I rode enough kilometers now to present my first comments on the Polaris 600 RMK 144. I had so much fun riding this snowmobile at the beginning of the season!
Due to a very disappointing beginning of season in my region, I must say that I did not pilot the RMK in powder snow as much as I would have liked. So, I had to stay on trail for the first part of this trial.
Looks
I am very serious when I say that the real 600 RMK 144 is even nicer than it is on photo! This is without doubt the most beautiful edition of the model since many years! Graphics are unique and yet, sober.
However, we can see that there is no storage capacity on this snowmobile. In fact, the only storage is under the hood, where we can only keep the machine papers. It would have been nice to have storage under the seat, where there is already some space. However, we can get storage bags.
Engine
No surprise here, the Polaris 600 Cleanfire engine was efficient during the entire beginning of the season. It was surprising to see that when we arrived on some bumps on trail, we just revved the engine and the front end lifted up!
It was also surprising that the snowmobile produced only few vibration at start. I expected to be shaken by vibration at low engine speed!
Riding
This is an aspect of the RMK that scored much higher than I had thought! As I had to stay on trail, I have been able to appreciate the stability and precision of this snowmobile. However, when trails are not too nice, there is some darting and oversteering, but nothing scary. Effectively, it is usual for a mountain sled.
Thanks to its powerful 600 Cleanfire engine, we only need to press once on the accelerator at the end of a bend and we get a very good throttle response.
In terms of comfort, I enjoyed a few rides of over 250 km without pain in my lower back or waking up the next morning with new muscles. Of course, this is not the most comfortable snowmobile on the market, but since it is a mountain sled, it is worth mentioning.
Also, the suspension is quite comfortable. I reached its bottom only after I rode on trails that were in extremely bad conditions. I can’t wait to see if my comments on the suspension will be as good at the end of the season, after riding on different trail conditions.
Track
The 600 RMK is equipped with a 375,8 cm / 144 in. track and 5 cm / 2 in. studs. On trail, I have been surprised how silent it is. We must really pay attention if we want to hear its gentle sound.
I have been able to try out the RMK off trail just a little bit, but still I have seen its lightness, its handiness and the power of the 600 Cleanfire.
I noticed a weird phenomenon : the snow flap trims by the inside and rubs the track. I will tell in my next article if the problem still exists.
Steering post
Usual controls are located on the handlebar. Except for the reverse button that is small and not easy to reach, the buttons are intuitive and easy to access. When we look up, we can see quickly the information on the gauge. Then, a windshield of a good size for a mountain sled protects us from the wind just a little. Its rounded shape on the sides acts as air deflector to keep our hands warmer. Also, the bar clamp is always useful, mostly in difficult situations.
I have been surprised by the light level during evening rides. Effectively, high beam produces very high and very wide light so that we can see what is coming from afar. We must not forget that we can adjust the height of the light with a roller located above the gauge.
Conclusion
It is sad that I could not test the Polaris 600 RMK 144 as much as I wanted to. On the other hand, it allowed me to see the performance of this machine on trail during short and medium rides. I must say that I have been nicely surprised!
The second part of the trial, if Mother Nature agrees, will be ran off trail.
I would like to thank Polaris Industries for their trust in the Wed Magazine SledMagazine.com.
