BRP launched Lynx into the North American marketplace 3 years ago with the intention to win over competitive owners and not cannibalize its own Ski-Doo brand.
Snowmobiling in Scandinavia is fundamentally different than trail-based riding here in parts of North America and Lynx snowmobiles are designed to accommodate full-throttle roosts on ungroomed trails. The PPS³ suspension uses lots of travel but does not employ coupling, which means the RAVE RE will wheelie through rough terrain with skis off the snow. The sled responds to rider fore and aft movements telepathically. Frankly, the uncoupled nature of the PPS³ system creates a near “dirt bike-ish” response to rough trails.
Some may ask if the 3500mm PPS³ suspension on the RAVE RE 600 is overly stiff on North American trails and you need to understand this: PPS³ is not rMotion. Its set-up is almost bottomless, but in a firm sort of way from half travel to full compression. However, the sensation is not “stiff”. It is more of a precise feeling as the PPS³ eats everything from deep rollers to square edgers, to high-speed G-outs. PPS³ is unlike anything you’ll ride in the sno-mo-biz at this time in history.
Yes, an rMotion has a generally plusher response to junk trails. Strangely though, in rough terrain, the PPS³ suspension provides what can best be described as a more controlled and accurate response. How does this play out with the LFS+ front suspension used on the RAVE RE? Since PPS³ is uncoupled, you may be inclined to think it would produce inside ski lift. After-all, wasn’t ski-lift the reason virtually every skid this biz under 137 inches uses coupling? True story. However, the RAVE RE has a neutral response to cornering inputs and stays mostly flat on corner entry and exit.
A word of caution – the RAVE RE likes throttle. In simple terms drag the brake to the center of the corner then pivot using lots of throttle. On exit shift your weight rearward and dial up the power. BTW, the Blade XC+ skis on the RAVE are Lynx proprietary boards and have long, deep center keels that keep this sled slicing white top with little understeer.
The Rotax 600R E-TEC mill is essentially the same power-pack used by Ski-Doo in a plethora of models. Interestingly, our test pilots feel the engine delivers more urgent power – especially from mid-range to WOT.
We all agree the easy for-aft weight transfer (wheelie) response to throttle inputs gives the rider the sensation of extra-strong acceleration. Is the RAVE RE faster than a similarly powered MXZ? Can’t say for certain right now but it sure feels like it.
There’s some nice stuff the Lynx RAVE RE carries standard. Try KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima coated shocks, ultra-cool indirect lighting on both sides of the hood, cast toe hold close offs and a slightly narrower seat-to-gas tank junction thanks to its Radien² platform design.
What can’t be quantified in words though is the allure the Lynx brand continues to carry and cultivate. When you show up on a Lynx RAVE RE 600R, heads will definitely turn, and you can’t put a price on that.
