Our first tour this season within the short-term trials, is made with pleasure on a Polaris snowmobile. Here is our report on the Turbo IQ LXT 750 cc, a sled propelled by a 4-stroke twin-cylinder turbocharged engine. Smooth and powerful, this engine is controled by a system that manages the throttle and the turbo compression; it is built to overboost for the first 4 seconds, the time it takes for quick response for example or for kick off more aggressive than usual.
The Polaris Turbo IQ LXT 750 is a touring snowmobile, designed as Trail Luxury sled by the manufacturer. Besides its great comfort, the machine is equipped with many features that invite to long rides. We are talking about the 12v outlet or the heated visor outlet, for example, which are standard on this model. The machine is equipped with an adjustable, 5-position steering post and the quick-adjust backrest allows an easy conversion of the set-up from two-up to solo riding. Another standard feature is the rear storage bag, which has an interesting size and is very easy to use.
The snowmobile made available to us today is literally brand new, the odometer indicating 3 kilometers. We will happily add a few, in a responsible way of course, quite aware that the breaking in period of this snowmobile is not over yet.
The only additional equipments are Snowtrackers under the skis and studs added to the track. Except for these 2 modifications, the snowmobile used for the tests is as it was manufactured and delivered to the dealer. In fact, the machine look is sober and nice, if Pearl White suits you. It is the only color available, with some red and black spots. The smoke tinted windshield takes up the full width, thus becoming a hand wind deflector. Sober and tasteful. The mirrors are standard and are located widthwise under the windshield tips. Not obvious at first sight, but with use we appreciate their adequate location and the excellent vision we have all the time and in all situations.
The dash is very nicely presented and very easy to read. A switch operated with the left thumb activates a wide range of functions. The handlebar is easy to adjust and this is appreciated when changing pilots, which we do every 25 kilometers. The thumb and hand warmers controls are tiny cursors hard to manipulate with gloves or mittens. Even if they work perfectly, it is hard to control them, since nothing on the instrument panel indicates the selection we made. But it warms up quickly and effectively.
The seat is very comfortable for the driver as well as for the passenger. The useful backrest can accommodate the passenger or the pilot if solo riding. Talking about the passenger, he also has at his disposal hand grips, hand gauntlets and handwarmers. Let us also point out that there is enough room for the driver as well as for the passenger; we are not cramped here.
However, the runingboards are rather narrow. Also we cannot place our feet much forward because the boots are quickly blocked. Not very much room either backward, where the pilot’s boots quickly reach the passenger’s runningboards. Moreover, there is not enough adhesion, so the feet often slide back and forth and sideway. In general, the position is comfortable enough if your size fits. Too tall, too short, not easy to adjust.
Surprisingly, the trails were in good conditions, maybe with a few portions less than perfect. The Polaris Turbo IQ LXT 750 was up to every conditions and everywhere. With a 10 in. front travel and a 14 in. rear travel, the suspensions do an excellent job, balanced and comfortable.
The
750 cc engine runs very smoothly. The turbocharger does his job with some discretion and a remarkable efficiency. During acceleration, pickup, kick off, in any circumstances in fact, the mechanics is very performing and very smooth. However, we noticed that the clutch is noisy and dry when reaching its friction point. The 136 in. track gives a satisfying traction, but we must note here that our track had studs.
Due to its comfort, power and good doings in trail, this snowmobile is a good choice for solo or two-up touring. We appreciated the rear included storage bag, the quality of the the instrument panel display and the mechanics smoothness.
Today, we rode 168 km and consumed 23 l of fuel, which gives an average fuel consumption of 8,6 l / 100 km (or 19.42 mi. / gallon).
1 Handling and riding position 4 / 5 4 / 5
2 Comfort and suspension 4 / 5 4 / 5
3 Access to controls 3 / 5 3,5 / 5
4 Engine power 4 / 5 4 / 5
5 Engine noise and vibrations 5 / 5 5 / 5
6 Track rolling 4 / 5 4 / 5
7 Track pulling 3 / 5 3 / 5
8 Vehicle finishing 4 / 5 4 / 5
9 Odors and gas fumes 5 / 5 5 / 5
10 Fuel consumption 4 / 5 4 / 5
11 Passenger position 4.5 / 5 4.5 / 5
12 Passenger comfort 4 / 5 4 / 5
Total 48,5 / 60 49 / 60
The snowmobiles we tested today have been gracefully made available to us by our collaborator.
Les P’tits Moteurs
359 Rte Laurier
Ste-Croix (Cté Lotbinière), Qc
Phone : 418-926-3960
We would also like to mention how much we appreciate the collaboration of Kimpex. Indeed, our test pilots are equipped with Kimpex clothes and accessories. We really wear them and we appreciate them !
