2014 Ski-doo Renegade Back Country X & 2014 Arctic Cat XF7000 XLR Crossover.
Now that Christmas is over, Santa’s reindeer are kicking back enjoying some hay and grain while Santa prepares for vacation. Santa isn’t going to a tropical paradise on vacation, he’s having a fiesta in his own back yard that is the Artic Circle. Santa’s backyard has plenty of untouched snow to play in.
So what is Santa doing to celebrate the end of a season full of hard work delivering presents? He’s testing out his new toy…his new ride…his new SLEIGH! It’s just not any sleigh, even though it may have all the bells and whistles. So what’s in Santa’s stables? Santa must have been extra nice this year, or maybe extremely naughty. That’s because there’s not just one sled in the barn, but Santa has two new sleds this year.
The 2014 Ski-doo Renegade Backcountry X and the 2014 Artic Cat XF 7000 LXR Crossover are for the enthusiastic on-road/off-road rider happy riding both groomed trails and the untamed surface of mother nature, and both of these sleds offer comparable rides on-road and off-road in the same price range.
2014 Ski-doo Renegade Backcountry X
The 2014 Ski-doo Renegade Backcountry X is built on Ski-doo’s REV-XS platform and is powered by your choice of either the Rotax E-TEC 600 H.O. engine or the Rotax E-TEC 800R (which one do you think Santa has?…the 800R!). This two-stroke direct injection engine is capable up to 163.9 reindeer, I mean horses! It’s fuel mileage is 19 mpg and reduces oil consumption by 30%. The skis are fitted to dual A-arms with a HPG Plus R aluminum front shock system. Underneath your bottom, you’ll have another HPG Plus shock with your track riding on the rMotion suspension. This rear suspension allows Santa to adjust the ride to his comfort level.
The Skis are single keel that permit cutting through the snow with ease. These skis may be a bit narrow, but they are rigid thanks to the composite design. Santa doesn’t have to be afraid of that counter steering on this ride! Now for the track…it’s the means to push Santa through the snow. The track is 16 inches wide and has 1.75 inch lugs capable of digging in for the long haul.
What about the 2014 Artic Cat XF 7000 LXR Crossover?
It’s just as bad! The chassis is of course Artic Cat’s ProCross™ with its patented triangular upperspar, which provides increased strength but a reduction in weight for the sled. Nestled on that chassis is the 7000 C-TEC4™ Engine (made by Yamaha). This 4-stroke 1049cc engine produces 135 RP (Reindeer Power, or Horse Power for those who didn’t get it earlier). The front suspension is race inspired with reduced weight spindles and A-arms. These are then fitted with Artic Cat IFP shocks. In the rear, Santa has an active suspension system that enables superb traction.
The track on this bad boy spans 15 inches and contains 1.25 inch lugs. This track is known as the Ripsaw II track. Not as hefty as the Renegade’s track, but it will get the job done. The Skis have an adjustable 42-43 inch stance with a dual skag runner.
Both sleds retail between $ 12,199 and $ 12,249 USD as base models. You can add all kinds of goodies… maybe you should put it on next year’s X-mas list to Santa.
You know, I think Santa has been extra naughty this year. If he hasn’t been, he will be now. Mrs. Clause is going to have some chilly days (and nights) with Mr. Clause acting as a kid again out there on the tundra… and all of the elves are jealous! Watch out Santa!