1999 polaris indy 340

Reliability, price, comfort, value. According to a survey of our readers,that's what Polaris owners feel is important when buying a new sled. Basedon such criteria, the new '99 Indy 340 is the perfect sled.

Originally introduced in the mid-1980s to replace the Star and low displacementCutlass series of Polaris sleds, the Indy Lites have now been updated withnew styling and a new name to prepare them for entry into the new century.The Lites replaced leafsprung sleds with direct-drive clutching systemsthat placed the secondary clutch directly onto the track's drive shaft.The Lites featured a version of the popular Polaris independent front trailingarm suspension. Those new economy sleds immediately brought greater frontend travel to the economy buyer. And despite the return to a more conventionaldrive system of primary and secondary clutches with chaincase and gear transferto the front driveshaft, the Lites were smaller and lighter versions ofthe popular Indy models. They had a handlebar-mounted speedometer consoleand lightweight plastic hood, similar to the materials found on PolarisATVs at the time.

Today's new Indy 340 retains the best of both the Cutlass and Indy Litesfeatures, adding new styling and better ergonomics. At a claimed 391 poundsfor the base Indy 340, you get a very light sled that is easy to handlefor younger, more diminutive riders or those intimidated by 500-plus poundliquid-cooled sleds. The more completely outfitted Indy 340 Deluxe addselectric start and another 26 pounds of accessories like throttle thumbwarmer,low oil warning light and EZ steer carbides. Those features add another$300 to the sled's suggested base price of $2,999.

Regardless of whether you opt for the base white 340 or the blue Deluxeversion, you'll find that Polaris engineers stayed with what works whenevolving the Lites into the full-fledged "Indy" series. A time-provenFuji-built 339cc fan-cooled twin is standard. Long a stalwart of tour operators,the 340 twin with its dual 30mm Mikuni carbs, piston port intake and electronicignition is virtually trouble-free. That fits well into owners' desire forreliability and durability. The remaining drivetrain is equally as durable.Mounted on the engine driveshaft, the Polaris P-90 drive clutch deliverspower to a secondary setup that is equally as durable.

We won't pretend that this $3000 sled will give you the ride of an XLTor XC, but you get a very good ride that is improved over the previous seriesthanks to the use of Nitrex shocks added to the IFS and XTRA-Lite rear suspension.Expect up to 10 inches from the rear unit and seven inches of travel fromthe front trailing arm setup. Because Indy 340 owners aren't expected tobe as fussy for handling at this price level, the IFS uses a fixed springcoiled over the shock. Don't worry, the new Indy 340 is most definitelya fun sled to ride at maximum throttle.

If a near perfect, budget-priced sled that will give you years of funand versatility is what you're looking for, this is the sled for you.

Polaris Indy 340 Touring

Overall Height: 48 inches
Overall Length: 115 inches
Weight: 437 lbs.
Ski Stance: 37 inches
Engine: 339cc piston port, fan-cooled Fuji twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: P-90
 Driven: P-90
Suspension Travel:
 Front: IFS, trailing arm, Nitrex gas shocks, 7 in.
 Rear: XTRA-Lite, Nitrex gas shocks, 12 in.
Fuel Capacity: 8.8 gallons
Key Features: Mechanical disc brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, steel skis, storagerack, hitch, tall windshield
Retail Price: $3,699