After a full introductory year of various questionings, following the innovative arrival of the Pro-Ride chassis and suspension, 2011 could really be the year when we discover the full potential of the Polaris Rush series. Limited to the 600 Rush model and to less than 2 000 units in 2010, the Pro-Ride chassis will be in many trail models in 2011, as well as in many mountain sleds and in the 800 Switchback Assault hybrid model. It is obvious that Polaris wants to change places in the snowmobile world and this new platform is the American manufacturer’s main topic in order to improve their sales, specifically in trails. Except for the spring editions that had different graphics and colors, 5 trail models are offered, including our trial model, the 2011 Polaris 800 Rush.
Our trial snowmobile is a Rush basic edition with such standard equipment as the recoil starter, the mid-size windshield, the electronic reverse and the multi-fonction dial. We must notice the endless hand warmer control and reverse control on the handlebar that are just too small… Of course, our partner CM Barbeau, Polaris dealer of greater Québec area, has installed two mirrors, free of charge, so that we can ride safely in trails. In fact, we chose the mirrors fixed directly to the handlebar. Even if the look is not that cool, they are much more effective than the mirrors fixed to the cab.
About the look, let us say that the 800 Rush is very similar to our last year trial model, except for the color setting out, such as the red on the cab and the graphics that give, to my opinion, a nicer look than the plain black. This model obviously is an eye-catcher for the other snowmobilers; the aggressive look of the front end, in particular the headlights and cab shape combined with the visual effect of the Pro-Ride rear suspension, attracts everybody’s attention. This new layout places the pilot higher than the IQ chassis does, in a perfect position, which improves the pilot’s comfort and the mass centralization. Even if the seat could be a little smoother, it gives comfort and support to the pilot.
Regarding the suspension, the Rush front end is a sure value because even if the name has been changed, it is still the very effective IQ suspension that gives a good handiness since many years. The issue is about the back end. During its first year, the 600 Rush Pro-Ride suspension was efficient in big bumps but too rigid in mid-size bumps (6 to 12 inches). As we explained it many times in our articles last year, this is due to the 2010 geometry of the front shock absorber on the rear suspension. More precisely, the angle of the front shock absorber on the track was set too much in a horizontal position, which gives a shock absorber that does not work in an efficient way. It resulted in the feeling that our beast was constantly kicking and we could hardly keep our feet on the feet-rest.
Also, this made the rear suspension function unadequately. Fortunately, this problem has been resolved because the cornerstones of the front shock absorber have been revised. Indeed, we tested it this spring and our first trials showed that this slight change has completely transformed the suspension behavior… and this, for the best! So, we expect very nice things for 2011.
Finally, we must remember the introduction of the 800 Cleanfire that has been done up for 2011. Indeed, even if many people could think that it is essentially the same engine than in 2010, the 2011 edition includes many important improvements such as the lightening of many casing parts. Our spring trials proved that these improvements were not only on paper; this 800 can be favourably compared with the other 800 of the industry and it will obviously not be easy to be the best. Combined with the very effective P-85/Team drive/driven clutch, the performances of our new sled should be very impressive. Enough of theoretical comments, winter is already here and it is time to get serious. Astonishing surprises are expected during the next weeks because the table is set for nice riding experiences.
