Market Position:
The 2008 Polaris RMK 700 155 was positioned as a capable mountain and backcountry snowmobile, emphasizing performance and rider control in deep snow conditions.
Competitive Set:
Competed directly with other premium 700cc class mountain sleds from manufacturers like Ski-Doo (Summit series), Arctic Cat (M series), and Yamaha (Phazer/Nytro mountain variants).
Key Features:
Liberty 700cc engine, 155-inch track length, Pro-Ride chassis (or predecessor), lightweight construction, rider-forward ergonomics for aggressive riding.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, top-end and bottom-end components, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, differential (if applicable), track drive system, suspension linkage.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starter system, charging system, ECU/EFI components, sensors, switches.
Chassis Systems:
Frame, skis, steering system, handlebars, seat assembly, body panels, plastics.
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arms, torque arms, ski suspension.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug maintenance, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical fault finding.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, clutch servicing, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, bodywork repairs.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for the complete disassembly and reassembly of all major snowmobile systems.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
2-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled
Engine Displacement:
698 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Horsepower Rating:
Approximately 130-135 HP (varies slightly by tune and specific model year iteration)
Torque Rating:
Refer to manual for specific torque figures
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended, premium may be specified for optimal performance)
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with electronic advance
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Clutch System:
Polaris P-85 Drive Clutch and Adaptable/Torque-Sensing Driven Clutch
Gear Reduction:
Chaincase with selectable low and high range gears (or direct drive, refer to specific model)
Clutch Calibration:
Primary and secondary clutch calibration for optimal performance across varying altitudes and conditions, detailed in the manual.
Lug Height:
Refer to manual or track specifications (typically 2.25 inches or 2.5 inches for mountain tracks)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 465-480 lbs (actual weight may vary by configuration)
Fuel Capacity:
10.4 US gallons
Overall Height:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Overall Length:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Safety Standards:
Manufactured to meet industry safety standards for snowmobiles. Specific crash ratings are not typically applicable to snowmobiles in the same way as automobiles.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake with vented rotor, located on the drive axle.
Throttle Limiter:
Integrated safety features to prevent unintended acceleration.
Kill Switch:
Emergency engine stop lanyard (kill switch) tethered to the rider.
Rollover Protection:
No specific rollover protection structures beyond inherent chassis design. Rider caution and proper riding techniques are paramount.
Instrument Cluster:
Digital/analog gauges displaying speed, RPM, fuel level, engine temperature, and diagnostic indicators.
Engine Management:
Advanced EFI system with integrated engine management for optimal performance and emissions control.
Diagnostic Ports:
On-board diagnostic capabilities accessible through specialized tools, detailed in the service manual for troubleshooting.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific intervals based on hours or mileage; typically after initial break-in and then seasonally or every 2000 miles/100 hours.
Clutch Inspection:
Recommended at the start of each season and periodically throughout for wear and alignment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically based on hours of operation or specific spark plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
Polaris VES 2-stroke oil (or equivalent API-TC certified synthetic 2-stroke oil specified in the manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Polaris coolant part number.
Chaincase Oil Type:
Polaris Chaincase Lube or equivalent (refer to manual for viscosity and specifications, e.g., SAE 80W-90).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Common Issues:
Potential for clutch wear, exhaust valve issues (if equipped), drive belt failure, and occasional EFI sensor problems. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
Preventative Maintenance:
Adherence to recommended service intervals, proper fuel and oil usage, and regular inspection of critical components are key to preventing common issues.
Brand Heritage:
Polaris has a long-standing history in the snowmobile industry, known for innovation and performance, particularly in mountain and crossover segments.
Rmk Lineage:
The RMK (Ridgeline Mountain King) line is Polaris's dedicated mountain snowmobile platform, continuously evolved for improved weight, suspension, and engine performance since its inception.
Production Era:
The 700 Liberty engine was a popular choice for Polaris during the mid-2000s, with the RMK 700 being a key model in their mountain lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
Polaris snowmobiles are primarily manufactured in the United States.