At 468 lbs, you’ll understand that this is a lightweight snowmobile. This racy-looking machine is sure to make you feel like the alpha wolf of the trails. Built on the reinforced AXYS chassis, Polaris has grafted to the Indy XCR the necessary elements to make its leading sled as the best in its class.
The clientele targeted by Polaris is obviously those looking for the crème de la crème when it comes to performance. Usually, this aspect usually dulls comfort despite its sporty attributes. However, the XCR is surprisingly comfortable for long rides of 500-600 km. The high driving position, combined with a wide and comfortable seat, confirms this. The driver is centrally located onboard the sled to minimize driving effort. For those who want to get the most out of the machine, the flexibility of the fairing allows more experienced riders to move around with ease, and it’s easy to find one’s bearings.
Being quite hard on the brakes, I had noticed that there was a loss of power on the previous models as soon as the system warmed up. This is mainly due to the fact that the brake system is located in a place where there is little air and the forces exerted by friction create what is known in the jargon as the vapour lock. Therefore, when hot, this phenomenon greatly reduces braking efficiency. The oil, being subject to gradually absorbing moisture, lowers its boiling point. As a result, water molecules that can be transformed into a gaseous state become more compressible versus the liquid (oil) when hot. It is, therefore, possible that there may be a loss of power. Synthetic oil is highly recommended in this situation but does not solve everything.
That said, I was secretly happy to see that in addition to the RACE brake system upgrade offered on the XRC, Polaris had considered introducing a vent (air intake) in their modifications. This air intake at the front of the cab helps the constant cooling and seems to me to be the ideal combination to solve this problem. It would not be surprising to see this principle appear on some of the fleet’s models in the near future, as these additions are working.
The original PRO STEER skates remain an excellent choice, their widths ensure good flotation even on snowy trails, and the profile of the keel gives the feeling of unparalleled precision without wobbling. In my book, the layout of these skis attached to the front suspension struts is and remains the reference. It is easy to dodge obstacles, thanks to the set of components that allows fast weight transfer.
The XCR machine comes with an ultra-low windscreen. I suggest replacing it with a mid-height one, and for those who are more sensitive to the cold, add the Polaris wind deflector #2878723 ($69.99 CAD). Although Polaris prides itself on having studied aerodynamics and pilot protection against winds. The fairing of the AXYS chassis makes it a rather cold sled to drive. The addition of these parts is simple and changes the overall picture in freezing temperatures.
The gears are reliable and require little maintenance. The P-85 TEAM is renowned and does an impeccable job. The pulleys stay clean and dust-free, which has a direct impact on the internal components of the gears. At low or high speeds, accelerations are flawless. Even the most experienced riders will be surprised how well the sled handles when exiting corners.
The very efficient LED headlights are, without a doubt, the best in the BIZ! All you have to do is take the time to adjust them properly, and you’ll appreciate it!
Usually, this type of X-flavoured sled is justified by its top-quality suspensions. The Velocity 2.0 suspensions that come with the XCR are supple and well-calibrated. When properly adjusted, they work over their entire stroke. Although I’m light in weight (145 Lbs), I didn’t feel any sneaky kickback effects or hindquarters chemistry effects where the machine is likely to oscillate from left to right. Weight transfer during both acceleration and braking is linear and perceptible thanks to the PRO CC rear suspension, which also allows the sled to dampen less direct obstacles than an uncoupled suspension. The only flaw found in the suspensions is that the access to the central shock adjustment knobs is difficult to reach and practically unreachable once covered in ice.
My test snowmobile was equipped with the famous and powerful Cleanfire 800 engine. It’s an 800, not a 600. As a result, fuel consumption at good revs is comparable to large 4-stroke engines of all other brands (15L to 20 L/100 km). When hot, the smell of the fumes from the oil consumed is barely noticeable. According to my calculations, with the 3.7 litres of oil in the tank, it is possible to travel 600 km to 700 km.
Since its release, the XCR PRO CC has been acclaimed by some of the field’s leading journalists. Polaris Industries promised to deliver a high-performance machine, and they have kept their promise. All consumers could very well adopt the Indy XC. However, if you’re looking for the cream of the crop that feels like it’s separating the men from the kids, the XCR is a great way to propel you to the front of the pack. A 137-inch version is certainly predictable for 2021, and I can’t see how this sled is going to get dethroned.
Thansk to Polaris and RPM Rive-Sud.
