Polaris IQR Mountain chassis debate:

[Scott]

I REALLY want to try one.

It's different than the RMK. The IQR steers more like a REV. I sat on one in the show room at local Pol dealer. I liked it.

I'm sure it's a good jumper, boondocker and banger and all....in a mountain version how is the geometry set-up compared to the RMKs?

I keep asking myself...if that chassis is so great for backcountry and free riding...why didn't POL build it that way?

 

[autolodge]

IQr

Scott, I built a mountain IQr using all '08 RMK 155 suspension and shocks. I also used the 155 "Raw" tunnel and it mated up to the IQr bulkhead fine. It was only a 600HO but really ripped out west. The lack of swaybar makes it harder to trailride but I ran next to an 09 800RMK 163 out west and when we switched sleds, we both agreed the racer bulkhead feels lighter and is easier to throw around. I also like the little extra forward that the racer chassis puts you. Obviously the RMK800 out climbed it in a straight line and the fit and finish of the plastics is better. If you are going put a mod motor in it you are going to want to put a bigger tank (polaris's "8.8" large tank is about 8.2gal) Check out the 440/racer section of Hardcoresledder.com, there is a ton of info on there. As far as suspension goes, there are a million options...any fusion, consumer IQ, IQr or aftermarket from 05 and up will bolt to the IQr bulkhead. You just need to run the right length shocks for the front end you have. If you are making a mountain IQr, I would try an RMK style rear suspension for anything over 136 because the stock race skid while extremely strong, is really heavy. With the front cooler installed, you can fit a 2 in paddle or a 2.25 finger track. with it removed (thats what i did) you can run anything. I happen to be running the 2.4 series 5 off the RMK. The RMK tube drive axle fits the IQr chassis but you will have to fab your own pto side bearing cover. If you don't mind not having the speedometer, you can plug just about any polaris motor into the IQr chassis harness, as long as you have the donor motors CDI and motor harness. If you have any questions, I have done more than a handful of IQr conversions and if I don't know the answer, I can point you to someone who does! Craig (218)-343-5966

Edit: pic

 

[springer]

Scott, I had Winter build two for me this past summer.After a season of use, hear's what I learned.Both sleds have 150 camo extremes.This IMO maybe the best track for this sled.It will hold its own against anything,if you ride the trees and techincal stuff it excels.Both sleds where built with different needs in mind.My wife's because she is small did not need alot power,we kept the 600 race motor,used a 144 rmk rear,set back,and holz A-arms and spindles also from an rmk.Shocks are float evolve r . With the 144 set back it provides the sled to turn on a dime,yet has so little angle of attack it can crawl up on the snow or out of the trench.This has been a giant killer and a pleasant surprise. She came off a lightly modified m-7 witha 153 camo. Mine has e-z ryde rear,with 43" wide Z-broz front power by a Carl's 797. This sled has the power to go against anything,that is not boosted,and will kill them on the techincal stuff. Now to answer you questions,on both sleds the parts that are used could be put on an RMK,but because of the bulk head,the geometry differs.I came of two sleds,both modified.An 05 m-7 162,and a 07 rmk 660 155. Neither could handle the techinacal stuff with as little effort as the IQR. This is the big difference! Why? Rider postition and weight.Both sleds have a futher forward rider postition and are light.I don't need to tell you what that means. However the main difference between an IQR and an RMK or any other sled,is the fact that an IQR is not sit down sled!You must ride it standing to get everything the sled has to offer,and push it hard.The harder you push it the better it responds.Also to get it light,get ready to do without things.Speedometers,trip meters,gas gauges and storage. And you will have to haul extra fuel.I think that are the main reasons why polaris does not produce the sled.They can't do what a builder can do for alot of reasons, including epa regs.So is it worth it? Take the plunge do the reseach,do it right.Hang on tight to the best sled you will ever ride!

 

[doors4u]

As stated above, I believe it is the balance of the chassis that sets it apart from the RMK. The lighter weight also contributes. There are several people here on the forum who will point you in the right direction. The biggest piece of information that I can give you is to start with a brand new chassis. You end up with a much cleaner finished product. Brad's tunnels are a work of art. He also has motor plates for almost anything you can dream up. Let me know if you need any more info.

 

[Scott]

I'm starting to see more stretched IQRs in the swap. WHY? Economy or not living up to mountain hype?

Lots of guys saying..."only has xxx miles on it. Just to get it dialed in and tuned.".

Why go to the work of doing that and then selling it. It cost's more to build one that buy one.

 

[springer]

Personally I think the economy is only part of it.You have to be willing to go though alot of frustration to get these things dailed in. What works,say in you RMK 800,may not work in your IQR.You have to be a fairly acomplished tuner for both motor and suspension. Or you need to have someone that can help you. That is the limiting factor with the IQR. Another reason is guys were not realistic with there own needs. They did not balance motor with track and suspension with there riding style or ability. You have to be honest with yourself. Build to suit you and your ability. Plus consider the snow conditions you ride in mostly. If you don't yours too might be for sale.

 

[autolodge]

Buy one

I'm starting to see more stretched IQRs in the swap. WHY? Economy or not living up to mountain hype?

Lots of guys saying..."only has xxx miles on it. Just to get it dialed in and tuned.".

Why go to the work of doing that and then selling it. It cost's more to build one that buy one.

I sell one to two IQr builds a year, and most of the time i lose money. I do it because I like the build, and like something that no one else has. I can say "yeah, I built it!" I have seen a couple of really clean builds that guys have turned around and dumped because they really don't like to ride. I ride ditches, powerlines and mountains so I could care less about "ergonomics" or how soft the seat is (If you are sitting on a IQr chassis you aren't riding it right). If i didn't like building them so much I would save myself the money and buy a conversion.

 

[doors4u]

Scott, I have contemplated selling mine as well. I cannot speak for others, but I garantee that the next sled I own will be another IQR. I enjoyed building the sled as much as I enjoy riding it. Real mountain sleds are built not bought. My sled will not climb as high as some others, but I built it to be a good all around sled. I still have people ask how big the motor is in my sled. They think that it has a big block in it. I only run a 144 x 2.5 and feel that this is the best setup for what I do. Most people would be happier with a 150-155" set up. This sled has been one of the most consistent sleds I have owned.

 

[Scott]

I saw an IQR is swap by TLWoods. Has a PSI 1155cc twin like have in my genII chassis. I thought about doing that too. That or a cfi turbo. One u have over 200 hp you can't go back. Lol.

Scott, I have contemplated selling mine as well. I cannot speak for others, but I garantee that the next sled I own will be another IQR. I enjoyed building the sled as much as I enjoy riding it. Real mountain sleds are built not bought. My sled will not climb as high as some others, but I built it to be a good all around sled. I still have people ask how big the motor is in my sled. They think that it has a big block in it. I only run a 144 x 2.5 and feel that this is the best setup for what I do. Most people would be happier with a 150-155" set up. This sled has been one of the most consistent sleds I have owned.

 

[woodpecker]

I really think someone should loan me one for a month, just so I could have an unbiased opinion. I'll even let them loan my 900

 

[doors4u]

Keep your motor and sell your chassis.

 

[himarker]

thats wat i plan to do....union bay 900 in a IQR....it shoudl be fun if i can find a chassis fo the right price

 

[autolodge]

chassis

Looks like there is a pretty sweet rolling chassis in the swap meet, part yours and put the psi in the IQr. I thought I was going to need a lot bigger motor but the little 600 HO is fine for this light chassis. I came off an 02 Edge RMK800 with SLP everything and I really don't miss the BB. The IQr is WAYYY more fun in the technical stuff than the old edge RMK.

 

[doors4u]

Are you off the fence yet, or do you want me to come push you off!

 

[RMKRIDER]

I'm starting to see more stretched IQRs in the swap. WHY? Economy or not living up to mountain hype?

Lots of guys saying..."only has xxx miles on it. Just to get it dialed in and tuned.".

Why go to the work of doing that and then selling it. It cost's more to build one that buy one.

Scott,
I believe you are quoting my ad to sell my 2008 IQR. Economy is the main reason for me. I have since pulled it off the market due to low ball offers. I did not want to sell it anyway. I have wanted to do one for 3 years. As stated in a post above- I would however start with a new chassis if possible. You do have to have patience when building this type of project. Many of the parts have to be fabricated. Hardcore sledder is very good info. It is by far the most fun sled I have ever rode. If you do one and have any questions pm me. Go for it and don't look back.

 

[springer]

RMKRIDER, Good for you! I thought your price was too low to begin with.These sleds are special. They represent the best of the best! None of the builders or owners of these sleds needs to give them away! Scott just do it,its a blast!

 

[HighmarkerX]

The only real difference between a IQR and a RMK is the rider forward position and the pyramid hoop. So, wouldn't it just be easier to fit the IQR bodywork, hoop, and steering system to a RMK. The bulkheads are the same geometry. This seams like a much easier and less expensive way. Also, I have heard the IQR bulkhead is heavier than a RMK, most of the weight difference is in the steering and bodwork.

Just curious why no one has tried making one this route.

 

[autolodge]

differences

Even though the suspension geometry is the same...There are a ton of differences between the IQr and the IQrmk bulkhead, and they all have to do with SPACE! Though the IQr looks smaller, they have WAY more under hood space and the bulkheads are easily modified to fit any motor up to a 1200 tripple. It is near impossible to fit a tripple in a stock(ish) rmk bulkhead due to the lack or room for pipes and motor. Brad (1200psi) makes motor plates to stuff any motor into this chassis, and from what I have seen, they are really good fit and finish. I need to weigh my IQr RMK 155 because it would be interesting to find out the difference between the RMK and the IQ front halves. I can tell you this, the IQr, when set up right, is one of the easiest riding mountain chassis around.

 

[RMKRIDER]

I need to weigh both of mine to tell the diffrence. I can tell by riding both that the IQR is a LOT lighter.

Someone around here has an IQ with the IQR hood. The sled was at the WPS MOD show and it looked pretty good. Riding one like that is like a guy wearing a Harley jacket but rides a moped. I think he was from Idaho Falls Area.

 

[JET FUEL]

Scott,

If you want to meet me in Idaho Falls before the snow melts, I will let you ride mine and you can decide from there(I'm in Boise, figured that was half way). I haven't done much riding this year because my riding buddy hasn't finished his IQR and won't ride anything else.(I was like this last year when his was running and I burnt mine down)

You can put a swaybar in, it handles way better and keeps the front end from diving in an off throttle deep powder turn.

The one thing I've noticed is its harder to pull into a sidehill when pointed down downhill, is not hard to side hill just takes a little bit more effort to initially pull it over. Gary (RMKRIDER) pulled the block from the steering post bushing and added a riser he said it helped this a little bit. I haven't tried it on mine yet.