2018 Polaris XCR Switchback 800HO
I’m gonna miss this one…..that’s what I wrote
That is the final comment that I wrote on my Confirmation of editor sled return document to Polaris for our 2018 SledMagazine.com Polaris XCR Switchback 800HO.
Those few words really sum up the emotion and satisfaction that this Polaris model triggers in all of us who have had the good fortune of experiencing this snowmobile.
You may recall that at its 2017 re-introduction, the XCR was offered only in the short-track RUSH model and only with manual start.
Read our article: 2017 XCR, Hats off to Polaris
From the very beginning the XCR in the Switchback chassis proved that our 2017 wish list for a 136” length XCR was spot on. The XCR’s control, stability and comfort in stutter bumps, big bumps and deeper snow were greatly enhanced by this slightly longer Switchback chassis.
As we do ever year, we experienced this Polaris in every condition and trail snow depth typical of the northeastern US and Canada.
The XCR models feature the 1.352 Cobra track. This was not the 1st time that we have put thousands of miles on this model of track. We remain impressed and inspired by the all-around trail performance and deeper snow traction of the 1.352 Cobra, particularly in the 136” length.
We outfitted our XCR with a mid height smoked windshield for greater wind protection.
And as always we added every available Lock & Ride storage accessory for the ultimate in integrated carrying capacity.
For 2018 we added the heated windshield bag which we now view as being a must have warm storage accessory on all future Polaris’.
We also outfitted this Polaris with 108 moderate penetration Mega Studs by Mack Studs which enhanced the predictable control of the XCR’s 1.352 Cobra track. We remain strong supporters of the increased margin of safety and control that is offered by moderate studding with high quality traction products. Studding….. For safety, not competition.
May all your riding days begin sunny and fresh
One modification that we did choose to make to our SledMagazine.com XCR was the replacement of the XCR models stock sway bar which is the same smaller diameter sway bar that is included on Polaris’ Pro X ditch banging focused models.
The reasoning behind Polaris’ use of this smaller bar in the XCR is simple. The XCR is a race-ready cross-country competition snowmobile where unequal irregularly spaced bumps are common. The smaller bar allows less side to side pitching of the sled by allowing the left and right ski spindles to remain more independent of each other’s travel inputs.
When you “as we did” take an XCR and operate it as more of a performance trail snowmobile, it has a tendency “with the stock sway bar” to have less than ideal resistance to lean over in the turns. As corner velocity increases, particularly in flat sweeping turns, inside ski lift becomes more notable.
Our solution is simple and inexpensive and we highly recommend it, if you are trail taming this performance reinforced race rocket.
The stock sway bar on Polaris’ trail calibrated Pro S models is slightly bigger resulting in a flatter handling focus throughout the broad spectrum of trail conditions. For about $120 US you can get the Pro S bar and the appropriate plastic bushings from your local Polaris dealer to easily and quickly swap your sway bar.
There is no pressure on the sway bar when the XCR is at rest, so the swap out is as simple as 4–10 mm and 2- 11 mm nuts. Jiggle the smaller bar out and the larger bar in with a little patience, pop out the smaller 2 piece bushings, pop in the new larger 2 piece bushings, tighten the 4 nuts back up and “bingo” the job is done. It’s not that the stock sway bar is bad or inadequate; it’s just that the bigger sway bar in our opinion makes the high performance XCR more trail extraordinary.
The XCR package includes Walker Evans Hi Lo compression adjustable needle shocks which offer infinite fine tuning capability. To take full advantage of this adjustability, be prepared to do some counting to ensure that you are adjusting equally.
After 3,000 miles we experienced our drive belt and slider wear to be excellent, indicating a well calibrated and very well-balanced snowmobile.
With the 2018 XCR we looked fantastic and rode great all winter long.
Read our article: XCR … Much more than just stickers
If we have not said it enough in the past, we will say it again. The capability and clarity of Polaris’ AXYS model LED headlight is exceptional. It is bright, white, perfectly reflected and easily adjustable for superior nighttime visibility.
Our 2018 XCR was powered by the proven and potent 800HO engine which was always ready to delight with quick response and brute power. We can’t wait to experience even more of both with Polaris’ 2019 850 Patriot. Just like you, it may be more than we need, but we want it. And we want it BAD!
Fuel and oil consumption on Polaris’ powerful 800HO consistently remain respectable, but not exceptional. We have come to expect this reality in all of the performance models that we test, regardless of what claims manufacturers make for possible efficiencies under anemic and controlled conditions. We choose to feed the beast on a regular basis and enjoy the rush. We know that you agree.
No worries, if you did not SnowCheck an 850 Patriot for 2019, the in season 800HO powered sleds will not disappoint. In all of our experiences with the 800HO we have never been left with the feeling of needing more. BUT, with the new 850 Patriot, we are about to get more and we can’t wait to tell you about it in 2019.
In addition to our partners at Polaris, We would like to recognize the following suppliers whose products added to our 2018 trial of the XCR Switchback.
Genuine Polaris Accessories–Easier, lighter Ramp Pro by Caliber
Qualipieces–Good ideas made better, RollerSki retractable ski wheels, TrailBlizzer ice scratchers and Top Gold carbide runners
Mack Stud – Increased safety and traction with Mega stud trail studding and 6” carbides
BiteHarder–Always sharp performance with Carbide Sharpening tools and new PolyTune suspension tuning rings.
We invite you to look through Greg’s index of previous articles on these and other quality products.
Some of the other comments contained in our Confirmation of editor sled return document were “greased, lubricated and shined before every ride and returned to our supporting dealer Laquerre’s Marine and Sports Center in shined, detailed showroom condition.” And that is exactly where we placed it. Front and center in the showroom of Laquerre’s waiting for its next fortunate rider.
We take a lot of pride in the condition and maintenance of our long-term Polaris snowmobiles and look forward to the continued partnerships that allow SledMagazine.com to bring our “real world snowmobile” experiences to you.
I’m gonna miss this one…..that’s what I wrote
