2020 Ski-Doo Freeride
First of all, the 2020 Ski-Doo Freeride will feature an updated full-length Profile running board with enlarged cutouts for better snow evacuation. The expanded profile should result in less kicking of the running boards to remove snow, and better traction overall.
Also, the 2020 Ski-Doo Freeride will featured the same updated ski, rubber ski-stopper and spindle package that is being made available on the Summit X Expert Package. The spindle is lighter, but more importantly, it is designed to work with the new stopper and updated ski to prevent the ski from tipping up.
This will allow the sled to maintain its momentum better, with less inclination of the ski to tip up perpendicular to the direction of travel when it encounters firm, uneven snow. Also, this makes the sled less likely to wash out the rear end in sidehilling situations. The ski will still be permitted to tip down, which helps maintain control and provide predictability when sidehilling.
The final update to the 2020 Freeride is the use of the 571 drive belt from the factory, which was an upgrade option only in MY2019.
The My2020 Freeride will be available in spring-order only, which is on until April 14, 2019.
Below is the 2020 Ski-Doo Freeride spec straight from BRP:
If you’re looking for info on the rest of the 2020 Ski-Doo lineup of mountain sleds, check out our story here.
2020 Ski-Doo Freeride
“Stalking wild terrain for big drops and big air like a predator hunting its prey, riders of the 2020 Ski-Doo Freeride know exactly what they want – what they need – to feed their appetite for adrenaline. That desire to go bigger, jump farther and ride harder is the essence of their winter existence.
A Freeride rider won’t listen to the words, “It can’t be done.” What others think is impossible is a challenge they’ll gladly accept. And the 2020 Freeride will be their instrument of choice every step of the way.
There’s no mistaking those riders on the hill or in the backcountry, just like there’s no mistaking the exclusive look and styling of a Freeride snowmobile.
It’s no coincidence the Freeride continues to be powered by the most ferocious power plant in the industry – the Rotax 850 E- TEC. With a dynamic response and sheer muscle that beg a rider to push further and faster than the last time, it drives excitement with every throttle squeeze.
The Freeride inspires capability and electrifying anticipation in every ride with features like the incredibly agile and responsive REV Gen4 platform, race-bred chassis and suspension components, and industry-changing innovations like the optional SHOT engine starter. That inspiration, while unique, can be found wherever the snow falls – which is why the 2020 Freeride is available in track lengths of 137, 146, 154 and 165 inches.
Deep-Snow specific Freeride models offer an adjustable ski stance capable of a narrow 35.8 inches in the 154- and 165-inch lengths. This offers riders supreme handling in the most technical terrain by easily allowing the sled to roll up on edge for tight maneuvers.
137 and 146 models feature an adjustable 38.4-40.2-inch ski stance. All models are available with low-elevation calibration, and all but the 137-inch Freeride is also available with high-elevation calibration.”
What’s new for 2020
- Updated full-length Profile running boards (154-165″ lengths)
- New Lightweight Ski Spindles and ski stoppers
- New color schemes
PLATFORM
REV Gen4 platform: The open design of the REV Gen4 deep snow platform allows riders to ride freely with their own style, attacking terrain as it suits them instead of the sled. Designed to be the most agile, responsive sled in the mountains, the side-to-side centralized mass creates a sled that’s ultra-responsive to rider input, making it easy to initiate sidehill and carving maneuvers even in the most technical terrain.
SUSPENSION
tMotion rear suspension: The tMotion is both extremely agile and ultra-responsive to rider input. A simple shift in rider weight is all it takes for the sled move in the desired direction. A swiveling rear arm and split front arm allow the skid frame to flex laterally for easier roll up into a sidehill or carve. Rising-rate motion ratio adds capacity to handle big drops and comfort when riding the trail to get to the deep snow. Optional adjustable limiter strap gives riders quick, easy choices in ride dynamics.
rMotion rear suspension (137): THE standard for control, capability, comfort and adjustability. Its design delivers a supple ride in small bumps and added capability in large ones. Two-wheel rear axle works with the FlexEdge track to ease maneuverability in deep snow. Adjustments for shocks, springs and coupling blocks are easy, and setting 1 on the coupling blocks is uncoupled, for nimble carving in deep snow.
Rear suspension rail stiffener: Reinforcement ensures strength on hard landings. KYB Pro 40 EA piggyback rear shocks: Extreme capacity, extreme durability shocks for control in the toughest conditions. Easy Adjust compression damping adjustment knob does not require tools.
RAS 3 front suspension: Precise, predictable handling and outstanding bump absorption, even in harsh conditions, with State-of-the-art unequal length A-arm front suspension.
KYB Pro 36 R EA piggyback front shocks: Extreme capability, extreme durability shocks for control in the toughest conditions. New design is more efficient for higher performance; compression and rebound calibration ranges are optimized. Easy Adjust knobs for compression and rebound adjustments.
Sway bar quick-disconnect: Disengages and engages the sway bar in just seconds, without tools. Keep it on while riding trails, disengage it for the powder.
KEY FEATURES
Narrower, adjustable ski stances: A 35.7 in. (90.7 cm) ski stance on 154 and 165 models makes the front of the sled as easy to roll-up as the rear. A 38.4 in. (97.5 cm) stance on 137, 146 and 154 S-38 models is the sweet spot for both stability and roll-up. Each stance can also be widened 1.7 in. (4.3 cm) to add more stability for riding style and conditions.
NEW Lightweight ski spindle: Lightweight alloy spindle with revised geometry and new ski stopper to reduce ski drag and improve predictability in technical sidehills.
Tunnel design: More freedom for the rider to move thanks to the beveled shape allowing for narrow tank and seat. Open rear cap design eliminates drag in deep snow. Heat exchanger is integrated using cutting-edge friction stir welding manufacturing process for greater heat transfer, added strength and less weight.
pDrive primary clutch with clicker adjustment: Fast and friction-free dual rollers transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons. Oversize rollers with needle bearings, wide based flyweights and a shaft on shaft design emphasize smooth operation and long life. Clicker ramps allow easy adjustment for top RPM. Ultra-responsive shifting, impressive RPM consistency, lightweight and maintenance-free. Fixed sheave is finned to circulate more air – paired with the new CVT cover delivers better air flow and cooling.
NEW DRIVE BELT: New PBO material and design enhanced drive belt durability in deep snow.
Brembo disc brake: Hydraulic system from the world leader in brakes and racing-style pads provide powerful, fade-resistant stopping power. Steel-braided line.
Ergo-Step side panels: More comfort thanks to the ergonomic design of the rear section of the panels shaped to support the rider’s shins on downhills. Narrow profile and shape at bottom minimizes “paneling out” in sidehilling. Bottom pan is shaped for flotation in carving and sidehilling.
Open toe-hold: True freedom to choose. Enables rider to naturally and freely adjust footing on the running board. Optional toe-hold accessories available to customize the fit for all styles.
Deep snow seat: Extremely compact to stay out of the way of gymnastic powder riding. Just enough support for trail riding to the play areas.
Compact digital gauge: Includes all critical data points in a small, lightweight package positioned perfectly with large display numbers to be seen by a standing rider.
Minimalist handlebar controls: Even more compact design for no interference with the rider. Warmer switches on console. RER reverse button further shielded.
Aluminum handlebar with rigid grab strap: Ride confidently with strong, lightweight and trick-looking U-shape bars with J-hooks. Rigid grab strap offers more leverage and in tricky maneuvers.
Glove box: 1 gal (4 L) storage box under windshield is ideal for storing a spare pair of goggles or gloves. Improved seal to keep moisture out. Wiring and marked cut-out for USB and 12V accessory outlets.
Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER): A simple push of a button reverses the sled – by reversing the direction of the engine. Adds nearly zero weight.
RF DESS Key: Ball-and-socket design with embedded radio frequency microchip ensures solid connection.
Sea Level Calibration: Many riders at lower altitude are adopting the Freeride model for deep snow use or lower elevation slopes. In order to meet those needs BRP is offering 2 calibrations of the drive train; One for high altitude, above 4,000 feet (1,220 m), and a sea level calibration for those who ride below 4,000 feet (1,220 m).
Accessory-ready: Designed from the factory for easy installation of more than 200 Ski-Doo accessories for the REV Gen4 platform, including LinQ cargo system, skid plates, side panel vents, auxiliary LED light, GPS receiver, 1+1 seating system, alternative windshields and more.
ROTAX ENGINE
Rotax 850 E-TEC engine: The next generation of the most advanced direct-injection two-stroke engine technology. This powerful twin delivers an exhilarating experience with 165 horsepower and 30% quicker response – the power comes instantly and forcefully. Fuel and oil economy remain impressive. Designed for reliability and durability with proven 4-stroke and long-lasting automotive engine technologies.
COLOR
NEW Intense Blue
In this video, BRP Backcountry Expert, Dave Norona, takes us through some of the features of the 2020 Freeride:
FREERIDE 154-165 SPECIFIC FEATURES
UPDATED Profile running boards: Rigid full-length extruded aluminum grid-style design with 60% wider openings for exceptional snow evacuation and 3 times more grip. Flat foot positioning for comfort and control, plus a 1 lb. weight reduction.
tMotion rear suspension with ice scratchers
PowderMax Light track with FlexEdge: Easily initiate sidehill maneuvers with flexible track edges that reduce the amount of effort required to set the sled on edge. Climb with authority thanks to the 3.5 in. (9 cm) pitch that not only reduces weight, but increases performance by keeping more snow between the lugs for better traction and keeps the sled on top of the snow. Lug design is stronger and lighter also, combined with the 3.5 pitch it leads to an overall weight reduction of 10 lb. (4.5 kg) on a 154 and 165 track with 2.5 in. (6.3 cm) lugs. Exclusive 16-in. (41-cm) wide design adds flotation and traction without sacrificing maneuverability.
Pilot DS 3 skis: Precise control to easily hold sidehills in a ski specifically designed to work in tandem with the deeper and longer tracks. The Pilot DS 3 skis are a variation of the well-received Pilot DS 2 with a 12 mm deeper keel offering an industry-exclusive removable ski tip extension: ride with it in deep dry snow conditions for flotation, ride without in crusty conditions to minimize tip-up.
35.8 in. (91 cm) to 37.4 in. (95 cm) adjustable ski stance
Ice Scratchers: Rail-mounted scratchers provide additional snow/ice spray for cooling in icy and hardpack conditions. Reverse-capable.
6.5 in. (16.5 cm) handlebar riser block
SPRING OPTIONS:
- SHOT engine starting technology: Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull- start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. Pushing the handlebar SHOT button for subsequent starts uses that stored energy to turn the magneto into an electric motor that turns the crank. E-TEC technology then fires the engine to start. Eliminates nearly 20 lb (9 kg) compared to conventional electric start.
- Electric start (no pull starter)
- 3.0 in. (7.62 cm) track lug height
- Sea Level Calibration: Powertrain is calibrated for riding below 4,000 feet (1,220 m).
FREERIDE 146 SPECIFIC FEATURES
RS running boards: Designed for aggressive stand-up riding, they are flatter for most of their length, wider and strong. Thicker aluminum sheet (3 mm vs. 1.8 mm), plus front and rear reinforcements to withstand tough landings.
tMotion 146 rear suspension
2.5-inch lug PowderMax track with FlexEdge: 16-in. (41-cm) wider design boosts flotation without sacrificing trail handling. PowderMax design with 2.5-in. (6.4-cm) lugs, and FlexEdge technology for added deep snow agility.
Pilot DS 2 skis: Single-keel with excellent sidehilling bite, thanks to thin outer edges. Narrow and thin, yet stiff. Shorter behind its complementary spindle with flat tail for easier counter-steering and sidehilling.
38.4 in. (97.5 cm) to 40.2 in. (102 cm) adjustable ski stance
5.7 in. (14.5 cm) handlebar riser block
SPRING OPTIONS
- SHOT engine starting technology: Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull- start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. Pushing the handlebar SHOT button for subsequent starts uses that stored energy to turn the magneto into an electric motor that turns the crank. E-TEC technology then fires the engine to start. Eliminates nearly 20 lb. (9 kg) compared to conventional electric start.
- Electric start (no pull starter)
- Sea Level Calibration: Powertrain is calibrated for riding below 4,000 feet (1,220 m).
FREERIDE 137 SPECIFIC FEATURES
RS running boards: Designed for aggressive stand-up riding, they are flatter and wider for an extended length. Thicker aluminum sheet (3 mm vs. 1.8 mm), plus front and rear reinforcements to withstand tough landings.
rMOTION rear suspension
1.75-inch lug PowderMax track with FlexEdge: 16-in. (41-cm) wider design boosts flotation without sacrificing trail handling. PowderMax design with 1.75-in. (4.4-cm) lugs and FlexEdge technology for added deep snow agility.
Pilot DS 2 skis: Single-keel with excellent sidehilling bite, thanks to thin outer edges. Narrow and thin, yet stiff. Shorter behind its complementary spindle with flat tail for easier counter-steering and sidehilling.
38.4 in. (97.5 cm) to 40.2 in. (102 cm) adjustable ski stance
5.7 in. (14.5 cm) handlebar riser block
Sea Level Calibration: Standard
SPRING OPTION
- SHOT engine starting technology: Push-button starting with nearly no added weight. After an initial pull- start, the engine charges an ultracapacitor. Pushing the handlebar SHOT button for subsequent starts uses that stored energy to turn the magneto into an electric motor that turns the crank. E-TEC technology then fires the engine to start. Eliminates nearly 20 lb (9 kg) compared to conventional electric start.
- Electric start (no pull starter)
- 16 X 137 X 2.25 in. PowderMax track with FlexEdge
