review of the 2016 Polaris Pro-rmk 600 155 snowmobile

The American engineering company from Minnesota is known throughout the world as a leading manufacturer of snowmobiles. In addition to snowbikes, the manufacturer also produces all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and electric vehicles. Polaris snowmobile equipment represents an example of quality and reliability.

The company released its first snowmobile truck in 1956, two years after its founding. The car turned out to be so successful that over the next few years the manufacturer focused exclusively on snowmobiles. The first Widetrak appeared in 1996, and over the years its design and construction have remained unchanged.

The first snowmobile, the IQ 600 Widetrak, was presented in 2010. Almost immediately the new product found its fans. The model is equipped with a new A-arm suspension. Thanks to this, the new utilitarian snowmobile turns into a full-fledged tractor, which is capable of not only transporting two people at the same time, but also pulling cargo sleds weighing up to 500 kg.

Other features of the model:

• adjustable steering column;
• heated steering grips;
• electric starter;
• electronic reverse with two operating modes;
• GPS navigator;
• heated glove compartment.

In addition, the new bike has an updated driver's seat and an adjustable backrest. There is also an option for heated passenger handrails.

Engine characteristics

Modifications

The company's production program includes modifications of snowmobiles:

• mountain type (Polaris 800 and 850);
• sports models (600 and variations of the 800 model);
• crossovers (built on the chassis of models 850, 800, 600 and 550);
• tourist version based on Polaris 550;
• utilitarian version (based on 800, 600 and 550).

For children, the 120 Indy model is available, equipped with a 1-cylinder engine with a displacement of 121 cm³. The car is designed for driver only and has a dry weight of 66 kg.

Polaris 500

The Polaris 500 modification is a utilitarian type snowmobile with a single track 500 mm wide. The power unit is a 2-cylinder 85-horsepower liquid-cooled gasoline engine. The cylinder displacement is 488 cm³, and custom Mikuni carburetors are used to improve starting characteristics. The transmission of torque to the caterpillar belt is carried out by a variator equipped with a low gear and reverse.

To store the fuel supply, a tank with a capacity of 44.7 liters is used, the oil supply is in a separate container designed for 3.8 liters of liquid. Gasoline and oil are supplied to the engine separately; a reed valve is used for dosed injection of lubricant. There is no electric starter on the vehicle; a manual cable mechanism is used to start the engine.

An independent suspension is installed at the front; the distance between the ski axles is 965 mm. A Fox shock absorber is installed at the rear, providing suspension travel of up to 353 mm. To stop the Polaris snowmobile, hydraulically driven disc brakes are used.

Polaris 550

The Polaris 550 LX touring model uses a 2-stroke, 2-cylinder air-cooled power unit. The motor develops a power of 60 hp. With. with a working volume of 544 cm³. To increase engine life, the piston group is coated with Nikasil coating. Separate carburetors are used to prepare the fuel mixture, and the exhaust system is routed into a single manifold. The use of a variator ensures smooth acceleration of the Polaris Widetrack snowmobile up to a speed of 70 km/h.

The driving track is mounted on an articulated support with a shock absorber allowing a stroke of 381 mm. On the outer surface of the track links there are hooks that improve traction with the surface. The front steered skis are mounted on an independent Pro-Ride RMK suspension with additional shock absorbers. The stroke of the elements is 228 mm. Hydraulic brakes are used to stop.

Dimensions and characteristics of the Widetrak LX 550 snowmobile:

• length - 3359 mm;
• width - 1219 mm;
• height (with windshield) - 1422 mm;
• front ski track - 990 mm;
• fuel tank capacity - 43.5 l;
• curb weight - 238 kg.

The standard equipment includes an electric engine start system, reverse gear is activated by an electromagnet. The snowmobile is designed to carry 2 people; a windshield with additional deflectors is installed at the front.

Polaris 600

The sports utility model Polaris 600 is equipped with a 2-cylinder Liberty 600 power unit, which develops a power of 125 hp. With. To reduce fuel consumption and improve dynamic characteristics, an electronically controlled distributed fuel injection system is installed. Torque transmission is carried out by gear pairs and a variator; there is a reverse. The engine is started by an electric starter; other methods are not available.

The Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak features double A-arm ski suspension that works in conjunction with 2-way hydraulic shock absorbers. The driving track is mounted on an articulated suspension with a gas strut, providing a stroke of up to 280 mm. The passenger seat is equipped with a backrest adjustable in height and angle. The auxiliary handle for the passenger is electrically heated. Standard equipment includes a luggage rack and a tow bar.

Suspension

Suspension Polaris Pro-rmk 600 155

While some manufacturers make their suspensions and tracks flexible, Polaris is working to stiffen their suspension and chassis packages. When the driver puts force on the snowmobile, it is not the suspension or track that dampens it. This is transmitted directly to the suspension and rider, providing a more consistent and predictable response from the sled. Instead of trying to predict how the suspension and track will soften the rider's efforts, or how changing snow conditions will affect the sled's handling, RMK remains predictable no matter what. Its rigid track, stiff suspension and rigid chassis ensure the RMK rides balanced and predictably. Polaris has developed new rail guides that, together with rigid geometry, provide correct weight distribution.

For the 2016 model year, Polaris introduces the industry's first forged aluminum A-arms. The new A-arms are a one-piece design and are 680g lighter than the previous version. Forged A-arms are widely used in the automotive industry and have proven to be very reliable. To better tackle snow, Polaris engineers raised the chassis, increasing ground clearance. The spindles are also now longer to increase ground clearance. We measured the spindles to show how much taller they are compared to the RMK Assault. It turned out that the new spindles are 38 mm longer.

Specifications

Video

As a result of these minor modifications, the Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak has become an excellent tractor with high levels of comfort and handling. It must be admitted that with such a machine you can not be afraid when driving on sharp slopes and descents. There will be no problems during the most difficult journeys, as confirmed by successful factory tests and positive user reviews. This snowmobile is actively interested in foresters, fishermen, hunters and all those people for whom the main priorities when buying a snowmobile are handling and reliability. One cannot ignore the spacious fuel tank, which guarantees a large range on long journeys.

Main features of the Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak snowmobile:

1. Adjustable steering column to suit driver's body type
2. Sturdy, tool-free Lock&Ride seat backrest for installation
3. Heated steering wheel function
4. Reverse function with two operating modes, as well as electric starter
5. Glove compartment heating function, with which you can dry something (for example, glasses)
6. GPS receiver, branded gloves and other accessories.

Basic equipment elements:

1. Steering wheel with fixed positions
2. Electric starter
3. Indicators of oil level and temperature
4. Speedometer
5. Fuel consumption indicator
6. Tachometer
7. Heated steering wheel
8. 12V source for charging accessories
9. Compact luggage compartment
10. Rear view mirrors
11. Windshield
12. Rear towbar.

The Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak snowmobile, without any exaggeration, is a powerful “workhorse” and, at the same time, a stylish and modern device for hunters and fishermen, as well as lovers of an active lifestyle.

Pros:

1. Economical
2. Stylish design
3. Powerful and torquey engine
4. High load capacity
5. Ergonomic dashboard, comfortable and grippy handles
6. Windshield.

Minuses:

1. Small trunk
2. Large dimensions
3. Noise, vibrations due to the engine
4. Mediocre handling at low speeds.

Seats

Engine Polaris Pro-rmk 600 155

Over the years, the Polaris Cleanfire engine has earned a reputation for being powerful and reliable. While the 600cc twin-cylinder engine hasn't received as many upgrades as the 800, it boasts consistent throttle response and acceleration thanks to its semi-direct injection system. Polaris says its engine delivers above-average fuel economy and power output in real-world conditions.

The Cleanfire engine produces approximately 130 horsepower, which is what 700 engines in the early 2000s were as powerful as. This is a very high level for a variety of conditions. But let's be honest, in really deep snow, on serious terrain, sleds powered by the less powerful 600 engines will have to work hard to keep up with the 800s. Nevertheless, they will cope well with boondocking in wooded areas.

The 600 model sleds are very popular among rental companies as well as new riders because they teach them techniques that will help them be successful on rough terrain rather than just relying on power in difficult situations.

Appearance

Reviews

• Ruslan, Leningrad region. I learned to use this machine thanks to my dad, who taught me how to use this snowmobile. It was difficult at first, but then I got used to it. First we had Buran, which after three years became unviable. We replaced it with a Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak. The difference between an American and a Russian car is colossal. The imported snowmobile has enough power to spare, even if you drive through the taiga. You can even ride with three passengers, plus some additional cargo. Among the advantages, I note high traction, a durable front end, efficiency at high speeds, a strong chassis, power and torque reserves, and a stylish appearance. The disadvantages include mediocre maneuverability in the forest, large weight and dimensions (especially in width and length). Because of this, it is very difficult to drive through the taiga. At low speed, the handling is generally somewhat blurry.
• Yaroslav, Nizhny Novgorod. The device turned out to be decent. The car is a 2011 model and was purchased from the first owner in 2015. The snowmobile is generally reliable and starts even at very low temperatures. It has a large reserve of traction, and we were able to verify this when transporting two passengers and cargo with a total weight of 400 kg. The chassis and engine do not cause any particular problems; at least in just over three years there have been no problems. The machine consumes an average of 25 liters depending on the load. In general, I praise Polaris for its reliability, nimble character, powerful engine, etc. Some time ago I had to change the mudguard, belt and spark plugs.
• Nikita, Carpathians. The car was produced in 2014, an excellent device in all respects. Well, or almost everyone. The device accelerates and rides faster and more comfortably than the BRP Ski-Doo Skandic WT 600 e-tec snowmobile, which belongs to my friend. The maximum speed of Polaris is 135 km/h - an excellent indicator. At the same time, I cannot call this model sports, although it is endowed with excellent traction qualities. Supports 92 gasoline. Among the significant disadvantages, I note the high fuel consumption at high speed. It turns out on average 55-57 liters, no more. As soon as I bought the snowmobile, I had to adjust the variator. During the run-in, strange knocking noises were heard in the gearbox, but then they disappeared on their own. So, after four years of use, the car showed its best side, with the exception of some shortcomings.
• Rinat, Uzhgorod. The Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak snowmobile is the second such machine in our family. A second one was needed because the children were growing up and one snowmobile was no longer enough. The device was purchased in 2012 at a big discount. In the first four months, the mileage was 1,500 km, and without any problems. The next season (second year) of operation, the snowmobile began to cause its first problems - the front lower arms had to be replaced (they were bent). The next (third) season, a crackling sound appeared in the gearbox, which intensified when accelerating. I have concluded that this is due to chain stretching. For the fourth season (4th year of use), I updated the tracks and the alternator belt tensioner. In general, there are enough problems. I decided to keep the car for now, but apparently I’ll sell it soon before it completely falls apart.

Chassis Polaris Pro-rmk 600 155

New 2016 chassis AXYS RMK. The AXYS platform is not used on trail snowmobiles, but was designed specifically for mountain snowmobiles. Other manufacturers should take a look at this lightweight chassis. Consumers quickly caught on, which is why Polaris not only won the weight race, but also came out ahead.

Polaris engineers decided that a carbon fiber upper would be best suited for weight savings. Carbon fiber is used in many industries where weight is critical. The lighter chassis simplifies all aspects of snowmobile handling, especially on long descents.

Polaris' PowderTrac running boards are durable and designed to resist snow accumulation. Snowmobile manufacturers have long learned that when snow accumulates in the running boards, it increases the overall weight of the machine. Polaris designers put a lot of effort into developing the Pro-RMK running boards. You can see that half the area of ​​the running boards are open areas through which snow is dumped.

For several years now, Polaris' innovative QuickDrive belt drive system has been the only belt system available on snowmobiles from the factory. Polaris representatives claim that thanks to it they were able to reduce rotational inertia by 21%. In addition, the belt system does not require any maintenance, oil or tension system. All this has a positive effect on increasing engine speed and the responsiveness of the snowmobile, which is especially important when driving in deep snow.

Creating a premium snowmobile is impossible without the use of high-quality shock absorbers. Polaris engineers selected Walker Evans Monotube shocks, the lightest in the Walker Evans range. Customers seem to really like coilover springs, although many manufacturers continue to use air shock absorbers.

The designers installed the Series 5.1 track on the 600 Pro-RMK snowmobile. its dimensions are 15 inches × 155 inches × 2.4 inches, the track works perfectly in tandem with the two-cylinder 600 engine.

Improvements

Based on the fact that mountain snowmobile riders prefer short seats that allow them to easily transition from one side to the other, Polaris continues to use the Pro-Lite seat. It has an elegant design and a thick layer of foam.

It's no secret that LED lamps shine brighter and require less energy, in addition, they have penetrated into all areas of our lives: in our homes, cars, and aviation. Polaris decided to use the trend to their advantage without increasing the weight and making the headlights brighter. LEDs are almost 450 gr. lighter than conventional incandescent bulbs previously found on snowmobiles. In addition, unlike incandescent lamps, LED lamps will not cause the filament to ignite.

Polaris engineers and designers paid special attention to the side panels of the AXYS chassis. Often, when conquering steep slopes, a snowmobile can get stuck deep in the snow, then the side panels will become the only salvation in order not to get completely stuck. In such a situation, the driver has no control over the car. The snowmobile can work like a forklift and go straight down the mountain. When you have to get out of the snow using the side panels, this is not very good.

Controllability

Polaris continues to boast the legendary balance of the RMK chassis. When we weigh our demo sleds each year, we lift them by the steering column. The RMK is the sled that sits most parallel to flat ground. Balance is one of the unsung heroes when it comes to handling characteristics, as many of them depend on balance. Predictability is equally important. When the chassis is well-balanced and predictable, the driver has much more control, increasing confidence and enjoyment.