The 2024 lineup is complemented by nearly 250 new parts, apparel and accessories that provide even more personalization options. This year, Polaris is making its SnowCheck program even more compelling with the launch of a SnowCheck Ship Guarantee*, which promises all 2024 SnowCheck orders will ship by November 30, 2023.

“Everything we do starts with our riders in mind,” said Jenny Nack, vice president and general manager, Polaris Snow. “The 2024 Polaris snowmobile and Timbersled lineup is one of our most refined and complete in recent years. And our new Ship Guarantee will give SnowCheck customers confidence that their customized snowmobile will not only deliver the best riding experience but will also arrive in time for winter.”

Building on an industry-leading snowmobile portfolio, the 2024 lineup offers new options for deep snow riders, along with feature and performance enhancements for trail riders. Highlights include:

Polaris is introducing an all-new Series 9 325 track, the largest in the industry, that further elevates Polaris RMK to the top of the mountain. A SnowCheck exclusive option, the new 3.25” track propels riders through the deepest powder with a design that spools up instantly and delivers a new level of traction and lift. The Series 9 325 track is joined by other SnowCheck-exclusive features including the factory-mod power of the Patriot 9R and the turbocharged Patriot Boost.

As the newest engine, the four-stroke ProStar S4 is offers enhanced efficiency and durability across INDY, Voyageur, and Titan snowmobiles. From its smooth throttle response, to less maintenance and easier ownership, it continues to deliver spirited performance, with the capability and fun to hit the trails, haul gear, and enjoy the winter.

The 2024 lineup boasts an optional 7-inch display powered by RIDE COMMAND technology. The Polaris-exclusive offering, RIDE COMMAND is the sport’s first and most dedicated GPS mapping and rider connectivity technology without needing cellular connection. RIDE COMMAND continues to set the standard allowing riders to plan routes, organize and track riding groups, and offers industry-leading Bluetooth connectivity on a full color, glove-friendly touchscreen 7S Display.

“We never stop looking for ways to improve the riding experience,” said Nack. “Whether through bold, game-changing innovations like Patriot 9R and the Matryx platform, or our ongoing efforts to tune and enhance quality and performance, the passion and commitment of our team to continually raise the bar is always there.”

To complement the 2024 lineup, Polaris is launching nearly 250 new accessories, parts and apparel. Mountain riders can discover increased comfort and customization options with our new handlebar gauntlets, new colors in our backcountry handguards, and new options in our signature Lock & Ride Flex Storage bags. Trail riders have expanded auxiliary lighting options, as well as added accent lights to enable even more personalization. Those looking for extra storage needs may be interested in the new towable Adventure trailer, featuring independent suspension and a taillight.

SnowCheck – the industry’s most comprehensive customization spring order program – launched for 2024 snowmobile model ordering on March 6 and will run through March 29. This year, exclusivity and customization remain at the forefront with models, engine options, technology features, and specific colors available only through the pre-order program.

Riders that order through the 2024 Polaris SnowCheck program will also receive up to a three-year extended warranty and a shipment guarantee that provides riders with the confidence their sled will ship by November 30, 2023 or customers receive $1,500 off at purchase.

Full details on the 2024 lineup of Polaris snowmobiles, along with the SnowCheck spring order program and associated Ship Guarantee, can be found at PolarisSnowmobiles.com.

2024 TIMBERSLED UNLOCKS MORE RIDING FREEDOM

Timbersled is long regarded as the industry leader that revolutionized the sport of snow biking. The 2024 lineup demonstrates continued innovation, providing riders the ultimate in control, performance, and agility.

For 2024, that evolution of ultimate riding freedom continues with the introduction of the RIOT Gen 2. The RIOT Gen 2 system will join the technical terrain focused ARO on the Gen 2 platform, and both will be available in Premium and Pro trim levels. The new system features a narrowed rail stance, a new lightweight track, and an overall weight reduction, making the new RIOT more agile and more responsive. Available exclusively in the Pro package, RIOT Gen 2 also features responsive QDT belt drive technology. These options along with the youth focused Timbersled Ripper and exclusive color choices easily makes the 2024 Timbersled lineup the most extensive in the industry.

Discover the complete 2024 lineup at Timbersled.com, along with the latest in partnered accessories and details for the SnowCheck spring order program.

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 Polaris RANGER, RZR and Polaris 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. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

polaris.com

For the record, Sneak Peek is held in late January or early February at a top secret location each one of the OEMs selects annually. It’s not a West Yellowstone Snow Shoot event as each OEMs runs a private party with only select in-sport media invited. As you can imagine, the list of media participants has been getting somewhat shorter the past few years.

So here goes with what we think Polaris may show us at its 2024 Sneak Peek.

DYNAMIX

We think Polaris will unveil its highly effective, semi-active Dynamix suspension system on at least the Indy MATRYX VR-1. The snowmobile intro of this technology is actually about a year overdue with Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat and Yamaha offering their own semi-active systems.

This technology is not cheap to develop or produce, so expect it to be available only on top-of-the-segment models and only on Snow Checked Polaris models.

TURBO 4-STROKE

We’ve rumored we expect Polaris to take its 4-stroke program (S4) to more models in 20224. However, we think it is not beyond the realm of possibility for the new 1000cc Pro Star S4 to get the Boost treatment.

Think about this: The 1000cc Pro Star engine used in the S4 has been turbocharged to produce 180 HP in select RZR off-road SxS vehicles.

Simply put, that engine can inhale copious quantities of compressed air literally jammed down its throat with nary as much as a cough. Bolting a turbo onto the Pro Star S4 mill can’t be too difficult… can it?

XCR BOOST

Next issue requiring speculation: The insertion of the Boost 850 Patriot into the XCR platform. We think this is a no-brainer with the ditch banging crowd always looking for more lift-off power on the “approaches”.

While the Boost 850 VR-1 fits nicely into the rider profile it’s intended for, there’s more than just “lake racers looking for a Boost-equipped bump runner”.

The XCR Boost should come with a 137 out back like the VR-1 Boost. A 1.5 Camso Shredder would be practical on an XCR Boost.

GAUGE TECH

Here’s a long shot, but, hey, this is what we do at Sneak Peek time. I think we might see a new standard gauge to replace the long-in-the-tooth PID cluster. Ski-Doo not only upped its deluxe display to 10.2 inches but it improved its “base model “info center for 2023.

The PID does not allow easy access to the settings supporting the new Smart Grip thumb and handwarmers. A new display would surely include improved access to the excellent heaters similar to the S-7.

That’s about it for our Polaris predictions and wishes for MY 2024. Maybe you have a few guesses too so let’s hear it!

Our last update on this issue contained pretty broad strokes of information designed to notify Polaris owners of the affected models Polaris has imposed a stop ride/stop sale order on and that the company was working at full speed to announce a fix, a time table and how to find out if your Polaris was part of the Stop Ride/Stop Sale communication.

As of October 20th a validated repair is available initially on an allocation basis. Owners of affected Polaris snowmobiles have been notified repair kits are available including repair instructions, and training materials.

Dealers have the ability to order repair kits now. Initially kits will be shipped to dealers on an allocation basis. If you are not sure if your snowmobile is included in this recall because you’re a second or third owner you should contact your local authorized Polaris Snowmobile dealer and have your snowmobile’s VIN (Serial Number) in hand.

If you received notice from Polaris your snowmobile is included in the repair you should immediately contact your authorized Polaris Dealer and arrange a time for this free service to be done to your snowmobile.

Under no circumstances should any owner attempt to perform this work. It must be done by an authorized Polaris dealer.

Equally important is not attempting to run your snowmobile – even to load it to take to your dealer for the recall work. If you absolutely must run the engine fill the snowmobile with fresh gas before attempting to start the engine.

As well as implementing the fix on the past model snowmobiles identified here, Polaris has addressed this issue on MY 23 Snow Check snowmobile models currently in production. Shipping of these new sleds resumed in October.

The message hasn’t changed much since our last update on this issue. However, with the repair kits being assembled and shipped regularly, as parts come available, the goal line is now clearly in sight.

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We would quantify this kind of long term coverage as tangible value. How much would a 5-year engine warranty cost if you had to buy it?

One look at the Patriot’s crank and bearings gives a clue to the strength of the engine. Its bearings measure 40 x 80mms compared to the 800’s 35 x 72mm! The new, beefier crank and bearings feed power to Polaris’ tried and durable primary clutch through an enlarged taper.

There’s also an all-new, jinormous drive belt built just for the 850. Polaris engineers have expressed a high level of confidence in both belt durability and clutch performance. A lot of this confidence comes from the new engine mounts and their orientation as compared to the 800 Liberty’s set-up.

Looking under the hood, the Patriot’s architecture is visually appealing with a rationalized, shrink-wrapped look to its cylinders. In fact, external cooling hoses have been eliminated by casting water passages internally.

The new VES exhaust valves use a smart servo-operated actuator and as a result are much more accurate than previous designs. Big Gulp 50mm throttle bodies feed a Polaris Cleanfire Semi-Direct Injection (SDI) system and the new 850 Patriot weighs-in just 6.5 pounds heavier than the 800 Liberty.

When speeds rise and the loud handle is fully compressed with both skis pointed up Kevlar Lake, the Patriot 850 feels stronger than the ETEC – not by a large margin, but it does feel like its pressing more meat into white top.

The 850 in the new Indy XC chassis with Pro CC shock-in-skid suspension, couples up hard under acceleration generating minimal weight transfer while the Gen 4 Ski-Doo’s later coupling rMotion allows for more wheelie action. Still the 850 Patriot feels convincingly strong.

We’ve ridden the new 850 Patriot in all its chassis variants at both sea level and altitude. We have ridden the 850 ETEC, in all its variants at both sea level and altitude. What we haven’t been able to do is ride Polaris and Ski-Doo variants head-to-head. This largely sucks but might actually be a good thing, short term.

Attempting to compare these 850s in West Yellowstone last February at 6000 to 9000 foot altitude would not be conclusive and that’s the only place we’ve had the two 850’s in one place at one time so far.

It is possible the new Patriot will run away from the Rotax 850. It’s possible, but if it does it’ll be close.

However, if you were Polaris and bringing a new engine to the market to compete with the known market leader’s 850, would you take advantage of the luxury of testing your new engine against Ski-Doo’s in-market engine and make any necessary adjustments or tweaks before going into production?

All-new season of SnowTrax Television begins the week of December 31 on OLN and WILD TV in Canada, Outdoor Channel in the United States and the week of January 6 on YouTube!

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