1999 the full deal
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Polaris XLT Classic
Grins: New exhaust package is nice and quiet.
Groans: It got a little heavy over the summer.
The 1999 XLT Classic retains many characteristics from the '98 model.It features full creature comfort items, such as mechanical reverse, electricstart, electric fuel and oil gauges and mirrors, all on the comfort-mindedEvolved chassis. If you want to be comfortable on a Polaris, this is yourbest bet.
The comfort factor on this particular XLT goes much past the standardfeature gadgetry. This sled uses Polaris' premium XTRA-12 suspension packageon the front and rear to keep the driver comfy. The IFS XTRA-12 front suspensionpackage offers 10 inches of travel, modified by compression-adjustable IndySelect shocks. This means that consumers can adjust the damping rate onthe shocks to increase or decrease the stiffness of the ride. Our guys rankedthe XLT Classic's front suspension ride and comfort almost exactly midwaybetween the Vmax and the Formula Deluxe in the tight pack.
The composite skis are a good touch. They are lighter than the steelunits, and help improve cornering. Our guys noted that the E-Z Steer carbideson the skis offered low steering effort- a good thing on a long-range cruisingmachine.
The XTRA-12 rear suspension gives a foot of travel. That's the most inthe class. The crew scored the rear suspension's handling on par with Yamaha'sPro Action Plus-equipped Vmax Deluxe, and ahead of the Formula Deluxe.
The power package on the XLT is the descendent of the original lightweightbaby triple. It uses the low port design and a trio of 34mm round slideMikunis to strike a balance between blistering engine performance and stingyfuel consumption. The XLT scored the top rated throttle response and engineand clutch response honors in the luxury cruiser class, edging out the Vmaxand outperforming the Formula. Our crew also felt that it showed the bestweight transfer for acceleration, and was nearly comparable to the Vmaxon deceleration weight transfer.
Polaris has developed a new exhaust system which will certainly makesledders and land owners happy. The XLT Classic is noticeably quieter thanin years past, thanks to the new muffler. While the muffler has contributedto the 20-something pounds the Classic gained in the off-season, we thinkthe lower noise output is a worthwhile trade off.
One of Polaris' traditional strong suits has been in serviceability.Our guys gave strong marks in all considerations of adjustment and access,from drive belt to oil tank to suspension adjustability. The Classic isprobably the best sled for the consumer who wants to spend more time ridingthan trying to make minor adjustments. If something needs to be done, itcan be reached quickly and without much hassle.
The Evolved chassis is well-suited to the luxury cruiser demographic.It is reasonably lightweight, and comfortable. Our test crew ranked theXLT Classic squarely between the Formula Deluxe and Vmax for ergonomics.The handlebar shape and position, combined with the seat position and legroom offer riders long-range cruising comfort.
There's more to a cruiser than bells and whistles. Polaris combines awell-proven engine and suspension package and delivers it at a traditionallylow price point. That makes the XLT Classic the best buy in the solo cruiser class.
Polaris XLT Classic
Overall Height: 49 inches
Overall Length: 108 inches
Weight: 540 lbs.
Ski Stance: 42.5 inches
Engine: 597cc piston port, liquid-cooled Fuji triple
Exhaust: Single pipe with Quiet Can muffler
Clutch:
Drive: P-85
Driven: P-85
Suspension Travel:
Front: XTRA-12, trailing arm, torsion bar, Indy Select shocks, 10 in.
Rear: XTRA-12, Ryde AFX shocks, 12 in.
Fuel Capacity: 11.8 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic disc brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, trip meter, tach, electricstart, reverse, mirrors, electric fuel gauge, composite skis, EZ Steer carbides
Retail Price: $6,799