1990 twosomes

Polaris Indy Trail Deluxe: Faultless Execution
For the past few years, we've become more and more impressed with Polaris' touring machines. This year's Indy Trail Deluxe leaves us with nothing to complain about.

The engine and clutch department is extremely smooth and reliable. The 488cc fan-cooled twin and proven Polaris clutching provides excellent touring performance. We've never doubted this aspect of the Indy Deluxe. Add in electric start for convenience.

However, we will nitpick. We'd like to see reverse standard on a sled like this. The new optional reverse system is lightweight, readily installed by a dealer, simple and clever. It's like Cat's in that regard. (By the way, we'd like to see reverse standard on the Panther, too!)

When we look at the specifications sheet for this machine, we don't find the little things that make it so appealing to us. For example, we like the red rubberized grip on the hydraulic disc brake handle. We like the little footrest for the passenger. We like the multi-adjustable backrest. We like the fact that the Deluxe has a longer than standard track and rear suspension to give the passenger a better overall ride. We like the high windshield.

Now then, add in the new features like the longer travel "Dial Adjust" suspension; an improved seat which should stay comfortable longer; the sleeker, more sporty Metton hood and upgraded instrument cluster.

All these things help make the Indy Deluxe a top line touring machine. But what really puts this sled over the top is its justifiably famous suspension system. Indys are arguably the best handling sleds on the market. We have ridden others, ridden with people who have had Indys while we rode other brands, and have formed the opinion that overall, the Polaris IFS, the first to hit the market, is generally the best stock independent type unit on the market. When others "hunt" on sloppy trails, the Indy IFS tends to run true. Let's also be careful here. There is more to IFS than just skis, springs and shocks. The overall chassis has been "tuned" to fit the suspension. This is a refined snowmobile that has evolved over the decade-plus existence of IFS. What passed for IFS in the beginning is not what is called IFS on current Indys. The evolution has been that complete. The same is true of the rear suspension.

From a touring standpoint, we would take the 1990 Indy Trail Deluxe over the competition. Polaris has done its homework.

We don't change our mind about the value of the Panther because we prefer the Indy. At about five grand, the Indy Deluxe should be more sled than the $4,000 Cat. It is.

Polaris Indy Trail Deluxe

  Suggested Retail Price:  $4,999.00
Engine:  Fuji, 488cc, fan-cooled twin
 Carburetion:  Two Mikuni 34mm
 Clutching:  Polaris drive & driven
 Dimensions:  Length, 113 in.; Width, 41.6 in.; Height, 45 in.
 Track:  Rubber, 15 in. wide; 121 in. long
 Suspension:  Front, IFS, 6 in. travel; Rear, Dial Adjust, 7.75 in. travel
 Fuel Capacity:  11.25 US Gallons
 Estimated Dry Weight:  463 pounds