Since many years now, Polaris is the leader in mountain snowmobile sales. This market segment is so important to Polaris that it still represents 50 % of their sales today. Over the years, Polaris produces advanced platform and knows how to offer a product that will please lots of off-trail fans, if we just take a look at the number of units on the terrain. The RMK has become a benchmark in many ways in this market segment. There has been an incredible development of our sport during the last years and it made other manufacturers offer very interesting new models, which then made Polaris produce other innovations.
The introduction of the AXYS platform in the RMK lineup is definitely related to Polaris’ determination to remain the leader in mountain snowmobiles. Many important innovations are offered on the snowmobiles of this category for 2016. In fact, they are obviously all new vehicles that benefit from the advanced AXYS chassis. The ambitious goal is to improve a proven snowmobile that is appreciated for its handling and robustness. On the other side, it is risky to change a winning recipe and thus, to disappoint off-trail fans who swear only by the RMK lineup. But what are the key elements of this renewal proposed by Polaris that should make the RMK more efficient than … the RMK?
Chassis
As for the AXYS platform on which are based the new Rush and Switchback models, the RMK lineup benefits from a better balanced structure, more rigid and mostly, lighter. For example, it is shown by a dry weight of 408 lb / 185 kg for the standard PRO-RMK 155. The goal of these improvements is to get a snowmobile that reacts more quickly to the pilot’s weight transfer in order to lift more easily above snow and to improve its flickability. Also, the front shape of the new chassis greatly reduces drag in snow, thus increasing the performance of the machine in powder snow.
The new AXYS chassis has been adapted to mountain snowmobile needs all while keeping qualities of trail models.
Engine
Introduced in 2015 with an instant success, the new 800 Cleanfire H.O. engine was surely designed to end up in the RMP models. This new engine that develops more than 160 hp amazed everyone in 2015 with its wider range of power, its instant accelerations and its incredible throttle responses. What could be better for a mountain snowmobile! Combined with a dry weight of 408 lb / 185 kg for the PRO-RMK 155, it represents an exceptional power-to-weight ratio in the industry.
The new 800 Cleanfire H.O. engine offers an impressive yet necessary power for this type of vehicle.
Suspension
Two other highlights of the new RMK models are the front and rear suspensions. At front, two important elements catch our attention, the new A-arms totally made of forged aluminum for a reduced weight at front end. Their unique shape provides the optimal rigidity required on this type of machine. Also, the new ski supports have been extended, which lifts the front end and limits drag all while making easier the lateral weight transfer. At rear, the suspension has been entirely redesigned and here again, they bet on reducing weight by 3 lb. Furthermore, the points of attachment on the tunnel have been lowered to bring down the suspension and there again, to reduce drag and to ease cambering. Being very rigid on Polaris mountain sleds since many years, the new rear suspension offers a much better comfort than before, allowing the pilot to appreciate trail sections on his way to his favorite playground.
The RMK Assault 155 800 H.O. also benefits from the new front and rear suspensions.
Track
This season, Polaris offers two new tracks with Polaris exclusive design, the Series 6 2.6" and the Series 7 3". Along with its efficient design, the Series 6 is lighter than the older generation of Polaris mountain track. The american manufacturer also enters the category of 3-in. track, but on 155 in./393,7 cm length.
The new RMK models offer a wide choice of tracks, among which a 155 X 15" edition with 3-in. profile.
Different models
So, this new platform is expanded to many models for 2016, such as the RMK for mountain fans, the PRO-RMK for powder snow fans, the RMK Assault for extreme riders and finally, the Series SKS is back for those who like a versatile snowmobile between trail and powder snow. This lineup was very popular in the Province of Québec about 15 years ago and is now offered with a 155 in./393,7 cm track. It should be very successful in Québec and meet the preferences and needs of many Quebecers snowmobilers.
The new SKS 155 should be quite a hit in the Province of Québec as a snowmobile that performs in powder snow and offers good comfort on trail.
A few moments of truth
As usual, I would say that all these technical improvements seem promising on paper, but nothing is better than to try it for real. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to test these new models during just a few hours, in outstanding conditions of Western USA. Our time was limited, but I had the chance to arrive on a site of virgin powder snow where I was the first to climb a hill of many hundreds of meters. The test has been conclusive because I had the opportunity to test many 2016 models and one 2015 model, just to compare both platforms in perfectly similar conditions. The difference hits you when you climb the same hill many times during one hour, switching from one snowmobile to the other. Even if I did not have much time to analyze the machines, a few elements were obvious : increased handling in powder snow and hill climbing, easiness to keep the balance point in sidehill, instant response of the chassis on each pilot’s transfer of weight. We must also mention the increased easiness to handle this type of sled, including for beginners. The engine power is impressive and transfer to track is instant. The better comfort of the rear suspension in bumpy trails to reach our favorite off-trail areas is obvious compared with last year edition. The overall increased easiness to ride this type of machine, including for beginners, should attract new fans to off-trail riding.
It is easy for a novice rider to pilot the new RMK and this is an important advantage.
As I mentioned earlier, I still have lots of other tests to run this spring before presenting my final report. However, I have learned over time that my first impressions are reliable. So, I already foresee a big 2016 season for Polaris in terms of mountain snowmobiles and personally, I think that RMK fans will be satisfied.
