polaris rmk – Supertrax Online

SNOWTRAX 2023 – Episode 8

SnowTrax TV — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 17:40:56 +0000

We spend a day with the crew from Yamaha who has been a leading supporter of snowmobile clubs and pay tribute to the hard-working men and women who make snowmobiling viable season-after-season.

Then Luke gears up from head-to-toe with help from FXR and walks you through a few of the different kits we wear depending on weather and terrain conditions.

AJ’s in the TRAIL TECH shop taking a closer look at the new Slim Jim 2.0 carbide runner from Woody’s.

Then in TEST RIDE Luke gets deep in the powder aboard the 2023 Polaris Patriot Boost RMK Khaos Slash 155.

POLARIS ANNOUNCES 2024 SNOWMOBILE LINEUP

Press Release — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:48:02 +0000

With the introduction of its 2024 snow lineup, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) is building on its comprehensive snowmobile and snow bike portfolio with new and enhanced rider-driven innovations and features that deliver performance, control, and agility, including the new Series 9 325 track and Timbersled’s new RIOT Gen 2 system.

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

2023 Polaris Patriot Boost RMK Khaos Slash 155 Review

Luke Lester — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:01:15 +0000

Luke gets deep in the powder aboard the 2023 Polaris Patriot Boost RMK Khaos Slash 155.

SNOWTRAX 2023 – Episode 5

SnowTrax TV — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 14:16:07 +0000

IT’S SHOOTOUT TIME! Luke and AJ take to the powder with two of this seasons most hotly contested turbocharged sleds, the 2023 Ski Doo Freeride 850 Turbo R 154 and the 2023 Polaris Patriot Boost RMK Khaos Slash 155. See which sled will reign supreme!

Then Luke highlights the advantages of snowgroomers.net’s handy and versatile SNO-MASTER 48″ tow-behind groomer which is perfect for shaping trails for your favorite winter past-time activities.

WHAT’S POLARIS GOT FOR 2024?

Mark Lester — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:23:13 +0000

It’s that time of year again when we start speculating what the OEMs will be rolling out for your humble servants (that’s us) to sample at Sneak Peek.

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!

DEEP DIVE Into The Development of The Polaris AXYS

Mark Lester — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Motorhead Mark Lester shares his insight into the development of the Polaris AXYS platform featuring interviews with some of the top players in the Polaris snowmobile division.

2019 POLARIS INDY EVO

Supertrax Online — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Polaris INDY®, the most legendary name in snowmobiling, is now the most inviting name on snow as Polaris introduces the new INDY EVO, a trail-ready snowmobile built specifically for new riders. The INDY EVO delivers a comfortable, sporty and confidence-inspiring ride experience that will fuel a new rider’s passion for snowmobiling.

New riders need a sled built for them that’s the right size and offers easy, confidence-inspiring steering and handling. They want a sled with power they can control so they can confidently enjoy trailing riding with family and friends.

Perfect Fit for New Riders

Created using Polaris advanced design engineering, the INDY EVO is lower and narrower than a full-sized sled. Coupled with a lower seat height, this hunkered-down stance lowers the center of gravity to enhance the feeling of stability and confidence.

INDY EVO ergonomics are designed to fit a broad range of riders and positions them for ultimate comfort, control and confidence. The low, narrow bodywork provides outstanding visibility, yet delivers excellent wind protection with AXYS-style integrated airfoils and a wide range of windshield options.

Purpose-built, flat, low bars provide excellent leverage, and the easy throttle flipper accommodates hands of all sizes. The cockpit is roomy, providing ample knee room for the active INDY riding style.

Confident Handling, Easy Steering

The INDY EVO Independent Front Suspension is engineered for a stable yet effortless ride on trails. It features shocks designed and calibrated specifically for the INDY EVO chassis and the adjustable-stance IFS allows the sled to evolve with the rider.

The all-new INDY EVO ski was designed exclusively for this sled, plus delivers confident handling with reduced steering effort.

Just-Right Performance & Fun

The proven Polaris 550cc fan-cooled engine delivers just the right amount of power for new riders. Speed is electronically controlled to a maximum of 50 mph, and stage-tuning kits will be available to adjust the vehicle’s performance and ride as skills grow.

The INDY EVO is available in two models, with manual start or electric start.

Many Polaris accessories are available for the INDY EVO so riders can customize and personalize their sleds to suit their style, and optimize comfort, convenience and cargo solutions.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, Switchback® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Visit polaris.com for more information.

2018 SKI-DOO SUMMIT X 175

Luke Lester — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000

I’m going to start this piece off with an inflammatory statement. Ready?

I don’t like 174-inch mountain sleds!

Now, after you’ve had a second to calm down, I’ll go ahead and quantify that statement with some rational thoughts. It’s not that I think 174-inch mountain sleds are bad sleds or don’t work.

They simply haven’t worked for me. No question, the extra length provides extra traction, but to me, they just don’t feel as manoeuvrable and, being the intermediate mountain rider I am, I get stuck a lot – and I really, really hate digging out a 174.

This is why Ski-Doo’s new G4 based Summit X 175 surprised me. I fully anticipated not being fond of it, but ended up liking it a lot. The question I obviously had to ask myself was: Why?

Moving the 2018 Summit 175 into the G4 chassis was an obvious move that surprised no one. The shorter G4 based summits were so good in 2017 there was no way Ski-doo could afford to miss out on offering that same kind of stellar mountain performance to guys with the longest of track fetishes.

The 175 Summit carries over all the positive traits of the 154 and 164-inchers but, why would simply converting to the G4 chassis make a long mountain sled feel shorter to me? Honestly, I don’t know.

What I do know is that tMotion is impressive. Sure it’s a bit heavier than a traditional mountain skid, but it easily makes up for the small amount of extra girth by making the sled so incredibly easy to lay over and keep on its side. To put it simply, sidehilling any tMotion equipped G4 Summit is a piece of cake. It requires so little effort, the sled actually ends up feeling lighter than it is.

Ergonomically, the 175 Summit starts out feeling a bit strange. The footwells at the front of the running boards are wide open so you can literally stand right beside, if not slightly in front of, the drive axle. It feels very unnatural to be standing that far forward and it looks pretty weird when you turn around and see that much sled sticking out behind you. But, somehow this ergonomic package works really well. It just takes some getting used to.

Riding with guys like Carl Kuster and Rob Alford only proves the point further, you can do things and go places with a G4 based Summit 175 you would have struggled to do with the former XM based Summit.

Speaking of going places, the effectiveness of a 175-inch track with a 3-inch paddle can’t be understated. Combine that level of traction with Ski-Doo’s outstanding E-TEC 850 powerplant and the only places you won’t be able to go will be the ones restricted by the CIA. This power package produces so much bottom end, the track never seems to get bogged down. Of course this is also thanks in a big way to the pDrive primary that squeezes super hard and upshifts lightning fast while maintaining optimal engine RPM. Perfect!

However, one thing I think deserves criticism is the shock package. This sled actually rides really well on the trail for a mountain sled and its shocks aren’t set up bad for average mountain riding. But this isn’t an average mountain sled. If you want to push this Summit as hard as it’s capable of being pushed, you’re going to appreciate the ability to tune the suspension to suite your preferences. With the Summit X, you can’t; its shock package is, for the most part, non-adjustable.

Ski-Doo’s decision to include shocks that don’t have compression and rebound adjustability on a sled like the Summit X 175 is one that’s baffling to us. I’m not going to say it’s a deal-breaker…it’s definitely not. But it’s something we don’t like on a sled that we, otherwise, like everything about.

Bottom line on the 2018 Summit X 175: This is the longest production mountain sled ever built. It comes with all the capability of any other 174 with a 3-inch paddle but for some reason, lacks the extra long, difficult to manoeuvre feel you get when you extend a skidframe this far.

tMotion makes the sled incredibly easy to ride, the ergonomics are great once you get used to them and the engine is something dreams are made of. A lackluster shock package is disappointing but not at all enough to make me think twice about recommending it. This sled makes me a better rider and takes me places I’ve never been able to go before. It can do the same for you, too.

SKS PROJECT SLED

AJ Lester — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Each season on SnowTrax Television I try to pick a sled I’m going to do a little sumthin’-sumthin’ to, and last year’s rebirth of the Polaris SKS RMK drew me in.

Since off-trail riding in the flatlands had been growing in popularity, I knew the extra bulkhead cooler and wheels in the skidframe would make for a perfect flatland off-trail shredder, and so to the chopping block I went.

The SKS weighed in significantly heavier than the basic 155 Pro RMK, which was just shy of 410 pounds. The SKS’s extra 30 pounds is due to the extra cooler, coolant, rear skid wheels, piggyback shocks, traditional chaincase drive system as well as other parts and pieces. Would I have liked the RMK Pro? Yes. Would it have been the right sled for the flats? Nope!

MBRP offers two exhaust systems for the SKS and both see huge weight reductions as well as solid performance gains. The trail exhaust system reduced the weight of our project sled by ten whole pounds and because of the reasonable decibel level is trail legal in most states. The race version is a little louder, but does save an extra three pounds.

When it came to suspension, the stock Walker Evans shocks were okay, but okay wasn’t what I was going for, so I opted for the Stage 5 Elka shock package allowing nearly limitless adjustability via wide-range clickers in the high and low speed compression department as well as a wide range rebound clicker and a true dual rate spring set up. While the Elkas are a little heavier than the Walkers, I was more than happy to sacrifice a pound to gain the superior suspension compliance.

Style is a big deal in off-trail riding, everyone wants to look like they slay powder for breakfast, lunch and dinner and bring the message home with a crazy wrap or something that says they’re the shiz-nit. Personally, I’m more into the sexy approach, so I drilled the powder track stock orange running boards off and a few pop rivets later had a sweet set of black Powdertracs installed, which look great and got a lot of attention throughout the season.

The skid needed some additional help for the days a bit of trail riding was required to get to the best off-trail play areas. Because I had the 2.25 competition track on the SKS I knew there would be some sliders hungry for a little snow to cool them down. Ice scratchers from Polaris go on pretty easy and are that extra bit of insurance for when you’re done getting stuck for the day and have to cruise 30 miles of trail back to the truck. You’re going to stay slippery with these without giving off the pungent smell of Hyfax.

While I’m talking about added protection I opted for a Polaris skid plate covering the front bulkhead and belly area so when you hit something buried in the powder, and we all do, you’ll be able to save the important bits from too much abuse.

Increasing wind protection was another answer from the Polaris catalog with a cool flat black windscreen that added some important protection. Polaris screens go on with just a few push darts and if you roll your sled over when getting unstuck, they seem to stay put very well, not popping off like some other brands do.

Hidden behind the Lexan was a handy goggle and glove storage bag from Pure Polaris. It’s an easy install and holds your goggles and an extra pair of gloves so you’re not pulling your backpack off to get some clear vision. The design causes zero interference with the handlebars or grab bar and it’s nice to know you’ve got some extra space to store stuff.

There’s never a doubt you’re going to get stuck when you’re haulin’ the mail off-trail. It’s gonna happen and if you can get yourself out quicker and easier, well that’s more energy for getting stuck again. The AXYS extreme rear bumper was a must-have for my project. It not only stiffened up the tunnel, but also provided a much larger area to plant my digits when grabbing a handful of backache to get the SKS unstuck. It’s also all-black like the runningboards and looks killer against the orange tunnel.

It was a no-brainer to plan to carry extra fuel out back with the incredibly simple, adjustable fuel can holder from Pure Polaris. It fits a bunch of gas can designs and uses the T-slots in the tunnel to mount. A couple of thumb screws and an adjustable buckle strap and voilà, there’s the insurance plan strapped down and ready.

I like to bring some stuff with me when I ride off-trail. In the mountains it’s really important to be prepared, even if you’re not expecting to be stuck overnight. Having some extras could be life or death and the Burandt Tunnel Bags give you the space you need to store food, water, safety gear, a shovel or just about anything you could imagine. Like the fuel can holder, this install uses the T-slot tunnel mounts and goes on in 30 seconds.

Finally, a handlebar-mounted Pure Polaris storage bag gives you a great place for your phone, an FRS radio, a bottle of water that’s easily accessible and anything else you might need that’s usually in your pockets allowing you to be free to move around on the sled unencumbered by bulky items. Plus, when you hit the “ejecto” button and find yourself pine tree fresh, your phone won’t be busted and your pants won’t be wet from a leaking bottle of water. However we can’t guarantee they won’t be wet from something else in a situation like that.

All things considered, the SKS was one of my favorite projects. Sure we didn’t hack and cut and weld anything onto it, but that sled worked so incredibly well with just a few minor adjustments, it’ll have a special place in my mental garage for some time.

Polaris SKS Project Sled: PART 3

SnowTrax TV — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

AJ’s back in the TRAIL TECH shop with his 2016 Polaris SKS project sled build adding some finishing touches that’ll get it ready to ride.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!