The 2013 Polaris snowmobile lineup features exciting new technology for its RMK deep-snow snowmobiles, the return of the legendary Indy name and improved ergonomics for Rush, Switchback and other models. Here are the details about the 2013 Polaris snowmobile lineup.
2013 Polaris Indy
Coming out of the leafspring snowmobile era of the 1960s and ’70s, the 1980 Polaris TXL Indy was the first Indy, and it redefined how a snowmobile was designed and how it looked.
For 2013, the Polaris Indy returns as a price point sled that costs less than the 2013 Polaris 600 Rush. The 2013 Polaris 600 Indy features modern engine technology, better ride quality and up-to-date styling.
The front half of the 2013 Polaris Indy is identical to that of the Rush models with Race IFS front suspension and angular hood and side panels, but the rear is entirely different, hosting a traditional rear suspension and full tunnel.
The 2013 Polaris 600 Indy is powered by the Liberty 600 engine with the Cleanfire semi-direct fuel injection system that’s known for its responsive, playful nature.
Two versions of the Polaris 600 Indy are available: 600 Indy and 600 Indy SP. The SP is red and black with Fox shocks, new one-piece handlebar, Pro-Steer skis and the Hacksaw track with 1-inch lugs. The standard 600 Indy is blue and black, and has RydeFX MPV shocks and the Shockwave track with .91-inch lugs.
2013 Polaris Crossover Snowmobiles
For 2013, Polaris adds the 600 Switchback Pro-R LE to its line of crossover snowmobiles, which includes an adjustable handlebar riser, adjustable front shocks and two graphics packages. Customers can opt for the Camoplast Cobra track with 1.75-inch lugs, too.
The Switchback Adventure, introduced last year to entice buyers over to the freedom of saddlebag solo-touring, will be available this spring on Snow Check with an 800cc engine. In addition to having more power than the 600 Switchback Adventure, it’s suspended by Walker Evans shocks.
The new Pro-Steer ski found on many 2013 Polaris snowmobiles has a reshaped keel and uses a shortened wear bar for reduced steering effort. The ski is designed to be stiffer on top in order to reduce deflection and twisting for sharper steering performance. Pro-Steer skis are standard on all Rush, Rush Pro-R, Switchback, Switchback Assault and Adventure models, plus the 600 Indy SP.
Revised 2013 Polaris Pro-RMK
After developing an all-new platform for model year 2011, the Polaris RMK engineering team shows no sign of letting off the throttle. For 2013, the crew has refined the model’s ergonomics, launched a new drivetrain and cut the 2013 800 Pro-RMK 155’s weight to a claimed 417 pounds, widening the gap it has on competitive mountain machines.
To make a snowmobile feel light, engineers say it’s important not only to reduce the vehicle’s overall mass, but to cut weight from parts that rotate. More mass on drivetrain components equates to more centrifugal force that requires more input from the driver to affect it. Now Polaris has a new drivetrain for select 2013 deep snow models designed to make them even more flickable.
The QuickDrive Low Inertia Drive System uses a maintenance-free belt and nickel-plated pulleys that take the place of two sprockets and a chain inside a chaincase. The system also includes an extruded aluminum driveshaft and lightweight brake. QuickDrive does not require oil or a tensioner system that traditional snowmobile chaincase drive systems need.
Polaris says QuickDrive weighs 6.5 pounds less than the chain-driven system it replaces and results in a 20-percent reduction in inertia, so it requires less rider input to maneuver the sled.
Polaris engineers say the belt, which is similar to the one used on the company’s Victory motorcycles, is virtually indestructible. The QuickDrive system is used on all 2013 Pro-RMK models. RMK Assault and standard RMK models rely on a chaincase drivetrain for reduced cost and to maintain the ability to change gear ratios.
Also new for 2013 Pro-RMK models are bonded lower A arms and expanded use of exotic materials. Instead of welding the lower A-arm tubes together where they meet at the spindle, the two steel tubes are bonded inside a forged aluminum cap. Polaris claims bonded arms cut 2 pounds from the front suspension. Pro-RMK models also get a new carbon fiber steering structure under the hood.
A new running board, called Powder Trac, has more open space for snow evacuation and a machined, high-traction finish for more grip. Powder Trac running boards can be removed and replaced in case of damage. The RMK seat has been shortened more than 5 inches to save weight and reduce interference during side-to-side transitions. All RMK models get the new running board and seat, except for the 600 RMK 144.
One-Piece Handlebar, Cushier Seat
Thanks to a new one-piece handlebar with integrated hooks, riders of some 2013 Polaris snowmobiles will feel more comfortable when they grab on.
The built-in hooks allow the hand warmers to extend to the end of the bar to keep the driver’s left pinky finger warm, and it offers a cleaner appearance with full-length grips instead of a seam where the grip ends and the hook plugs into the bar end. All Rush models, 136-inch Switchback, Adventure and 600 Indy SP models get the one-piece handlebar.
Also new to the Rush lineup in 2013 is a wider seat. This softer pad was used on Pro-Ride Switchback models in 2012, and has a broader, cushier pocket designed to be more comfortable for long days in the saddle. Only the spring-order 800 Rush Pro-R LE retains the original Pro-Ride seat.
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