2002 top muscle heads
Amsnow
Polaris 800 XCR
Grins: ESC makes the XCR nice on lake and trail.
Groans: Time to upgrade the chassis.
Last year we chose the 800 XCR as our top pick in the 800 triple class. Polaris didn't make many changes to the model for 2002, and the sled holds its own right up near the top.
When the XCR made the big migration out of the old Aggressive chassis into the Gen II, we thought it was the best thing ever. Times have changed and the EDGE chassis has shown us just what kind of lightweight platform Polaris is capable of producing. It spoiled us, to be frank.
The XCR can still handle nearly as well as the SRX in the woods. Its XC-10 front end can corner relatively flat and the composite skis are still solid biters on the hardpack. But Polaris can do better.
The XTRA-10 rear suspension retains the electric shock that we liked on the previous models. With one rocker switch, a rider can create a super-plush ride, or stiffen the rear track shock's damping rate by 600 percent. The whole range takes only seconds to cover and can be set anywhere along the spectrum. A small gauge on the left hand side shows where it's set.
The Fuji triple powerplant is smooth and easy on the ears. But don't let that fool you, the 794cc mill has been dynoed in the mid 150 horsepower range. It can get up and go as well as any sled on the market.
Like Yamaha, Polaris engages a couple of special electronic goodies to help its big triple stay in the safe zone. A key switch allows consumers to slightly retard the ignition timing based on fuel quality. A water temperature sensor also helps keep the engine safe. In case of excessive heat, it will stutter the ignition and the sled will go into a limp mode until it cools down enough to avoid damage.