2012 Polaris Early Release Snowmobiles Unveiled

Story by Jerry Bassett Photos by Polaris Feb. 07, 2011

Three new stretch track models for powder, off trail and solo sport touring

The Polaris snowmobile web site announced three new early season releases of its 2012 model line. The early release models include a 600cc version of the popular Pro-RMK 155, a new 800cc version of its stretch-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 will be available for “snow check” ordering and will most likely be available for test rides during the company’s North American “demo” tour, which began in December, and runs through February.

800 Switchback Pro-R

With success in the powder snow areas thanks to its 800cc Pro-RMK models, 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.

Polaris adds premium Walker Evans suspension components to the new 2012 800 Switchback Pro-R.

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.

Stretching out the trail Rush and adding seven inches to the tunnel gives you an aggressive new 800cc off-trail runner.

600 Pro-RMK 155

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.

The 600 Pro-RMK is based on the powder thrashing 800 version but is designed to suit riders in the lower elevations, especially around tree-lined bowls.

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.

600 Switchback Adventure

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.

Sharing the base configuration of the Switchback Pro-R, the new 600 Switchback Adventure comes with the industry’s first “lock & ride” cargo system.

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 Adventure’s cargo rack can accommodate 45-pounds of gear and accept special lock & ride saddlebags.

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.

Three To Go Early

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.