Segment:
High-performance mountain snowmobile, designed for deep snow riding and aggressive backcountry terrain.
Competitors:
Competed directly with models from Ski-Doo (e.g., Summit series) and Arctic Cat (e.g., M series) in the same displacement and capability class.
Features:
Lightweight chassis, aggressive track design (155-inch length for flotation), powerful 600cc engine, and advanced suspension geometry optimized for climbing and maneuverability in deep powder.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the 600cc Liberty twin-cylinder engine, including top-end (cylinder head, piston, rings), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings), lubrication system, cooling system, and fuel delivery (carburetion/injection).
Transmission:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system, including drive clutch, driven clutch, belt replacement, engagement/disengagement, and lubrication.
Chassis:
Frame and suspension components, including front ski suspension (IFS), rear suspension system (Pro-Ride or similar), shock absorbers, springs, and bushings.
Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system (recoil, electric start), lighting, sensors, wiring diagrams, and basic diagnostic procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), carburetors (if applicable, including jetting and cleaning), or fuel injection components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, caliper, brake rotor, brake fluid, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Handlebar, steering post, steering linkage, and ski alignment.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal, installation, and related fasteners.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements (air, fuel), spark plug replacement, track tension adjustment, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues such as starting problems, poor performance, and overheating. Specific diagnostic codes and their meanings.
Repair:
Step-by-step disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems.
Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild instructions, including critical tolerances and specifications.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and wear limits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhaul, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis component repair.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for keywords, facilitating quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High-resolution scans or digital creation, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and images for easy reading and printing.
Binding:
Not applicable for PDF download. The digital format allows for easy access on various devices.
Paper:
Not applicable for PDF download. Digital format.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, parallel-twin cylinder Liberty engine.
Displacement:
599cc (approximate, depending on exact bore and stroke variations).
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 73.0 mm x 72.0 mm for this engine family.
Ignition:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with advanced timing control.
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling with integrated heat exchanger and fan assist (if equipped).
Horsepower:
Estimated 110-125 HP (actual output varies based on tuning, elevation, and specific engine variant).
Torque:
Not explicitly stated, but typically robust for its displacement, providing strong low-end and mid-range pull.
Fuel Delivery:
Likely Mikuni TM40 or similar flat-slide carburetors (depending on specific sub-model). Some later 600s featured EFI.
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).
Oil System:
Premix or Autolube (oil injection system) depending on the specific configuration of the 2012 model.
Engine Serial Number Location:
Typically located on the crankcase near the transmission housing or engine block.
Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Polaris P-85 Drive Clutch and P90 Primary Clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Not applicable in the traditional sense; CVT ratio is variable.
Clutch Engagement:
Designed for aggressive low-speed engagement suitable for climbing and technical terrain.
Clutch Calibration:
Specific weights, springs, and helix angles for optimal performance at different elevations and riding conditions.
Chaincase Oil:
Polaris specifies a specific weight gear oil for the chaincase, typically SAE 80W-90 or equivalent synthetic.
Clutch Grease:
Specialized high-temperature grease for clutch rollers and bushings.
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable to snowmobiles as they are not subjected to standard automotive crash testing.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake system with a single rotor and caliper.
Throttle Safety:
Thumb throttle with a return spring mechanism for controlled acceleration.
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch located on the handlebar for immediate engine shutdown.
Safety Lanyard:
Kill switch often integrated with a rider tether (safety lanyard).
Display:
Basic digital or analog gauge cluster displaying speed, RPM, odometer, trip meter, and various warning lights. May include a small LCD for fuel level and other diagnostics.
Features:
Focus is on mechanical performance and rider control rather than electronic driver assistance systems found in cars. Key 'assistance' comes from the vehicle's design for specific terrain.
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Focus is on essential mechanical and electrical systems.
Initial Break In:
Critical break-in period, typically the first 500 miles or 20 hours, involving gradual increases in engine load and speed, and specific break-in oil procedures.
Oil Change Engine:
2-stroke engines typically use oil injection or pre-mix, so no 'oil change' in the traditional sense. Oil injection system reservoir should be checked and refilled regularly.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended replacement interval typically every 100-150 hours or as needed based on inspection.
Chaincase Oil:
Recommended change interval typically every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually.
Track Tension:
Check and adjust track tension before each ride, and periodically throughout the season as it can stretch.
Coolant:
Polaris Premium Coolant or an equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
2 Stroke Oil:
Polaris VS-1 Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil or an equivalent API-TC certified synthetic oil for oil injection systems.
Common Problems:
Common issues for snowmobiles of this era can include clutch wear (weights, rollers, bushings), suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints), heat exchanger performance degradation, and potential for crank seal leaks if not properly maintained. Carburetor jetting can be sensitive to elevation changes.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly clean the cooling system and heat exchangers, inspect all suspension components for wear, ensure proper clutch alignment and condition, and maintain proper chaincase lubrication.
Heritage:
Polaris Industries Inc. is a long-standing American manufacturer of powersports vehicles, with a strong heritage in snowmobiles dating back to its founding in 1954. Known for innovation in snowmobile technology.
Rmk Lineage:
The RMK (Ridgeline Mountain King) series is Polaris's dedicated line of mountain-specific snowmobiles, continuously evolving in chassis design, suspension, and engine technology to meet the demands of backcountry riders.
Manufacturing Location:
Polaris snowmobiles are typically manufactured in the United States.