Snowmobile starter Polaris 550 Widetrak LX / 550 Indy / 550 Voyager / 550 Voyageur / 2412235 / SM-01318

The Polaris tracked snowmobile is a vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts. The company has been specializing in the production of machines of this type since 1954, offering customers models for various purposes. The use of independent suspensions and powerful engines ensure smooth movement and dynamic acceleration on snowy plains, and also allow movement in deep snow in mountain conditions.

Specifications

Polaris Widetrak LX snowmobiles are equipped with a frame chassis assembled from steel pipes. The equipment has 2-cylinder gasoline engines with a 2-stroke gas distribution system. The most popular models have carburetor engines, which are gradually being replaced by units with electronic injection systems that ensure fuel economy. Some of the equipment is equipped with a 2-seater seat designed to carry a driver and a passenger.

The suspension is equipped with a system for adjusting stiffness depending on the weight of the load, and no special equipment is required for adjustment.

The caterpillar belt differs in width and length, ensuring motion stability and acceleration regardless of the condition of the snow cover and the weight of the load. The body is made of plastic and composite panels with increased strength. The snowmobile is turned by a motorcycle-type steering wheel; the front suspension of an independent design provides improved handling and stability when driving.

Description of technical characteristics of the Polaris 850 model:

• length - 3414 mm;
• width - 1105 mm;
• height - 1247 mm;
• weight - 204 kg;
• working volume - 840 cm³;
• travel of the front and rear suspensions is 229 and 406 mm.

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.

2014 Polaris 550 Indy 144 Review

Meet a lightweight snowmobile with an extended track and high off-road performance from Polaris.

Manufacturers have become very skillful in supplying the market with “new” snowmobile models, which, despite similar parts, have their own characteristics. Just look at the 2014 Long Track Polaris Indy family. The most basic and cheapest model is the 550 Indy 144. Despite its price, the 550 Indy Adventure with electronic ignition allows you to travel with all the luggage you need. With its narrow and adjustable ski stance, the 550 Indy Voyageur will take you into the deepest snow. Using similar chassis length, rear suspension and a conventional 550cc engine. cm fan-cooled, Polaris manages to control production costs to provide a truly worthwhile product for different types of snowmobile riders. Yet each of these three models has its own personality.

While many racers will likely opt for the cheaper but sportier 550 Indy with a shorter track, paying $600 extra for a 550 Indy 144 may be a very good idea if you: (a) like to blaze a trail through untouched snow; (b) want to drive around the family estate; (c) want to go to remote lakes for ice fishing; or (d) simply want to enjoy a more comfortable ride on a sled with a long track/suspension that takes the hits much better than short track models.

The combination of a rigid chassis with a lightweight air-cooled engine makes the 550 Indy 144 very responsive to handle in deep snow.

We expected that some experienced drivers would say that the Cobra's 144-inch track compared to the 550 Indy's shorter (121-inch) Shockwave track would make the 550 Indy 144 slower. Yes, most likely. But is it really that important? How much performance is actually lost from one of the last sports engines still in existence? We're not talking about the Cleanfire 800. Designed and supplied by Fuji, the 544cc 2-stroke engine is fully developed in the 50 horsepower range. While very capable and reliable, the CVTech Powerbloc 50 transmission is not as high-performance as its counterparts in the top 800 Indy/

You'll be glad you gave up a little more top speed when the 144-inch truck comes into its own in deep, challenging snow. The 550 Indy 144 has both flotation and traction thanks to a Cobra track with 1.35-inch lugs. Do you really want to brave fresh, untouched snow on a base Indy with a 121-inch track and ridges less than an inch high? Hardly!

The throttle switch on the Indy 550 reveals what engine is under the hood. In the era of electronic ignition and injection engines, this is already a little “retro”.

Plus, if you're really looking for a performance sled, you wouldn't want to ride a 550cc air-cooled sled. That doesn't mean the Indy 550 won't give you a blast. But the speed performance is no match for the 600 Indy SP.

The main advantage of the Indy model range is the price-quality ratio, especially the 550 versions. The 550 Indy 144 will likely be more popular with rental agencies, where price and durability are valued far more than speed. These are the benefits that you should pay attention to when considering this model.

Look what you get for $6,999. The drive system is impressively durable. If you want to lessen the blow to your ego when friends tease you for having a mid-range sled, remind them that the 550cc motor was once considered a big, powerful engine, and the Powerbloc clutch was designed to accommodate that power. Times change, of course. Or treat it as a tribute to the vintage era when most sleds were powered by 2-stroke air-cooled engines. And this sled just has such modern things on board as electronic ignition and the newest 34 mm Mikuni carburetor. But when you look at the 550's exhaust, it actually feels retro.

Otherwise, the snowmobile is more than modern, and its declared weight with an air cooling system is only 195 kg! It's still not vintage weight, but it's an excellent power-to-weight ratio for a 2-cylinder Fuji. Polaris has done a masterful job of getting the engine positioned right, keeping it low and central for the best handling possible.

Polaris' plasticized Pro-Steer skis are very comfortable for the rider and work well when paired with RydeFX shocks.

We think handling is the 550 Indy 144's strong suit. We expected the 121-inch 550 Indy to be quicker around tight corners, but we didn't experience much trouble trying to do the same with the 144. On unpacked snow, we'd opt for the 144 and its slightly improved rear suspension with 14.1 inches of travel. The rear suspension keeps the ride smooth thanks to RydeFX MPV front and rear shock absorbers that perform well and maintain a stable ride on both flat and rough terrain.

The Indy seat features a wider rear for a comfortable ride and a narrow front for better positioning when cornering or standing up.

Up front, the 550 Indy 144 has Pro-Ride suspension and 7.1 inches of travel, the same as other 550 Indy models. Shaking is reduced thanks to RydeFX MPV shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. Polaris' plasticized Pro Steer skis, which were introduced last season, have very good flex. These components and the similarities across the Indy line allow Polaris to produce snowmobiles most efficiently and cost-effectively. This also affects the final, extremely favorable price of the cars.

New to Indy models, the steering wheel is perfect for any driver. Polaris engineers increased the steering angle by 15 degrees, improving comfort and increasing the customizability of the riding position. Even the Indy Pro-Ride seat allows you to ride either seated or standing. The seat has a wider rear for a comfortable ride and a narrow front to make it easier to change body position when turning or riding while standing.

Compared to older and previous Polaris models, the new 550 Indy handles its tasks much better and feels like it corners itself. We have the new and stiffer Pro-Ride Indy chassis to thank for that. Combined with the lightweight 550 drivetrain, the Indy 144 reminds us just how much fun it is to just ride a snowmobile. It's light. He's smart. And the best thing is that it is affordable.

With a 144-inch truck and 1.35-inch track profile, the light and nimble 550 Indy 144 is a lot of fun to ride.