2000 polaris 700 xc deluxe 45th

Allan Hetteen and David Johnson first concocted their version of a personalized over the snow vehicle 45 years ago up in tundra-like Roseau, Minnesota.Since 1954 we've all benefited from their concepts which evolved from rear-engined behemoths with wooden runners to sleek anniversary editions like the 2000 700 XC Deluxe 45th Anniversary Edition.

This sled could quickly become a collector's item as well as a staff favorite. You see, the 700 anniversary model incorporates some of the best features of Polaris snowmobiles, namely the made-in-Wisconsin twin cylinder motor, precise Polaris clutching (including the wide roller design driver),a vastly improved hydraulic disc brake, Polaris-pioneered extra long travel rear suspension and famed Indy front suspension.

Just so you don't get bored, this anniversary edition features an adjustable front track shock that you can play with as you bop along down the trail.In practice, you'll most likely find yourself adjusting the shock a great deal at first, just because you can and because it's a fun thing to do. But after the newness wears off, you'll most likely find your favored position and just leave it there for the majority of your riding. Too bad it didn't come with a set of two or three pre-sets like the multiple position seats in a top line car or pickup. Then you could preset your favorite position for groomed trails, rougher trails or deep snow. It can't be that difficult. After all, the electronic shock control is designed with a memory feature so that the shock returns to the rider's last setting once the sled is restarted.In the event of a power failure or a faulty switch, the shock reverts to a soft ride "default" setting.

You can make a range of adjustments that cover 600 percent of the shock's compression damping. The handlebar switch activates an electronic solenoid that controls the size of the orifice where the shock's oil is displaced by the shock rod. A quick look at the shock will tell you that its largeroutside shape means that it is bigger to improve durability and improve fade resistance. The switch is mounted in the left hand control block onthe handlebar.

This handlebar mount is exceptionally well positioned, as Polaris has now become the leader in handlebar ergonomics. All major controls - light switch, handlebar heaters, and shock adjuster switch - are conveniently located to your left thumb. Heck, even the handlebar setup on this sled is improved as the bars are both a bit straighter and longer to provide greater leverage for turning and overall riding comfort.

As mentioned earlier, the Wisconsin-built twin is the latest version of Polaris' nifty 700cc snowmobile engine. It features twin light pullingcarbs, a digitally controlled ignition for precise firing at all engine speeds, a single canister two-into-one exhaust system and a special "sound reduction" package. Since this sled is designed for high mileage riders,Polaris engineering figured a quieter way to get power out of the 700 anniversary edition. You'll find this sound reduction package on a number of Indys for2000. The package consists of extra sound deadening at the point of air intake, refining the airflow in the airbox (a major culprit in making obtrusive noises), and the obvious extra attention to adding packing in the exhaust.

Perhaps our most favored status of this 45th anniversary model comes from the sled's performance luxury status. You get all the benefits of a standard 700 XC, but can count on more travel from the XTRA-12 rear suspension,the refinements of noise reduction, niceties of electric start and reverse,and, of course, the gadgetry of the electrically controlled shock. This sled defines personal sports sleds like few others. It is distinctivelystyled with the Gen II "look" trimmed up in red and black.

In 45 years Polaris has come a long way from Allan's and David's firstred snow wagon, but the new breed of 700 XC Deluxe Anniversary Edition setsa direction in personalized over-the-snow travel. That is something thatit shares with the first ever Polaris snow traveler.

2000 700 XC Deluxe 45th Anniversary Edition
Overall Height: 45 inches
Overall Length: 109 inches
Weight: 535 lbs.
Ski Stance: 42.5 inches
Engine: 700cc liquid-cooled case reed twin
Exhaust:  Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: P-85
 Driven: P-85
Suspension Travel:
 Front: XC-10, CRC, torsion bar, Indy Select shocks, 9.6 inches
 Rear: XTRA-12, Ryde FX electronic adjustable front shock, Nitrex rear shock, 12inches
Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons
Key Features: 45th Anniversary trim package, high performance hydraulic brake, mirrors,electronic fuel gauge, composite skis.
Retail Price: $7,399