Skidoo Summit X 146, X 154 2009: engine, track length, fuel consumption - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Snowrider2009 · 10-28-2008, 01:58 PM

Hi there,

I am about to by my first sled

I did ride a old ski-doo safari before and only liked the off-track, deep powder, and trying to get in trouble (lot of digging involve, good workout for the arms

).

Now I am looking at the ski-doo summit 146 and 154, since the X model seem sweeter in look and package (white and blue one), so I would prefer that one.

My problem is choosing the track length and motor.

Since I am pretty late in buying, all there is mostly left on the market is X154 800Rotax, in Alberta. From the previous post I have read here, a 146 is a better combo in/off track. And from what I understand, the longer the track, the greater the fuel consumption.

Maybe I will be able to find the X146 800Rotax (white and blue...) if I look more, the 600 E-Tech in the X146 apparently don’t exist this year, only available on the X154, from what I have read on the forum.

On ski-doo website, its 25mil/gallon for the 600 E-tech, and 21mil/gallon for the 600 Rotax. 15% difference. So for 40L: 350km compare to 300km...

So what do you think: X154 800Rotax, X154 600 E-Tech or X146 800 Rotax

? Would I be sad buying an X154 800Rotax in the prairie? (There will be way more mountains in Québec if I move back there)

(also, I am 6'4", 205lbs, will my knees be stuck??? (long legs))

Thanks a lot!

Snowrider2009 · 10-29-2008, 04:42 PM

Hum… think I going to go with the 146" since its more a 50%-50% on and off trail.

Since 146" is shorter 8 inch than a 154", so maybe about 5% less gas consumption.

When the Ski-doo website say 25 mill / gallon for the 600 E-Tech, I don’t think it apply to the Summit 154" x 16" x 2.25", must be for a ski-doo 121" in trail condition.

I don’t know, that is why asking questions

(answering my own post, lol)

**smallengineguy** · 10-29-2008, 07:48 PM

All specs are for the standard track (121")

Snowrider2009 · 10-29-2008, 08:38 PM

Make sense, thanks!

fou · 11-16-2008, 08:57 AM

800 X

BskidooC · 11-19-2008, 11:48 AM

I personally think the 146" almost does as well as the 154" in the deep stuff. The XP chassis is absoloutely perfect for mountain riding, they float so well I dont think you could be wrong in either choices. Since you dont have a lot of ride time on a sled do you think it would be safe to jump on a 151 h.p. 800? I think you may want to consider the 600 E-tec. It has the power of a 600 H.O. it has great fuel economy which is something we all lack in the deep stuff and you only have to add oil every thousand miles. Its a very clean reliable engine and is still putting out plenty of power.
Either way you cant go wrong these Xp's are were its at, you cant beat them, they float and handle like no other, and the 09s have most of the bugs worked out of them after the clutch updates, drive shaft updates, and electrical updates.

Snowrider2009 · 11-20-2008, 04:39 PM

I would prefer the 600 E-Tec, but only the 800R was available in the X package.

I will need to be more careful for a while till I get use to it. I am reading the owner manual at the moment

:

engine break-in (500ml oil in first gas tank);
cleaning spark plug (after first break in);
engine warm up with a stand (for the belt depending on temperature);
front and rear suspension tune-up;
first 10h dealership inspection (recommended);
etc.

I founded funny to notice that the 600 E-Tec spark plug need to be inspect or replace by the dealer only!

Will post some pictures, I think I will move the spare belt position tonight, it's a bit close to the exhaust right now.

Later

fou · 11-23-2008, 07:06 PM

So you got the 800, good! With the 800 you need to take it easy for the km every time you take your sled when it’s park out in the cold. Even if you leave the engine warm up for 15 minutes, the drive belt is still cold and the 800 will just burn that belt. So take it easy for the 1st km.

Snowrider2009 · 11-25-2008, 05:46 PM

Thanks for the tip!

This thing is almost too powerful! It starts on a dime!

(need way more snow, can't steer efficiently, only did the gas up today)

nskains · 12-19-2008, 07:55 PM

where are u from snow?? Im in kodiak.. no snow here either lol

Snowrider2009 · 12-21-2008, 03:43 PM

Hey,

As of today in Alberta, Canada, its 8inch. So I can try some stuff. I went in some motocross trail on my second ride, did a 15feet long jump (small jump), and it was pretty easy (+fun), (back suspension need some tuning, need to be more stiff).

I did some hill climbing also, studied a bit the hill before because I never did that before, and It was pretty easy! Really fast and smooth (no snow where I have passed when I went the second time, lol).

But still, 8inch is no good for a smooth ride (hidden tree etc..), hope when I come back from the holiday their will be 1 more feet.

mmmmmmbeer · 01-28-2009, 09:56 PM

omg... i am just thinking about buying an 800 vs 600 x pack...
infact i just posted a thread b4 i read this one... here

do you like the 800? and how do the goodies work for you? or would yo go back to the 600 if u had a chance? Did u get my favorite colors (blue/ white)

BEER

Snowrider2009 · 01-30-2009, 03:57 PM

Hi there,

The 154X 600E-tec seem like a good choice to (only one available as an E-tec in the X), the only thing, is the spark plug change need to be inspect by the dealership. The E-tec should also be little less noisy.

Myself I prefer the 146X 800R, plenty of power, longer tracks would be better for mountain, but I may be spending 10% of my time up-hill. There is a 15% difference consumption between the 800R and 600E-tec. I would say a good 100km whit a full gas tank right now. But the faster you go, with the 3D valve injection system, you spend way more gas when using all the power. But when you go slowly, you’re not spending any gas at all

Make sure if you take the summit X, to install a Heavy Spring at the back, the one by default is 150lb max...going to change mine this weekend.

For space, I am 6’4 and it's perfect!

Good luck

mmmmmmbeer · 01-30-2009, 06:55 PM

ok you are 1" taller than me so the summit should be fine, you are saying the default spring is 150 lbs resistance? like does it bottom out on you? how are the front suspension?

Noise isn't really a factor vs performance i guess

BEER

Snowrider2009 · 02-02-2009, 04:25 PM

Yes it does, you feel every little bump directly in your spine on the trail...

I just got the heavy spring this week-end, and its 100% better

Front suspension is fine, I did turn it a few click to make it stiffer.

mx2sno · 02-11-2009, 07:54 PM

I'm in the same situation you were....sort of. I'm trying to decide wether to buy a Summit or a M8. I know the XP's are the lightest, but have heard they have a "heavy" feel and aren't a easy to turn in the deep stuff as the M8 is. Is there anyone out there that has ridin both and can give an objective review of them. I'm not a "Cat" guy or a "Ski-doo" guy....I just want the sled that will work best for me. Thanks for any help.