you asked polaris replies

AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com

Our annual "Ask The Engineers" online postings were piled with questions this summer for Polaris' engineers. Here are a couple.

Polaris is the first of the manufacturers to be featured this year and as you will see, AmSnow.com's users wanted to know why Polaris chose its current path. In future issues we hope to show you questions answered by Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo and Yamaha, who also have received a bevy of reader questions. Read on!

Fusion and IQ
Q.) I bought an '06 Fusion H.O. and I feel cheated that Polaris opted to market a CFI 600 the very next year and pretty much left me out to dry. Is Polaris going to offer a CFI update to last years Fusion H.O.? I know this would be an expensive undertaking and the cost to the owner might be high, but it may keep Polaris loyals like me still riding red. - AmSnow.com member Shylock44

A.) There are no plans to offer a CFI update for the 600 H.O. carbureted engine. In fact this same engine is being offered again in a number of 2007 Polaris models. It's a proven performer, and was the heart of the best-selling snowmobile in the industry in 2006 (according to ISMA data) - the Polaris 600 H.O. Fusion.

As with any product life cycle, models and associated technology will continue to adapt and improve year over year, not unlike any product. As an example, the 2006 Fusion you bought has a host of improvements over previous model year sleds. Adding Cleanfire Injection to the 600 H.O. engine for 2007 was the next logical step in the evolution of this powerplant and Polaris is happy to be able to offer its customers a choice in 2007 - 600 Carb or 600 Cleanfire.

4-stroke foray
Q.) What are the refinements to the 4-stroke turbos that allowed them to pick up 5 extra ponies over last year's model? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) For 2007, the Polaris 4-stroke engines have been given a number of refinements that result in both improved performance and more importantly improved run quality. The 5 additional horsepower found in the 2007 FST is the result of the sum of all of these refinements, with one of the biggest contributing factors being refined engine calibration and fuel mapping... and yes, a good number of these refinements will retro-fit to 2006 FSTs.

These other important refinements will include an ECU re-flash for improved fuel economy and cold starting, a new fuel level sender for improved level accuracy and improved heat management.

When all is said and done, riders should know that the 2007 FSTs (and '06 models) will be among the most reliable and best running sleds on the snow this coming season.

Additional Web only questions

Loud exhausts
Q.) I have a question regarding the advertisement of SLP cans in your brochure. Do these cans and aftermarket exhausts stand up to the decibel limitations posted by the government? Most law enforcement agencies nationwide and in Canada give an immediate ticket if they find "any" mod to the exhaust sometimes costing as much as $500. However, if the OEM certifies the aftermarket can, pipe and exhaust parts then the law cannot prosecute. - AmSnow.com member Shylock44

A.) First, it's important to understand that the SLP exhaust modification is designed for off-trail competitive applications and Polaris does not promote or endorse exhaust system modifications for trail applications. SLP exhaust products for Polaris sleds do not meet noise level requirements in all riding areas. This is why there is a clear disclaimer in the installation instructions for these products (as well as in various collateral materials) stating that the rider is responsible for checking with their local and state regulations for decibel level limits where they will be riding.

The SLP silencers produce sound that is slightly louder than 80 db, which is the noise level of a stock sled. While the performance benefits of these products are numerous and have been embraced by Polaris riders in many areas, it is up to the individual rider to check their local statutes before modifying their stock snowmobile exhaust system.

Suspension suggestions
Q.) It has been reported on the internet that the M-10 suspension that Polaris uses on its sleds is different then the FAST M-10. If there are differences, what are the differences and why? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) Polaris and the folks at FAST enjoy a partnership that goes back many years - and this relationship has played a large role in helping to solidify Polaris' position as the leader when it comes to ride and handling. While the principles and designs of the two suspensions are virtually the same, there are some subtle differences between the FAST M-10 suspension and the Polaris M-10 suspension. For example, Polaris performs its own calibration and validation to its M-10. In addition, Polaris makes a number of its own parts for its M-10 to ensure the bulletproof reliability and superior ride and handling that Polaris is known for.

Q.) Please explain the advantages of an uncoupled skid vs. a coupled skid on the Switchback. Do you configure any of your other suspensions that way and if so why or why not? Also what makes this a crossover sled vs. a mountain sled marketed to flatlanders? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) With the Switchback, it was Polaris' goal to define a new niche with a true crossover sled - and not a mountain sled marketed to flatlanders. We wanted a crossover sled that provided the best balance of on-trail ride and handling combined with stellar off-trail floatation. In the end, we found the 144 uncoupled rail provided the best balance of these attributes along with improved acceleration and braking.

The press seemed to agree as well. The coupled rail, on the other hand, we found to be heavier, and didn't provide the balance we were looking for with this type of machine. It's this "best of all worlds" capability that has made the Switchback such a popular sled with trail and even mountain riders. The machine is a "Swiss Army Knife" sled, and for 2007 it has been given a number of refinements including a shorter tunnel that enables it to fit in your favorite enclosed 10-foot trailer.

Snowcheck customization
Q.) Bennet Morgan has been quoted in media interveiws that he would like to "re-energize" the snowcheck program by offering customization of sleds with SLP pipes, Erlandson clutch kits and other add-ons that are normally aftermarket purchases. Why hasn't this happened? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) We believe you may have been misinformed because this was never a part of the plan for the 2007 Factory Connection (Snow Check) program. The goal was to re-vamp the program for 2007 to provide spring buyers with absolute real and tangible added value and exclusivity. Some of these value-added enhancements to the 2007 "Factory Connection" program included unique machines like the Dragon, Dragon RMK and FST IQ Cruiser, exclusive colors, a number of great suspension options, exclusive financing and warranty benefits all at no extra charge.

900/755 engine block
Q.) It took some real courage to drop the 900, especially after the '07 RMK 900 already was released to the media. What goes into making a difficult decision like that? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) The short answer is, a lot! It's important to realize that the production of the 900 was suspended until further notice. For 2007, the new raw RMK chassis is solid and boasts a number of enhancements including an approximate 25-lb. weight reduction, along with a number of performance improvements including full-length, integrated tunnel coolers, gripper skis - the lightest in the industry - dual rear idler wheels for improved side-hilling and much more.

The 2007 900/755 RMK motor mount system was redesigned to work in this all-new and improved raw RMK chassis. However, in the final stages of validation, the motor mount system failed to meet our stringent quality and performance expectations. As part of Polaris' zero-tolerance quality initiative, Polaris refused to put this product into the field in this configuration. Before a final decision was made, there were many discussions with Polaris management, the Snow Team and a good number of our dealers as well. Everyone agreed that not putting this product into the field at this time was the right thing for our customers.

Q.) What I'm hearing from people is that the 700 CFI isn't as clean as the 755 it replaces. The 900/755 shaker was 25% cleaner and met 2010 standards. I do not believe the new 700 CFI does. Is this true? - AmSnow.com member jasper

A.) The Cleanfire 700 engine does meet federal emissions, as do all 2007 Polaris snowmobiles. Remember, if a snowmobile does not meet EPA guidelines, a manufacturer cannot produce it. Emissions validation for snowmobiles - industry-wide - is based on an overall average of the entire fleet of machines an OEM offers. This means that while some machines produce greater emissions than others, the overall fleet average is in accordance with EPA guidelines and as a result, the entire fleet of sleds is EPA approved.

Triple talk
Q.) My question to the Polaris engineers is two part: if you were to make and market a triple that met today's emission standards, about how much market share do you think you would need to see a return on your investment? The second part of the question is how much market share do you think you would really get? - AmSnow.com member ROBone

A.) Polaris is always looking for new opportunities in the snowmobile market. While we cannot discuss market share data or future product development, we have found that a sled of that type currently represents a rather small segment of riders, and with keeping the challenges facing the snowmobile industry in mind - mainly lack of snow - it's more important than ever to choose those opportunities that make the most business sense. That said, Polaris is continually working on snowmobile products that are 3-5 years out, and with that in mind, a triple of some sort is always a possibility.

Luggage lows
Q.) Last year I bought a Fusion 600 H.O., but due to the poor/lack of luggage design I almost didn't! I ride with friends that run MXZs, and they have a great clean sleek luggage carrier in the back of the seat. Cat uses bags, but Polaris has wasted space and goofy plastic rattleboxes. I like to ride hard, and often do overnights. Backpacks hurt and seat bags do not hold up. Why don't you have at least a dash bag, or some way to cleanly attach a bag to the back of the tunnel? I do not mean the clumsy seat mounted bags; I mean clean, like BRP. - AmSnow.com member Jay Giggey

A.) This sort of feedback, while greatly appreciated, has been pretty rare - as we've found that luggage/storage capability is not high on the priority list of most performance sled riders. Still, we understand it's important and Polaris does now offer a number of custom, clean mounting storage solutions for the 600 H.O. Fusion and other performance machines.

For times when a rider needs something more than the built-in storage, there are semi-rigid saddle bags for the rear of the 121-inch chassis that are really quite solid and go on and off in a snap. In addition, for 2006 Fusions, there also are handlebar bags, fuel tank map bags and an accessory cargo carrier rack available. Check out www.purepolaris.com for the latest and greatest custom storage solutions for your sled.