I got the opportunity to test ride a Summit 154 Gen4. A big thanks to Pines Powersports and Marine, Carl Kuster and everyone at CKMP.
This is a prototype machine so keep that in mind, we all took turns hopping on it and thrashing it. They had it since March 1st and it had 1000+ miles. The only things they have in common with the XM is grips, throttle, brake, gas cap and secondary.
I ride a 2016 T3 174. Intermediate rider, 6'2
Engine
The engine is very smooth thanks to the new exhaust valve. Unlike the XM where you hit 7/8 throttle, the valve opens up and starts wailing. The engine accelerates quickly, it doesn't have the half second of latency like the 800. The only downside is that 7/8 to full throttle there isn't anymore power. Not sure if that is TPS calibration, keep in mind this a prototype. The power is noticeable but not going to blow you away, this might be because it is a 154 and I'm used to a 174. And I'm fat.
Handling
Here's where the 850 shines; the balanced, centralized weight makes a big difference. No more favouring left turning. It is more predictable, when you throw it on it's side it's the same light feeling as it flips over. The the XM feels light, heavy then light as it flops over. This really makes a big difference when carving.
With the light weight and quick acceleration guys will have get used to feathering the brake. The front end wants to pop up which is really nice. Sidehilling has improved considerably. It holds the line much better, I found that you don't counter steer like an XM. Just a little steered out and it's perfect.
A couple minutes in and I was comfortable with it. The ergonomics were great, it's hard to explain but when you lift on one side it feels like there is a rod lifting right at the back of the spindle, it's a nice, confident feeling. The centre of gravity is feels lower.
Trails
Usually I don't care about trail handling but I figured some guys might. Skis dart a bit. The front end feels planted, whereas the XM will want to lift a ski up sometimes on the trail. It rips on the trail, takes you by surprise. The knee mouldings are awesome. Lock your knee in and it feels like the sled is on rails, it carved up the curves.
Well that's all for tonight, we still have 2 more days and they should have 165 for us to try tomorrow.
This is a prototype machine so keep that in mind, we all took turns hopping on it and thrashing it. They had it since March 1st and it had 1000+ miles. The only things they have in common with the XM is grips, throttle, brake, gas cap and secondary.
I ride a 2016 T3 174. Intermediate rider, 6'2
Engine
The engine is very smooth thanks to the new exhaust valve. Unlike the XM where you hit 7/8 throttle, the valve opens up and starts wailing. The engine accelerates quickly, it doesn't have the half second of latency like the 800. The only downside is that 7/8 to full throttle there isn't anymore power. Not sure if that is TPS calibration, keep in mind this a prototype. The power is noticeable but not going to blow you away, this might be because it is a 154 and I'm used to a 174. And I'm fat.
Handling
Here's where the 850 shines; the balanced, centralized weight makes a big difference. No more favouring left turning. It is more predictable, when you throw it on it's side it's the same light feeling as it flips over. The the XM feels light, heavy then light as it flops over. This really makes a big difference when carving.
With the light weight and quick acceleration guys will have get used to feathering the brake. The front end wants to pop up which is really nice. Sidehilling has improved considerably. It holds the line much better, I found that you don't counter steer like an XM. Just a little steered out and it's perfect.
A couple minutes in and I was comfortable with it. The ergonomics were great, it's hard to explain but when you lift on one side it feels like there is a rod lifting right at the back of the spindle, it's a nice, confident feeling. The centre of gravity is feels lower.
Trails
Usually I don't care about trail handling but I figured some guys might. Skis dart a bit. The front end feels planted, whereas the XM will want to lift a ski up sometimes on the trail. It rips on the trail, takes you by surprise. The knee mouldings are awesome. Lock your knee in and it feels like the sled is on rails, it carved up the curves.
Well that's all for tonight, we still have 2 more days and they should have 165 for us to try tomorrow.
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