If you take a close look at the Polaris lineup for 2000, you'll quickly realize that it contains a myriad of changes in almost every class. In fact, as we look at what Polaris is offering up for Y2K we see that mechanically there are more changes this year than last year. The '99s brought us the Gen II chassis which was largely cosmetic. The '00s follow that up with a list of changes under the surface which are pretty exciting.

In an attempt to keep from loosing anyone let's take a look down through the Polaris lineup along the lines of the "classes" of machines Polaris has given us.

A good place to start is in the performance category with the 800XCR and the twin XC SP models. First big change for this year is that Polaris has scapped the older chassis' all together and gives us the Gen II chassis throughout. For the big triple fans out there, this move alone helped to shave 20lbs off the 800XCR. This move along may offer the 800XCR the lightest weight in the class of any of the manufacturers. Guaranteed it will help out the performance of this machine. Also in the performance category Polaris gives us the 600 and 700 XC SP models, the 500 XC SP 45th anniversary, and the 500 XC. The 700 was a top performer last year and to improve it this year Polaris added a new seat/tank combo (12 gallons), quieter exhaust system, and wider ski stance. The 500 XC SP gets a new motor based off the 440 motor with case reeds and VES. As with the other performance models it gets the wider ski stance and new seat/tank combination as well as being one of the 45th anniversary edition models in the Polaris lineup. The 600 XC SP gets a new motor, again based off the 440 mill with case reeds and VES, and flatslide Mikunis. This motor and chassis combination is going to be a very quick and powerful package.

Next we move to the two-up world and Polaris once again has shown that they aren't afraid to give the touring machines a good boost. Touring riders will get to choose from the 600, Classic, Trail, and Sport touring sleds. The Trail and Sport touring models both get upgrades to the 550 fan cooled cylinder reed motor this year. They come with the standard touring equipment we've come to expect and also move to the Gen II chassis. The Classic touring moves to this chassis as well, but the bulletproof 488 liquid stays with it. Possibly the biggest surprise in this class, however, is the 600. Polaris has given this machine Xtra12 all around, Gen II chassis and the new 600 VES motor. Touring riders need not worry about taking a back seat to anyone.

In trail luxury Polaris gives us the other two of their 45th anniversary sleds in the 600 and 700 XC Deluxe machines. We also have the 500 classic in this group. The 500 keeps the 488 liquid but moves to the Gen II chassis with all of its goodies. The 600 and 700 Deluxe get the 45th anniversary looks as well as the luxury items of electric start, reverse, electric fuel gauge and the likes. The 700 Deluxe gets the new electronically adjustable front track shock which allows the rider to adjust the compression dampening with a switch on the left side of the handlebars.

Trail sport includes the Triumph, 500, Super Sport and 340 deluxe. Nothing to be ashamed of here as Polaris re-skins the XLT in the Triumph, adding flatslide carbs, Gen II chassis, and 42.5" ski stance. Even though the 500 moves to the Gen II chassis it maintains its claim of being the lowest priced liquid available. Many a new rider will get their start on this machine. The 340 deluxe gets the Gen II and a bright red paint job. Standard features like Xtra10 suspension and electric start make this a wonderful little full featured machine. And finally the Super Sport comes along with the 550 cylinder reed motor and is available in either white or blue.

Yes, we've purposely left the biggest news for last. If you haven't heard already, Polaris has delivered an 800 twin in the 800RMK. And if you haven't heard, we have to wonder what rock you've been living under. On the surface you would think this is the big news... 800 twin on a new crank producing at least 10% more power than the 700 did last year. The big twin will have Mikuni 40mm flatslides, a throttle position sensor and low octane fuel switch. Yes, big news, but the whole RMK lineup gets some pretty big changes. The 700 and 600 motors return in their wonderful performance and the 500 RMK gets the case reed motor. All the RMKs will be sporting higher handlebars with a mountain bar, XTRA-Lite rear suspensions, new performance seat and 12 gallon tank, adjustable ski stance, and off-set skis. The liquids get a cooling change which routes the coolant down the tunnel rails to keep them free of snow and ice. All of these changes end up shaving a claimed 16lbs off the 700 RMK... a nice thing indeed. The only glaring oversight we see is that the RMKs are coming with 136" tracks. However, we have it on good source that a longer track will be available by the time these machines ship.

And let's not forget that Polaris has entered the mini snowmobile market with the XCR120. This 2/3 scale kids machine sports a 121cc 4-stroke motor as well as front and rear suspensions. Looks like local tracks will have an additional attraction next year with the Mini-Z, Z120, and XCR120 riders racing around.

Yes, Polaris once again has delivered a broad, exciting lineup of sleds. Some people are afraid of what the Y2K will bring... we can't wait.