1999 the fearsome foursome

Polaris 700 XC SP
Grins: Possibly the best snowmobile Polaris has ever made.

Groans: Big twin vibrates some, but what's left to complain about?

This year's Indy 700 XC SP is one of the best units Polaris has produced.Based on our experiences with the '98 700 XC, we knew what kind of torquey power we should expect from the domestic twin. But what we didn't know washow well the Gen II styling would work with the driver.

The 700cc liquid-cooled Polaris mill is an arm stretcher. The phenomenal torque is clearly apparent as soon as the 39mm Keihin carbs start to open.The XC roars to life and hits like a ton of bricks. Our test crew was sufficiently pleased with the sled's abilities. "The performance of the 700 XC SPis outstanding," noted Doug. "That 700 engine certainly has plentyof power and they've done a nice job with it. I believe their record probablyspeaks for itself in that area."

The XC-10 front suspension returns aboard the 700 XC SP. The tipped intrailing arms reduce the sled's pitch and roll in the rough stuff. The ControlledRoll Center radius rod geometry maintains contact between the skis and thesnow in cornering and suspension travel- less scrub and bumpsteer, withflatter cornering.

The XTRA-10 rear suspension had some upgrades from the previous modelyear. For starters, the product of a Fox Shock and Polaris collaboration,the Position Sensitive Shock, works wonders to minimize the effect of chatterbumps. The bypass holes in the inner stock tube allow the shock oil to quicklyand smoothly vacate when the piston is in the ride zone of its travel. Atthe start and finish of the piston stroke, though, the oil must pass throughthe valving, resulting in a stiff ride when you need it most.

Other improvements on the rear suspension include a new rail profile.The front is lowered and lengthened to put more track on the snow. The fronttorque arm is mounted 3/4-inches upward on the tunnel which gives an additionalinch of suspension travel at the front of the skidframe. An additional benefitto the new mount location is that it does not increase the ride height ofthe sled. Finally, the torsion springs are now made from a square wire insteadof the round wire found on older models. This is said to be about 1.5 poundslighter for each spring. It also decreases the diameter of the spring coilwhich allows the track carrier wheel to be moved inward.

The ergonomics of the new 700 XC SP sealed our test crew's new-foundappreciation for the sled. The switch pod is located on the left hand gripfor easy access. The new high performance brake and throttle both pull easier.The choke and new primer knob are located up on the fuel tank for easy access.Noted Test Rider Steve "The 1999 700 XC SP was an unexpected treat.It is a lot more comfortable to ride, a lot more user friendly and it looksdownright handsome out there."