There are years like that when you’re not necessarily looking for the latest innovation, but the perfect assembly of a manufacturer’s best features. It’s in that spirit that I chose to drive the Polaris 850 SKS 155 for the 2020 season. I took the time to take a closer look at how I use it and the context in which I use it most of the time. What I wanted was the best of what Polaris had to offer for my type of use. That’s why I chose this vehicle.
My playground is covered with deep snow year after year, but the portion of kilometers I drive on trails remains important, to reach my favorite off-trail sites, for example. So, I chose a snowmobile that offers wider adjustable skis (39-40-41) than the RMK (36-37-38) to get a little more stability on hard surfaces. Some will say that I might lose handling in deep snow. Probably, but you must remember that this was the standard RMK adjustment before the 2019 season. Equipped with the Axys-RMK front suspension, Walker-Evans shocks, and Gripper mountain skis, it will be interesting to see how it performs on trails as well as in deep snow.
At the rear, the Axys-RMK suspension offers 16 inches of clearance and is also equipped with Walker Evans shocks. The suspension rails have been designed to save maximum weight while being rigid. The wheels at the rear of the suspension are placed inside the rails, most likely to facilitate lateral steering maneuvers. A small bag is installed as standard under the bench to provide storage. The bench itself is relatively short and narrow in front. The foam of the seat is relatively rigid, which may have an impact on comfort on the trail.
I was able to choose the medium-height handlebars. Although a standard adjustable handlebar would seem more interesting for the transition between trail and off-trail, it seemed like the best compromise when I ordered it in the spring. I also chose the medium windshield to help with the colder temperatures. The interactive Polaris digital display screen also equips my snowmobile. Unlike the last few years, I am hopeful that Polaris will offer the topographic maps of Quebec for next season. When it comes to the electrical controls, Polaris provides a relatively simple presentation, which goes with the philosophy of the vehicle. However, the LED headlights are standard, which is a “must” in 2020.
Although the model is also offered with the Cleanfire 800 engine, which is still very powerful, I went with the new Patriot 850, which is in its second year in the Polaris lineup. To deliver the engine’s 160 horsepower, the manufacturer still uses the renowned P-85/TEAM pulley system. But unlike the RMK and Kahos, which have a QuickDrive belt drive, the SKS has a more traditional chain case. It probably contributes to the fact that the SKS has a slightly higher dry weight at 445 pounds compared to the other two, but it is still light compared to the competition. Several track choices were available in spring pre-sand I had a decision to make there as well. After some thought and to get maximum traction, I decided on the 15x155x2.6 inch Series 6, telling myself that the front spacing would compensate for the trail … the theory has to be confirmed.
I also had the privilege to equip my ride with some optional accessories for the season. To begin with, I wanted to make sure that I have what I need when we need to take the snowmobile out of a problematic situation … because yes, it’s going to happen. So, I chose to install a Rigid Polaris front and rear bumpers. The front one offers more protection when hitting small trees and is equipped with a protective plate that goes underneath the cab, again providing more protection. Naturally, ice-scratchers are essential, especially when you’re out on the trails. Following the advice of my partner Pro-Performance, I also opted for Woody’s correctors on the front of the skis. Finally, an additional “Burand” transport bag is fixed to the tunnel via the lock-&-ride system to provide more storage.
It’s time to get the vehicle out and into one of the most critical periods in the life of a two-stroke engine, the running-in phase. Luckily, this means that I will finally be able to start testing my vehicle and share my first impressions with you over the next few weeks.
