I rode a '17 MXZ-X 850 for around 6,000 miles until this year. No significant issues or flaws to speak of, Had a premature belt blow first year but a couple updates for venting to the cover resolved that. They had a recall related to fuel rail possibly wearing (I think) but that should have been resolved by dealer. All in all, very stable first year sled. I'm on a '20 this year, 1200 miles so far. The gauge is updated. Otherwise, pretty comparable sleds. They went away from "rack" steering on the '20, but I don't notice it at all myself. If fact my '20 handles better, but I attribute that largely to the Pilot TS ski's that were on the '17 (I do not recommend those). That's my $.02, they will all be really great rides. Personally, I like the update gauge.

 

The oil system was changed in 18. 17 had old system. I think the 17s were faster...

 

'18 they added cooling fins to the backside of one clutch or the other (I forgot which), plus a motor mount change. '19 got both clutches finned, better motor mounts, and cooling ductwork with vents in side panel. All these things to help belt alignment and heat reduction.

 

The oil system was changed in 18. 17 had old system. I think the 17s were faster...

Not sure about 18's but the 19's are faster than the 17's hands down. More refined clutching, probably better stock clutch alignment and better heat management.

 

My 2019 was faster than the 2017 and 2018 my 2020 is still yet to reach its full potential. I have not been able to try top end as conditions this year have not presented me with the right surface for top speed.

 

one tidbit I noticed on my 19 is that there is only one air inlet on each side vs 2 on the 18. who knows why ?

 

I rode a '17 MXZ-X 850 for around 6,000 miles until this year. No significant issues or flaws to speak of, Had a premature belt blow first year but a couple updates for venting to the cover resolved that. They had a recall related to fuel rail possibly wearing (I think) but that should have been resolved by dealer. All in all, very stable first year sled. I'm on a '20 this year, 1200 miles so far. The gauge is updated. Otherwise, pretty comparable sleds. They went away from "rack" steering on the '20, but I don't notice it at all myself. If fact my '20 handles better, but I attribute that largely to the Pilot TS ski's that were on the '17 (I do not recommend those). That's my $.02, they will all be really great rides. Personally, I like the update gauge.

2020 came with yet another belt. Owning 7 850's since 2017 (never having a problem) the 2020 needed the least number of adjustments (just two) over 1,200 miles.

Bear

 

10,300 miles on my '17

no blown belts

replaced one idler wheel

one of the 6 LED's in the taillight hasn't worked for a couple seasons

currently in the process of replacing the track (spit 5 studs)

normal maintenance yearly

thats it

 

My 19 is great. Doo fixed all the 17,18 bugs and out of box it’s been great. I’ve got a xpackage, the seat is it’s only down fall. Too narrow.Should have ordered it with the adrenaline (standard) seat.