It may not be the time of year to plan a weekend of riding the snow trails. However, it is the time of year to dream — and Polaris Industries has given people another reason to think about the good side of snow season.
Polaris is upping its game by reducing weight. The recreational vehicle maker recently introduced a snowmobile for the mountains that weighs just 408 pounds.
The 2016 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 155 snowmobile chops 9 pounds off last year's mountain model; it's 32 pounds lighter than when Polaris first began hacking weight from the engine, crank shaft and suspension five years ago.
The newest vehicle carries redesigned parts, more high-strength aluminum and sells for a suggested $13,200. Shipments to dealers begin in the fall.
Officials from the Medina-based company noted that the Pro-RMK features a raised-chassis to reduce drag and a quicker drive train to add "lift," so drivers can easily conquer deep mountain snow. The design also boasts a new rear suspension system and Walker Evans shocks to give a rider better control and balance.
But the most novel thing is the 408-pound weight, said snowmobile experts who say Polaris's new model will probably turn heads.
"Wow. That is really light. I have not heard of one that light for mountain riding. If it is that light, it would be a lot of fun to ride," said Ed Klim, president of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). "The lighter snowmobile lets you stay on top of the snow and … allows you to float. So, it is going to be well received. They will be talking about it."
Polaris officials want more than talk. They hope to sell in "the low tens of thousands" of Pro-RMK 155s and want to recapture the company's multimillion product development costs in about two years.
