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Polaris 600 EDGE TouringAs the EDGE chassis and Polaris IFS come to the end of their production cycles, make no mistake that these end-of-the-run models are arguably the best of their breed. While we expect that a year from now we will be describing a whole new breed of "IQ"- chassis based touring models, the smart money is still on the trailing arm touring sleds from Polaris.
They have the proven durability and features that make them an excellent buy for those who want a sled that'll last many winters without huge repair bills. They may not be the future at Polaris, but they're a great tribute to the history of the IFS and Indy lines.
Our choice in the touring category is the 600 EDGE Touring. We like the overall characteristics of this smaller 600cc Liberty engine vs. the larger displacement 800cc twin. Both are reliable Polaris designs, but we think the 600 is a better overall choice for the long term, for long-distance mileage and for overall satisfactory performance. We're definitely not fans of Polaris' Frontier 4-stroke version. It's way too underpowered to be a serious candidate for high-mileage riding.
Polaris' touring sleds have evolved into sophisticated machines. They share an electronic reverse system that features Rotax' electronic reverse technology.
We find their seating area nearly as plush Cat's and Ski-Doo's, but the overall execution seems a bit lacking to us. Polaris offers some clever options for the sled's rear seating and console area - it can be converted into an "ice fishing special" if you buy the right options. The rear trunk is removable and lockable. Rear passenger handgrips are protected and heated. As with Cat's Turbo Touring, the windshield is huge.
The reality for Polaris fans is that Fusion and RMK models are "today". The EDGE is yesterday.
That's not to say that the '05 EDGE Touring didn't get upgrades - it did. Electric start and a more durable drive belt are standard. Plus the chain tensioner was upgraded to a "quiet" version.
But the future is Fusion and the this season's touring models are largely the same as earlier offerings. The big difference is a 50th anniversary version of the 600 Touring that comes with an electrically adjusted ACE rear suspension package.
This story ran in the December 2004 issue of American Snowmobiler magazine