It’s been promoted and proclaimed as “unrivaled”, “unequaled”, ultimate”“race ready” and designed to be a rally car version of the already proven to be exceptional AXYS RUSH ProS.
The 2017 Polaris 800 XCR LE is now in the possession of the SledMagazine.com team for an entire winter of trails and trials.
There is no greater feeling in the world to a snowmobiler than the uplifting joy and soul filling sensation of picking up a new snowmobile. This feeling is the same for us as it is was for 100,437 purchasers of new snowmobiles in 2016 (according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association).
After our early exposure to the XCR last March I offered the following in my 2017 Best Pick’s article “While nothing earthshaking changed, the sensation of superior calibration on the XCR was inspiring. It was not a rigid or harsh feeling; it was more of a stuck to the surface and contours of the trail feeling. Stable, sure and sensational!”
If the XCR performs like it did in our pre production experiences for a whole season, it is going to be one wicked season of bump absorbing, trail hugging performance fun.
We picked the Cleanfire 800 HO powered XCR because; if you are going with big performance you should go all the way. You know the feeling “more than you need, but what you want”.
If you need a reminder as to what’s special and unique about the 2017 XCR, here is a partial list of what is PRT (Polaris Race Technology) upgraded, recalibrated and reinforced on the NEW XCR.
- Chromoly rear pivot and front torque arm components
- Heavy duty shock mounts
- Solid hardened jackshaft
- Reinforced suspension rails
- Solid suspension and rear axle wheels
- IQR handle bars with ProX riser
- ProX torsion bar
- Specialized PRT Brake system, HP race rotor, type 81 pads and air scoop venting
- Walker Evans Hi/Lo speed compression adjustable piggyback needle valve shocks
- Walker Evans 2.0” Hi/Lo speed adjustable increased volume front track shock to withstand the higher temperatures of higher speeds.
- Specific XCR spring rates, calibration and valving
- Exclusive XCR graphics
We will outfit the XCR’s standard 1.352” Cobra track with the added safety and grip of 96 Mack Studs 1.45” Mega Studs with Mega backers and Mack’s exclusive Support Collars which are one of the reasons that Mack Studs offer a 5 year “no bend, no break” guarantee.
We’ll match the increased rear traction of our XCR with more aggressive High quality Carbide runners from Qualipieces of Drummondville Quebec as well as Mack Studs of New Hampshire USA. And YES our carbides will be sharper and safer on every ride by using our BiteHarder portable carbide runner sharpening tool.
Look for the SledMagazine.com XCR on a trail, at a relais/rest stop or Hotel near your travels. Check out the latest cross country rocket from Polaris, check out the Genuine Polaris accessories that we feature and ask questions. These are some of the primary reasons that Polaris allows us to expose their snowmobiles across the Northeastern US and Canada. They sincerely want us to interact with the Snowmobile community on a very personal level and to share our experiences in person as well as in our articles.
Polaris’ RUSH models are among the final few of the modern day 120” tracks. SledMagazine.com Test Riders logged thousands of miles on a 2014 Pro RUSH as well as the 2015 AXYS ProS Switchback. How will the last performance shorty ride and handle the bumps for which it was designed? Has the time of the shorty past?
Once again our Polaris trial is supported by the dedicated professionals at Roadside Motorsports of Williston Vermont. High quality Dealers are a backbone of our sport and I have a very personal connection to this Polaris dealership.
In December of 1968 my passion for all things snowmobile began with a new snowmobile purchased from a dealership which evolved into what has become Roadside Motorsports. Almost 30 years later and the connection and passion continue.
At SledMagazine.com we never forget that we are snowmobilers just like you and you are snowmobilers just like us. We are you and you are us. Happy trails!
See you on our 2017 trail trial of the 2017 AXYS RUSH 800 XCR.
