The Polaris Indy lineup expands for 2014 after debuting last year with a 600cc, liquid-cooled engine. From the top performance 800 Indy SP to the 550 Indy, seven new models will wear the “Indy” nameplate for 2014, in addition to the returning 600 Indy and 600 Indy SP.
Other than colors and graphics, 2014 Polaris Rush Pro-R, Switchback, IQ and RMK models are unchanged. Standard Polaris Rush models have been dropped from the lineup for 2014 and replaced by Indy models, but 600 and 800 Switchback models will still be available, which are essentially longer versions of the former base Rush. They have Fox shocks with softer calibrations for casual riding. And welcome the all-new 600 Switchback Assault extreme crossover model to the family to run with its big brother, the 800 Switchback Assault.
The 2014 Polaris 800 Switchback Adventure will be available in-season after debuting last year as a special model in Polaris’ spring promotion. Here’s a rundown of what else new on the 2014 Polaris snowmobiles lineup.
A lot of focus was put on the fan-cooled class in the 2014 Polaris snowmobiles lineup, with five new 550 Indy models that are available in either short-track, trail-sled trim or long-track, lightweight utility and touring machines. The new 550 Indy and 550 Indy 144 will appeal to the entry-level and rental class in the United States, while machines with long tracks, 2-up seats and cargo racks fit the demands of a growing snowmobile business in Russia and Scandinavia.
The 2014 Polaris 550 Indy Adventure 144 is designed for on-trail riding with occasional utility use and lightweight 2-up riders. It has the most storage capacity of the three long-track, fan-cooled Indy models, thanks to its Adventure Cargo System that carries side-mount Lock & Ride boxes with removable liners. A cargo area behind the seat is large enough to hold a 5-gallon bucket, so it should be especially appealing to ice anglers.
The 2014 550 Indy Adventure 144 also accepts a convertible passenger seat. Installing or removing the seat to include a passenger cushion and arm rests — for riders up to 120 pounds — takes a matter of seconds. The passenger seat is standard with the 550 Adventure, but will be an accessory for the 600 and 800cc Adventure models in the 2014 Polaris snowmobiles lineup. A backrest and seat bags are available as accessories. The 550 Indy Adventure 144 has mirrors, a 42.5-inch ski stance and uncoupled, coil-over rear suspension with the Cobra track.
The 2014 Polaris 550 Indy Voyager was designed for people who use snowmobiles for recreation, but also to tow things or perform light work duties. The 550 Indy Voyager has the same behind-the-seat cargo area as the 550 Indy Adventure, but with more off-trail features like Gripper skis and an adjustable ski stance. The 550 Indy Voyager has a coil-over skidframe and tow hitch.
The 550 Indy LXT is a 2-up snowmobile with the cargo area behind the backrest. It has a torsion spring rear suspension and Energy track with 1-inch lugs. Mirrors are standard and color options are white or red. All 550cc Indy long-track snowmobiles have electric start and a tall windshield.
There is one more 144-inch Indy that deserves mention: the 2014 Polaris 600 Indy Voyager 144. It’s essentially a Polaris 600 RMK, but with a cargo rack and different name. The 600 Indy Voyager has the 599cc liquid-cooled Cleanfire engine. Other features include Gripper skis, 2-inch track and RMK torsion spring rear suspension.
More Details About 2014 Polaris Indy Snowmobiles
Indy snowmobiles are built on the Pro-Ride chassis, but unlike their line-mate Rush’s unconventional tunnel and rear suspension, Indy models have a traditional tunnel and rear suspension design. It might seem like it was simple for Polaris to drop its existing 550cc fan-cooled engine into the Polaris Pro-Ride chassis, but a lot of research and development was required to create the new line of fan-cooled Polaris sleds. When the 2014 Polaris 550 Indy project was complete, engineers had a machine that weighed 50 pounds less than the 550 IQ Shift it replaced, Polaris claims.
Several components received attention in order to make the 550cc fan-cooled engine fit inside the Polaris Pro-Ride chassis. Engine cooling, exhaust, the steering system and drivetrain all had to be re-engineered. Engineers had to design ductwork so air can be swallowed on the right side of the sled, flowed over the engine and evacuated through a vent over the clutches. A special hood and left side panel were developed to do this job.
Also new for the 2014 550 Indy models, Polaris installed CVTech clutches — a Powerbloc 50 drive clutch and Invance driven clutch — because they are quieter and smoother, and they have more belt pinch force on the bottom end, which is especially important for towing and sustained slow-speed driving that these 2014 Polaris Indy models will likely face.
2014 Polaris SnowCheck Select
Ordering in the spring a new sled with factory-installed options isn’t new for Polaris customers, but what’s different for model year 2014 is the opportunity to further customize the machines. Customers who select LE models can choose from several factory-colored tunnel and rail schemes, plus side panel options, too.
Pro models will have unique color combinations, mixing and matching orange, red and matte or glossy black. In addition to color options, buyers will have a choice of windshield style (low, mid or tall), storage options (handlebar, fuel tank, saddle, tunnel or rack bags) and electric or pull start. All models are available during the SnowCheck Select promotion, which runs through April 23, 2013. Here is a list of limited edition, SnowCheck Select snowmobiles:
800 Pro-RMK 163 and 155 LE
800 RMK Assault 155 LE
800 Switchback Pro-R LE
800 Switchback Assault 144 LE
800 Rush Pro-R LE
800 and 600 Indy SP LE
