Market Position:
The Polaris Indy 500 RMK was a popular choice in the mountain climbing (RMK - Rocky Mountain King) segment of the snowmobile market during the mid-to-late 1990s. It catered to riders seeking performance and capability in deep snow conditions. This manual positions itself as the essential guide for owners and technicians needing to maintain and repair these specific models.
Competitors:
Competed with similar offerings from Ski-Doo (e.g., Mach Z, Summit), Yamaha (e.g., Vmax series), and Arctic Cat (e.g., Mountain Cat series).
Key Features Vehicle:
Longer track, taller lugs for deep snow traction, robust chassis, reliable twin-cylinder engine, capable suspension for mountain riding.
Key Features Manual:
Comprehensive coverage, step-by-step procedures, detailed diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and essential specifications for accurate servicing and repair.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, carburetor service, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filter, carburetor adjustment and cleaning (Mikuni VM series commonly).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Drive clutch, driven clutch (secondary), drive belt inspection and replacement, chaincase, gear lubrication, track drive system.
Suspension:
Front IFS (Independent Front Suspension) components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, rear suspension (skis, idler wheels, shock absorbers, trailing arms).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, caliper service, brake disc, brake fluid, master cylinder.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (CDI, stator, coil), lighting system, starting system (starter motor, battery), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Body Chassis:
Hood, seat, handlebars, footwells, tunnel, chassis inspection and repair.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, pre-ride inspections, post-ride cleaning and storage, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures, adjustments, specifications for torque values and clearances.
Engine Rebuild:
Piston replacement, ring replacement, cylinder inspection, crankshaft service, bearing replacement.
Carburetor Tuning:
Jetting specifications, idle speed adjustment, mixture screw settings, synchronization (if applicable).
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, assembly, and repair procedures, along with diagnostic information and specifications for professional technicians and advanced DIY users.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder
Displacement:
488cc (approximately)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific bore and stroke not provided in product info, but typical for the era. Likely around 65mm x 74mm.
Horsepower:
Estimated 70-75 HP (typical for this engine in this configuration).
Torque:
Not specified in product info, but optimized for low-end and mid-range torque for mountain climbing.
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM Series (e.g., VM34).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, typically 87 octane or higher, mixed with appropriate 2-stroke oil.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Lubrication Type:
Oil injection system (automatic mixing of oil and fuel) and crankcase lubrication.
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Polaris Variable Ratio Drive (PVR).
Drive Clutch:
Polaris PVR Drive Clutch
Driven Clutch:
Polaris PVR Driven Clutch
Gear Ratios:
Variable, managed by the CVT system. Manual includes detailed specifications for clutch weights, springs, and engagement/shift points.
Chaincase Lubrication:
Gearcase oil, specific type and capacity detailed in manual.
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings for snowmobiles of this era. Safety focused on vehicle handling, braking, and rider protection features.
Active Safety:
Reliable braking system, stable chassis design for its class, throttle safety mechanism.
Passive Safety:
Handlebar padding, ergonomic controls, secure seating position.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Recommended every 1,000 miles or annually. Manual will specify gap and type.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect annually or every 500 miles for wear, cracks, and delamination. Replace as needed. Manual provides wear limits.
Chaincase Oil Change:
Recommended every 1,000 miles or annually. Manual specifies oil type and capacity.
Carburetor Cleaning:
Recommended annually or as needed based on performance. Manual details disassembly and cleaning procedures.
Engine Oil Type:
Specific 2-stroke oil injection formula recommended by Polaris. Manual will specify.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Chaincase Oil Type:
Polaris specifies specific gearcase lubricant. Manual will provide part number or SAE viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 80W-90).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the exact type and bleeding procedure.
Known Issues General:
Common issues for two-stroke snowmobiles of this era can include carburetor gumming, crank seal leaks, exhaust port blockages, and drive belt wear. The manual provides diagnostics for these.
Known Issues Rmk:
RMK models may experience increased wear on suspension components due to aggressive riding. The manual covers inspection and repair of these parts.
Maintenance Schedule Summary:
The manual contains a detailed maintenance schedule recommending regular checks of chain tension, track tension, suspension components, and general lubrication, alongside periodic engine and drivetrain servicing.
Brand Heritage:
Polaris Industries, founded in 1954, has a long history in powersports, known for innovation and performance in snowmobiles, ATVs, and motorcycles. The Indy nameplate has been a staple in their snowmobile lineup for decades.
Model Evolution Indy500:
The Indy 500 was a foundational model for Polaris. The RMK (Rocky Mountain King) designation indicated a focus on mountain-specific features like longer tracks and specialized suspension for deep snow performance, evolving from the more general trail-oriented Indy models.
Production Years Rmk500:
The Indy 500 RMK was primarily produced in the mid-1990s, with the 1996-1998 period representing a specific iteration of this popular mountain sled.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Polaris Manufacturing facilities).
