2002 polaris pro x 440 fan

Last season, consumers who ordered Polaris' XCF received a unique phone call from their dealers. They were informed that they would not receive the XCF they had ordered, but would have a late release Pro X 440 Fan in its place.

This year, the Pro X 440 Fan was offered to consumers in the spring as part of the main season lineup. It was available to the buying public during snow check, specs unknown, for pick up in the fall.

Our crew enjoyed the '01 PX 440 we rode. Its track-bred setup offered us a totally different ride feeling than the conventional Polaris sled. Polaris explained that the Pro X is calibrated to go right to the snocross track, if an owner so wished. RydeFX IFP gas shocks are standard fare on all four corners. The front end features the high tower shock position, as found on the race machine last season. The result of the geometry is improved handling and big bump absorption.

While we weren't big fans of another brand's racer clone suspension calibration last season, we thought Polaris did a nice job in setting up a sled that is stiff, but not jarring.

The PX 440 Fan is a sled that needs to be ridden hard. The clutch engages higher than a standard trail sled, and you have to keep the high-output 440 twin in the band to fully enjoy yourself. The high handlebars suggest that the seat be used sparingly. When you're on your feet, the sled fits nicely, right down to the wide running boards and boot grippers.

The downside of the 440 fan-cooled engine is the added noise. "When you accelerate, you can really hear a lot of motor noise from the airbox rushing back to your ears," commented Test Rider Les Pinz. "I talked to the Polaris people and they said it was one thing they will be looking at."

The Pro X 440 Fan comes with a price tag for all of its racy technology and design. Polaris suggests $5,299 for the sled, which is $550 more than the Super Sport 550, but still $100 less than Cat's Z 570 SS.