2012 Online trials: 600 Switchback Adventure our first impressions

The odometer on our new ride already shows more than 1 000 km, after riding under the all kinds of weather and trail conditions met in the beginning of this season. We had high expectations following our short tests at the 2012 SnowShoot; even so, we could hardly wait to see if the standard 600 Switchback Adventure would be close to the prototype tested in spring.  Once again, it is obvious that the machines on the market are very similar to the prototype tested the spring before.  The 600 Switchback Adventure proves it and all the elements we appreciated on the prototype seem to be offered now on this new model.

It is hard not to mention the 136 in. edition of the Pro-Ride suspension.  It seems that the Pro-Ride chassis and suspension have really been designed for this length of track.  This edition is more comfortable than the 121 in. edition, mostly because the rear suspension is further back from the pilot.  Unlike the short version, there is no more ski-lift in turns with the Adventure.  Also, this handling improvement in turns may be due to the 136 in. Cobra track.  Unlike the RipSaw track that bites on the sides, the Cobra track provides no resistance on the sides in sharp bends.  However, we must notice that more effort on the handlebar is required to control the Adventure.  It seems this is the price to pay if we want stability on trails.  This is what the Adventure offers to its driver.

We often associate comfort with suspension, but we must not forget the importance of the seat in a pleasant riding experience.  On most of the Polaris models in the last years, the seat was very hard.  The Adventure offers a smoother and wider seat for more comfortable long rides.  Our trial machine had a very good performance in chatter bumps.  However, we experienced a catapult situation in bumps over 12 in.  Even if the suspension absorbs the bottom of bumps, the pilot is virtually projected in the air when the rear suspension hit the top of bumps (exit).  Our first analyze quickly indicated the problem on the central shock of the machine, which is located at front of the track.  As the front of the snowmobile absorbs the bumps efficiently (no hit in the arms), we could see that the adjustment of the rear part of the suspension could not be the only explanation for this problem.  So, we consulted our experts at CM Barbeau, Polaris dealer in the Greater Québec Region.  They recommended to increase the pre-load of the spring on the front of the track.  Despite the fact that the spring was already adjusted to the medium position, it seems that the front of the track does not absorb enough energy in big bumps, which would explain that the rear of the suspension is alone to work in these conditions.  We must not forget here that the suspension is not coupled, so work in symbiosis of front and rear is entirely independent.  We will be able to test these new adjustments during our next rides.

Regarding the storage, the new Adventure Cargo System has already been used for a few rides.  Even if the season is still young, we did test this new storage and overall, we liked it.  The tube is strong and we can even place a small 10 l fuel tank on it.  Also, the rear luggage fasteners are efficient.  Both strong and easy to remove, we can switch from a touring to a race sled in no time.

Finally, and even if still in its run-in period, the 600 Cleanfire engine is always impressive year after year.  Even equipped with a longer track, the first tests already showed its performance level.  So, during this first part of the season, we got acquainted with our new sled even if many adjustments and tests are still to be done.  We are now moving towards mid-season and we will soon present a more detailed report on our experiences. Please be with us for more information on our 600 Switchback Adventure trials.