ergos

Polaris
Polaris designed its '02 RMK ergonomics for the stand up guy. Marty Sampson, a senior Polaris RMK development technician and setup specialist, says, "The Edge RMK handlebar is positioned forward and upward to allows drivers to stand and lean forward over the sled without bending too much at the waist."

This, he says, enhances maneuverability and leverage which allow the sled to easily roll on a sidehill. It also keeps the driver near the sled's center for hillclimbing and not on the tail. "In this manner, standing and riding the RMK is as comfortable, or perhaps more comfortable, as sitting and driving."

Sampson says the Edge RMK is so well balanced that the sled allows the driver to swath a sidehill with each foot planted on its respective runningboard, rather than both feet on one board.

The Edge RMK comes with a new fuel tank for simple body shifts. For '02 the tunnel is tipped up (for deep-snow management and added rear suspension travel). The seat contour, angle and height are adjusted to the new tunnel angle, thus permitting a flat horizontal sitting area. Plus, the seat is longer than earlier RMKs. "This prevents the driver from sliding into the fuel tank," Sampson says.

The Edge RMK footrests are built at the same angle as the Edge XC, which is a natural resting foot position. "This limits the angle the ankle is resting at and makes for quick transition from sitting to standing, or from forward to back."

Like years previous, the Edge RMK comes equipped with Polaris' famous gripper cooling system built into the runningboard's outer lip. By circulating a portion of the engine's coolant through the outside edge, the boards stay warm, and ice and snow free. Staying with RMK tradition, the coolant lip is serrated at the top for added traction.

The new Edge RMK tunnel is tapered inward and upward. Sampson says runningboard width is enhanced by removing some seat foam from the side. "This," he says, "makes the seat's 'stand over' width narrower." The seat side pads do not have padding; simply, the "side pad" is seat material placed on the tunnel's side, extending down from the seat.

Sampson says seat height is designed to reduce the transition effort, and time, from sitting to standing. He also says the seat's contour is rounded for a soft feel. Seat material is textured. "It is not sticky, but textured for grip. A driver will not have to lift and move when wet - it is consistent."