2014 Ski-Doo GSX LE ACE 900 Review – Video

If that “Hemi” rumble or the scream of a super sport street bike denotes performance for you, then stop reading now. Ski-Doo’s 2014 GSX LE ACE 900 satisfies your inner Lexus, not your inner Harley nor your inner crotch rocket fantasies.

The Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) 900 powered GSX ranks as Ski-Doo’s most technologically advanced snowmobile. The key to this model is its all-new four-stroke three-cylinder motor that bases its heritage on the 60-horsepower ACE 600 twin. In simplistic terms, the ACE 900 adds half of that engine to give it an additional 300cc of displacement and 30 more horsepower. 

Based on the REV-XS platform the new 2014 new GSX LE corners flat and sure.

At 90-hp, the ACE 900 triple finds minimal competition as most popular selling sleds utilize powerplants north of that number. That seems to be Ski-Doo’s thinking: create a motor that can capture new market share in the 85 to 100 horsepower category where Yamaha’s Phazer 500cc twin would appear to be the biggest player. There are some “dirty” 600cc carbureted two-stroke twins in this grouping, but nothing as “clean” as the Yamaha four-stroke. Ski-Doo’s all-new ACE 900 should be the “greenest” of all thanks to its exclusive to snowmobiling throttle-by-wire, which Ski-Doo calls Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC). With its advanced combustion efficiency and new multiple driving modes, the ACE 900 qualifies as a clean enough sled to carry snowmobilers through Yellowstone Park.

The GSX LE mates up perfectly with this new powerplant and its exceptionally smooth transitioning eDrive 2 clutching system. In its basic “standard” drive mode, the GSX LE operates as you would expect. If you want to step up a notch in performance, simply switch to Sport mode, which provides unimpeded performance versus the base setting’s computer controlled mode that is set for smooth starts, more linear acceleration and torque limitations. The ECO mode really slows things down as the engine responses are set to achieve maximum mileage and “green” performance that limits top speed, torque and acceleration rates.

Unless you’re cruising through Yellowstone Park, you’ll rarely use the ECO setting. The main choice will be Sport or Standard. We found the Sport setting a bit too free ranging, as it seemed jerky, like a poorly calibrated automatic transmission in a car. The Standard setting provides the best all-around drive-ability.

That’s what the 2014 Ski-Doo GSX LE ACE 900 is all about, the ultimate cruising experience. The engine is exceedingly quiet and very smooth – almost Lexus-like right from the push of the electric starter. Even at trail speeds the sound emanating from under the hood seems more car-like than sled-like. And that creates a somewhat disquieting situation as now you’ll hear sounds rarely noticed in other sleds, even Ski-Doo’s own GSX with an E-TEC two-stroker.

Outfitted with a set of coil-over-springs, the high-pressure gas shocks offer up good ride quality and 9-inches of controlled travel.

One of those “new” sounds comes from the undercarriage. Track noises, although perfectly normal, seem almost troublesome now. Blame this new power plant for pointing it out. In the case of the top of the line Grand Touring ACE 900, Ski-Doo engineering created a new way to drive a redesigned track and lowered sound levels by incredible decibel amounts. That’s not the situation here, although Ski-Doo engineering fits the GSX LE with involute drive for the 120-inch Camoplast Rip Saw track.

While we have debated the role of the GSX in the Ski-Doo model line, we find this sled to be nearly perfectly executed as meeting the needs of a very specific rider. In the past and even currently, we think the GSX should be more of an MXZ and less of a Grand Touring. Arctic Cat offers its ZR series as essentially one model but in a choice of two settings: Sno Pro with premium shocks for the aggressive rider and LXR for the high mileage type who likes groomed trails more than big bumps. Ski-Doo sees its MXZ riders as aggressive and its GSX owners more as cruiser types. For 2014 Ski-Doo makes no pretense with its LE ACE 900 version. This is definitely a serious long distance solo cruiser designed from the get-go to run at trail speeds from Ski-Doo’s Valcourt, Quebec factory over to the Ontario trail network with nary a stop other than for an overnight or fuel. We concur that Ski-Doo nails it.

The new ACE 900 triple delivers very smooth drive-off and stout midrange up to ticket-able speeds.

With 23-plus miles per gallon capability from its 10.6 US gallon fuel tank, this sled can achieve non-stop runs of 240-plus miles before refueling. We figure that’s what the Ski-Doo crew foresees as the sled comes set up with the LinQ cargo system, which can handle accessories aimed at long distance “saddle bag” runs. A semi-rigid expandable tunnel bag comes standard. The sled itself reflects an evolution to the XS chassis, which was pioneered on the previous season’s MXZ models. In addition the LE adds rMotion ride and tunability for 2014. Should your long day’s ride take you to ungroomed stretches, a quick stop to adjust the rMotion settings will get you comfortably set to make more miles.

You need to pay attention to the handlebar settings or you can find your lap filled with unwanted lap action in lock-to-lock turns.

We really liked the fact that the 2014 GSX LE ACE 900 sits on the trail compliant XS platform. We found the sled readily turned into the corners and felt extremely nimble on the trails. Obviously, you won’t push the sled as hard with the new 900 triple as you would with the 600 E-TEC and its 20-plus more horsepower. Yet, we did spur the 900 a bit on tight sections of our test trail and felt that the double A-arm front suspension and the rMotion rear package worked just fine for any riding style. In the past we’ve complained that we thought the GSX should have a more premium shock option, but the 2014 shock package is pleasantly adequate with coil-over-springing on the high-pressure gas front shocks. The rMotion’s use of a Motion Control shock in the center and a gas shock for rear arm control works just fine and provided a compliant 15 inches of rear travel.

While that inner Harley can be set free on an MXZ, your inner Lexus can appreciate the subtle nuances of the GSX LE ACE 900. This is a quiet sled with wonderful drive away characteristics and very smooth midrange that gets you to “ticket-able” speeds quickly enough. It is very smooth handling on the trail and with its sporty REV XP saddle it’s extremely comfortable for cruising or setting up to attack a series of esses.

The GSX LE comes with a standard expandable tunnel, bag but there are a series of accessories such as these side bags designed to fit into the LinQ cargo system.

Sporty and comfy, this GSX is also a standout for style, offered in Viper Red with a black painted tunnel, sporty windscreen and tasteful supporting accents. For mile-to-mile information, the GSX sports a nifty multifunction gauge with LCD screen. There’s a comfortable aluminum-constructed handlebar design complete with curved ends for added control and a Brembo braking system. And Ski-Doo’s ITC computerized throttle-by-wire arrangement adds the option of a “learning key,” which can be programmed to control overall performance if you want to loan out your sled to an inexperienced rider.

If you are looking for the most perfect usage of Ski-Doo’s all new 900cc throttle-by-wire four-stroke triple, you’ll find it in the latest rendition of the GSX sports luxury cruiser. This is the most perfect blend of solo cruising luxury combined with a new smooth and quiet four-stroke designed to appeal to your inner Lexus. As we said, Ski-Doo’s 2014 GSX LE ACE 900 nails it!

Related Reading
2014 Ski-Doo Snowmobile Lineup Unveiled
2013 Ski-Doo GSX Series Review
2012 Ski-Doo GSX LE 600 Review
2012 Ski-Doo GSX LE 1200 Review
2011 Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 600 ACE Review