2009 Ski-Doo Expedition TUV Rev-XU 600 Review

At BRP Ski-Doo’s January introduction of new for 2009 snowmobiles, executive Jose Boisjoli explained that Ski-Doo intended to ‘maintain product leadership.’ Unveiling the new line, ebullient Ski-Doo product managers showcased an all-new 4-stroke inline triple, new to snowmobiling E-TEC technology for its popular 600cc 2-stroke twin, and more variants of its lightweight REV-X chassis.

With Boisjoli stating that “International sales (were) growing well,” Ski-Doo unveiled an all-new sled to further expand sales beyond North America and into the winter lands of Scandinavia and Russia. Ski-Doo’s 2009 Expedition TUV integrates new thinking with proven pieces. The chassis is new. The engine is the tested Rotax 600 SDI twin that delivers power to a 20-inch wide track via a unique synchromesh transmission.

Advantages

Ski-Doo may enjoy an advantage when it comes to ‘international’ designs for snowmobiles like the TUV. While such sleds have limited appeal in the United States, there is a ripe market in northern Europe that includes excellent growth in many parts of the old Soviet Union. Ski-Doo parent BRP has a full-fledged manufacturing facility in Rovaniemi, Finland, which can supply products as needed. Then, of course, there is the BRP advantage of having its Rotax engine facility located in Austria. Plus, BRP has the added advantage of producing Lynx branded snowmobiles that come with a unique Finnish heritage. There is definitely a ‘world’ aspect to the Ski-Doo Expedition TUV, which, with minor variations, is sold also as the Lynx Adventure Grand Tourer 600 SDI in Scandinavia and Finland.

As snowmobile history buffs know, Lynx was an independent brand until purchased by Bombardier in 1993. One technology that helped Lynx stand out was its synchromesh transmission. You could shift ‘on the fly’ from high range to low range. For 2009 the transmission gains an inline shift pattern. You go from second gear (high range) to first, into neutral and then to reverse. Of course, you do have to come to a complete stop to engage the reverse gear!

Interestingly, the North American marketing approach treats the Expedition TUV as more of a utility vehicle. In Europe the Lynx version is presented more as a wide-tracked touring model with luxury orientation. Of course, there are more trail luxury sled options in the US and Canada where groomed trail networks emphasize speed and accumulated miles. The Lynx models are expected to make their own way due to a paucity of groomed trails.

REV Variant

What you’ll find in both the Expedition TUV and its Lynx sibling is a new REV-XU chassis. A variant of the REV-X design, the aluminum construction weighs 74 pounds less than Ski-Doo’s previous Yeti-based chassis. A more rider forward position and additional eight inches of legroom on the TUV increase the rider’s overall ‘cockpit’ versatility and comfort. This REV-XU platform also adds greater passenger convenience, including underseat storage on the passenger portion. There’s even a roomy stowage rack behind the passenger backrest.

The ‘XU’ platform is the first REV-X variant chassis to accommodate a wide track. The TUV footprint measures 20-inches in width with a 156-inch circumference. The lug height is a snow gripping 1.25 inches.

A-Arm Suspension

If you compare the TUV to previous Yeti-based models, you’ll note an all-new cowl design that fits the new dual A-arm front suspension. This wishbone design utilizes hydraulic shocks to control up to 8.26 inches of travel. The ski spindles are made from forged aluminum to withstand rough trail conditions. For added control, a link-type sway bar comes standard.

The rear suspension handles up to 13.4 inches of travel via hydraulic shock on the front control arm and a high pressure gas shock at the rear. The RCG-1 design is meant to offer a combination of trail riding comfort with deep snow handling. With a wide and long track footprint, flotation should be adequate despite the sled’s 630 pounds. Of course, that weight is still under the published weights of Yamaha’s VK Professional and Arctic Cat’s older turbocharged Bearcat model.

Luxury Touches

You expect commonly accepted features in the base ergonomic package. Ski-Doo engineering goes beyond the expected, treating the TUV as more of a luxury-touring model than naked work sled. The handlebar is heated, as is the throttle thumb lever. Electric start is standard, although pull starting the semi-direct injection 2-stroke is not taxing. This Rotax starts well and eases easily to its 3,000-rpm engagement speed.

One of Rotax’ most popular 2-strokes, the liquid-cooled 600 high output SDI version measures 594.4cc in displacement and delivers 115 horsepower at 8,100 rpm. To keep the 600 twin at its optimum operating temperature, Ski-Doo engineers chose to use a radiator under the hood in lieu of tunnel-mounted heat exchangers. They left little to chance, adding an electric fan to move air across the radiator.

With enough dependable power to tow more than a half-ton of cargo when using the standard-equipment hitch, the TUV comes with one big momma of a windshield to ward off winter chills. It is extra high and integrated into the overall cowl design. There are dual headlamps to light the trail at night and a stout front bumper to protect the sled in case you mix it up with a sapling on an off-trail adventure.

There is also an information-gathering multi-function gauge display that gives you a three zone LCD screen that can be updated to offer compass direction, altimeter reading and various playback modes. Of course, the gauge does basic duty as speedometer, odometer and trip meter

Ski-Doo says the 2009 Expedition TUV has two core roles: “Do what you want, go where you want.” Lynx, on the other hand, states simply that its Adventure Grand Tourer version: “Makes excursions feel like real luxury.”

With ample room for two, 12 volt power outlet and superior ride and handling from its refined chassis and front suspension, the Ski-Doo Expedition TUV and its Lynx cousin fill dual roles as a touring and utility vehicle fulfilling Jose Boisjoli’s promise of continuing product leadership.

2009 Ski-Doo Expedition TUV Rev-XU 600 Specs
Engine	Rotax 594.4cc, high output SDI 2-stroke; liquid-cooled; twin with semi-direct injection
Horsepower	115 (Estimated)
Drive	Ski-Doo TRA III drive system with QRS secondary and Synchromesh High/Low range with reverse transmission
Front Suspension	Ski-Doo double A-arm suspension; hydraulic shocks; 8.26-inches of travel
Rear Suspension	Ski-Doo RCG-1 parallel rail slide with HPG shock on front arm and hydraulic shock on rear arms; up to 13.4-inches of travel
Length	154.5 in
Width	44.6 in
Height	52.3 in
Ski Stance	42.5 in
Track	20 x 156 x 1.25
Weight	630 lbs
Fuel Capacity	11.0 US Gal
MSRP	$10,299

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