2012 Polaris Snowmobiles
2012 Polaris Snowmobile
Three new early season releases of its 2012 Polaris Snowmobile lineup. The early release models include a 600cc version of the popular Pro-RMK 155, a new 800cc version of its long-track Switchback along with a trail-oriented 600cc version called the Switchback Adventure, which is decked out with a lock & ride cargo-system. These three models were available for “snow check” ordering and were available for test rides during the company’s North American “demo” tour, which began in December, and runs through February.
800 Switchback Pro-R Snowmobile
800 Switchback Pro-R Snowmobile
Polaris seeks to bring a new level of off-trail brashness by adding what it calls the …heart of the Rush and the soul of a crossover.” Ironically, until Ski-Doo entered the stretch track scene and demonstrated the power of the niche with its first MXZ Renegades, Polaris was all set to abandon the segment. Good thing that never happened as the stretch track element has regenerated enthusiasm and become a popular niche with both aggressive off-trail riders and trail riders seeking the versatility and “bridging” ride comfort of these sleds.
The 2012 Switchback Pro-R uses a proven 136-inch track but adds all the premium features of Walker Evans suspension pieces that you expect from a Polaris “PRO” type model. Highlights include: a wider and more comfortable seat that can crossover between seated to standing; 136-inch Pro-Ride rear suspension that utilizes its length to bridge trail chatter and a Cobra track with 1.352-inch lug profile; lighter weight components like the 2.5 pound reduction from the rotor and jackshaft as well as a new silencer that shed seven pounds; and a revised front suspension that is claimed to turn tighter and keep the skis flatter in the corners.
The power comes from the established 150-plus horsepower 800cc Polaris-developed Cleanfire two-stroke twin.
The 2012 Switchback Pro-R uses a proven 136-inch track but adds all the premium features of Walker Evans suspension pieces that you expect from a Polaris “PRO” type model. Highlights include: a wider and more comfortable seat that can crossover between seated to standing; 136-inch Pro-Ride rear suspension that utilizes its length to bridge trail chatter and a Cobra track with 1.352-inch lug profile; lighter weight components like the 2.5 pound reduction from the rotor and jackshaft as well as a new silencer that shed seven pounds; and a revised front suspension that is claimed to turn tighter and keep the skis flatter in the corners.
The power comes from the established 150-plus horsepower 800cc Polaris-developed Cleanfire two-stroke twin.
Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure Snowmobile
Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure Snowmobile
The new 2012 Switchback showcases a seven-inch longer tunnel that easily accommodates the 136-inch track that spins over the longer, bridging rear suspension. Where the Pro-R version of the 2012 Switchback gets performance pieces, the Adventure gets a trail-proven 600cc Cleanfire two-stroke twin for propulsion and a whole new series of “take it with you” packaging derived from the industry’s first “lock & ride” stowage setup. While a staple on many modern ATVs, this lock & ride capability now comes to snowmobiles and means that you can hook up special saddlebags and a rear rack bag to make this sport sled a true long hauler.
The Polaris Adventure borrows from the concept of “adventure” motorcycles, which are generally sport-oriented bikes with off-road capability that can be equipped with removable bags. While touring gear has been popular with snowmobilers in recent years, no sled has been specifically equipped as the new Adventure model.
The Adventure gets the first sled-specific aluminum cargo system that centers around a specially designed cargo rack that can handle 45-pounds of gear and be fitted with special Adventure saddlebags. To make this sled well suited to adventure riding, Polaris adds traditional features such as the new comfortably wide Switchback seat, rearview mirrors, tall windscreen and wind breaking side deflectors; and the Pro-Ride 136 rear suspension.
The new Adventure carries the Rush-based snowmobile into a new level of solo sport touring as it allows riders strong on-trail credentials combined with nice-to-have comfort features.
The Polaris Adventure borrows from the concept of “adventure” motorcycles, which are generally sport-oriented bikes with off-road capability that can be equipped with removable bags. While touring gear has been popular with snowmobilers in recent years, no sled has been specifically equipped as the new Adventure model.
The Adventure gets the first sled-specific aluminum cargo system that centers around a specially designed cargo rack that can handle 45-pounds of gear and be fitted with special Adventure saddlebags. To make this sled well suited to adventure riding, Polaris adds traditional features such as the new comfortably wide Switchback seat, rearview mirrors, tall windscreen and wind breaking side deflectors; and the Pro-Ride 136 rear suspension.
The new Adventure carries the Rush-based snowmobile into a new level of solo sport touring as it allows riders strong on-trail credentials combined with nice-to-have comfort features.
Polaris 600 Pro-RMK 155 Snowmobile
Polaris 600 Pro-RMK 155 Snowmobile
Downsizing the popular Pro-RMK to a 600cc drivetrain is Polaris trying to gain more mountain share and expand the RMK to selected deep snow areas such as Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula and other lower elevation areas. The 600 version is not designed to hit the highest peaks, but it is expected to let adventurous riders explore tree-lined hills and bowls with the same nimble capability as the more powerful 800cc version.
Highlights for this early release include: aluminum Pro-Taper bars; the RMK coil-over rear suspension; the snow-clearing runningboards seen on the Pro-RMK; rebuildable Walker Evans coil-over front shocks with an internal floating piston; and lightweight features like the new rotor and new silencer.
Highlights for this early release include: aluminum Pro-Taper bars; the RMK coil-over rear suspension; the snow-clearing runningboards seen on the Pro-RMK; rebuildable Walker Evans coil-over front shocks with an internal floating piston; and lightweight features like the new rotor and new silencer.
Polaris Snowmobiles for sale in Ontario
Polaris Snowmobiles for sale in Ontario
Polaris aims these sleds at the heart of its annual “snow check” program by getting them out early for demo rides and to generate interest among snowmobilers who may find that early ordering is the best — if not only — way to guarantee the sled of their choice. Curious Polaris enthusiasts will trek to their Polaris dealer to get more info about what else may be coming in 2012. Stay tuned for on-snow reports as we work with a Polaris-imposed embargo of unreleased 2012 info and our own ride impressions that will follow.
As for now, this is what we found on the Polaris early season release site, complete with Polaris-derived photos.
As for now, this is what we found on the Polaris early season release site, complete with Polaris-derived photos.
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