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Everybody deserves a second chance. So after an initially disappointing go-round with Polaris' 2006 FST Switchback, we climbed aboard a new FST IQ last winter. Our initial concerns had been with reliability. Our first 4-stroke turbo (FST) Switchback had several service bulletins/recalls and simply spent so many days in the shop that we didn't get more than a handful of miles on it.
The new good-looking copper FST IQ had none of those difficulties. It ran well in all conditions.
Fast and furiousThis one was straightline fast and a muscle sled on the trails of northern Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where we got in many of our miles this past season.
Running the FST in our Real World Shoot-Out, we saw it set the top overall speed at 107.64, ahead of other fast runners like the Yamaha Attak and Arctic Cat F8, each clocking 104 and change. The power just keeps on coming with the FST, and its turboed engine has more juice than most of us will ever need. There's also little to no turbo lag, no sudden jolt, which makes it easy to control on trail rides.
That's not to say this is the quietest 4-stroke out there. The Yamaha Apex has a better exhaust tone and sounds less like a small tractor. The FST sounds more harsh at idle, but once you hit 20 mph, its sound smoothes out some.
Polaris recalibrated its EFI to help the FST start easier, and the electric start worked every time this year. That recalibration is supposed to help gas mileage too. We averaged 13.4 mpg for the season. A couple non-turbo 4-strokes did better, but the FST was above mid-pack for our 2007 fleet.
What hard riders will enjoy is the muscle on the top of the power curve. The FST feels like there's more, even as you crest 100. I know, I know, we don't need that much power on the trails, but if you're challenging a buddy on a lake, you'll enjoy having an FST under you.
Trail mannersTrail riding is fine, but steering effort with the IQ last season was still on the heavy side, and with the husky 4-stroke aboard, that becomes more apparent. You'll certainly be more sore at the end of a long trail ride.
Polaris reconfigured its front suspension, moving the ski further forward of the mounting point. Turning is more responsive, but steering effort was only mildly better. Getting aboard the 2008 models late last season shows that steering effort has been improved further for this model year with new lighter weight spindles.
Grip is excellent from the RipSaw track with its 1.25-inch lug. RydeFX high-performance gas shocks with an internal floating piston soak up trail bumps effectively, but the response of the Fox PS5 shock in back is not exciting. However, I didn't bottom this one out all that much, and we were on some pretty choppy trails last winter!
Helping add to ride comfort is a well-padded seat. It's firmer than the cushion on Yamaha's Attak, but I found moving easier on the Polaris seat. That helps if you're making aggressive turns.
The FST also includes Rider Select, the adjustable steering post available from Polaris for a couple seasons now. I liked it in positions 1 and 2 because I felt I had more control and better leverage on the bars, and thankfully these are hooked and heated grips. I wouldn't mind having a little more protective windshield though.
Last pointsPolaris gives you an easy-to-read speedometer with big numbers and an easy-on-the-eyes blue background for night riding. This model has push-button reverse and good storage under the seat for tools, maps, water bottles, etc.
My only other comfort and riding concern was the large rolled edge on the wide footboards. I felt those pushed in a bit more than I'd like as I moved my feet to the sides to push off in turns.
A year can make a big difference in perceptions. THIS FST is full of grunt and is reliable too.
2007 Polaris FST IQEngine: 750cc 4-stroke
HP: 140.2*
Exhaust: Single turbo
Ski Stance: 42.5 in.
Front Susp.: IQ w/RydeFX high-performance gas shocks
Rear Susp.: IQ w/Fox PS5 shock
Track: 15x121x1.25 in. RipSaw
Fuel Tank: 10.2 gal.
Dry Weight: 590 lbs.
Wet Weight: 676 lbs.*
Price: $9,399 US/$12,249 CA
Real World StatsTop Speed: 107.64 mph
¼-mile Time: 13.06 sec.
Avg. mpg: 13.4
*Independent
AmSnow/Dynoport dyno test results and
AmSnow wet weights.