Let’s start our article with some background on the KHAOS model which is only in its third year on the market. The Polaris 850 RMK Khaos Matryx Slash 2022 has been the talk of the town and will certainly be again this year. The winning recipe: an eye-catching look, top performance and a very fast evolution every year.
In short, Polaris is introducing it in 2020 as a brand new model designed more for all types of terrain than the PRO models. A new suspension geometry creates this big difference. In 2021, the KHAOS is offered with their powerful 850 engine coupled with QuickDrive II technology for even more immediate response.
For the 2022 model, we now get a brand new platform, based on the Matryx chassis with the option of a shorter and narrower tunnel, called SLASH. Polaris keeps raising the bar and pushing hard on this extreme bike that is flooding the market. Its success is due to its dynamic, playful side that performs on all types of terrain!
Mechanics
At the heart of the KHAOS is an engine that needs no introduction. The Patriot 850 delivers a tremendous amount of power throughout the entire engine speed range. With 175 horsepower available, there is a substantial reserve of power, which can be used to gradually increase engine speeds until the time comes when the throttle needs to be squeezed 100% for a quick maneuver. As an added bonus, the Patriot engine makes an exciting sound with every stroke of the throttle. With this engine, it’s easy to get over the steepest terrain, and you’ll be able to get out of awkward positions with ease. It could be said that this machine easily “forgives” the maneuvering mistakes you make.
To efficiently transmit the Patriot’s monstrous power, Polaris decided to make the QuickDrive2 standard, which was introduced on certain spring models last year. The latter greatly improves the riding experience by boasting the lightest weight in the industry, but also offers better inertia with its revised design and especially a 10% lower ratio that provides even faster response. Next, comes the TEAM pulley system. This one is very easy to adjust in order to always have a clutch that engages instantly to grab the belt and start the movement in a fraction of a second. The rider will experience a faster exit on the snow and be able to float to his or her heart’s content.
What does SLASH stand for in this never-ending pattern name?
The name SLASH means a new tunnel configuration. This means a short tunnel, a short flap and the width at the end of the tunnel is bevelled. In addition, the radiator system has been centralized under the pilot. This new configuration brings a multitude of advantages;
- Considerable weight reduction and centralization of the masses.
- Reduced drag and side-hill effort required to maintain balance.
- Better maneuvering skills since the tunnel no longer bumps against the snow.
- Less frequent breakage when there are unforeseen events in the rear.
- Less snow and ice that used to accumulate along the length of the tunnel.
- When traveling on the trail, cooling is more efficient.
The 2022 version also brings us the new MATRYX platform. This platform is a revision of the competent AXYS to address certain details and especially to reposition the pilot even more in the center of the action. We will notice a revised ergonomics, redesigned controls, a narrower cabin, a revitalized look, etc… In short, an improved driving experience at all levels!
Suspensions
The KHAOS has its own unique suspension geometry, and it is this feature that sets it apart from the PRO models. In addition, the KHAOS comes standard with Walker Evans Racing-Velocity shocks in both the front and rear. The behavior can be fully configured to your physique, but also to your riding style. You can easily adjust the high and low speed compression independently, as well as the spring preload. At the end of the line, the behavior of the KHAOS is definitely smoother and more accessible than the PRO models with a suspension architecture of its own.
Driving Impressions
The very first thing you notice when you get on the new KHAOS is definitely the improvements that the MATRYX platform introduces. The grip is natural and you instantly realize that the width required for the fuel tank has been greatly reduced between the legs. This is definitely an advantage, as it is now easier to swing from left to right or to change footboards with certain maneuvers.
The cab has also been redesigned to be narrower. With this change, the effort required to penetrate the snow is reduced. Stability will also be improved during side-hill maneuvers.
I would also like to congratulate the Polaris engineers who finally provided a very functional storage space above the cabin and behind the dial. This space will allow you to carry an extra pair of gloves, goggles, a water bottle and even your lunch. All at the same time. WOW!
On our test model, the basic dial equips the KHAOS. This one returns the basic information without “fla-fla” and it is correct without more. However, the option of the 7S touch screen is simply amazing. We find ourselves with a color dial that allows us to have access to an integrated GPS, see his comrades in real time if they have the same device, record these tracks, share them afterwards, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. …. All this with the ability to access it with these gloves directly on the screen. A big wow and although this option is expensive, it is worth every penny in my opinion.
The new chassis brings a better overall stiffness that you can see after a few bumps. It’s also easier to predict reactions with the feedback from the steering and the shocks that do a remarkable job. We can effectively modulate their reactions according to our type of riding.
The aspect that impressed me the most on this machine is without a doubt, the narrow and short tunnel of the SLASH version. When you get stuck, the narrow tunnel is really great and allows you to efficiently throw the snow on each side. So, 2-3 throttles and you are often out of the hole without having to put much effort or having to pull on the skids.
In addition, the tapered tunnel allows you to play with the KHAOS longer, as the effort required to perform maneuvers is drastically reduced. Previously, you could feel the back end of the snowmobile “blocking” you when it came time to turn around or do a slalom. Now, the rear end moves without restriction. To a point where you have to give yourself a period of adaptation to reduce your movements in order to avoid ending up on your back because it is so easy to steer the KHAOS wherever you want.
I love the playful attitude of the KHAOS MATRYX SLASH which allows us to easily lift the front without too much effort and I was really surprised by the totally new behavior from the first maneuvers in the powder. Polaris has definitely rewritten the standards of the mountain snowmobile industry with the MATRYX and ”SLASH” combination.
Strong points:
- MATRYX platform that offers an ergonomic riding position and a host of practical off-road enhancements.
- Patriot 850 and QuickDrive2 engine combo delivers solid performance.
- SLASH version with a narrow tunnel configuration that completely changes the standard
Weak points:
- Cold starting of the snowmobile often causes the spark plugs to blow out and you always have to have a bunch of spare plugs. This is no longer tolerable for the 850 Patriot engine after a few years on the market.
- There is a certain amount of blurring in precise maneuvers such as the side-hill. The PRO versions will be more suitable for this type of conditions.
Conclusion
The Polaris RMK KHAOS is without a doubt the fastest evolving mountain snowmobile in the industry. With its performance components, its ability to climb everywhere and especially to make you tripping to ride it, the manufacturer has positioned its new version well. Equipped with the MATRYX platform and the SLASH package that takes the off-trail experience to a whole new level, you can now boast of being THE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!
The Passion Motoneige team would like to thank Destination Monts-Valin and the Evolution-X dealers for making this test possible.
