Polaris Rush, let’s start at the top… SWEET! Just when we thought snowmobiling suspension couldn’t get any more advanced, Polaris thinks outside the box and designs it to the next level with - The RUSH TDC (Terrain Dominating Control). I should stop right there, and could make history with the shortest sled review ever written. The Polaris Rush might very well have redesigned the future of snowmobile suspension. Just one look says it all; it’s comparable to a motocross bike.

Polaris has taken their team of engineers and given them a clean slate which, for an engineer, may only come once in their career. They in turn, produced for Polaris the future of snowmobile suspension. With three years in the making, I’m sure at certain times they were upside-down in a ditch. You do not develop this without a lot of dedication and hard work. Like we say at OSM, “For Snowmobilers, From Snowmobilers.” “Polaris has really nailed it with this sled,” says X GAME Gold medalist, Levis LaValle, “it looks and rides like no other snowmobile ever built,” and we agree.
      
Polaris is stating that every sled that rolls out of Roseau Minnesota (American built) is engineered to be the best with no compromise. The Polaris Rush, with its all new Pro-Ride ridged chassis, redefines ride and handling. With 35.6 cm/14 inches of Walker Evans Compression, adjustable needle rear shock, and progressive rate rear suspension, it’s unlike other conventional snowmobiles. The Polaris Rush rear suspension becomes progressively stiffer throughout its travel range.

Allowing us to power through rough terrain rather than backing off, the Rush quickly demonstrated its capabilities. As our riders were somewhat skeptical in the morning of day one on our Rush, we were all quick to change our tune. The new Polaris Rush 600 breaks the suspension rules, both in the rear and the front. The Rush had our riders landing big air, and without failure, it allowed us to ride through deep moguls like a motocross bike. There is considerably less force transferred to you the rider, from the snowmobile. While we’re not sure how much less, Polaris testing claims 37% over the competition. 

The Walker Evans adjustable, IFP (Internal Floating Piston) Piggyback, front needle shock is known for quality. Polaris customers have come to expect these shocks on their flagship sleds for a few years now, leaving no surprise that these shocks are found on the Polaris Rush 600, with a little less travel; 22.8cm/9inches versus 25.4cm/10 inches found on the Polaris IQ. The geometry on the front of the Rush is the same. The 1” less shock travel allows the “A” arms to become flatter, creating less center roll, and a stiffer sway bar. The new modular upper structure, being primarily above the engine, allows for better handling and control. We found the Rush 600 went where we wanted it to go and not where the terrain took it. This sled was made to take care of the bumps, stutters, and even corners. When we pushed the Rush, it laughed at us, almost as hard as we did. It was fun to ride, and brought grins to all of our faces. 
      
The Rush 600 is a liquid cooled, Liberty Cleanfire 2 600 HO twin, producing lightning quick acceleration. With only two injectors versus four in the previous years, Polaris ensures easier starting and improved run quality, with 15-20% better fuel economy. Yes, I wish it came with an optional Liberty 800 HO Cleanfire 4, liquid cooled twin. Could happen for 2011, but not this year. Some of our riders were thrilled and would only request a 600, but it left the rest of us wanting more, and only the 800 would be the answer. The tuned single exhaust and digital ignition provided reduced emissions, something that should be very important to all of us.
Polaris has done their homework in the clutch department, leaving no stone unturned with the Liberty 600 Cleanfire 2. All 550/600 2010 Polaris Performance model sleds, except the Polaris IQ 600, will have the Premium-Quality P2 “Driven clutch.” The 3 roller design and slightly larger helix reduces load impact on the Polaris P2, driven upwards by 33% on each roller, greatly enhancing durability. Polaris patented Flow-Through cooling, which involves directing air through the clutch drive system during operation. Polaris has been able to lower the operating temperature by approximately 25 degrees, creating lower temperatures with less belt slippage. Not only does this extend the clutch and belt life, but it also results in greater performance on the snow.
     
Polaris has chosen the Camoplast Ripsaw 15”x120”x1.25” two ply track, (not one ply like other snowmobile manufacturers), to push this all new Hybrid 208 kg/459lb. estimated dry weight chassis, to the top of its class. With its unique style and driver ergonomics, Polaris has even gone so far as to design a Digital MFD (Multi-Function Display) dash and PERC (Polaris Electronic Reverse Control). Owning the Rush is only the beginning. We feel the Rush 600 will appeal to a wide range of customers, from the young rider to the young at heart. To make your Rush 600 truly and uniquely yours, look in to the variety of windshields, bags and other Pure Polaris accessories. Even SLP (Starting Line Performance), V-force 3 reeds direct from Pure Polaris. 

www.osm-mag.com