1997 polaris indy trail

In snowmobiling there are three types of machines and riders. You have the trail shredders, the trail sledders, and the trail bean can, duct tape and prayer group. In the first category we find the likes of the Storm, the Mach Z and the Vmax SX. In the latter category we find the super mod sleds from the mid-seventies with such high-tech innovations as the beancan silencer pack and the duct tape hood.

In the dead center of the snowmobile spectrum we find the 500cc trail riding machines. This class is neither flashy nor flat. And in the middle of this class is the Indy Trail.

Powered by a fan-cooled 488cc twin with matching VM34SS carbs, this sled won't have much problem taking the pleasure sledder for quite a ride. The Trail comes factory-jetted to run on 89 octane oxygenated fuel or 87 octane non-oxygenated gas.

Polaris engineers went to town on the Trail's insides. For starters,they shaved a half-pound from the engine plate, and relocated the fuel pumpon to the airbox to keep the line clean and to help prevent freezing. Improvements on the drive train including a remachined drive sprocket, a new powder metal alloy upper gear and a larger diameter chain tensioning device all lead toward greater durability and more consistent performance on the snow.

The trusty P-85 clutch was not immune to tuning either. The stationary sheave is stronger due to wider ribs on its back, as well as a larger hub diameter. Additionally, the P-85 clutch setup was recalibrated specifically for the Trail. Polaris engineers tested and tried different weight and spring combinations until they found just the right calibration.

Below the bellypan, the Trail picked up the new IFS XTRA-10 front suspension. Its 9.5 inches of travel are damped by a pair of threaded adjustable nitrogen cell shocks. The shock mount geometry now has the shocks tipped in, which accounts for the 31 percent increase in travel. Other off-season modifications in the front end include tool-less threaded adjustable springs, which allow you to make easy preload changes. Also, Polaris lightened its trademark trailing arm by three pounds.

Steering is noticeably easier on the '97 Indy Trail. A number of changes have been made to reduce steering friction and improve component durability.The tie rod ends, for example, have been lined with plastic to give you tighter turning and reduced end wear. A new three-stake upper steering bushing reduces the chance that it will loosen during use. All these changes, aplus standard EZ steer carbide runners, will make riding in the twisties fun and easy.

Under the seat, the Indy meets the trail with a new Lightning style track.The lugs on the track measure .82 inches, and provide enough traction for consistent holeshots and solid stops. The XTRA-10 rear suspension remains the same. We liked the XTRA-10 last year, and we like it now. The Indy Select front and hydraulic rear shocks smooth out bumps, ruts and moguls with 10.2 inches of travel.

Polaris spent considerable time working to improve fit and finish on its Evolved chassis machines. It shows. Thicker, more durable tabs are used for mounting the console to the tunnel, and the hood hinge now featuresribs for added strength. New adhesives and decal material should keep the graphics attached securely on the sled. The side bumper on the Evolved chassisis made of a new material and has been mounted so that it stays put.

Compared to its direct class competitors, the Trail ranks dead center in look and feel. The Formula SL looks like a racer. The Indy, despite its Evolved chassis and trendy teal color still looks like a Polaris- dependable,normal, regular. And the Phazer SS, well enough said. It's a matter of taste.

Ergonomically speaking, Polaris addressed one of the biggies: the high-beam switch is finally at home on the handlebar. No more fumbling for it while you blind an oncoming rider.

One area where Polaris could improve is rider position. While some snowmobilers may like to sit posture perfect, we think the average rider- even if he is riding at a steady, touring pace-would prefer to be hunkered down a bitmore, below the windscreen. This is something that Ski-Doo's Formula SL does well.

The Indy Trail is a solid performer. From its 488cc powerplant to the three-stake upper steering bushing to the wider retainer collars on the track wheels, Polaris has paid attention to quality. This sled is a prime example of good parts adding up to an impressive whole. At $4,349, the Trail is a reasonable investment well-made. It's not too fast, and none too slow. It just a good, middle-of-the-pack machine.

1997 Polaris Indy Trail

Overall Height: 47.5 inches
Overall Length: 108 inches
Weight: 457 lbs.
Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: 488cc fan-cooled Fuji twin
 Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: P-85
 Driven: P-85
Suspension Travel:
Front: IFS, XTRA-10, trailing arm, threaded adjustable nitrogen cell shocks; 9.5inches
 Rear: XTRA-10, Indy select and hydraulic shock; 10.2 inches
Fuel Capacity: 10.7 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic disc brake, dual range handwarmers, thumbwarmers, 5-inch speedo,5-inch trip meter, tach, easy throttle system, EZ Steer carbide runners,adjustable handlebars, high beam indicator
Retail Price: $4,349