When we go off-roading, a big part of the challenge is the confidence we have in our snowmobile to perform the necessary maneuvers to avoid obstacles or make sharp turns to veer off in an unexpected direction. Polaris has a long list of fans of its Polaris PRO-RMK series and this name needs no introduction to describe exactly what this class of snowmobile is all about.
Polaris offers a wide range of options that allow enthusiasts to design the snowmobile that meets their exact needs, and they boast that there are 100,000 possible combinations of all models, making it possible to own a virtually unique snowmobile. However, to do this, consumers must be on the lookout and visit their dealer in the spring before the upcoming season to take advantage of the exclusivity during the Snowcheck period.
2021 Polaris PRO-RMK 850 QD2 155:
It’s no surprise that the legendary PRO-RMK is back for 2021. However, what is a bit surprising is that we have no alternative to the powerful Patriot 850 engine, and unlike last year, the Liberty Cleanfire 800 engine will no longer be available as an option. We would have thought that Polaris would have once again made its smaller displacement engine available in the PRO-RMK model for snowmobiles on sale in the current year for 2021 models. However, we see a marketing strategy in this decision.
PRO-RMK 850 QD2: a Snowcheck model only.
Again this year, the surprise comes from the fact that the powerful Patriot 850 engine will be available again in the Polaris PRO-RMK 850 QD2 155 2021 version, but only as an exclusive Spring Snowcheck option in the exact package that was submitted to us on our February 2020 Montana trip. Do you see the trick? It’s a tactic to get followers to put down a deposit and commit to a spring snowmobile purchase. This course of action likely reflects the sluggish state of sales in the snowmobile industry in recent years. In our case, there is no way around this prerogative if we want to buy a Patriot 850-equipped PRO-RMK and own the best package available. Enthusiasts have to pull the trigger early or hope and pray that they can find this set at a Polaris dealer during the season.
A big novelty.
Aside from a package that is substantially similar to the previous year, a big innovation and significant advancement is noticeable for the 2021 model year. The exclusive second generation of the Polaris Quickdrive system is available as a spring exclusive for 2021. You’ll recall that this Quickdrive system replaces the traditional chain case (chaincase), and is a way to make the PRO-RMK lighter for its off-road vocation. The new Quickdrive2 is an exclusive Snowcheck feature for this snowmobile and has been enhanced to provide even faster response when we press the throttle.
In effect, this means that when we release the throttle to make a turn in the powder on a hill or mountain, or when we have to negotiate technical maneuvers in weight transfer, the throttle response is faster with Quickdrive2.
The reason is simple, its low inertia design has a 10% reduction in gear ratio. The Quickdrive2 also has a new belt construction that was developed in partnership with Gates. The internal composition of the belt is completely different and has been optimized to work with the new sprocket diameters of the Quickdrive2.
Polaris has managed to reduce the overall weight by 5 lbs, which is always a good thing on this type of snowmobile. The combined benefits of this system and the 155 x 3.0 8 series track are more immediate response and therefore superior traction. It also provides more instantaneous and spontaneous climbs. This 3-inch track provides excellent grip in the snow and its bite expels snow efficiently in all conditions. The length of this 155-inch track is appropriate for limited handling. However, long turns in deep snow would be slightly easier with a 163 or 174 inch track. However, it remains to determine beforehand the playground that is most frequently offered to us to determine the most appropriate length for our use.
Moteur Patriot 850.
This engine needs no introduction, as it is the most popular engine in the Polaris snowmobile division. This engine already has its die-hards, and with good reason. The number of horses deployed by this twin-cylinder engine is around 170. Is that enough? For most snowmobilers, this burst of power is more than enough. Its versatility has been proven since its introduction and its use in Polaris snowmobiles is proof of that. Its power is adequate to project this snowmobile beyond steep climbs.
The only complaint we can make about the Patriot 850 engine is the white smoke produced from the exhaust system during a cold start. This inconvenience is rather noticeable and undesirable when produced in an enclosed trailer.
Is the 850 Patriot engine reliable in the long term?
So far, we would be inclined to say yes. We are aware that a few problems have been reported by a few people, but Polaris was quick to respond and resolve the issue. When we took the time to examine and dissect our Polaris PRO-RMK 850 QD2 155 2021 from all angles, we noticed the improvements to the fuel lines and wiring harnesses, to name a few. Good comments are also coming from all sides to confirm that the mechanics are up to par.
Its chassis.
The 2021 version returns with the already popular and manageable Axys platform. It offers a balance for ultimate handling and control. It allows for easy sidehill and sidehill maneuvers while minimizing effort. The formula is already tried and tested so why change a winning recipe?
Its overall appearance.
The initial spring version of the Polaris PRO-RMK 850 QD2 155 2021 that we had in our hands was in a very bright Indy red. Let’s face it, you either like it or you don’t! It’s hard to go unnoticed with this fire engine red with a few yellowish accents. The general lines of this mountain snowmobile do not betray its origins. There is no doubt about the rich heritage of the Polaris manufacturer.
A test under real conditions.
It’s hard to say if the weight reduction created by the Quickdrive2 is really noticeable, but this snowmobile has all the assets and especially the most instantaneous responses to accomplish climbs with the nose of the hood pointed to the sky. It’s almost too easy to feel like a “pro rider” as it makes all handling in any condition so easy. This bodes well for beginners in the off-road activity, as the Polaris PRO-RMK 850 will quickly overcome some riding mistakes due to its easy handling.
I must confess that I am not a specialist in off-trail snowmobiling. However, in spite of this confession, I can nevertheless affirm that I am in the average of the snowmobilers as regards this sub-category. Therefore, I can say that this snowmobile is a perfect fit for a majority of enthusiasts. Its behavior is predictable and it goes exactly where we want to go. I must admit that our test conditions in Montana were not ideal to exploit the full potential of this sled. We had to deal with hard-packed snow even at over 8000 feet. On the other hand, we were able to find some untouched locations that allowed us to showcase the capabilities and ease of combination riding and a good demonstration of our skills.
Even if it seemed almost perfect, we would like a more airtight compartment above the digital interface. The multiple passages in snowy and powdery areas have come to an end of the closing of this trunk and the notes that we had left there. These few annotations on paper were feeling some kind of humidity. Was this only a frequent or isolated case?
A second area of improvement is the front lower control arms. The aftermarket is full of suspension arms that are arched upward to provide better clearance when going over obstacles. It would be good for the designers to equip this snowmobile with a set that would allow a better clearance of obstructions that may be in our way.
Finally, even if its lift on powder snow will be less than a longer track, this snowmobile will have the advantage of greater maneuverability. That’s the first thing we noticed. The whole package is great and the designers at Polaris put all their efforts into providing mountain snowmobiles worthy of the name.
