As the deep-snow segment becomes more popular and, therein, more competitive, snowmobile factories are sinking more resources into their mountain sleds to make them climb higher, roll easier and carve sharper. Enter the 2011 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155.
The 800 Pro-RMK 155 replaces the Dragon RMK as Polaris’ flagship mountain machine. Built on the Pro-Ride chassis, the new snowmobile is lighter, hosts a modern design and, based on our ride off trail last month in Daniel Summit, Utah, it’s more predictable and easier to roll over in deep snow than the Dragon.
The new mountain sled has the Pro-Ride chassis from the footwells forward — a la Polaris Rush — with a traditional rear tunnel that mountain riders are used. A key difference in the rear end, however, is a new coil-over rear suspension that cuts 7 pounds compared to the Dragon RMK skidframe, Polaris says.
Engineers said they closely evaluated existing RMKs to learn where they could cut weight. Mass was pulled from the jackshaft, brake disc, bumpers, seat support, silencer, coolers and tunnel to bring the 800 Pro-RMK 155’s dry weight to a claimed 431 pounds. For comparison, Ski-Doo lists the 2011 Summit E-TEC 800R 154 X at 459 pounds.
Stressed parts like running board extrusions, suspension rails, A-arms and handlebars are as strong as those used on Dragon RMK models, Polaris says. It has an over-the-engine steering post that lowers the center of gravity for better handling and easier roll-ability in powder.
Other high-tech features include an LED taillight, carbon fiber rear bumper and punched snow flap with hand access points to make it easier to grab the rear bumper when the skidframe is buried in snow. The Pro-RMK uses Series 5.1 track with 2.4-inch lugs. All four shocks are Walker Evans coil-overs.
