February 27th, 2008

2007 Polaris Wide Trak

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We’re gonna start the 2007 models with the Wide Track. The Wide Track is more of a working sled. It’s a big, heavy sled with lots of pulling power in it and that’s what makes it great for work. It’s also pretty comfortable and good on mileage. If you like speed this is definitely not the right choice for you. You can’t count on the thing to outrun the other sleds out there. What it does best is heavy work on long distances. The name of the sled comes from the ski width. They’re certainly wider than what you have on the ordinary Polaris sleds. That has its advantages and disadvantage, but again it all depends on what you’re gonna use the sled for. The advantages of that type of skis are that the sled works great when it comes to deep powder…even with its weight you don’t have to be scared about getting stuck in the snow. See the specifications before the disadvantages:

MODEL    Wide Trak
M.S.R.P. *    $7,849.00
ENGINE    Polaris, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    488 cc
BORE X STROKE    72 x 60 mm
CARBURETION    2 - VM34
HORSEPOWER    65 hp
IGNITION    CDI
CLUTCH    Drive: P-85
SUSPENSION    Front: IFS; Nitrex shocks; Nitrex track shock; 7.25 in. (18.4 cm) travel
Rear: Adjustable coupled rail; Nitrex track shock; 9 in. (22.9 cm) travel
BRAKES    Mechanical disc
EXHAUST    Single
SKIS    Composite, wide
LENGTH    128 in. (325.1 cm)
WIDTH    43.5 in. (110.5 cm)
HEIGHT    51 in. (129.5 cm)
TRACK LXWXH    156 x 20 x 1 in.
SKI STANCE    38 in. (96.5 cm)
DRY WEIGHT    643 lbs. (291.9 kg)
FUEL CAPACITY    11 gal. (41.6 l)

The downside of that type of skis is the handling of the sled. It does take some more effort and adjusting till you get it right. Being heavy also doesn’t help when it comes to handling, so you better consider that too. Except the things pointed out I don’t see any other disadvantages for this thing. Yes, it’s not the prettiest one out there, but as long as it does its job who cares about looks. The sled is definitely worth its money and if you need a real working sled this is the one you wanna try.

February 27th, 2008

2006 Polaris FS Classic

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You do realize that this is exactly the same sled as the FS Touring, right? So if you’ve expect this review to be much different than the previous one, I’d have to disappoint you right from the start. The Classic does have one advantage over the Touring, though – the fact that it is smaller. It’s also lighter which makes it even faster than the Touring. The smaller size makes it easier to handle and work the corners with. The comfort level is still that high, but unfortunately all the downsides are also valid. So here are the specifications for the FS Classic:

MODEL    FS Classic
M.S.R.P. *    $8,399.00
ENGINE    Four-stroke, Liquid Cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    750 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 66 mm
CARBURETION    EFI
IGNITION    Bosch - Closed Loop
CLUTCH    P-85 / TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ; Nitrex Select shocks; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 10 in. travel
Rear: Fast M-10 128; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 13 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    Single
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    115 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    51 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 15 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    565 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    9.2 gal.

If I must choose between those two – the FS Touring and the FS Classic I’ll go with the Classic, so if you’ve absolutely fallen for those two sleds (although I don’t see a reason for that) and still wondering which one to choose, I suggest do go with the Classic version. Still, if anything else is on the “wonder” list – go with it. Or go for the newer versions of those two – there’s no way they’re as bad.

February 27th, 2008

2006 Polaris FS Touring

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The next 4 stroke Polaris sled we’re gonna review is the FS Touring. Overall the 2006 4-stroke engine Polaris sleds haven’t been a charm, and unfortunately this one’s no different. When it comes to comfort the sled is pretty much all you can get, but everything else, especially the reliability is totally failing it. The thing is certainly heavy with its 628 lbs. but still has some power in it. Don’t think you can use it for jumps, though. Just like with the previous two 4-stroke engine sleds reviewed, the electronics of this one are crazy…in the bad way, meaning that nothing works as it’s supposed to. Then there are the engine troubles, the belts troubles and the chain ones, too. I’ll keep going after you see the specifications:

MODEL    FS Touring
M.S.R.P. *    $8,899.00
ENGINE    Four-stroke, Liquid-cooled, 2-Cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    750 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 66 mm
CARBURETION    EFI
IGNITION    Bosch - Closed Loop
CLUTCH    P-85/TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ; Nitrex Select shocks; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 10 in. travel
Rear: Fast M-10 136; Fox, HPG, IFP (Nitrex third shock) Track shocks; 14 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    Single
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    129 in.
WIDTH    48.0 in.
HEIGHT    53.0 in.
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1.0 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    628 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    9.2 gal.

If Polaris really get rid of the problems what you’re left with is one really good sled. As I already said it’s really one comfortable piece of work – heavy, but comfortable. It’s a big sled so you know the handling is gonna take some time to get used to, but you’ll be ok once you get some practice with it. Mileage is also pretty good which is important since it’s a touring sled, right? If only it was flawless. Well, hopefully they’ll have those problems all solved out pretty soon, but until then I suggest go check some of the better sleds they’re offering.

February 26th, 2008

2006 Polaris FST Classic

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The other FST model you can chose from is the FST Classic and in my opinion looks a lot better than the Switchback, but that’s a matter of a personal opinion after all. Again this is a pretty nice sled as far as comfort and power level, but again very problematic one. The good things are that the handling of the Classic is easier compared to the Switchback, simply because it’s not that long. The thing gets 16 mpg and the smoothness and torque of the 4 stroke is simply unbelievable. The suspension is first rate and when you have it dialed in just right - it soaks up all the bumps, making the ride way more comfortable. The only differences are with the size, but anyway here are the specifications again:

MODEL    FST Classic
M.S.R.P. *    $9,199.00
ENGINE    Four-stroke, Liquid Cooled, 2-cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    750 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 66 mm
CARBURETION    EFI
IGNITION    Bosch - Closed Loop
CLUTCH    P-85 / TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ; Nitrex Select Shocks; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 10 in. travel
Rear: Fast M-10 128; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 13 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    Single - Turbo
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    115 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    51 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 15 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    580 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    9.2 gal.

When it comes to reliability though, the sled performs very poorly. Again I relate those problems to the fact that those are new machines, but the problems are there anyway and you have to know about them. The most common ones tend to be - starter problems, reverse problems, fuel gauge not reading correctly (not even close) and turbo problems. Overall the power is good, but in warm weather the drive belt smells of rubber burning. Those are not tings to be ignored as they can easily ruin day out. Again just like with the FST Switchback I suggest you check out some of the newer editions of those sled.

February 26th, 2008

2006 Polaris FST Switchback

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The 2006 FST Switchback is again kinda inconsistent sled.  That’s probably due to the fact that it’s the first of its kind and still needs some tuning and modifying. It’s an overall very good and powerful sled, and you’ll be surprised how much power you can pull from it. The thing runs good in the powder and it is pretty good for packed trail and up steep hills. The handling is not the easiest job since the sled is long and heavy, but all it takes is some practice and you’ll be alright with it. The FST is great on mileage for its heaviness – the fuel consumption is around 12 mpg. Being heavy does not mean the sled is slow. As I already mentioned you’ll be surprised how fast it can be. According to riders the fastest GPS speed is of this machine is 127 mph, which you have to admit is pretty amazing considering the 590 lbs dry weight. Here are the specifications:

MODEL    FST Switchback
M.S.R.P. *    $9,399.00
ENGINE    Four-stroke, Liquid cooled, 2 Cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    750 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 66 mm
CARBURETION    EFI
IGNITION    Bosch - Closed Loop
CLUTCH    P-85 / TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ; Fox, HPG, IFP shocks; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 10 in. travel
Rear: Dual Purpose Rail; Fox, HPG, IFP, Comp. Adjust. Track shocks; 16.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    Single - Turbo
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    128 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    48.5 in.
TRACK LXWXH    144 x 15 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    590 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    9.2 gal.

It’s kinda strange and dull looking sled, but it’s pretty comfortable. Still it needs some adjustment - it is very nose heavy due to the four stroke engine and because of that you do need to change your riding style to suit the motors characteristics. Again all it takes is some practice, but you have to be careful with that. The problems people have are mainly with the belts and chain. Also some with the motor overheating and yes those are the thing Polaris need to work on for the next upgraded version. Other than that the sled is great and many people trust it and love it. My suggestion is you go look for the newer editions. We’ll review them very soon and hopefully the downsides will be significantly reduced. They’ll probably cost some more since they’re gonna be newer models, but at least they’ll be problems free.

February 25th, 2008

2006 Polaris Super Sport M-10

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This is one of the upgrades for the 2005 Super Sport. The 06 Super Sport M-10 certainly looks better than its predecessor, but not too much have changed. The machine still feels slow compared to other Polaris models although it’s a little bit lighter than the Super sport. Still it’s a good thing to have if you’re a beginner or intermediate rider. The thing’s easy to handle, but it’s not one of the most comfortable sleds out there. It’s pretty good one fuel though, since its light and not that big. See the specifications:

MODEL    Super Sport M-10
M.S.R.P. *    $5,499.00
ENGINE    Polaris, Fan cooled, 2-cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    544 cc
BORE X STROKE    73 x 65 mm
CARBURETION    2-VM34
IGNITION    Digital CDI
CLUTCH    P-85 / TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: Edge; Nitrex shocks; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 10 in. travel
Rear: Fast, M-10; Fox, HPG, IFP Track shocks; 14 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    Single
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    113 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    46 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 x 15 x 1 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    470 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    11.8 gal.

Probably the most uncomfortable thing in the sled is the handlebars. They’re a little too low for an upright riding position and I think that’s something Polaris has to change about it. There’s also change in the skis ant with the Super Sport M-10 you get composite and not steel ones, anyway both of them give you stability just this one’s a little bit more pliable to jumps and stuff. The price is a little higher, but that’s understandable since the model’s newer and somewhat upgraded.  I think the price is pretty fair though. Still if it was me I’d go for the 2005 model. There’s still much to be worked on this sled and for now the 2 models don’t differ too much (the 05 is just as good as the 06 one). We’ll wait for the 07 and 08 and see if they’re worth getting.

February 25th, 2008

2005 Polaris 600 Edge Touring 50th Anniversary Edition

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Another great Polaris sled. There’s not too much difference between the 600 Edge touring and the 600 Edge Touring 50th Anniversary Edition except in the appearance, and a little bit on the weight. Both are very nice machines. Both very steady and easy to handle. Big machines, but certainly not slow. They have great power in them and although you won’t be flying like a rocket it won’t be a problem dealing with the deep snow. Comfort is the main thing Polaris accented on when making the 600 Edge Touring and in my opinion they’ve done a wonderful job. Here are the specifications before we go on:

MODEL    600 Edge Touring 50th Anniversary Edition
M.S.R.P. *    $8,599.00
ENGINE    Liberty, Liquid-cooled, 2-Cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    599cc
BORE X STROKE    77.24 x 64
CARBURETION    2-TM38
IGNITION    Digital CDI w/TPS, WTS, Fuel Octane Switch
CLUTCH    P-85/TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: EDGE, CRC, Indy Select, Comp. Adjustable shocks, 10 in. travel
Rear: EDGE Touring ACE, 15.2 in. travel travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    VES, Single
SKIS    Composite, Accu-Trak
LENGTH    128 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    49.5 in.
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1.0 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    585 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12.25 gal.

Really the only thing you can complain about this sled is its weight. Because of it, it’s not gonna be the fastest one out there, and it’s gonna eat some more fuel than the ones around it (fuel ave.14mpg), but that’s all compensated by the comfort and stability level. The price is also not a bad one and if you decide to go for the sled I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed of it.

February 25th, 2008

2005 Polaris 600 Switchback

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If you’re looking for a sled that is a joy to ride in all conditions, then you can’t go wrong with the Switchback. It is a very comfortable ride with lots of power for the hills, the trails and in the deep powder. The thing can go up to 105 mph if you push it, but it’s also one really steady sled that’s easy to handle. The suspension is excellent and makes it very comfortable. It also seems to get about 10 mpg which is pretty good for the speed you can squeeze from it. There’s an option for an 800 Switchback, but my opinion is that you won’t need all that power. The 600 has plenty of it and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it. Here are the specifications:

MODEL    600 Switchback
M.S.R.P. *    $7,799.00
ENGINE    Liberty, Liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    599cc
BORE X STROKE    77.24 x 64
CARBURETION    2-TM38
IGNITION    Digital CDI w/TPS, WTS, Fuel Octane Switch
CLUTCH    P-85/TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: Adjustable Width, CRC, Ryde FX, HPG, IFP shocks, 7.6/7.2 in. travel
Rear: Dual Purpose Rail, 17 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    VES, Single
SKIS    Composite Dual Runner
LENGTH    124 in.
WIDTH    47 in.
HEIGHT    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    144 x 15 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5/41 in.
DRY WEIGHT    488 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    11.8 gal.

There’s really nothing to be pointed out as a flow for this machine. It’s a beautiful ride that performs flawlessly all the time. It’s also probably the cheapest Polaris sled to be reviewed till now and to tell you the truth I’ll pay even more money for this sled. It’s really something you won’t regret buying.

February 25th, 2008

2005 Polaris 800 XC SP

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This is a beautiful old style looking sled. It has its ups and downs, but it’s an overall good machine. It performs fairly well and although it’s not one of the fastest sleds I don’t think you’ll be complaining if you get it. It’s also very, very comfortable. Handling is an easy job and you’ll love it. It’s not the best when it comes to gas mileage, but none of the big sleds is so you can’t really expect miracles. The thing is pretty reliable and besides some defects, were gonna talk later for, I think you’re gonna like it very much.

MODEL    800 XC SP
M.S.R.P. *    $8,199.00
ENGINE    Liberty Liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    794cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 70
CARBURETION    2 TM40
IGNITION    Digital CDI w/TPS, WTS, Fuel Octane Switch, DET
CLUTCH    P-85/TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: EDGE, CRC, Ryde FX, HPG, IFP shocks, 10.3 in. travel
Rear: EDGE, 13.9 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    VES, Single
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    113 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    46 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 x 15 x 1 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
DRY WEIGHT    499 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    11.8 gal.

One of the most popular recalls that Polaris will most certainly spare you is about the fuel tank. It tends to split at the gas cap and you can be sure that this will certainly ruin your vacation. You have to check up with your dealer about any recalls and decide on place whether the sled is worthy. Many of the things can be voided if you know about them, so be sure to ask before you get the sled (or any Polaris sled of that matter). My opinion is that the 800 XC SP is fairly good sled for the price given and if you like it you should get it, but not before you’ve checked those newer and upgraded versions of it.

February 25th, 2008

2005 Polaris 900 Fusion

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This is one very popular yet very disputed about sled. Half the people that own it, love it, the other part simply hate it. Overall the sled is a good one. It handles very easy, the suspension is awesome and it’s pretty comfortable.  The power is also pretty good.  It’s not a fast top end sled, but it gets there quite fast, so nothing to complain about here. What people don’t like about it is that it’s unreliable. You never know when it’s gonna quit on you. While it runs the thing is awesome, if it quits on you, you just wanna throw it away. Here are the specifications and we’ll continue:

MODEL    900 Fusion
M.S.R.P. *    $9,499.00
ENGINE    Liberty / Liquid cooled, 2 cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    866 cc
BORE X STROKE    83 x 80
CARBURETION    Cleanfire Injection
IGNITION    Digital CDI w/ TPS, WTS, DET
CLUTCH    P-85/TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ, Ryde FX, HPG, IFP shocks, 10 in. travel
Rear: IQ, 12 in. travel
BRAKES    Phantom, Hydraulic Disc
EXHAUST    SC VES, Single
SKIS    Accutrak 2
LENGTH    115 in.
WIDTH    47 in.
HEIGHT    51 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 x 15 x 1
SKI STANCE    42.5 in.
FUEL CAPACITY    10.8 gal.

Many people think the reliability problems are due to improper maintenance, and probably some of the problems can be avoided, but I just can’t agree that half the people who own the sled are not gonna take care of it. There’s got to be something else. It’s just an alarm note to everyone who likes this machine and wants to have it. My suggestion – drop it. There are so many new models out and for the price you have to pay for this one you can easily get something newer and better. Or if you insist on the 900 Fusion at least check out those newer editions.

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