2018 Polaris Switchback XCR 800. Extension has benefited!

In a world of standards and stereotypes, innovators always take risks - original designs are often met with hostility rather than warmly received. However, the Polaris 800 Switchback XCR was almost unanimously praised as a bright and successful attempt to bring something new to the world of snowmobiles

Tunnelless, which is what experts called this snowmobile due to the new chassis design, appeared relatively recently in the model range of the American concern. The first-born, called the Polaris Rush 600, was released in 2010 and, contrary to the predictions of skeptics, turned out to be an extremely successful model. It was he who determined the vector of development of now a whole family of crossover snowmobiles, the flagship representative of which was on our test. Meet the Polaris 800 Switchback XCR.

At first glance at the new product, it becomes clear that the snowmobile is unusual. Instead of a long “tail” of the tunnel, there are rear suspension arms and a shock absorber, so it cannot be confused with any other model. However, in profile the device does not stand out so much - the wide arms of the front suspension, the bright and aggressive tail, which is crowned with a pair of LED headlights, and the small windshield do not stand out from the Polaris design DNA. Recognizable, functional, bright.

Like other new products this year, the new Polaris 800 Switchback XCR is built on the AXYS platform, but the aluminum base had to be reworked to accommodate the original rear suspension design. Through the efforts of engineers and with the help of the latest technologies, it was possible to achieve unprecedented lightness (the dry weight of the snowmobile is only 220 kg) and, as a result, outstanding driving characteristics.

Hands up!

However, the main innovation is the rear suspension (called PRO-XC in Polaris), which has no analogues today. Its main feature is an additional forged aluminum lever, which not only provides greater rigidity and stability, but also reduces unsprung mass. And this design looks unusual and catchy.

The rear shock absorber springs have adjustable preload, so the suspension can be adapted to the current load. For example, if you often ride with a passenger, the hydraulic settings will help tailor the suspension specifically to your riding style. There is a similar set of adjustments in the front, but in the crossover class this is more the rule than the exception.

The skis of the new snowmobile model are distinguished by enlarged side ribs, increasing overall and torsional rigidity, and developed grips allow you to stand on them with confidence when the need arises. However, this is a theory, but what about in practice?

The saddle is comfortable, the controls are familiar to other snowmobiles of the brand. Remote controls with an abundance of colored keys, mandatory heated grips and gas trigger, a stunning color dashboard that displays not only all the necessary parameters, but also draws your GPS track and synchronizes with your mobile phone - we see a lot of this on other new products this year. But the ergonomics of the Polaris 800 Switchback XCR are unique: the saddle is low and moderately hard, the handlebar, on the contrary, is located quite high - sporty notes in every detail. But just the notes, if desired, the model allows you to ride comfortably while sitting. Here, even the height of the windshield is selected in such a way as to simultaneously protect the seated pilot from the headwind and provide him with good airflow during active riding in a standing position.

Faster than the wind

Engine – 2-cylinder two-stroke Cleanfire with a volume of 795 cc. cm - produces 154 hp. It is this that creates an incredible power-to-weight ratio, thanks to which in the first seconds of pressing the gas trigger you don’t want to think about anything at all. A generator of pure adrenaline, which in addition is replete with the most modern engineering solutions such as an electric pump and an electronic VES three-mode exhaust valve.

However, what pleases me most is not the crazy power, but the ability to implement it not only in deep snow. Due to its unusual rear suspension, the Polaris 800 Switchback XCR feels great everywhere, even on a snowy slope, even in a broken and icy snow rut. Such softness and stability, especially in areas with little snow, is simply impossible to find in other models.

The manufacturer understood well that such a snowmobile is bought by people with sparkling eyes and does not ride it slowly at all, so the brakes here match the engine. Consider one air intake that supplies cold air to the disc mechanism: a solution that is widespread in motorsports, but not often found on snowmobiles. And the feeling from the car is the most pleasant - there is enough feedback, efficiency is at its best. By the way, the latter is due, among other things, to the 1.75-inch height of the track lugs, which provides confident grip on snow and fairly late blocking.

Polaris Switchback Assault 2014 Review

Chic crossover.

The Polaris Switchback has always been a trendsetter in the snowmobile industry. Years ago, when I first tried the Switchback, Polaris was betting on their new series of mountain models, the RMK. The previous line of mountain sleds, the SKS, evolved into the Switchback. What followed was years of Polaris defining and reimagining the Switchback as a crossover snowmobile. Like every other snowmobile manufacturer, Polaris tried to keep up with market demand or create it by inventing something new. Switchback's life has been full of ups and downs.

The Assault 800 comes in two colors: black and gray with red accents, and red with white and black accents. Black and gray Assault is only available in the spring.

However, it was the first crossover to create this niche.

While demand for the Switchback waxed and waned, Polaris settled on the Pro Ride chassis, the chassis that makes the Pro Rode RMK Pro so popular. This helped the Switchback become what I like to call a "crossover sport sled." Yes, it doesn’t sound like much, but we journalists love to come up with phrases that state the obvious.

This model year, Polaris added a sweet and bold 600 motor to the Switchback Assault, which is good news. The driver ends up with a long track snowmobile that requires less fuel and less money on maintenance. This is an exact replica of the 80 0Switchback Assault except for the engine size.

In the world of 800cc machines, don't forget about the Switchback Assault 600. This Assault only comes with a 1.35-inch Cobra track. An excellent choice for the beginner boondocker.

Along with the release of RMK Pro, a “Spring Only” version of the Switchback Assault with the RMK Series 4.0 mountain track appeared. The bond between the driver and the snowmobile was similar to the bond between an owner and his faithful dog.

Okay, enough chatter.

So what is the 2014 Polaris Switchback Assault all about?

Riding the 800 Switchback Assault in the country is a pleasure. Its 1.35-inch Cobra track (optional Series 4.0 RMK mountain track) allows the sled to combine mountain and powder riding

The Switchback Assault crossover is available in two variants. The first is equipped with a Series 4.0 RMK (15 x 144) track with two-inch lugs. This is the same track found on the standard RMK 600 144. The model is only available for purchase in the spring.

The second option uses a 15 x 144 Camoplast Cobra track with 1.35-inch lugs.

With the second option, the buyer can choose between the 600 and 800 Cleanfire engines. The 600 Switchback Assault cannot be ordered with the Series 4.0 RMK track.

Both engines are playful. The injection Cleanfire is a time-tested and reliable engine. The Cleanfire 600 performs well on the Switchback Assault and provides plenty of power.

The test driver rushes through the snowdrifts and flies on Switchback Assault. The suspension will soften the landing.

For those of you planning on taking the 600 Switchback Assault into the mountains, it's worth remembering that as the altitude rises 1,000 feet, the Cleanfire engine loses 3-4% of its power due to thin air. This doesn't just happen with Cleanfire.

With that said, at higher altitudes the 600 Switchback Assault will perform like a 500 or 440.

The 800 Switchback Assault is a very fast sled on the flats. In the mountains it will behave like a nimble 600 or 700 due to the same thin air.

The Hybrid RMK/Rush running boards don't have the large snow dump holes of the RMK PowerTrack running boards, but they are quite stiff and reliable.

The 600's power at sea level is approximately 135 hp; 800th - 155 hp. Both engines feature a liquid-cooled semi-direct injection (SDI) system that automatically calibrates timing and fuel delivery according to changes in temperature and altitude.

Assault is equipped with a chain drive system; The Quick Drive Low Inertia belt drive system is not included with the Switchback Assault. But no matter: the chain system is reliable and strong.

The driven pulley of the variator is the familiar Polaris P-85. Working in tandem with it is a driven pulley from Team Industries (LWT). They do their job very well. But if you plan to spend a lot of time in the mountains, make sure you have the correct springs and weights installed for best engine performance, as torque and power drop off as you gain altitude. This is especially important with the 600 engine.

The rear suspension of the Switchback Assault is the independent Switchback 144. It gives the snowmobile the agility of a 136, but at the same time provides good flotation in deep snow. When comparing the two Switchback models in terms of tracks, the Cobra 1.35 track performs well on packed snow and corners perfectly. It is no longer so good in deep snow and in the mountains. Conversely, the Series 4.0 RMK is great in the mountains, but its high ridges limit the Assault's speed and cornering agility. The choice is yours.

The rear suspension has 14 inches of vertical travel, and the Assault takes advantage of every inch. A Walker Evans combination shock absorber with adjustable compression is installed at the front, and a non-combination Walker Evans shock absorber at the rear.

Switchback Assault front suspension is Pro-Ride with fixed ski stand (42.5 inches). The skis are Pro-Steer, completely different from the Gripper on the Polaris RMK. Combination Walker Evans shock absorbers with adjustable compression handle the bumps. Suspension travel is 10 inches.

The Assault front suspension is equipped with high-quality Walker Evans shock absorbers.

The cockpit of the snowmobile is similar to that of the RMK Pro, with the exception of the handlebars, which are mounted lower and are not equipped with a mountain line.

The driving position is similar to the RMK cockpit. The Pro Taper handlebars are set slightly lower with curved grips; The mountain line in the center of the handlebar is also missing. But this is not a problem, since the Pro Ride chassis is designed specifically for the Switchback Assault.

The Switchback Assault pegs are similar to the Rush Switchback pegs - they are wide and weighty. The Hybrid, as Polaris calls them, is big enough for even the widest of feet. The snow dump holes aren't as big as on the RMK, but it's not an RMK after all. The footpegs are equally suitable for both sitting and standing riding.

The Hybrid's running boards look great on a crossover. However, when riding the 800 Switchback Assault with the Series 4.0 RMK track in deep snow on hills, the wide footpegs can prevent the chassis from properly contacting the surface of the slope; they protrude to the sides of the tunnel. Is this bad? No. As I already wrote, taking the Switchback Assault with the RMK track into RMK territory is a harsh test that tests the sled design to the limits of its capabilities.

The Switchback Assault Seat is a lightweight Freestyle seat. It differs from the Pro Lite on the RMK in that it is slightly longer and wider.

The 600 Switchback Assault can give any beginner the confidence and feeling of being a professional crossover driver.

Both Switchback Assault models are comfortable sport snowmobiles that are capable of riding in loose snow. The extended rear suspension provides good handling on narrow and winding roads. When seated, the Switchback Assault is very easy to control thanks to the height of the handlebars. The sled does a good job of boondocking, but if the snow is too deep, the sled can get bogged down, especially with a Cobra track instead of a Series 4.0 RMK.

The new 600 cc model is a good "live". But if you want to drive around high mountains, we advise you to choose the 800 model due to the drop in power at high altitudes.

Switchbacks are excellent crossover snowmobiles, with which the driver receives a machine that copes equally well with different tasks and occupies two market niches at once.