With the introduction in 2015 of the AXYS chassis in the Polaris performance snowmobile segment, we duly expected this chassis on other segments for 2016. Considering the success during the last season, performance snowmobiles keep their assets for 2016 with some minor variations, just like the Indy lineup based on its success two years ago. In fact, logic is respected and the flagship segment of the american manufacturer has the place of honor for the next season with lots of innovations. Mountain snowmobiles are such an asset for the Minnesota manufacturer that today it still represents half of the sales. The explosion in this sport during the latest years made other manufacturers more aggressive in this segment, which on return made the Minnesota manufacturer produce even more innovations for 2016.
New adaptation of the AXYS chassis in mountain snowmobiles
Performance
After the incredible and fully deserved success of the AXYS chassis in 2015 offered in the Rush and Switchback models, it is no surprise that there are not many changes brought to these models for 2016! Unlike the PRO-Ride chassis in 2010, the performance of these snowmobiles has been extraordinary right from the beginning, which did not require that the engineers change their already winning recipe for 2016. During our tests, these machines were just perfect on trail, mostly with the PRO-S package in the 600cc, just like with the new 800 Cleanfire H.O. Nice surprise for 2016, this motorization is back in the Switchback Adventure, which represents a very interesting model for our market. It is probably the Adventure series equipped with an additional seat, that is closer to a Touring machine at Polaris’. Finally, spring buyers have the possibility to choose themselves the matching colors of their snowmobile, which is a unique concept in the industry.
Touring
In matter of touring snowmobiles, the Indy series is now firmly established and still represents one of the best quality/price ratios of the market. Offered in Standard and SP editions, they are obviously good machines if you are looking for performance at fair price in the 550 fan-cooled engine and in the liquid-cooled 600 and 800cc engines. With Spring Offers, buyers can choose some track models on many models. They are mainly the same snowmobiles than last year, except for the 600 Indy SP Terrain Dominator that offers some additional features and exclusive “vintage” graphics.
Polaris 600 Indy SP Terrain Dominator
Utility
In the Utility category, the success earned the last two years with the new utility series makes the manufacturer consolidate his offer also based on the Indy model. Offered with track of 144 or 155 in./365,8 or 393,7 cm, these snowmobiles are available with the 550 fan-cooled engine. Different packages for 1 or 2 passengers, in the Adventure, Voyageur or LXT models according to your needs, are offered. Please note that the 600 Cleanfire engine is offered, but only in the Voyageur 144. The segment of Widetrack snowmobile models (track of 20 in./50,8 cm) introduces the 550 fan-cooled engine in the LX edition, while the 600 IQ Widetrack is still hoping for long-awaited weight reduction and updating.
The Indy lineup is very successful among Quebecers as it offers an excellent quality/price ratio.
Mountain
The introduction of the AXYS platform in the RMK lineup is definitely related to Polaris’ determination to remain Number 1 in mountain snowmobile market. Many major innovations are offered on these machines for 2016. In fact, they are obviously new vehicles equipped with the evolved AXYS chassis. Like the new Rush and Switchback models, the RMK series benefits from a better balanced, more rigid and, above all, lighter structure. The goal is to have a snowmobile that responses more quickly to the pilot’s weight transfer and to make easier its ascent on top of snow, as well as its capacity to bend easily.
Introduced in 2015 with an instantaneous success, the new 800 Cleanfire H.O. engine was without doubt designed to be found in the RMK lineup. Developing more than 160 HP, this engine is perfect for this type of vehicle that always requires more power in deep snow. This new engine has amazed everyone in 2015 with its wider range of power, its instantaneous response and outstanding accelerations. Combined with a dry weight of 408 lb/185,5 kg for the PRO-RMK 155, this represents an exceptional power-to-weight ratio in the industry.
With its dry weight of 185,5 kg (408 lb), the 800 PRO-RMK 155 litteraly floats on powder snow
The front and rear suspensions of this lineup have also been totally redesigned. At front, the new A-arms are entirely made of forged aluminum to reduce weight. Their unique shape provides the optimal strength required on this type of vehicle. Also, the new vertical ski supports have been extended, which rises the front of the machine for easier lateral weight transfer and less drag. At rear, the suspension has also been completely redesigned and shows a reduced weight by 3 lbs/1,4 kg. Ankor points on tunnel have been lowered in order to bring down the suspension and then, also reduce the drag and ease carving. This new rear suspension also offers a greater comfort than before. To complete it all, two new tracks are offered this season with an exclusive design : the Series 6 with 2,6 in./6,6 cm lug height and the Series 7 with 3 in./7,6 cm lug height.
So, this new platform is introduced in many models for 2016, such as the RMK for mountain riding fans, the PRO-RMK for powder snow lovers, the RMK Assault for extreme pilots and finally, the SKS is back for those who want a versatile snowmobile for trail and powder. This series was very popular in the Province of Québec about 15 years ago and it is back with a track of 155 in./393,7 cm. This model should be quite a success in Québec as it should satisfy many snowmobilers’ preferences and needs in La Belle Province. Of course, spring editions of mountain snowmobiles also offer unique choice of colors that can be matched as buyers desire.
The SKS is designed for those who are looking for more versatility in a mountain snowmobile
Conclusion
We clearly understand that the project prepared by Polaris’ people many years ago is now bearing fruit. 2016 will definitely be a consolidation year for the majority of trail snowmobiles, but it will also be an innovation year for the mountain snowmobile lineup. After achieving the feat of designing of a new platform that performs as we expect right from the first year, my first tests of the new RMK snowmobile lineup show that the feat is going to be repeated. I had the chance to test many 2016 mountain models and I can already notice some highlights : increased maneuverability in powder snow and climbing, easy stay on pivotal point in sidehilling, instantaneous response of the chassis to the slightest pilot’s weight transfer. Also, the new 800 H.O. engine is still very impressive, just like the transfer of power to the track. So, this is another big year coming up for Polaris in 2016 with proven trail snowmobiles and brand new mountain snowmobiles that should please lots of snowmobilers.
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