AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Trail and Crossover LinesAdmittedly there is a lot of BNG in the trail and crossover lines from Polaris for 2010. The addition of matte-red graphics to the short-track Dragon lineup and the usage of a new cool silver color on the base IQ sleds have spruced up the Polaris image this year.
The biggest change to the lineup is that the large Shift segment of "value-based" sleds has been reduced to just one model. The 550 Shift is the only price-point value sled this year to still carry the Shift moniker. You can get the 550 with one of many cool graphics packages though including a vintage-styled TX graphics package that should get the vintage crowd buzzing.
Also new this year are two LX models that were formerly known as Switchbacks. These are the Turbo LX and 600 LX and they continue to ride on the bump-bridging 136-inch platform with coupled rear suspension and comfortably calibrated shock settings.
These touring models have mirrors, monster 16.5-inch clear windshields, a new multi-function display, storage bags under/behind the seat, electric start and the Turbo LX has the 7-position rider-select steering system.
Polaris also gave attention to its utility sleds, introducing the new 600 Widetrak IQ with the new 2-injector CFI-2 engine. The massive 20-inch wide and 156-inch long high-flotation track on this sled is perfect for hauling your ice-shanty out onto the lake through a foot of snow, or taking a passenger out for an ultra-comfortable trail ride. The 1.25-inch lugs grip the snow and the tipped-up rail make this a versatile sled for those who want the best of all worlds. With electric start, an adjustable backrest, underseat storage, heated passenger hand-grips, digital gauge,and 12-volt DC outlet, this sled is luxurious for the riders as well as a workhorse. You get a huge 14.3 gallon gas tank on this sucker too, so you can easily put on 150 miles before thinking about looking for a gas station.
The short-track IQ sleds for 2010 all get a new lighter plastic and aluminum front bumper and the P2 driven clutch has been used on many more models including the 600 IQ, 550 Shift, 600 Dragon Switchback, 600 and Trail RMKs, and more. Also, the 4-injector 600 has been nixed and all Polaris 600s (except the IQ Touring) are the 2-injector type, which gets 15-20% better fuel economy.
In addition, the lightweight hydraulic Phantom brake with Sawtooth rotor (56% less rotating inertia) comes in the 800 Dragon IQ, 600 and 800 Dragon Switchback, 800 Assault and 800 Dragon RMK. The RMK 600 and 800 144-inchers also get the light Freestyle seat. Finally, the IQ Turbo Dragon and 800 Dragon IQ get Walker Evans IFP Needle shocks as the front track shock instead of the normal
W.E. shock.