1996 polaris indy lite gt

If you are looking for a snowmobile that can do a great many things, doesn't cost a lot of money, and will outlast your payment book, stop off at your local Polaris dealer and take a look at the Indy Lite GT. This is a hardworking machine that can be a great deal of fun and a great value.

We're not quite sure how to describe this sled. It's kind of a sports/utility machine. It does have a two-up seat and the possibilities of the rear rack give you extra storage capacity. It's also a low-buck touring sled. It's kind of an off-the-trail sort of sled, too. It's really versatile. That's the main point. And it's a heckuva value. That's the bottom line.

We've found ourselves recommending the Lite GT to snowmobilers who called
asking for our opinion about long-service, low-buck sleds. From the front bumper to the rear storage rack, the Indy Lite GT is a great family value.
Its 340cc fan-cooled twin is a proven entity. Bore and stroke measure 62.3
mm and 55.6 mm respectively. Intake is piston ported and the alternator
outputs 150 watts. It's durable-almost boring, but strong enough to surprise
even our jaded hot shot test riders. In overall performance we think it's on par with the larger displacement Indy Tran Sport 440.

Weighing in at 434 pounds, the Indy Lite GT stays true to its "lightweight" image. This is a fun to ride and easy to handle machine for one person, but extremely stable if you want to share winter with a friend or family member. Adjustable handlebars and passenger footrests make the GT's ride as comfortable as it is fun.

Like the standard Lite and the Lite Deluxe, the long-track GT's fan-cooled Fuji-built twin is fed by two 30mm Mikuni carburetors. Power is delivered to the new 15" x 133.5" x .82" Lightning track by Polaris' very reliable P-90 clutch. As far as the drivetrain goes, it's as reliable as it gets. You won't find any sprinkles on this plain vanilla drive package. But you're not paying for any either.

Although the price is scaled-down on this entry-level two-up, you still get a strong list of standard features. Luxuries include speedometer, trip meter, hand and thumbwarmers, low oil warning light, front bumper, storage rack, tow hitch and two-up seat with backrest.

The Lite GT's light-yet-durable aluminum tunnel is styled into a plastic-like Novalene hood with new metallic sapphire finish. Polaris has come a long
way in the plastics department. The hood's finish on the first Indy Lites looked like pure crap after a few miles. Those early hoods scratched easily and faded. It's taken a while, but Polaris quality is exceptionally good on the current Lite series.

When it comes to the trail, practically nothing is too challenging. You'll find the traditional Polaris trailing link independent front suspension and 37-inch ski stance will be to your liking when sidehilling or floating over deep powder. The GT's steel skis are durable and rugged when the trail conditions are less than adequate. Easing the burden of abused trails are the rear Polaris Sport-style slide rail suspension with 7.5 inches of travel and the Polaris Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with seven inches of travel. Front and rear shocks are hydraulic. If you want to ante up for better shocks, check the parts list at your Polaris dealer; you can purchase a better ride with changes in shocks and springs.

Since the 340cc twin is one of the more fuel frugal engines around, you'll
find staying on the trail is easy with the GT's large eight-gallon fuel tank. The headlight throws a 60-watt incandescent beam down the trail. Control is made easy by grabbing the brake lever on the handlebar and activating the mechanical disc. The Lites are the very few Polaris models without the hydraulic disc brake setup. Don't worry, the mechanical disc is more than adequate. With all the drag of the 136-inch track, just letting off the throttle will suffice for slowing the sled in most conditions.

Compared to the Lite and Lite Deluxe, the Lite GT is only 33 pounds heavier and about three to five miles per hour slower. That's mostly because of the added track length and extra weight. At 48" x 115" x 42.5" the long-track Lite is four inches higher and 10 inches longer than its siblings.

Frankly, we've thought about owning an Indy Lite GT. It isn't fast, the most comfortable, or even the lowest cost sled. It's just extremely well built, exceptionally durable, and an incredibly solid dollar value. If you knew that you were going to buy just one snowmobile and you wanted to have it well past the year 2000, this is the one.

1996 POLARIS INDY LITE GT
 Engine Type: 339cc Fan cooled twin
 Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutching
Drive: Polaris P-90
Driven: Polaris Secondary
Suspension
Front: IFS; 7 in.
 Rear: Sport Style Slide Rail; 7.5 in.
Ski Stance: 37 in.
Overall Height: 48 in.
 Overall Length: 115 in.
Fuel Capacity: 8 U.S. gallons
Offical Dry Weight: 434 lbs.
 Price US  $3,699.00
Key Features: Speedo, trip, hand and thumb warmers, storage rack,
hitch, backrest, 2-up seat, adj. handlebars. Optional reverse, electric
start, carbides, mirrors.
Riding Impressions: Polaris' little GT may be the best of the lightweights.
The engine is strong enough to carry two people or to break trail through
the woods. Traction is exceptional. Being light in weight, it maneuvers
easily off trail. It's about five miles per hour slower than a base Lite.
But we can live with that.- Jerry Bassett, test rider