The ’99-’02 MXZ 600 was a high-performance trail Ski-Doo marketed around the Millennium. It was built on the ZX chassis, which featured different rear suspensions depending on the year (SC-10 1/2/3). The power source of the MXZ 600 was a very reliable 2-stroke, liquid-cooled Rotax 597cc engine rated at 105hp. Its bigger brother was the deservedly popular MXZ 700.
If you want to find out more about this classic Ski-Doo, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this Ski-Doo MXZ 600 review!
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Review
The Ski-Doo MXZ 600 was one of the most popular 600cc snowmobiles around the Millennium and with good reason. It was known for its amazing handling, high performance, and durable engine.
Its official model name was MX Z 600, but sledders just referred to it as MXZ 600. Hence, we’ll also use that name in this post.
The MXZ 600 was introduced in 1999 and remained in production until 2002 with the ZX chassis.
This platform was commonly used in many MXZ and Summit Ski-Doos at that time but was replaced by the revolutionary REV chassis in 2003.
While the MXZ 600 used the same ZX chassis from 1999 through 2002, it utilized three different rear suspensions.
In 1999, the sled was launched with the outdated SC-10 (travel: 10”) rear suspension inherited from the S-chassis.
Unfortunately, this non-coupled suspension had some design flaws and did not provide as good a handling as its successors.
Because of this, the ski was revamped in the 2000-2001 MXZ 600, which enjoyed a much better coupled SC-10 II rear suspension. In 2002, it was upgraded even more with the more advanced long-travel SC-10 III.
The Direct Shock Action (DSA) suspension of the S-chassis was also replaced by the more advanced Advanced Direct Shock Action (ADSA) suspension in ZX-based Ski-Doos. The latter had a travel of 8” which was 1.2” longer than its predecessor’s.
In the 1999 model year, the MXZ 600 measured 108.3 inches in length, 47.75 inches in width, and 39.4 inches in height. Its ski stance was 42.5 inches, and its dry weight was 475 pounds.
The power source of the ’99-’02 MXZ 600 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 597cc, single-piped, Rotax twin engine that delivered around 105-108hp on the dyno.
It was designed with a wide range of innovative features, including:
- Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE) valves
- Liquid-cooling system
- Dual VM40 Mikuni caruretors
- NGK BR9ES spark plugs
- “Two-in-one” exhaust pipe
This Rotax 597cc twin engine built its reputation on its durability and great performance.
The only drawback of this engine was that it couldn’t be fitted as low in the frame as its cylinder-reed successors. Despite this, a de-bored version of the 597cc Rotax found its way into the REV and REV-XP chassis, to power the 500SS Ski-Doos.
In the ’99-’00 years this engine was manufactured with round slide carbs, which were upgraded with flat slides in ’01.
These new carbs offered a crisper throttle response and a lighter throttle pressure. Hence, pulling the thumb throttle on these later models was much easier.
Sledders also appreciated the comfort features of the MXZ including heated grips and throttle lever, a well-contoured seat, and the sizeable 10.6-gallon fuel tank.
While the ’99 model had some handling issues, the ’00-‘02s came with excellent handling thanks to their upgraded rear suspension.
The top speed of the MXZ 600 was 100-105 mph on the speedo depending on the weight of the rider and environmental conditions.
Thanks to its reliability and great performance, the MXZ 600 quickly became popular among performance-minded riders.
Just like its 670-800cc relatives, this sled was one of the most successful classic performance Ski-Doos ever built.
In 2003, it was phased out by its more advanced successor, the REV-based 2003 MXZ 600.
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Problems
Even though the ’99-’02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 was an innovative and reliable sled, it had some design flaws, including:
- Poor SC-10 suspension: The SC-10 suspension of the ’99 model was known for its poor performance and “kicking back” issues. Fortunately, it was replaced by the SC-10 II in 2000, which offered much better handling.
- Electrical issues: Some wire harnesses were prone to rubbing through, causing electrical malfunctions. These issues could be easily fixed, once the broken cables were detected.
- High-maintenance RAVE valves: The RAVE exhaust valves of the sled added complexity to the engine and required annual maintenance and cleaning.
- Lack of a reverse and electric start: To the greatest regret of many sledders, the MXZ 600 was marketed without an electric start and a reverse system.
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Specs Chart
For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specifications of the 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 in these charts.
(Note that this sled was manufactured for four seasons, and its specifications may vary by model year.)
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Dimensions and Weight
| Dimensions | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Length | 108.3 in (275 cm) |
| Width | 47.75 in (121.25 cm) |
| Height | 39.4 in (100 cm) |
| Ski Stance | 42.5 in (108 cm) |
| Ground Contact Area | 1034 in2 (6671 cm2) |
| Dry Weight | 475 lb (216 kg) |
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Chassis and Suspensions
| Chassis and Suspensions | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Chassis | ZX |
| Frame material | Aluminum |
| Bottom Pan Material | Impact Copolymer |
| Hood Material | RRIM Polyurethane |
| Front Suspension | ADSA |
| Rear Suspension | SC-10 (99), SC-10 II (00-01), SC-10 III (02) |
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Engine Specs
| Engine Specs | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, Rotax 593 |
| Cylinder Arrangement | 2-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 2 |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled |
| Bore | 2.99 in (76 mm) |
| Stroke | 2.59 in (65.80 mm) |
| Compression ratio (corrected) | 6.7 |
| Maximum power engine speed | 8000 +/- 100 RPM |
| Idle speed | 1600 +/- 200 RPM |
| Displacement | 597cc |
| Carburetor Type | 2 x VM 40-107/107 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Throttle Operation | Handle lever, right-hand operated |
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Liquids
| Liquids | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 US gal (40 L) |
| Gas Type | Unleaded / 87 |
| Oil Tank Capacity | 118 US oz (3.5 L) |
| Recommended Oil | Bombardier Snowmobile Injection Oil |
| Chaincase Oil Capacity | 8.5 US oz (250 mL) |
| Caincase Oil Type | Bombardier Chaincase Oil |
| Cooling System Capacity | 128.5 US oz (3.8 L) |
| Coolant Type | Coolant mixture: 60% antifreeze / 40% water |
| Brake System Fluid | DOT 4 |
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Track
| Track Features | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Length on ground | 121.0 in (307 cm) |
| Width | 15.0 in (38.1 cm) |
| Profile Height | .878 in (22.3 mm) |
| Track tension | 30-35mm (1-3/16 – 1-3/8 in) |
| Track Alignment | Equal distance between edges of track guides and slider shoes |
*Measure gap between slider shoe and bottom inside of track when exerting a downward pull of 7.3 kg (16 lbf) to the track.
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Transmission
| Transmission | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Primary reduction system | Belt |
| Belt Number | 417 860 700 |
| New belt width | 35.3 mm (1.398 in) |
| Type | Automatic centrifugal engagement, infinitely variable |
| Drive | Silen chain enclosed in oil bath |
| Chain Drive ratio | 24/43 |
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Electric Features
| Electric Features | 1999 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 |
| Magneto Generator Output | 290 W |
| Ignition type | CDI |
| Spark Plug Type | NGK BR9ES |
| Spark Plug Gap | .018 in (0.45 mm) |
| Battery | N.A. |
| Headlight | H4 60/55 W |
| Taillight and Stoplight | 8/27 W |
| Tacho and Speedo Bulbs | 2 x 3 W |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, please refer to the factory manual.
Ski-Doo MXZ 600 For Sale
Bombardier sold numerous ZX-based MXZ 600s, so it is no surprise that they still appear on the used market.
If you are considering buying one, you can find many used Ski-Doo MXZ 600s for sale on Craigslist, eBay, Ski-Doo forums, or snowmobile classified sites.
Takeaway – FAQs About the 99-02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600
What year did the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 come out?
Bombardier launched the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 for the 1999 model year.
What years was the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 made?
Bombardier marketed the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 with the ZX platform from 1999 through 2002.
What size was a Ski-Doo MXZ 600?
The (1999) Ski-Doo MXZ 600 measured 108.3 inches in length, 47.75 inches in width, and 39.4 inches in height.
What was the track size of the Ski-Doo MXZ 600?
The ’99-’02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 featured a 121x15x0.878” track.
How much did a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 weigh?
The dry weight of the (1999) Ski-Doo MXZ 600 was 475 pounds.
What kind of engine was in a Ski-Doo MXZ 600?
The power source of the ’99-02’ MXZ 600 was a liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, 597cc, singe-pipe, RAVE, Rotax twin engine.
How much horsepower did a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 have?
The ’99-’02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 produced 105-108 hp on the dyno.
How fast did a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 go?
The top speed of the ’99-’02 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 was 100-105 mph on the speedo.
Was the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 a 2-stroke?
The Ski-Doo MXZ 600 was powered by a 2-stroke engine.
Did the Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Have a Reverse or Electric Start?
The MXZ 600 came without an electric start and reverse system.
How Much Oil Did a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Hold?
The MXZ 600 had an automatic oil injection system featuring a 118-oz oil reservoir.
How Much Fuel Did a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Hold?
The fuel capacity of the MXZ 600 was 10.6 US gallons.
How Much Does a Ski-Doo MXZ 600 Cost?
The asking price of a used Ski-Doo MXZ 600 averages between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the year and condition.
