1,000+ clicks on our 2019 Indy 850 XC
I always get a kick from some media test riders, who receive a new editor sled and ride it for very few miles and then proceed to announce all types of hyped up feedback and performance proclamations.
For me (granted I may be a little bit slow) it takes many miles before I make any adjustment and many more before I have a true feel and multiple confirmations regarding any new snowmobile. Until I have traveled many miles, I prefer to keep the brochure hype to myself.
At SledMagazine.com, we ride more to gain our experiences and impressions across more miles, more snow conditions and more trial conditions.
So here we go!
Snow came early here in the Northeast. Before hitting the early trails, we activated Polaris security system and selected our personal code. It’s surprising that not all Polaris owners take advantage of this feature, as it definitely adds easy safety and security if you want or need to leave your running sled unattended. We also outfitted our 2019 Indy XC with Genuine Polaris mirrors, the new for 2019 USB phone charging handle bar bag, a spacious windshield storage bag, Lock and Ride Traverse tunnel bag and a Monarch front bumper. Yes, we are aware that our featured white Monarch front bumper is less than color scheme coordinated. Great bumper, wrong color! We waited too long to order and the best color choices for our 2019 Indy were sold out. Don’t make the same mistake, order early and get the color that matches your new Polaris best.
One thing that was noticeable from the first start was a refined electric start system. The pre 2019 Polaris electric start always worked fine, but if the truth is told, it sounded like a bucket of bolts as it reliably brought Polaris engines to life. 2019 definitely matches Polaris’ electric start system to the refined quality that we have experienced from Polaris since the introduction of everything AXYS.
The next thing that you will notice about the 850 Patriot is the almost (if not absolutely) too long engine warm-up period. Unless you are riding in a whole group of Patriot riders, you are likely to be the last guy or gal to join the group and hit the trail as you watch the “cold engine” message scrolling by for what seems like eternity. It is strongly recommended NOT to disregard this warm-up timing with any significant throttle input. Patience, patience!
The newest Indy 850 XC was programmed with a prolonged break in period. The new Patriot 850 went from significant additional oil consumption to increased fuel consumption over the course of the first 500+ miles (800kms). During that period it was difficult to gain any broad opinion on performance superiority over the 800 HO Polaris motor that we have become very familiar with over the past several years.
One thing that was easily and immediately noticeable was the Patriots reduced engine vibration. It is most apparent when you watch the ski tips of an idling 850, virtually still as compared to the 800 HO.
After the first few hundreds of miles, it became apparent the Indy XC’s base calibrations are stiff and I quickly reduced and softened spring preloads as well as shock settings which resulted in a significantly preferred and better ride.
Here is a whole group of Polaris smiles in Vermont
Our XC featured the new Camso Storm 150 track. This track has taller 1.5” lugs in the center with 1.25” on the outer edges. For 2019 we outfitted the center our Storm 150 with the increased safety and traction of N-Vader Mega Carbide studs by Mack Studs of New Hampshire. The Mackstud.com Mega series feature a thicker and wider base design for greater durability and support than is offered by more basic studs.
In very short order you can feel the effect of the difference lug heights in the cornering abilities of the Storm 150. It’s like a little extra swish of your butt in and off turn apex. I like it, and I think that the concept of the Storm 150 track option will continue to become very popular with many snowmobilers.
One of the biggest suspension advancements for the Indy XC model is its fully coupled 129” PRO CC rear suspension. Fully coupled means, if either the front or rear arm within the rear suspension experiences an overwhelming input, the load is transferred, shared and dissipated throughout the entire spring and shock capability of the rear suspension. What’s big about it is that prior to the Pro CC the highest performance rear skid for Polaris was the uncoupled PRO XC featured on the Rush and Switchback PRO S and XCR models. While the PRO XC has significant bump absorption capabilities, it often relies on an active Rider Centric concept to keep the front skis in constant contact with the trail. The coupling capability of the PRO CC keeps the skis of the XC very flat and connected to the trail, giving a feeling of increase confidence and control. While the PRO XC can take a bigger hit and do a better wheelie, the PRO CC offers more planted control, that’s what I felt.
The XC is a very well balanced package with the front and rear suspension components working together to provide a very light and nimble feeling throughout all trial conditions. While we always search for the best trail conditions, the realities of heavy traffic, broken groomers or fresh snow moguls offer us perfect opportunities to push our trial sleds to greater test. In all trail environments the AXYS/PRO CC suspension and proven Walker Evans compression adjustable shock package of the Indy XC has not faltered or disappointed.
Now let’s add the Patriot 850 to the Indy XC equation. Once the engineered break-in process was complete, the Patriot was able to show its true muscle and magic. This motor rocks and you ultimately become certain that you can’t live without its seemingly endless arm stretching pull and instantaneous throttle response. Yes…. The Patriot is pleasurably more than the 800 Cleanfire HO engine in ways that will take your snowmobile soul and smile to higher levels.
You may remember that we were invited to order our 2019 Polaris test sleds through Polaris’ Snow Check Select program. We can’t emphasis enough how awesome this program is. Get exactly what options, features, and colors you want and have a new sled that was made just for you. That’s what we did.
When you are so impressed by the first half of your riding season that you can’t wait for the second half, you know that you are riding a great sled. That’s how I feel about the 2019 Indy 850 XC.
For additional Indy XC details, our initial impressions articles can be found here.
From XC Back to Axys Front, Polaris Indy XC Pre- Ride Observations
