Last year, snowmobilers were begging Polaris for a high-performance 800 twin and the Roseau crew delivered a liquid-cooled Cleanfire H.O. in a sweet RMK package.
That's great for the mountain guys, but this year, we all clamored for the 159-horse (
AmSnow dyno-tested) 800 to make its way into more segments, and Polaris came through big time with 9 models holding 800s in their bellies. Now, nearly every segment has an 800 option.
The Shift concept also has been spread across much of the 2009 lineup. You'll see an all-black, value-based Shift in 6 models covering the performance, crossover and deep snow segments.
Polaris didn't stop there; it has taken a big shot at the "extreme snow" market with its new Assault.
If you're a premium AmSnow member, you can get the complete story for 2009 Polaris models here.
The poster child for Polaris' performance segment now is the Dragon 800 SP. This "special" model from Polaris comes with the premium Walker Evans clicker shock package. Up front in the IQ IFS there are Walker air piggybackers, while the rear suspension has the Walker compression adjustable needle shock. This shock package is debatably the best high-performance shock setup available on a stock snowmobile.
This is the sled we wanted when the early standard version was released to dealers in the spring. The Dragon has a big 5.25-inch riser (like the Switchback) and has hooks, handguards and gets the 1.25-inch RipSaw track too. The low windshield is cold, but looks cool!
The IQ snowmobiles will be equipped this year with a new lower A-arm, new light wave disc on the Phantom brake and more. Possibly the most noticeable on the new IQ is a new front bumper, and beneath that, the front-end has been narrowed, made smaller and angled to enhance the performance look and create less snow buildup in deep snow.
You'll also see the 800 motor in a new standard Switchback and the upscale Dragon version too.
Last year, Polaris introduced the least expensive 120-horse 600 liquid snowmobile, available with its IQ Shift at a low $6,999 MSRP. This year, the Medina, Minn.-based company expands the flat-black, low-cost line to include an extremely well performing 550 fan with a newly tuned exhaust that makes this sled a ball in the narrow trails and 180-degree tight switchbacks. This one is supposed to have only a $5,399 MSRP.
Consumers also will see a new 600 IQ Shift Switchback with the same 600 CFI engine as the IQ and same coupled 136-inch rear skid as the standard Switchback. Finally, mountain riders get to choose from three Shifts; a 144-inch 600 CFI, 155-inch 600 CFI and a 144-inch 800 CFI.
Polaris also is banking on the "extreme backcountry" crowd to want its Assault. This 800 CFI, 146-inch tracked freestyle jumping monster appears to be just what the X-style rider is asking for.
The flat, red-masked snowmobile has reinforced rails, heavy-duty suspension pads and gets the new lightweight lower A-arms too. New Gripper skis turn this tall standing machine and Walker Evans air shocks sit just above them. You'll see remote reservoir Walker shocks in the rear too.
In addition, look for the IQ finally in the utility line in a new Widetrack IQ. The Widetrack gets the 80-hp FS engine that has been in Polaris' touring line for several seasons and can be shifted into high, low, neutral and reverse for all your tough utility situations. Meanwhile, RMKs get the new A-arms and new rails and spindles. The new narrow front-end and bumper come on these too. Mountain guys and gals will notice a lighter, new sway bar that is easier to get to and to adjust.