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Copyright 2006 American Snowmobiler magazine. Stories and photos on this site cannot be used or reproduced in any manner, including postings to forums, without express written consent of American Snowmobiler or Kalmbach Publishing Co.For 2007 Polaris is turning its attention to the mountains, revamping its RMK to drastically cut weight.
But that's not all, the former No. 1 sledmaker is aiming to retake the top by simplifying its lineup, its sleds and firming up its mid-market powerplants and its grip on the bulk of the market with improved 600 and 700 models.
Gone too is the Fusion name, sullied by the possibly premature release of the 900 in model year 2005. Polaris is re-branding the sleds riding on its newest platform as IQs, after the IQ chassis it introduced for 2005 that moved Polaris riders forward.
OVER THE TOPFirst, about that mountain sled - the '07 RMK is a drastic departure from the previous model, more stripped down in appearance (Polaris calls it Raw!) and lighter by 25 pounds. That's something the mountain men will appreciate as they pound up the steeps!
Where's that weight loss come from?
Well, a new patented cooling extrusion that's part of the tunnel eliminates the radiator cutting 9 pounds, plus Polaris says it's so effective that it'll keep about 40 pounds of ice and snow from being accumulated in the tunnel during heavy use. Another 7.5 pounds is saved by a new 166-inch track with larger windows and a center driver with accompanying punched track holes.
A redesigned nose cone airbox on the 900 model also saves 3.5 pounds, among other smaller savings on the sleds.
There are fewer mountain sled variations too as the151- and 159-inch tracks have been cut. That means you can choose from the 550 Trail RMK 136; the 600 H.O. 144 and 155; the Dragon (700 H.O. Cleanfire) 155; and 900 Cleanfire 155 and 166.
All but the trail model run the IQ IFS front suspension and have fixed post steering that's 1.5 inches taller than last year's models, plus running boards that are 2 inches further back and 1.5 inches wider at the rear. The sleds feature more snow evacuation holes too. Polaris also adds new Gripper skis that are 24% wider to aid floatation, have a re-shaped keel and a gripped top surface, thus the name. The '07 RMK also goes to dual rear idler wheels.
THE ENGINE FRONTKey to Polaris regaining market share is a full-out assault on the mid-market and Polaris looks to improve itself by doting on its 550, 600 and 700s.
In brief, Polaris:
• Will offer Cleanfire versions of its 600 H.O. and 700 H.O engines. All 600s will have common cylinder heads, but the Cleanfire models will get better gas mileage, run smoother, have better low-end power and a stronger mid-range. In fact, look for about 5 more horsepower at peak rpm. Its 4-injector design makes it 43% cleaner than the industry baseline, for instance. These have automatic calibration that adjusts for air temperature, elevation, engine temperature, fuel quality and more. Polaris also improved the cooling system with a redesigned water jacket and a new airbox design that's simpler to service and install. There's no choke and Polaris says the engine will start on the second pull.
• Designed the Cleanfire 700 - based on the 600 - to be fast-revving, hitting its peak horsepower (140) at 8250 rpm. It carries all the benefits of the Cleanfire 6, but Polaris claims it has 20% more horsepower at 5000 rpm, 15% more at 6500 and 12% more at its peak. Both it and the 600 have a larger flywheel and PTO end, bearing and clutch taper for durability. Note too that this hot dog engine will only be available in the new Dragon performance sled, a limited edition IQ with Walker Evans needle shocks front and rear and other enhancements. This black cloaked monster is mean looking!
• Upgraded its 550cc engine with NiCaSil-lined cylinders to improve durability and help the engine's cooling ability. Also, the move cuts hydrocarbon emissions by 30% and carbon monoxide emissions 50%. Polaris says there also are performance improvements and better fuel economy.
• Other engine upgrades include a larger crankshaft PTO end and lengthened crank mag end to help the 900 Cleanfire's durability, along with an improved wiring harness. On the FS and FST engines, throttle cable routing and length were improved as was the H-Bridge and electrical system routing. Performance also should increase with new EFI calibration that should boost horses to 140 from 138. Cold start is supposedly better and plug fouling reduced.
CHASSIS CHANGESPolaris continues to enhance its IQ chassis by trimming five pounds. Steering effort was reduced by moving the mounting bolt down and back ¾-inch, which moves the ski forward for quicker turning. The ski has been softened and the rear keel shaved. Note too that there's a much better looking nose on all the IQs, with more attractive venting, lights and windshield, plus the gas tank is larger, along with a 15-ounce lighter TEAM clutch. There are individual changes on each IQ model too.
On the performance sleds there's now fixed post steering with a riser to make it easier to transition from sitting to standing, plus 1-inch wider hooked bars for more aggressive riding. Walker Evans shocks also are available on the 700 limited Dragon model in Spring.
Crossover IQs offer Rider Select positions 1-7 with wider hooked bars and a 144-inch track with tipped rails. Polaris says this sled's turning radius is exactly the same as the 121-inch IQs.
The Trail IQ offers Rider Select positions 1-5 for less aggressive riding, plus a 128-inch track and the M-10 rear suspension. There's also a softer luxury seat for more comfortable long rides.
Touring models have the third shock removed from the rear suspension - cutting weight and improving ride. A pillow-top seat comes standard and a rear cargo bag replaces the hard cover one. This sled also uses the EDGE 136-inch rail. The Classic is also gone for '07, but the FST IQ Cruiser debuts. Adjustable for one or two riders, based on the FST IQ Touring chassis with Rider Select (1-5), with FAST M-10 136-inch ACE rear suspension, IQ IFS front suspension, pillow-top seat and an adjustable backrest for 1- or 2-up riding. The rear seat is removable and there's a lockable rear cargo area. Cruiser comes with an air temperature gauge and 12-volt outlet.
OTHER CHANGESLook for sportier graphics on the Trail Sport models still running on the EDGE chassis. The SuperSport has a boy racer look with higher bars, hand guards, racer-style seat and low-profile windshield. Even the 120 gets a sleeker look, plus Dragon graphics.
For the record, the new '07 models include: Performance, 600 H.O. Cleanfire IQ, Dragon IQ (limited edition), FST IQ; Mountain, 600 H.O. RMK 155, Dragon RMK (with 700 Cleanfire); Touring, 600 H.O. Cleanfire Touring, FST IQ Cruiser; Trail Luxury, 600 H.O. Cleanfire IQ LX; Crossover, 600 H.O. Cleanfire Switchback.