The first of the 2016 models has been release, and it’s a doozy — a lighter, more powerful, more modern mountain snowmobile.
Polaris today unveiled a 2016 800 Pro-RMK 155. It comes in the mountainized version of the Axys chassis that was unveiled last year in Rush and Switchback models, meaning it gets new bodywork, loses some weight and adds some new technology.
That also means that it gets the new 800 H.O. engine, which flatlanders have enjoyed this winter due to its increased torque, quick-revving nature and amazing mid-range and top-end, plus the engine has a more durable build – something Pro-RMK fans have been seeking.
All totaled, the sled drops weight to 408 pounds, has more power, has new suspension geometry and, according to Polaris officials, it gets up on top of the snow easier, is better balanced and responds more quickly.
Below is the press release issued today by Polaris, along with a bunch of stripped down chassis shots at the bottom of the post. The rest of Polaris’ lineup will be announced in March.
POLARIS PRESS RELEASE
Polaris Makes the World’s Best Mountain Sled Even Better With Early Release of 2016 800 PRO-RMK155 on the All-New Axys Chassis
The all-new Polaris 800 Pro-RMK155 answers the question: How does Polaris make the world’s best mountain sled even better?
Polaris has raised the bar for deep snow performance by building the new 800 Pro-RMK 155 on an all-new Axys chassis. This new platform, purpose built for mountain riding, features innovative engineering from ski toe to snow flap, and dramatically improves everything that matters to mountain riders.
Built on the patented Axys chassis, the 2016 800 Pro-RMK 155 provides Deep Snow riders with:
- Instantaneous Lift that allows the sled to pop up onto the snow and stays there;
- Rider-Balanced Control that enhances every riding experience;
- Immediate Response from a platform that is both rigid and light so it is easy to control and reacts instantly to rider input.
This sled will enable the greatest number of riders to be more successful in the widest variety of conditions. Polaris is introducing the 800 Pro-RMK 155 in advance of the early-March introduction of the full 2016 Polaris Snowmobile lineup.
Making The Best Mountain Sled Better
To improve the world’s best deep snow sleds, Polaris developed an all-new Axys chassis that is purpose built for mountain riding and that dramatically improves everything that matters to mountain riders:
Instantaneous Lift
The sled pops up onto the snow immediately due to:
- The patented, raised Axys chassis, which increases clearance & reduces drag;
- New rear suspension design;
- Polaris-exclusive track design;
- The more powerful 800 H.O. engine that is quick-revving and spools up faster to generate lift.
Rider-Balanced Control
- The patented, raised Axys chassis delivers the RMK’s legendary perfect riding position;
- The revised rear suspension increases control & delivers a more compliant ride;
- Compact body design keeps weight – and control – on the skis and track.
Immediate Response
- Rigid chassis plus redesigned suspension efficiently deliver rider’s inputs & power to the snow;
- The chassis is stronger, more durable – and lighter;
- 408 lbs.: The Pro-RMK is the world’s lightest mountain sled.
The light weight makes the sled more agile and easier to ride – especially with the rigidity of the Axys chassis. How easy is it to ride? The 2016 800 Pro-RMK 155 makes it easier to initiate and hold a sidehill, and it is more responsive to rider input than any other mountain sled.
New Chassis, Redesigned Suspension
The patented, raised Axys chassis improves lift to get the 800 Pro-RMK 155 up on top of the snow immediately, and its increased clearance reduces drag, allowing the sled to stay on top.
This is the lightest and most durable deep snow chassis. It maintains the RMK’s renowned rider-balanced positioning so the rider enjoys the ultimate in sled control and insane sidehilling capabilities. Polaris used advanced design optimization to develop a chassis that is lighter yet stronger and more rigid. The redesigned rear suspension of the 800 Pro-RMK 155 is 3 pounds lighter and 15 percent more rigid than before.
Rigidity increases responsiveness. With this more-rigid chassis, the sled responds immediately and predictably to rider input. This makes it easier to ride – by riders of all skill levels – and since less input is required, riders are less fatigued and can enjoy riding longer.
A Polaris-exclusive mountain track – the all-new Series 6 2.6-inch track – provides the ultimate performance in all riding conditions, including more traction and lift in deep snow.
Powerful, Proven 800 H.O. Engine
The 800 H.O. engine has proven itself in a full season of powering Polaris trail performance and crossover sleds. It delivers outstanding acceleration and broad mid-range power, with horsepower that’s competitive with class-leading 800 engines.
This quick-revving engine spools up rapidly, providing mountain riders with instant throttle response to generate sled lift. This engine has a high-flow intake and exhaust, and a low-inertia crankshaft that delivers quicker throttle response and lower gyroscopic effect, making it easier for a rider to change directions.
The combination of the powerful 800 H.O. engine and a 408 lb. sled gives the 2016 Pro-RMK the industry’s best power-to-weight ratio.
All-New Front Suspension
The 800 Pro-RMK 155 has a new front suspension to provide more control off-trail and more compliance on-trail.
Innovative features of the new front end include:
- The industry’s first forged aluminum A-Arms, which provide optimal strength and lighter weight
- Taller, design-optimized spindles support the raised chassis and reduce drag
- Premium, lightweight Walker Evans Impact-Extruded Monotube shocks that deliver outstanding performance in a unique one-piece design.
Quick-Drive System Enhances Performance
Further enhancing the performance of the 2016 RMK models is the industry-leading Quick-Drive Low-Inertia Belt System. It has a new, lower final drive ratio and 7-tooth drive sprocket for better lift and acceleration. The system’s strong and robust design reduces operating temperatures and increases shear resistance.
The sled’s industry-leading RMK driveline has been improved for 2016. These upgrades enhance system durability, including a new CVT belt that delivers better performance and a longer service life.
Compact Axys Body Design Enhances Ride Experience
Deep snow riders benefit from the compact Axys body design because it provides the industry’s highest lean angle to keep the weight on the skis and track – even in the meadows – and it minimizes paneling out.
Ask any avid mountain rider and they’ll tell you that paneling out doesn’t only occur on steep inclines. It is a factor in carving and control at any angle. The confidence-inspiring, compact Axys bodywork gives riders the greatest lean angle and a larger “sweet spot” in the meadow.
Innovative Axys Design
The Axys design of the 800 Pro-RMK 155 provides riders with a powerful, easy-to-control deep snow sled. New premium features include:
Axys chassis and compact Axys bodywork with premium fit and finish
- Proven 800 H.O. engine
- New rear suspension
- New front suspension
- Polaris-exclusive Series 6 2.6″-lug track
- Pro-Taper handlebars that enhance rider comfort and control
- New fenders and consoles
- LED headlights that are lighter and brighter
Proven Polaris Pro-RMK features and benefits include:
- Perfectly balanced rider position
- Rigid Chassis + Suspension
- Technology that delivers lift and response while reducing weight
- Carbon fiber overstructure
- QuickDrive Low-Inertia Belt Drive System
- Extruded running boards
- Smooth-handling, high-flotation skis
The Best Mountain Sled Gets Even Better
With the innovative engineering of the new Axys chassis, new front and rear suspensions, a Polaris-exclusive track, and powerful 800 H.O. engine, Polaris has made the best mountain sled – the 800 Pro-RMK 155 – even better.
It dramatically improves on everything that matter most to mountain riders – lift, control, and response – while delivering on the legendary balance that riders have come to expect from the Pro-RMK. All of this makes the 800 Pro-RMK 155 truly the world’s best mountain sled.
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