of the XM guage, but larger. Two selectable lines, with fuel and temp in bars. It is also backlit. I did see a numeric engine temperature readout as one of the options.
The kill switch, dess, throttle lever, brake master and handgrips are unchanged. The heated grips seem hotter, and the thumb/grips are now linked. The reverse button is tiny. The headlight switch is now on the dash. There is no windshield but a similar rubber grommet mounted trim piece is there. The glove box is a bit larger, the rear storage is gone, although there is potential for storage here if you go manual start. Incandescent headlights. The air intakes are larger with an additional mesh panel that faces the rider.
Suspension performance is basically the same, although I didn't mess with any settings. Ride is plush on the trail, but can be overridden in heavy washboard.
The new snowflap is longer and is a pain in the ash. It does not stay folded under the bumper the way the XM flap did. The brake caliber is completely exposed and the bleeder screw protrudes unnecessarily into to footwell. The side panels hinge at an angle now and get in the way unless you remove them. I prefer rubber straps over the new clips used to hold them shut. The clutch cover is even more finicky to install and has some annoying fibrous insulation inside. It can be easily removed. There is very little room under the plastics and the muffler fills the entire right side, but I think there's still room for a muffpot. The oil tank appeared oil tight, and there is a tab to prevent over tightening of the cap.
The 154 is a wheelie monster. It was my least favourite of the new machines, but I was enjoying it more as I got seat time. It's a fun sled, but feels a little too squirrelly for my taste and riding style. Noticeably higher track speeds than the 165's. Did I mention it likes wheelie? I unintentionally backflipped it climbing.
The 165 x 2.5 was a surprise. It felt smoother and more predictable then the 165 x 3". Obviously less traction in the deep, but still very capable and worth consideration. The lugs are stiffer than the 3". Don't overlook thos model; several of us felt it was the nicest to ride of the three.
Fit and finish is very good overall.
Things under the hood are quite tight and compact. Apparently a lot of thought went into streamlining the way it is assembled and built. Excess wire lengths removed from the harness, plugs are grouped for serviceability.
One new thing that popped up in discussion a few times was the 'power pack'. The engine is now removed with the injection system, wiring and coolant lines attached. It's held in with 3 bolts and supposedly a proficient mechanic can have the whole thing out in 40 minutes.
One thing that was reiterated several times was the amount of testing that has gone into this sled on both the engine and chassis. This is the third season they have been on the the snow, and the confidence is high that there will be no surprises.
Overall, the new sled is a big step foreward in performance. I wouldn't go as far as calling it a 'game changer' but it definitely is the next generation of the rev platform and mountain sled performance for ski doo. If you must have the latest and greatest, go check one; you'll be happy.