1997 polaris indy 440

Minnesota's affinity for the color purple is long-standing-the seventies had the Vikings and their purple people eaters, and the eighties had Prince.Now more than halfway through the nineties, Minnesota can claim another purple-clad hero: the Polaris Indy 440.

This trusty trail sled has been a favorite for years. The 432cc liquid-cooled Fuji engine is dependable and consistent through almost any weather conditions.Its two Mikuni 34mm carburetors maintain steady fuel flow and some semblance of fuel economy. Since it doesn't have a huge power rating, this sled is a sound buy for smaller drivers, or people who aren't interested in head-to-knucklehead competition through the woods and fields.

The 440 took on one major improvement and a litany of smaller, less distinguishable changes over the summer. Combined, these changes make a much better machine.

The front suspension has been totally revamped for '97. Now sporting the Indy XTRA-10, the nose-end travels a full 9.5 inches. This was accomplished by relocating the upper shock mount on the bulkhead. The nitrogen gas hocks were tipped in and the spindles repositioned, resulting in much better handling, which we noticed right away. We also liked the idea of tool-less threaded spring pre-load adjustability, but exactly how tool-less they really are is dependent on the strength of the rider. We would guess that smaller-framedsledders may have a little difficulty making adjustments.

Another front-end change worthy of note is the redesigned trailing arm.It shed three pounds and looks better than in previous years.

Steering a 440 is now easier than ever, thanks to E-Z Steer carbide runners and a couple of simple component upgrades. First, the ski pivot point is lower to reduce wear on the front of the skag. Next, a better upper steering bushing with three stakes was used. The three points minimize the chance of loosening. Finally, the tie rod boot was rede-signed, using a bellows shape to reduce steering friction and wear and tear.

At the back end, the Indy 440 still sports the XTRA-10 suspension. Its Indy Select rear track shock and hydraulic front track shock provide 8.2 inches of vertical cushioning. A new Lightning track with a 1.25-inch window for better hyfax lubrication and durability has been added. The track features.82-inch lugs for better bite.

If you are a tinkerer, you'll like what happened under the hood. A spring hook retainer replaced the stamped retainer on the exhaust. The fuel pump was moved to the airbox in order to keep the lines clean and unfrozen. The jetting on this season's 440 was reconfigured to accept either oxygenated or standard fuel.

The 440's liquid-cooling system also underwent some reconfiguring. The remote coolant filler neck is even more remote now that it is not on the engine itself. The goal is to reduce vibration and possible filler cap failure.The new, larger coolant filter should significantly reduce the possibility of blockage problems. Finally, in a very eco-friendly change, a new size rear exchanger clamp means that coolant won't leak from the system.

Mechanically, the Indy 440 underwent a number of minor tweaks and adjustments -nothing really huge, but they all make a difference. The P-85 clutch now uses cast-in inserts instead of a screw-in, stationary insert for better shaft retention.It has a stronger stationary sheave. And a more scrutinizing quality control department has ensured that there is no flashing left over on the moveable sheave casting, so the driven clutch spring will stay put in the mounting hole.

The 440 now has a black melonite-treated clutch shaft to almost eliminate shaft corrosion and extend the service life of the bushings. The exhaust paint has been heat treated and cured to improve its durability. The brake disc has a zinc phosphate plating to keep corrosion at bay. The drive sprocket has been machined to reduce wobble and vibration. The improved chain tension is also a nice touch; it reduced the jerkiness when we let off the throttle and hit it again.

A couple of ergonomic adjustments have also been made. First, the hot thumb problem is no longer. The thumb warmer's output has been cooled by a full twelve degrees. Both the switches on the thumb and hand warmers will have a higher spring resistance this year, which will keep them from changing position in rough riding situations. Also the high beam switch is finallyup on the handlebar, ending one of Polaris riders' long-standing ergo-frustrations.

In the fit and finish department, the hood to side panel fit is much closer this year. And the new coachman grain pattern, four-way stretch seat vinyl is more closely matched to the grain pattern on the console. Also,overall decal retention should be better thanks to a new material and adhesive solvent.

While these small changes in its outward appearance may lead you to think that Polaris left the Indy 440 as is for 1997, think again. With a majorfront suspension change and many smaller changes under the hood, Polaris has shown that it does spend time improving every machine in its lineup every year.

Oh, one more thing, don't hold your breath for many scratch-and-dent sales on the 440. Polaris has also improved the way its sleds travel from the factory to dealers. The crate construction has been automated, which allows use of screws instead of staples, and steel gussets have been added for even more strength.

Polaris Indy 440

Overall Height: 49.5 inches
Overall Length: 108 inches
Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: Polaris 432cc liquid-cooled twin
Exhaust:  Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: P-85
 Driven: P-85
Suspension Travel:
 Front: IFS, XTRA-10, adjustable nitrogen gas shocks, 9.5 in.
 Rear: XTRA-10, Indy select hydraulic shocks, 10.2 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10.7 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic disc brake, easy throttle system tach, speedo, trip, gas gauge,low oil light, dual range hand warmers, thumb warmers, steel skis standard.Optional: electric start, reverse, skid plate.
Retail Price: $4,749
Riding Impressions:
"We really enjoyed the grown-up features when combined with a perky 440 liquid. This is a solid value."
- Jerry Bassett, Test Rider