2002 trail touring

Polaris has a pair of two-up touring machines powered by its 550 fan-cooled engine: the Trail Touring and the Sport Touring. While the Sport Touring has the cargo rack we like for long-range riding, the Trail Touring offers the more complete amenities package.
Polaris threw almost everything from the Classic Touring luxury sleds at the Trail Touring. The fan-cooled tandem sled offers the fully-adjustable back rest and adjustable passenger grips. It differs from the liquid-cooled luxury sleds in that the Trail Touring does not have heaters on those passenger grips.

The Trail Touring uses Polaris' domestically-built 550 fan-cooled twin under the hood. The mill's 65-ish horsepower is well-suited for touring duties. "I like Polaris' fan-cooled engine in the two touring machines," commented Test Rider Randy Kepner. "If all you want to do is ride and watch the world go by, this is all you need."

Under the sled you'll find Polaris' XTRA-10 rear standard XTRA IFS up front. Nitrex gas shocks perform damping duties on the front end and the front torque arm of the rear suspension. An Indy Select shock absorber serves the rear torque arm. Consumers can adjust that shock's damping rate manually by turning a small screw located at its base. The screw adjustment covers a 300 percent change from soft to stiff.

The Trail Touring is built on Polaris' older Gen II chassis. "It will be nice when the Tourings go to the Edge chassis," commented Test Rider Randy. "Not that they're bad now, but I hope they'll be more nimble on the trail in the lighter chassis."

The Trail Touring is priced at $5,640. That's the same as Cat's Panther 570 esr and $200 more than Ski-Doo's Grand Touring 500 Fan. It is a great value, considering Polaris' 600 Classic Touring, with similar componentry is priced at $7,399.