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Last September we said the Indy XLT Special rode like no other snowmobile we'd ridden before. As you will recall this was the sled that introducedPolaris' XTRA-12 multi-shock suspension system to the world.
Hang on this season. The XTRA suspension was such a hit that only sevenof Polaris' 34 models for 1996 don't have either the XTRA-12 or the new-for-'96XTRA-10 suspension. It won't come as any surprise that the 1996 Indy 500EFI, which boasts the XTRA-12 and 45 percent more travel (11.6 inches) overlast year's eight inches, provides one of the best rides in the industry.
The Indy 500 has been one of Polaris' best selling models. In fact, Polarisdiscovered that it had made one of its rare mistakes when it discontinuedthe carburetted version in favor of the electronic fuel injection model.The carb version reappeared last year and is in the line again for 1996.We test rode both and have chosen the slightly more "up scale"EFI model as our test sled because we feel that most folks who opt for thissolo rider are looking for a trouble-free mount. They aren't interestedin adjusting carburetor jets. They want the sled to start up right awayand to keep on going all day. They want to ride, not to tinker.
That's where we think the Polaris Indy 500 EFI fits very nicely withits key features like a reliable electronic fuel injection system, five-inchdiameter gauges, thumbwarmer, dual-range handwarmers, adjustable handlebarsand a hydraulic disc brake. The 1996 Indy 500 EFI doesn't rely on ride alone.
The Porsche Red sled with blue and white graphics made a great firstimpression at our test reports in West Yellowstone, Montana. Polaris' evolvedchassis looks as sturdy and business-like as its bullet proof, liquid-cooled488cc twin.
Under the hood, the Indy 500 EFI liquid-cooled twin feeds both cylindersvia 46mm Mikuni throttle bodies. This time-tested twin measures 72mm boreand 60mm stroke to get 488ccs of clean, crisp, precise power. Even at highaltitudes, the hum of the engine is low and steady.
Go ahead, get on. The seat is soft and shaped like a saddle to hold thedriver in position, but contoured to let him lean aggressively and adjusthis body to provide an even lower center of gravity. Handlebars are adjustablefor more steering control, and a dual-range handwarmer adds the perfectamount of warmth in mild weather or extreme cold. Polaris footholds offersecurity and comfort.
A used and abused trail is no match for the XTRA-12 suspension in therear and IFS XTRA-12 up front with its 9.8 inches of maximum travel. Twonitrogen cell shocks in the front and adjustable Indy Select shocks in therear handle any rider's style. Trail riders will appreciate the stabilityadded with a wider 42.5-inch ski stance, up from 40 inches, primarily toaccommodate the new suspension.
At a glance it seems that the Indy 500 EFI has everything a trail ridercould want. That's almost true, but as everyone knows, nothing's perfect.Sure, the 46mm throttle bodies provide smooth running and don't have tobe rejetted as the temperature and/or altitude changes, but the trade-offis extra weight, about 14 pounds when compared to the carbed version. It'snot much by itself, but add 19 more pounds with the new XTRA-12 suspension,a wider ski stance and more overall height, width and length. Overall, theEFI version weighs 33 pounds more than the Indy carbed version. It's noslug, but it doesn't handle as aggressively as its lighter brother.
Head-to-head, the Indy 500 and 500 EFI are similar in size, shape, enginecapacity and performance. They do, however, have enough notable differencesthat make them appealing to snowmobilers with specific needs, wants anddemands. As is obvious, both 500s boast a powerful 488cc liquid-cooled twin.They run smooth and have decent acceleration, but the EFI with fuel injectionstarts easier, even in extreme conditions and runs cleaner and crisper.One drawback of the carbed version is that the jets need changing as conditionschange; not so with the fuel injected model - just get on and go.
When it comes to handling, the carbed 500 may outperform the fuel-injectedversion in the turns, but the latter, with its additional 1.4 inches ofrear travel smoothes the bumps better. The 500 EFI also holds the turnswell enough to conquer tough terrain and provide ample fun. Because of itsfuel injected engine the EFI doesn't get sluggish, even in extreme weatheror high altitudes.
Amenities on both models are similar. One advantage the 500 EFI has overthe standard 500 is that it comes with a Lightning track pattern insteadof the 500's Logo track pattern.
Perhaps the biggest difference between 500s is price. While the EFI retailsfor $5,699 (U.S.), the 500 comes in at $4,899, or $800 less. We feel thatthose who opt for the more expensive EFI will find it worth the added cost.We especially liked the 1.4 more inches of travel; after constant abusefrom other test riders and tourists, the best trails consisted of mogulson top of moguls, but the EFI handled them almost as if they weren't there.Off the trail, the smooth-running EFI had enough additional horsepower toblast through deep powder. The maneuverability gained with the lighter andlower-priced 500 won't make up for the reliable power and superior rideprovided by the EFI.
Given that the resale values of both 1995 Polaris Indy 500 models is72 percent of their original prices (according to the 1995 Sport VehicleBlue Book), we feel the fuel-injected version is worth saving for.
Key Features: Hand/thumbwarmers, carbides, speedometer, tach.
Optional:reverse, electric start, ski skins.
Riding Impressions: A best seller for years, the Indy carb versionis a solid value with excellent reliability from a very good engine. TheEFI version is equally solid, but you'll have to decide if the added sophisticationis worth the added price. The overall ride and handling is good and on apar with others in its category. - Jerry Bassett, test rider
Model
1996 POLARIS INDY 500 EFI
Engine
Type: 488cc liquid cooled, fuel-injected twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutching
Drive: Polaris P-85
Driven: Polaris Secondary
Suspension
Front: IFS, XTRA-12; 9.8 in.
Rear: XTRA-12; 11.6 in.
SkiStance: 42.5 in.
Dimensions/ Capacities
Overall Height: 49.5 in.
Overall Length: 108 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10.7 U.S. gallons
Offical Dry Weight: 511 lbs.
Price: US $5,699.00