1st……………..1,000……………..kms!!!!
Polaris 800 Switchback ProR LE
2013 Polaris 800 Switchback ProR LE
The only better feeling than a new sled in the garage is a new sled on the snow for the first trip of the season. For me the first trip on the 2013 Polaris 800 Switchback ProR® LE was the day after Christmas in the Mont Valin West region of Saguenay Lac St Jean, Quebec.
Within the first hour of our arrival the sleds were unloaded and we were on a quick 80 mile ride. Even with the first tank of fuel being premixed as per Polaris’ recommended break-in procedure, the response and power of the 800 Cleanfire® engine was unmistakable and thrilling. I’m talking extremely impressive from the very first mile!
Wonderful trails in Mont Valin (Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean) Québec
In the following Three days I would put on approximately 600 miles in premium early snow conditions which included fresh snow on top of freshly groomed trails, ungroomed logging roads and harder surface groomed trails.
After a few hundred miles of varied throttle pressure break-in, the response and power of the 800 twin seemed even more instantaneous and exciting.
Riding temperatures were coldest on our first 80 mile ride and were between 0 and -5F which offered an opportunity to sense the protection offered by the ProRs’ more stylish than tall mid height windshield. I was surprised to find that the contoured design offered me more than acceptable wind protection to my chest and neck. I believe that I will find it acceptable even in the much colder riding temps that are soon to arrive. I did note that my upper thighs were cooler from the air coming around the sides of the body work. If this became a concern it could easily be addressed by installing the available smoked and slightly taller Polaris windshield which includes side deflectors or available side body deflectors. I also found the foot wells to be particularly toasty and comfortable. It should be noted that I added the Polaris hand guards for greater hand wind protection.
I can now confidently speak from experience when I say that if you are interested in riding a positive attention grabbing sled, the available custom graphics of a Polaris Spring order will definitely meet your desire. Our Retro package received stares, smiles of approval and positive comments at every stop. My mission of giving high exposure to the SledMagazine.com Polaris Switchback has been greatly enhanced with our Retro package.
The Sledmagazine.com 800 Polaris Switchback and our columnist Greg Gilbert
One of the main focuses of Polaris’ unique ProR® suspension package is the ability for the rider to easily adjust it to personal preference perfection. Polaris engineers say that you take the time to adjust incrementally in targeted sequence, trail verify the direction of your adjustment you will be rewarded with a custom set up that is sure to meet your style and the varied conditions you may encounter.
From the very start, the ProR® suspension was noticeably comfortable (even plush feeling) in taking bumps and was positively responsive to moderate speeds turn inputs. As recommended by Polaris I resisted the temptation to adjust the many shock calibrations that are present on the ProR® package for the first 150 miles. After that I began to experiment with increasing the compression of the Walker Evans front shocks. After feeling positive results in the direction I was seeking, I incrementally increased the front suspension spring preload and then backed off slightly on the compression. These one at a time adjustments allowed me to target in on the results I was looking for and gave me firmer, more positive stability in higher speed cornering.
Walker Evans Shock
During my first 600 miles I continued to experiment, adjust and learn. One or two clicks of the premium Walker Evans shocks resulted in a noticeable change in compression dampening. The SledMagazine.com Spring order LE model features Walker Evans compression and rebound adjustable shocks on the front suspension which offer even greater tuning ability. While some manufactures have moved away from adjustability, Polaris has offered more, which as you can tell, I like!
In recent years I have witnessed more than a few, more aggressive riders of new sleds experiencing disappointing early
season failures of premium rear suspension shocks, requiring early rebuilds. At this point of my trial, I am pleased to report that the ProRs’ Walker Evans shocks have remained consistent in their performance and dampening capability.
I also adjusted throttle position and the height of the LE model’s adjustable ROX® riser until the SledMagazine.com Switchback felt more and more like a comfortable friend.
Rox Rider
In my “first look” article I spoke about the LE’s anticipated 1.352” Cobra track that I was soon to install 1.45” Woodys studs on. Each time my friends and I looked at the track in my garage we remarked on how big the 1.352” paddle appeared compared to our 1.25” reference points. The night before, I was going drill the track full of holes, the little voice in my head told me to measure it and surprise surprise…..my SledMagazine.com Switchback had been equipped with the optional 1.75” track. No wonder it looked so aggressive. So, my long term trial immediately transitioned to experiencing an even deeper paddle and after 20+ years of using studs….no studs!
What a scene in Mont St-Valin
I must admit that I fully expected moderate rumble, roughness or vibration from the 1.75”. To my pleasant surprise I found the 1.75” paddle to be smooth and quiet in all of the conditions I experienced. I really did not perceive any significant difference. That was until we ventured into the deeper untracked snows outside the trail. And then WOW! The capability and effortless traction of this thing were amazing. I’m typically a 1.25” short track, so a longer 136” track with 1.75” grabbers was an extreme treat. If I fail to experience any drawbacks to this track in the next several thousand miles, this track may well become my new best pick. With the power of the 800, the potential for the bigger lug to minimally reduce top speed was of “zero” concern. Initial slider wear was near none.
Storage on the LE model includes Polaris’ unique rear rack system (also standard on the Adventure models and an available optional on other Switchbacks) allows for the attachment of Polaris’ exclusive Lock ‘n Ride baggage. The SledMagazine.com Switchback is equipped with both the side and rear bag options. In a word, incredible! The system is well designed, integrated, sturdy, and spacious without being an obstruction to any riding maneuvers. It is everything that I thought and hoped it would be.
Bags System
A well stated objective of my 2013 long term testing was a detailed 2 stroke versus 4 stroke comparison. Could a satisfied 4 stroke guy or gal return to the newest generation of 2 stroke technologies and not only be pleased with what they found but very pleased. So far……………my comparison is very favorable!
As you may or may not know, I have ridden 4 stroke snowmobiles for the past Six years. During that time the efficiency of 2 stroke power has increased and evolved significantly.
During the first tank of recommended premixed fuel, the Polaris definitely produced the kind of smoke and smell that was once the common 2 stroke experience. After that first tank, the 800 Cleanfire settled in and fumes and odor became minimally noticeable, both at idle and at trail speeds. My 4 stroke riding buddies remarked that unlike the 2 stokes of our not too distance past, my presence or location within our riding line was not distinctively apparent. I will be using Polaris VES Gold Plus oil throughout the 2013 season.
(photo, Oil)
I also noticed that upon my return home my Polaris Jacket and bibs did not need to be banished to the garage, but could be allowed to dry in the house without any negative comments from my non snowmobiling wife. Six years ago this most definitely would not have been the case.
Initial oil consumption was positive at 120+ miles per quart. Fuel mileage thus far was between 11-12 mpg. I must admit that I did not assist with attaining optimum fuel consumption, as I applied the 800s’power vigorously and often. I was a kid with a new toy and it was just too fun to resist. While Polaris power is not known for exceptionally high mpg, increased capacity offers a totally acceptable fuel range. Range is the key and I would much rather have less mpg and a larger tank than higher mpg and a smaller tank.
The Cave
During my first 600 miles I tried to objectively compare the balance, light weight feel and immediate power benefits of the Polaris 800 Cleanfire 2 stroke versus any negative perceptions from 2 stroke fumes or smell. So far, the totally fun power and feel of the SledMagazine.com Switchback was a clear winner with no downside.
There you have it, the first 1,000kms. I can’t wait for the next 1,000 and the 1,000’s after that. Stay tuned for our midseason report on the SledMagazine.com Switchback LE.
