1998 youve gotta try one

Polaris Indy 600 XC
Grins: Exceptionally strong made in USA twin cylinder engine.Proven components.

Groans: Retro-styling. Ergonomics outdated. Needs improved accessory control locations.

On the dyno, the new Polaris 600 XC twin was awesome versus the rest.In single pipe trim, it pulled 109.3 horsepower at 7700 revs, building up strong and staying strong in a nice, fat power peak. On the Stanley, Idahodrag strip in wet snow, it cruised to a radar-tracked 83 miles per hour top speed, close to the speed of the 600 XCR triple. Yes, Polaris has done a very nice job with the new USA twins.

The 600 XC 's 593cc motor should be a reliable and durable unit as it is based on the bottom end of the 124 horse 700cc twin. The 600 has smaller cylinders and different heads for an over square dimension of 74.5mm bore by 68mm stroke (same stroke as the 700). Where Japanese engines are designed to produce power at high revs, this Polaris twin favors the old American concept of lots of power at low revs. Would this be an outgrowth of some motorcycle engine thinking from the Victory crew?

We also like the idea that with the new engine and new thinking comes a divorce from Mikuni as being the automatic carb of choice. Polaris uses a pair of 39mm Keihin D-slide carbs with a very light throttle pull. Not all current ideas are bad, though. Recent traditions dictate Nicasil cylinder plating for durability, case reed induction for maximizing fuel intake,and digital electronic ignition for sure fire starts and more consistent top end performance. The combination works well to make the sled's performance feeling similar to the Cat and Yamaha and better than the Ski-Doo.

Performance feeling isn't just engine response. It is throttle response,which scored extremely well with our five test riders. It is also clutch backshift characteristics, which were good, and sled suspension weight transfer,which were good also.

So while the Polaris rates high in go, it ranked down with our crew for many other reasons. In ride and comfort it was third, fourth in handling,and fourth in ergonomics.

The front suspension borrows heavily from the cross country racer with its controlled roll version of the traditional trailing arm suspension.Breaking with tradition in an attempt to improve handling, the trailingarms were moved inboard about three inches to get the sled to corner flatter.

Noted one test rider: "The trailing arms were brought inboard, likethe XCR 440 racer and I can see that the snowmobile handled well- handled the bumps good and handled the corners well."

The front end relies on internal floating piston Fox shocks with a threaded collar to adjust the spring tension. Controlled roll center is a standardfeature with this trailing arm design. The XC-10 rear unit has Ryde FX and screwdriver adjustable "click" AFX shocks to control its 10.2inches of travel.

Sled ergonomics are fair at best, one test rider said, "They couldhave a better switch for the handlebar heaters. It would be nice if it was right up so it was within your thumb control. Fit and finish can be better, it isn't that great."

Drawing on personal preferences, another test rider felt that "thehandlebars could be straighter." He also felt that the hydraulic discbraking system was not up to the standards of the other three in overall effectiveness and "feel."

But, what we always get back to with the Indy is its power and the new engine. Explains another test rider, "Powerwise, the USA engine is real torquey- gives good response, good acceleration. You can have fun with this. The motor does sound good. It is a little noisy starting out, but after you get it going it smoothes right out. It is one of Polaris' bettersleds. Very fun to ride!"

Polaris Indy 600 XC

Overall Height: 44 inches
Overall Length: 109 inches
Weight: 484 lbs.
Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: 593cc liquid-cooled, case reed Polaris twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: P-85
 Driven: P-85
Suspension Travel:
 Front: IFS XC-10, inboard trailing arm, CRC, sway bar, Ryde FX shocks, 9.5 in.
 Rear: XTRA-10, Ryde FX/AFX shocks, 10.2 in.
Fuel Capacity: 11.8 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic disc brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, tach, trip meter, compositeskis carbide runners
Retail Price: $6,399
Riding Impressions:
"This is the best sled in the Polaris lineup. It runs nicely and isfun on the tighter trails."- Wade West, Test Rider