Even if February allows us to see some parts of what Polaris will offer in 2011, the new 800 Rush Pro-R and 800 Pro-RMK 155 seem to confirm that the tendency to make the war horse out of the Pro-Ride chassis is still there at Polaris. It is obvious that two snowmobile models do not constitute a float, but it seems that Pro-R is the new name for the Xtreme snowmobiles made for mass market. This market does not really represent the highest quantity of sales for the manufacturers, but it is clearly the standard bearer in the advertising campaigns of the 4 big ones. Incorporating the powerful 800 cc Cleanfire to the Pro-Ride chassis and to the Pro-Action suspension in a configuration such as the Pro-R, also confirms to us this tendency, along with the extended length of the chassis that benefits from the new RMK Coil-Over suspension, more fit for the mountain.
800 Rush Pro-R
Let us take a closer look to this new sled that has, we must say, a quite successful design with its sparkling red prominent in 2011. According to the data included in the media kit given by the manufacturer, the Pro-R essentially has the same chassis than the 2010 600 Rush with all its relevant qualities.
The arrival of the powerful 800 cc with its Cleanfire technology will probably put Polaris in the category of snowmobiles built for rough trails, piece of market where Polaris was less present during the last years. The 154 hp power of the 800 Cleanfire (2010 model) combined with the outstanding handling of the Pro-Ride chassis and with its unique driver’s positioning, guarantees the success of this 800 Pro-R. We must still keep in mind that the Pro-R editions are Polaris stronger versions regarding the suspension. Like the X at Ski-Doo or the SnoPro at Arctic Cat, the coils and shock absorbers are more rigid and are made for those who prefer a tougher performance in bumps.
As we often like to say, the second year of a platform inevitably brings refinements and important improvements that are always quite appreciated. Besides, it is at that time that we recommend to the fans to buy a new concept such as the Pro-Ride technology. The 800 Rush Pro-R is no exception; all its components are at least one season old. That said, many features characterize the Pro-R:
- Based on the Pro-Ride chassis and using the Pro-Ride rear suspension;
- 2.5 lbs less on the mobile parts of the 800 cc Cleanfire engine, thus delivering faster accelerations, better responses and top ends;
- 7 lbs less on the silencer;
- Use of the Walker Evans Needle shock absorbers with 16 adjustment settings;
- New cooling system that eliminates the engine overheating problems in no-deep snow conditions;
- 15 x 120 x 1.25 RipSaw track giving better accelerations and a very good braking performance.
Besides the official features announced by the manufacturer and after taking a closer look to the Pro-R rear suspension, it seems that many Pro-Action suspension components have been adjusted. Indeed, some anchorages at the rear geometry have been lightly relocated (a few cm) while the approach angle of the front slide of the track and its anchorages have been adjusted. Even if you cannot notice it at first sight, these two elements may change the suspension performance in a significant way. Indeed, the 2010 Rush model that we are testing now is performing very well in most situations, but we experienced some bottoming at the front of the track, mostly in bumps over 6 inches. Would it be possible that our observations (see the article on the 600 Rush first impressions) are shared by other snowmobilers and by Polaris engineers…? If not the case, this is a funny coincidence because there is no fume without fire in this world! We think that these modifications foresee very well for our trials at the 2011 SnowShoot next March.
800 Pro-RMK 155
Nice surprise to see an extended length edition of the Pro-R chassis for 2011. To the question we had since the arrival of the Pro-Ride, that is how will they adapt this chassis and most of all, the Pro-Action suspension in a future extended length edition, well the answer is simple: they will just not use it. Because of its concept, this suspension does not really fit well with mountain snowmobiles.
Besides, the specification sheet of the Pro-R shows us something else that is very interesting for the mountain sleds. The Pro-Ride suspension weight is not insignificant. Indeed, the Pro-Ride chassis in its extended length edition using the new RMK Coil-Over suspension is drasticly lighter. In fact, the 2011 800 Rush Pro-R hits the 450 lbs while the 800 Pro-RMK 155 with the same chassis but without the Pro-Action suspension, weighs only 431 lbs. Quite a surprise for a mountain snowmobile! Indeed, we had noticed that the rear weight of the 2010 600 Rush seemed important, even if the total weight of the sled respects the new industry standards. The 800 Pro-RMK 155 confirms this theory that makes it one of the lightest mountain snowmobiles on the market. Besides these observations, here are the 800 Pro-RMK 155 highlights:
- Lightweight Pro-Ride Deep Snow chassis, coming from the Pro-Ride technology using the new assembly technologies;
- New RMK Coil-Over mountain rear suspension;
- Better centralized engine gravity center and located lower (as for the Rush);
- 15 x 155 x 2.4 in. light track, series 5.1.
Besides these elementary components, let us also notice the front bumper of the RMK that is stronger than the Rush, and also the one behind the tunnel. But what can we expect from this new RMK? The level is high because even if it weighs more, the last years RMK were on the IQ chassis and set many mountain snowmobile standards. Many wining components on the suspensions and the engine are still present, but the challenge is to calibrate all these elements on a new platform. Time will tell us if this new sled will reach the expectations, but let us bet that Polaris engineers have validated the concept!
Conclusion
As always, it is sure that a trial beats a thousand words in our industry. But while waiting for this always exciting moment, yet we can agree and say that Polaris seems obviously decided to win back the leadership in trail sled models and to keep it in mountain sled models. The new 2011 800 Rush Pro-R and the 800 Pro-RMK 155 are good examples of Polaris determination to «dominate all terrains» and are maybe the first ones of many other nice surprises… But we will have to wait till March 9, 2010 to know more.
