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Polaris prez Tom Tiller is on record, as stating that Polaris will partner with the leaders in industry. While partnering a rear suspension like the Gerard Karpik-designed M-10 with a Polaris Indy might not be exactly what he meant, we take it to be a well-done partnership.
Ironically, five years ago, Polaris and the Karpiks's company, FAST Inc., were serious competitors. The success of the M-10 challenged the early Polaris single shock XTRA-14 with a claimed 13.6 inches of rear travel. Since then the XTRA has acquired an additional shock and rapid development. The M-10 has continued its evolution, including the purchase by Polaris of rights to make it standard fare in the 2001 Indy 600 Classic.
The Indy 600 Classic now becomes an ultimate sports sled with Made In The USA power from a Polaris-built 600cc twin and Made In America rear suspension displacing up to 14-inches of rear axle travel. That's not to be confused with the true up-and-down vertical travel distance that measures upwards of 10-inches. Hence the "10" in M-10.
If we have any complaint with the 600 Classic, it would be that the sled should be a "one man" machine. Since so much of the suspension setup is designed to be set for a specific rider's weight, it is not wise for a much heavier or lighter person to switch sleds unless the M-10 has been set up specifically for them.
This iteration of the new Polaris "EDGE" chassis shows that a sport chassis can also be a very suitable luxury performer. Electric start and reverse along with a complement of ergonomic "goodies" set the Classic apart from the other performance Indys in Polaris' past. This ain't your daddy's Polaris!