2009 Ski-Doo GSX Sport 500SS Review

Ski-Doo’s GSX Sport is for the rider who wants the lightweight responsiveness of the REV-XP chassised MX Z, the luxury touches of the GTX touring series, and the knowledge that he can have it all plus money in the bank. This snowmobile hits the snow as one of the best all-around buys for 2009. While it’s not a great sled in any one area, it is above average in all sled categories.

What you get in the 2009 Ski-Doo GSX Sport brings lightweight to personal luxury sleds. Based on the latest REV-XP platform, the GSX resembles the MX Z in handling and chassis responsiveness. At a claimed 437 pounds, this sled should be nimble, and is. The additional luxury touches of the GSX Sport add 22 pounds versus a similarly powered MXZ Trail model. Both come with the newest REV-XP platform which provides enhanced ergonomics, including 8-inches more leg room, a slightly taller ride height, revised handlebar positioning to reduce fatigue when riding groomed trails, and, of course, the removal of nearly 50 pounds from the previous GSX configuration.

Try It

The new ‘XP’ chassis has to be experienced. We can tell you that it is noticeably lighter. We can tell you that the revised chassis lets you play harder with less effort. We can suggest that the new chassis is stiffer and that it handles better than the old REV version. But, you have to try it for yourself to really appreciate how much more luxury the REV-XP chassis puts into this personal luxury category.

Since the REV-XP platform is so good, it makes all of its attached parts better. That’s a good thing. We aren’t complaining about the previous chassis. Until we rode this version, we thought the regular REV was pretty darn good. This XP one is better and when you attach familiar pieces to it, they become better.

For example, the SC-5 rear suspension comes fitted to the GSX Sport, just as it does with the top line MX Z models. You’ll find a difference in the shocks. The GSX Sport utilizes more basic Motion Control shocks. You’ll find more fade-resistant Kayaba high-pressure gas shocks standard on the sportier MX Z models and the more expensive, upgraded GSX Limited. For the frugal rider and most GSX Sport buyers, we figure this won’t be a problem. We expect this buyer is a ‘mileage’ rider looking to enjoy a day’s ride on groomed trails. The GSX Sport will satisfy this rider. If you want to challenge yourself with some spirited riding for a few miles over rougher trails during the day, you’ll remain happy with the GSX Sport. But if your purpose is to ride hard over rough trails, speed through really tight and narrow trails, then you should have gotten the MX Z, or the Limited version of the GSX. Because, under those more sporting conditions, you’ll discover the GSX Sport’s shocks will not have the chance to properly cool and that will be noticed as you start bottoming out and feel the ride go away.

Because the GSX Sport uses the same Motion Control shocks on the double wishbone front end, the steering and control will fade along with the overworked shocks. If you were able to switch to an MXZ or GSX Limited with the gas shocks, you’d feel the difference right away. Don’t blame the sled. Don’t blame Ski-Doo. Simply understand what it is that you want. If you want handling and sport riding first and cost is not a serious factor, then look to spend more money. The serious upgrade for the GSX Limited is about two grand. So, you better be serious.

Price Shopper

If price is your concern, then this level of handling is your reality. Spending more gets you more in the GSX line. What you do get for the GSX Sport’s US$7,999.00 is good. Although the shock package is somewhat basic, the Motion Control package is more than adequate for mileage riders. The suspensions are tuned to the REV-XP platform and the ‘sweet spot’ is adjusted toward comfort, but still allows control for occasional spirited riding.

The front-end features plastic skis, coil spring assist for the shocks and a sway bar to control side to side motion. We found the sled’s steering to be positive and light, just what you want for touring. The Ski-Doo GSX Sport comes with a straight handlebar. We’d definitely prefer some manner of curvature like you find with Yamaha and Arctic Cat, even on their less expensive versions. While steering leverage is adequate, we’d like a little extra bar width. We thought the handlebar was just too narrow. The tall windshield effectively deflects cold away from your hands. For a personal luxury sled we’d like to have a greater range of heat settings on the thumb and hand warmers — a small point, but one we’d like to see addressed in the future.

The GSX Sport shaves a few bucks in features. You won’t find Ski-Doo’s multi-function gauge on this model. It’s standard on the Limited and features both analog and digital readouts. You will get a speedometer, odometer and electric fuel gauge with the GSX Sport. It’s perfectly adequate.

Rotax Performance

While you may save money on your purchase, the GSX Sport doesn’t scrimp on performance. Under the hood is a proven Rotax twin. Although this sled may be priced against the competition’s 500cc models, you get a full 597cc of displacement. The liquid-cooled Rotax 500SS engine remains a solid performer with dual 40mm flat slide carbs and exhaust valves to maximize power at both low end and top end. The drive consists of Ski-Doo’s TRA III primary that engages the QRS secondary at about 3,400 revs for smooth drive-offs. There’s a fade-resistant Brembo hydraulic disc set to assure positive braking when you need it. Keep in mind that Brembo brakes stop the top cars in Formula One. There’s nothing frugal about the GSX Sport’s braking system.

You’ll discover that the GSX Sport provides above average performance. The ride is good. Performance from the Ski-Doo/Rotax power train is definitely good. Braking performance is top notch and the sled’s capabilities on the trail are extremely positive. What you’re really getting in the GSX Sport is an MX Z with a tall windshield, rearview mirrors, electric start, reverse, a ‘Sport’ tunnel bag, and the latest, most lightweight chassis in the business. So, think of the GSX Sport as the more full-featured MX Z for the tuned in Ski-Doo rider.

2009 Ski-Doo GSX Sport 500SS Specs
Engine	Rotax 500SS, 597cc, two-stroke; liquid-cooled; twin with dual 40mm TM carbs
Horsepower	100-plus
Drive	Ski-Doo TRA III with QRS secondary
Front Suspension	Ski-Doo double A-arm suspension; Motion Control shocks; 9-inches of travel
Rear Suspension	Ski-Doo SC-5 parallel rail slide with Motion Control shocks on front and rear arms; up to 15-inches of travel
Length	113.8 in
Height	47.7 in
Width	47.9 in
Ski Stance	47.0 in
Track	15 x 120 x 1.0 RipSaw
Standard Features	Electric start; RER electronic reverse; Speedometer, odometer; Electric fuel gauge; Rearview mirrors; Sport tunnel bag
Weight	437 (claimed)
Fuel Capacity	10.6 US Gal
MSRP	$7,999

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