However, this latest iteration with a more or less “custom” powerplant changes the game and elevates the cache of the XCR moniker in a significant way. The 9R engine boasts oh-so-close to 180-hp with huge torque numbers in the midrange while its running mate the Patriot BOOST makes arguably just a touch more than 180-hp. These numbers are extrapolated from dyno reports on the base Patriot 850 engine that produces 165-hp. 

Moreover, Polaris didn’t call us up and tell us our estimates are wrong – which is not unlike being right. Not to worry. The XCR 9R is a formidable weapon delivering agile handling, amazing bump control and lake-shredding top end thrust. 

Now, let’s talk about the Indy VR1 with DYNAMIX. This is truly one of MY25’s standout new models. Polaris has been working with semi-active offroad suspension for more than five years, debuting the technology on their ridiculously popular RZR Pure Sport Side x Side. DYNAMIX is completely different than any other adjustable snowmobile suspension. While competitive semi-active snowmobile suspensions use a series of sensors mounted on the shocks, DYNAMIX uses a sophisticated chassis-mounted “IMU” (Inertial Measurement Unit) that measures the inertia of the sled. 

The IMU processes chassis pitch, roll and yaw as well as the sled’s ground speed to garner the best response from the snowmobile’s shocks under the widest range of circumstances. In particular, DYNAMIX monitors 3 key active events. (i) Acceleration and Deceleration, (ii) Cornering and (iii) Air Born (or when there is less than 1G of force to the ground). The system constantly monitors and adapts resulting in flat, controlled, and predictable handling. 

There’s more. DYNAMIX is the only semi-active snowmobile suspension controlling all four electronic shocks, specifically, the front arm coilover shock. Employing this mid-chassis damper is especially noticeable for the MATRYX chassis with its Bite vs Lite handling characteristics. 

Is DYNAMIX the best working semi-active suspension system for snowmobiles? Further evaluation this coming winter will answer that, but we can categorically say DYNAMIX makes a positively profound impact on handling. 

One more thing – and it’s a biggy: There are three selectable DYNAMIX modes the rider can choose from as terrain dictates. These modes and exactly what they’re doing underneath you can be tracked instantaneously on the 7S display. That, my friends, is too cool.

This nostalgic edition pays homage to the legendary XLT family of the 1990s, bringing back its signature purple and blue over black color scheme.

The Patriot 9R Switchback Assault 70th Anniversary Limited Edition showcases Polaris’ cutting-edge two-stroke performance with the Patriot 9R engine, along with a color-matched front Sentry Bumper and RGB Handguards for enhanced 90s nostalgia and style, and a fresh design inspired by the classic XLT model.

Two additional 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Snowmobiles, which combine iconic 90s sled designs with contemporary innovations, will be revealed at Hay Days on September 7, 2024.

“To mark the 70th anniversary of Polaris, we set out to create truly special Anniversary Editions, drawing from 70 years of innovation and snowmobile history. The iconic sleds from the 90s emerged as top contenders. The 90s era influences are prominent in pop culture, and the nostalgia is also resonating within the snowmobiling community,” said Nels Eide, Polaris Snow Product Manager.

Visit the Polaris booth at Hay Days on Saturday, September 7 at 12:00pm CST in North Branch, Minnesota to learn more about all three Limited Edition snowmobiles offerings. Each snowmobile will be available in limited quantities and available on a first come, first-serve basis.

Orders can be submitted on www.polaris.com/snowmobiles beginning at 12:00pm CST on September 7 through September 28, or while snowmobiles last. Beginning at 12:00pm CST on September 7 through September 28, or while snowmobiles last.

For more information on these Limited Edition snowmobiles visit polaris.com/snowmobiles or by connecting with us on Facebook Polaris Snowmobiles and Instagram PolarisSnow

About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR and Polaris XPEDITION and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves nearly 100 countries across the globe.

Although there’s no official rule that 850ccs should be the largest allowable displacement for a 2-stroke sled’s engine, Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo have all ended up at this number. The question is: Why has “850” almost universally become the benchmark?

From the conversations I’ve had with people who are in the know, people who eat, breath and sleep snowmobiles and the technology required it takes to build them, the 850 zone provides what is largely accepted as the biggest displacement you can use to build a 2-stroke twin without having it vibrate you and the sled it’s mounted in right off the trail and into the ditch.

This seems like a compelling enough argument, except for one thing. Until Ski-Doo introduced the G5 REV platform and Polaris landed the Patriot 850 in the MATRYX, both these manufacturers had an 850 with some uncontrolled shaking.

Flying in the face of these last couple paragraphs Polaris goes full speed ahead developing a Patriot-based variant called the 9R. Its team knew full well the risks of creating an uncivilized engine when the 9R project embarked. The engine is every bit as smooth and buttery as the 850 Patriot mounted in a MATRYX chassis due in part to two unrelated issues.

First, Polaris developed a new motor mounting system employing five mounts. This looks after any and all vibrations emanating from the naturally aspirated 850, Patriot BOOST and now the 9R. Second, the 9R uses a special lightened crankshaft which further calms the engine making it feel completely refined.

Here’s the issue on everyone’s mind. What’s the power output of the 9R when compared to the other two 850 Patriot variants? Let’s assume the naturally aspirated 850 makes 165 HP. Polaris claims the Patriot BOOST produces 12 more horsepower than that, which for sake of argument let’s say that amounts to just shy of 180 horsepower. So what about the 9R in comparison? Polaris claims the 9R produces 9 more ponies than the naturally aspirated 850, which we can say amounts to approximately 175 horses.

Unfortunately, at this spring’s Snowshoot event in West Yellowstone we couldn’t accurately perform any meaningful comparisons of the BOOST versus the 9R. Why? The Boosted (turbocharged) 850 doesn’t know it’s at 6600 feet elevation in West Yellowstone. It automatically adjusts its wastegate to bring the engine back to its maximum programmed horsepower.

The 9R doesn’t use a hairdryer to make power so any of the numbers posited above mean absolutely nothing at 6600 feet. Truth is the 9R is faster than an 850 but to compare it to the BOOST would be meaningless until we get our hands on both engines in comparable chassis like an XCR 9R 136 and a VR1 BOOST 137 at sea level.

So, here’s what I can tell you. The 9R knocked our socks off with its low inertia crank spooling up like its telepathically hooked to your thumb. The engine feels super smooth at both idle and engagement. At trail speeds it would be impossible to perceive any difference between the civility of the 9R and a stock Patriot 850 except for one noticeable trait. Throttle response felt extra urgent and strong at trail velocities. Corner-to-corner acceleration is immediate and without humps or bumps.

Would I pony up the extra cash to buy a 9R? Yep, I would. There’s so much cache with having one of these rockets, I find it pretty much irresistible.

So, would I walk by the 9R for an 850 Boost? Doggone it, that right there might be the toughest question for MY25.

Check out ALL the 2025 Polaris Sleds HERE!

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