Two More 70th Anniversary Polaris Sleds: An XCR and RMK

Earlier this summer, Polaris announced it would have three special/limited edition snowmobile models to celebration the brand’s 70th anniversary. One was unveiled in August, and now the covers have quite literally been pulled off the other two.

Burandt
Dressed in his own 90s throwback jacket, Chris Burandt (right) shares stories about the original 700 RMK while Nels Eide (center) and Levi LaVallee watch.

With the help of superstar riders Levi LaVallee and Chris Burandt sharing memories from the 1990s, Polaris officials unveiled a Patriot 9R RMK Khaos and Patriot 9R Indy XCR with high-end throwback looks plus accessory hand guards and bumpers. The unveiling was at noon on Saturday, September 7 at the Hay Day Grass Drags and Swap Meet near North Branch, Minnesota

The Polaris Patriot 9R Indy XCR 70th Anniversary Edition is a throwback to the “red rocket” 1997 440 Indy XCR. That original sled was the first Polaris snowmobile to be powered by a domestically built two-stroke engine. At the unveiling, LaVallee recalled some favorite racing memories competing on one of the machines in the Juniors class at snocross events in the 1990s.

2025 Polaris Patriot 9R INDY XCR 136 70th Anniversary Edition
2025 Polaris Patriot 9R INDY XCR 136 70th Anniversary Edition

The Polaris Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 70th Anniversary Edition has paint and graphics that pay homage to the 1998 Polaris 700 RMK. That 1998 sled featured Polaris’ first consumer-facing domestically built twin in the 700 Liberty powerplant. Dress in a jacket from the 1990s, Burandt shared his own flashbacks of the original machine. As you can tell by the names, both of the new machines will feature the Polaris 9R engine.

Before the unveiling, Polaris Snowmobile Product Manager Nels Eide told us why the 1990s were the focus of the throwback designs.

“When we think about our core customers who are Snow Checking sleds every year, they are often 45 to 55 year old dudes,” Eide said. “These are the sleds that they either had when they were 25 years old, or that they really wanted and were instead riding old junk!”

Eide noted that various aftermarket graphics companies have been doing interesting throwback wraps in recent years, but these are most definitely not mere wraps.

2025 Polaris Patriot 9R INDY XCR 136 70th Anniversary Edition
The colors in the so-called “red rocket” throwback is sure to pop when on the snow.

“These are all three-stage-paint and high-end-finish vehicles,” Eide said. “The Switchback Assault [XLT throwback unveiled in August] is black crystal, so it’s our standard black base with actual white crystal [coloration] on top of it and then clear coated. The Indy XCR is Indy Red Pearl, and so it’s our traditional Indy red with the pearl finish on top.”

For the 9R RMK Khaos, Eide said Polaris officials had to dig up a paint chip from the 1998 RMK model and have it color matched.

“We couldn’t do three-stage paint in 1998, so what you see is our replication of it,” Eide said. “I think it turned out even better than the original… Again, it’s not a wrap, we put a lot of time and effort and energy into making sure that these look perfect, and the team that put them together was really, really invested.”

The limited edition models will be available for order for a couple of weeks from Polaris dealers. Here’s the formal press release about the machines from Polaris (below).

2025 Polaris Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 155 70th Anniversary Edition
2025 Polaris Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 155 70th Anniversary Edition

Nostalgia Meets Innovation: Polaris Marks 70 Years with Three Limited Edition Snowmobiles 

Available until September 28, 2024, or while supplies last 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – September 7, 2024 – Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) proudly celebrates 70 years of innovation by unveiling two additional Limited Edition snowmobiles: the 2025 Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 155 70th Anniversary Edition and the 2025 Patriot 9R INDY XCR 136 70th Anniversary Edition.  

These new models join the previously announced Patriot 9R Switchback Assault 146 70th Anniversary Edition, completing the trio of ’90s-inspired sleds. Each edition pays tribute to the iconic Polaris snowmobiles of the 1990s, featuring signature colors and nostalgic styling.  

  • Patriot 9R Switchback Assault 146 70th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the legendary XLT family of the 1990s, bringing back its signature purple and blue over black color scheme.  
  • Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 155 70th Anniversary Edition pays tribute to Polaris’ first mountain-specific snowmobile, the 1998 Rocky Mountain King 700.  
  • Patriot 9R INDY XCR 136 70th Anniversary Edition honors the 1997 440 INDY XCR, affectionately known as the “red rocket.” 

“We set out to craft truly special Anniversary Editions by drawing on our 70 years of innovation and snowmobile history. The iconic sleds from the ‘90s stood out as top choices. The influence of the ‘90s era is strong in pop culture, and this nostalgia is also resonating with the snowmobiling community. We can’t wait to see these iconic sleds on the snow this winter,” said Jenny Nack, Polaris Snow Vice President and General Manager. 

Polaris RMK
A closer look at the 9R model may give mountain riders some flashbacks.

All three 70th Anniversary Edition models are equipped with the Patriot 9R engine, delivering lightning-fast response for both backcountry adventures and trail rides. Each model also features a custom Polaris 70th Anniversary badge.  

  • In addition to their iconic graphics packages, both the INDY XCR and Switchback Assault 70th Edition models come with color-matched sentry front and rear bumpers for added style and protection, while the LED handguards provide a sleek look with added lighting for increased visibility. 

Visit the Polaris booth at Hay Days in North Branch, Minnesota from Saturday, September 7 at 12:00pm CST to Sunday, September 8 at 5:00pm CST to learn more about the three Limited Edition snowmobiles. These models will be available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders can be placed on  Polaris.com/Snowmobiles70th starting at 12:00pm CST on September 7 through September 28, or while snowmobiles last.   

For more information on these Limited Edition snowmobiles, please visit www.polaris.com/snowmobiles and connect with us on Facebook Polaris Snowmobiles and Instagram PolarisSnow. 

Editor’s Note: Every Snow Goer issue includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive print and/or digital issues.

4 thoughts on “Two More 70th Anniversary Polaris Sleds: An XCR and RMK

  • Avatar for Viking

    “That 1998 sled featured Polaris’ first consumer-facing domestically built twin in the 700 Liberty powerplant….Patriot 9R RMK Khaos 155 70th Anniversary Edition pays tribute to Polaris’ first mountain-specific snowmobile, the 1998 Rocky Mountain King 700. ”

    That is not true. The 1997 Indy 700 SKS (teal colour) was the first liberty twin sled geared for the mountains.

    Reply
  • Avatar for Viking

    The paint how it was done vs a simple wrap which won’t last nor be as bright is a fantastic smart great idea. Total Polaris Craftsmanship as historically done Kudos..

    Reply
  • Avatar for John Zeglin

    All 3 look really good but boy I do love the red XCR!!! Nice!

    Reply
  • Avatar for Viking

    Smart move by Polaris. People are talking about these special graphic sleds vs all the problems they had with last years sleds with all the recalls and promises to fix the new models in 2025.

    Reply

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