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Polaris positions its basic Indy 500 as the sport's lowest priced liquid-cooled production snowmobile. What they aren't saying is that this sled has also been one of the company's best all time sellers as well. For Year 2000, the Indy 500 becomes an improved value for snowmobilers who want to buy a good all around sled that will last for many seasons and provide solid resale value at trade-in.
Polaris kept the basics of the Indy 500, the Fuji-built 488cc twin with dual 38mm Mikuni carbs. The drivetrain is as reliable as dawn. The tried and true Indy IFS front suspension with Nitrex shocks combines with the XTRA-10 rear unit for better rounded trail performance.
But with the advent of the Gen II, you knew it would only be a matter of time before the basic sleds came in the design as well.
Year 2000 was the target makeover for the Indy 500 and others at the trail sport end. Gen II style means an injection-molded hood, the convenience of the left handlebar control block complete with four-position handwarmer switch and easy-reach headlamp controls. The 500 also gets the elongated but straighter style handlebar and new design handlebar pad.
With the 500 retaining the best of the old and the best of the new, the old/new 500 also derives a 10 pound weight savings, making a reliable value just a bit more of an asset for true sport riding- for many seasons down the trail.