2020 Polaris Snowmobile News. Polaris attacks 2020 with nearly 40 models available for the new season… No doubt that the enthusiast will find something to suit his needs for the new season. The American manufacturer continues to offer a great variety in each segment, reaching all budgets and tastes. A lot of refinement comes from the 2019 lineup, which was quite a one, filled with new features: the arrival of the 850 engine, the expansion of the Indy lineup, not to mention the new mountain front suspension!
Well, for the new season, there are many small changes to complete the 2019 novelties. The enthusiast will not be left out of the novelty: several versions of the Indy, a new mountain snowmobile, XCRs with Indy platforms.
Indy XCR
The Indy XCR lineup replaces last year’s Rush XCR, in a way. However, it is a very different vehicle that offers excellent handling on the trail. Several modifications provide better control, more stability and more comfort. As it has been for years, the XCRs are the trail version of their race car; this one transposes the race-tested technologies to the trail to benefit the thrill-seeking enthusiast.
Plateform AXYS Indy
The new AXYS Indy platform in XCR version has undergone some changes compared to the other Indy models. Focused on strength and rigidity, the tunnel is equipped with reinforcement plates to reduce the torsion effect, which helps the suspension performance.
Suspension PRO-CC version XCR
On the rear suspension side, we now find the PRO-CC introduced on last year’s Indy versions with some small changes. The two suspension cradles are not perforated like its sisters to increase rigidity and resistance. The suspension wheels are solid (no holes), also for durability reasons. To offer a better support to the track, the engineers designed the rear axle with four wheels instead of three. Finally, the rear suspension coupling adjustment blocks are made of aluminum, which is more resistant and offers a more stable ride, keeping the skis on the ground at all times.
Suspension PRO-CC 137 pouces
Based on the 129 version introduced in 2019, Polaris presents us with its 137 version of the PRO-CC. Let’s start with the suspension cradles, these are longer on the rear portion, that is, between the rear support wheels and the pivot arm. The rear mounting plates, which connect the suspension to the chassis, are differently shaped to move the bolt hole further back, given the 137-inch length. The rear shock absorber is also longer as are the rods on each side of it. Interestingly, it is possible to adjust the weight transfer via the adjustment blocks, like the 129-inch version!
Indy XC 137 inches
In the line of sight to extend the 137 inches versions equipped with the new AXYS Indy chassis, we continue with an INDY XC 137 version! The AXYS chassis design offers a good driving position to the rider, the masses are centralized to the maximum towards the center of the snowmobile, facilitating the driving and the comfort. On the suspension side, it’s the new PRO-CC 137 inch discussed earlier. It offers the ability to adjust weight transfer via adjustment blocks, and it features the renowned Walker Evans external reservoir shocks. The XC version also offers the optional Polaris Interactive Digital Display (IDD) color instrument panel, which features GPS, touchscreen and a host of other functions. Three engine choices are available to the future owner: the 600 or 800 Cleanfire or the 850 Patriot.
Indy SP 137 inches
An Indy version for smaller budgets? Why not! The SP version offers the same main attributes, i.e., a PRO-CC rear suspension paired with the AXYS chassis, IFP internal floating piston shocks front, center and rear. Unlike the XC version, you will have the electric starter as a bonus! Attention, only one choice of engine, the 600 CC Cleanfire.
Indy Adventure
Certainly one of the nice new products at Polaris for 2020. The Indy Adventure lineup was timidly introduced in 2019, extended 144 or 155 inch versions with only one engine choice, the fan-cooled 550. Let’s be honest, the 550 is certainly a great, reliable engine, but it doesn’t reach the trail enthusiast who wants performance… Now, for the new season, Polaris offers us a 137-inch Indy Adventure, with three engine choices: the 600, the 800 and the mighty 850! Standard features include a 46-liter rear storage compartment, mirrors, a 12-volt accessory outlet and PERC electronic reverse. You’ll have to pay a few extra dollars for the electric starter or the passenger seat.
RMK Khaos
New for 2020, the RMK Khaos joins the mountain snowmobile lineup for the new season. Filling the void left by the demise of the RMK Assault, Polaris says it’s the best-handling mountain snowmobile ever produced. The Assault’s heritage lies mainly in the lightweight chassis parts. For the other components, we have to refer to the 2019 Pro-RMK. On the front suspension side, there’s the RMK React (introduced in 2019), which offers adjustable ski spacing between 36 and 38 inches, a sway bar and Gripper skis. The rear suspension, dubbed the RMK Khaos, features a new geometry that allows for more pressure and resistance in the middle portion of the snowmobile, easing handling and providing better control in all stages of riding. Adding to the seriousness of this snowmobile are new Walker Evans Velocity shocks, adjustable for low- and high-speed compression.
RMK EVO
A very affordable entry-level RMK! The Mountain EVO brings a mix between the Trail EVO and the RMK. The front suspension, RMK EVO, is similar to the trail suspension, with a 39-inch ski spread, but incorporating Gripper mountain skis. In the rear, the 144-inch Indy suspension is uncoupled for easier use in deep snow. Engineers opted for the 15 X 144 Backcountry track with a 1.75-inch bead. There is only one engine choice, the fan-cooled two-cylinder 550 CC. The center of gravity is lower and the width is reduced to offer a reassuring ride to our young enthusiasts or those new to the sport.
RIP 2020
The arrival of new models often leads to their disappearance. The Rush XCR line, which has been the ultimate snowmobile for the extreme trail enthusiast at Polaris for a few years now, has given way to the Indy, the RMK Assault has been replaced in some way by the Khaos, and most importantly, the legendary Wide Track LX 550 has disappeared.
Although there are still some models with Pro-XC suspensions, such as the Rush and Switchback Pro-S and the Switchback XCR, it is a safe bet that the 2021 edition will announce the complete disappearance of the Pro-XC suspension. The Roseau, Minnesota-based company is undoubtedly constantly evolving, and the refinement of the mountain lineup continues to arouse the interest of off-road enthusiasts. The arrival of the 850 Patriot last year provided a good adrenaline rush, and the return of a two-seat performance snowmobile for 2020 will certainly charm Quebec consumers. Our only wish: when will a trail model with a four-stroke engine return?
