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These are the same 800 and 600 Cleanfire injected engines that Polaris used in 2011 so no significant changes have been made there.
However, there is a new 2-inch wider seat that is arguably more comfy than the short-track seats last year. The seat has a new rocker to it and is still narrow up front, but wider in back. The Switchbacks come standard with integrated stud protection underneath that will accommodate up to a 1.75-inch lugged track.
In addition, this sled and all the Pro-Ride models (including the 2010 sleds) will have a new security system available as an option. It allows the sled to warm up and idle, but won’t let someone engage the throttle and drive away.
In comparison to its 121-inch brethren, the Switchback’s tunnel, running board, and rail distance is 7 inches longer. Polaris engineers are quick to point out that they didn’t simply stretch the short-track. The limiter strap and torque arm in the rear suspension are different, all the hard points are changed, where the bell-crank is located is slightly different, the casting from the tunnel to the exposed Pro-Ride system is re-designed for the Switchback and there are more changes as well.
The new Switchback Pro-Ride rear suspension also is much less sensitive to rider-weight than the short-track Rush versions, we’re told. The Switchbacks get a new windshield that is taller and wider than the old “tall” shield, but not as tall or wide as the old “extra tall” shield. Consumers still get to choose their windshield with this sled, so you can get the small, medium, or new tall version. You’ll also find new wind deflectors on the cowl.
The 600 Switchback segment gets a special “Adventure” sled for 2012 too. 600 Switchback Adventure designers hope it fills a gap similar to what we’ve seen in the motorcycle industry with the new adventure bikes that can go on road, off-road, touring, etc.
Basically this would be an “everything” snowmobile with adaptability for more storage and accessories using a lock and ride rack similar to what Polaris has used on their ATVs and UTVs. The Adventure sled comes in the Pro-Ride chassis with a 136-inch Cobra track, cargo rack, comfort seat, electric start, mirrors, wind deflectors, power outlets, and more.
Lastly Polaris will still offer the Shift 136, which is in the old IQ chassis. But instead of being all black, it is mostly off-white with little design detail to allow personalization. It features a 15x136x1.25 Shockwave track instead of the RipSaw.