In war as in war, they used to say ! 2021 Polaris Snowmobiles New. Polaris is staying the course with the same strategy for 2021 as for the previous years: they want to take over market shares, and they’re going all out to succeed… The next season will be packed with models for the consumer, and at more than competitive prices! In certain segments, Polaris is really putting its foot down to reach new fans, the designer is innovating on several aspects and is arousing curiosity. We continue to evolve the interaction between the driver and his car, both in terms of ergonomics and user interface. 2021 marks the arrival of a new chassis, a new engine, a new dial and much more. As for a four-stroke, unfortunately, enthusiasts will still have to wait…
MATRYX platform
Listening to the consumer, Polaris developed its new platform on three factors: acceleration, control and technology. This new chassis offers some very interesting features for the trail enthusiast. For those who like to move around on the snowmobile and counterbalance in turns, engineers have slimmed down the front part of the dyno and the fuel tank by 4.8 inches. This change facilitates left-right transitions, and improves ergonomics when riding upright. The side panels have also been modified to facilitate movement and increase wind protection. All these changes are the result of several wind tunnel tests, where the protection of the rider from the wind was the main focus. The idea was to install deflectors in the right places so that they divert the wind around the pilot and not on him.
New controls
To interface with the new screen, control your smartphone and various media, Polaris has added new controls near the left handlebar grip. Ergonomic and easy to use, they allow you to navigate and interface with the new system and even answer the phone! And it’s all at your fingertips.
New 7S screen
Polaris has always been at the forefront of technology with their snowmobile displays. 2021 marks a whole new generation of user interface: a seven (7) inch touch screen! This new toy, which works with your gloves, is very easy to use and is fully customizable. Depending on the brightness, the screen automatically adjusts between day and night mode. The display of the usual data such as speed, revolution and temperature are all configurable with several display styles. A second display offers a trail map! This records your ride which can then be transferred to a USB stick or phone via the Ride Command application. The system also interacts with your smartphone and allows you to receive calls via your communication system. Finally, if you have other members of your group using the same system, you will be able to follow them via your screen! Bravo!
Smart heated handles
Polaris continues to innovate technologically with smart heated grips. Traditional heated grips always deliver the same amount of heat according to the selected degree. So when you put your hand on the handle, it continues to deliver the same heat, regardless of whether your hand becomes an insulator. The new system takes into account the temperature of the handle itself, so when your hand is not on the handle, it will reach the selected temperature and stay there. When you put your hands on it, the elements will simply work to keep the same degree of heat, in this case, the intensity will decrease allowing to keep the same temperature on the surface of the handle. The texture is also different allowing a better grip.
Phare NightBlade
Polaris brings a new signature with this completely redesigned headlight. This LED headlight offers a remarkable power for evening riding, and what can I say about the look! It will be easy to recognize a Matryx next year!
New braking system
An all-new, shorter brake lever is used on the Matryx. Shorter and more aggressive, it can be operated with one finger.
New Footboards
To continue with the Matryx’s new features, the running boards have also been completely redesigned. The holes are larger to facilitate snow evacuation, but also more aggressive to give the rider a better grip.
Rangement Matryxs
With the notion of mass centralization and balance, storage space in a snowmobile becomes a huge challenge for manufacturers, the folks at Polaris have added storage space under the bench. To reach it, you’ll have to disassemble the bench, but don’t worry, it’s done in seconds. The addition of the 7-inch screen also provided a large storage compartment behind it.
a 650 CC
Some nostalgic people must certainly have some chills when they read the number 650… The older ones certainly remember the good old RXL 650 three cylinders of the 90’s, with an incredible sound at that time. The 650 is back in 2021, but only the CC number resembles it… This new two-cylinder, descendant of the Patriot lineage, is based on the same technology as its big brother the 850. As usual, the American manufacturer is not very talkative about the power of its engines, the figures put forward mention 10% more power and 14% more torque than the 600 CC version, and all this with regular gasoline. Some performance companies had measured the power of the 600 CC on a dyno, and the figures are all around 125 horsepower. With 10 percent more power, the 650 should have around 137-140 horsepower.
After having tested this little machine, we can tell you that it will surprise many people, Polaris technicians had done a calibration that made the power of the newcomer very clear. The most noticeable positive aspect is definitely the ease of use at low revs, the combination of the clutches with the low rev power gives the impression that this engine never forces itself, starts smoothly, without vibration and without hesitation. And despite the loss of power due to altitude, high speed performance was very respectable.
Indy VR1 : Matryx
New model for 2021, the Indy VR1! New Matryx chassis, available with both 650 and 850 engine versions, new stylized LED headlight, slimmed down tank and seat for rider movement, 7″ touchscreen with storage, 129″ track with buyer’s choice of Ice Ripper, Cobra or Storm 150, Pro-CC rear suspension and independent front suspension with Walker Evans shocks.
Switchback Assault 146 850 : Matryx!
The Assault 146 switchback from Matryx! An all new 50/50 with the new platform is inserted into the lineup for 2021. It has all the same benefits as the VR1 version with a completely redesigned chassis that gives the rider a lot of freedom of movement. The side covers are molded to match the new design. These changes greatly improve the riding ergonomics, making it easier to move left and right when riding aggressively and standing up. Engineers used the 146-inch IGX uncoupled rear suspension to improve performance during off-road escapades.
QD2 : Quick Drive second generation
Used for a few years at Polaris, the Quick Drive gears are now getting a new look. The main change is the reduction of the ratio by 10%. This change brings a better throttle response by facilitating the rotation of the track with a new transmission belt to match the new pulleys. All QD2 equipped snowmobiles will be equipped with the new 8 series track with 2.75 or 3 inch studs!
Timber sled Riot S and ARO S
During the SnowShoot presentation, Polaris also offered the possibility to try the Timbersled. For 2021, the American manufacturer offers two new versions: the S and Velocity models. The S version is 3 inches lower than the Velocity version, and offers an increased sense of security thanks to its 13% lower center of gravity. The Velocity version features new shock absorbers with the same name and higher internal strength. Several lighter rotating parts that improve throttle response have also been introduced for the new season.
Big year for the American manufacturer, we continue the technological innovation. This new 7-inch interactive screen pushes the limits of interaction with your snowmobile. And what is remarkable is how easy it is to learn and use. The 2021 marks the expansion of the Patriot family with this new 650 CC, its performance and smoothness will leave no one indifferent. And what about the Matryx platform! Better wind protection with a redesigned ergonomic design that allows the rider to be at one with the snowmobile.
One thing is certain, the Matryx will turn heads next year…
