Segment:
Performance Mountain Snowmobile
Competitors:
Yamaha Vmax, Ski-Doo Mach Z, Arctic Cat Thundercat.
Performance Focus:
Designed for aggressive trail riding and off-piste mountain exploration with a strong emphasis on power delivery and suspension travel.
Efi Technology:
Electronic Fuel Injection provides improved throttle response, fuel efficiency, and easier starting in varying temperatures compared to carbureted models.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Polaris Indy 500 EFI RMK, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The comprehensive nature of the 824-page manual offers significant cost savings on professional servicing.
Engine Systems:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, fuel injection system (EFI), cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, ignition system, starting system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Drive clutch, driven clutch (secondary), chaincase, drive chain, track drive system, suspension (front and rear), steering system.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery, charging system, ignition coil, CDI unit, sensors, EFI control unit.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, body panels, seat, handlebars, skis, snow flap, storage compartments, fasteners.
Controls And Indicators:
Throttle control, brake lever, parking brake, kill switch, gauges (speedometer, tachometer, temperature, fuel), indicator lights.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine checks, lubrication, filter replacement, spark plug service, coolant flush, chaincase oil change, drive belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic charts for engine performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems, suspension noise, and drive system malfunctions.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and reinstallation of all major systems.
Special Tool Instructions:
Identification and usage guidelines for specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
2-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, Parallel-Twin
Displacement:
488 cc (approx. 29.8 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
70 mm x 64 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
7.2:1 (typical for EFI models of this era)
Carburetion Or Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Horsepower:
Approximately 95-100 HP (specifications may vary slightly by model year and tuning).
Torque:
Estimated around 60-65 ft-lbs at peak RPM.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 Octane recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 10.2 gallons (38.6 liters)
Oil Injection:
Automatic Oil Injection System (uses 2-stroke synthetic oil).
Overall Length:
Approx. 115-120 inches (variable based on track length and bumper configurations).
Overall Width:
Approx. 44-46 inches (between track ends).
Track Width:
Standard 15 inches.
Track Length:
Commonly 121 inches for RMK models of this era.
Dry Weight:
Approx. 470-490 lbs (weight can vary based on specific options and track length).
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Snowmobiles are not typically subjected to standardized crash testing like automobiles).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake with caliper on drive shaft or brake rotor integrated into jackshaft.
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch located on handlebar, often with a lanyard for rider safety.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillight, brake light.
Reflection:
Reflective tape on body panels as per regulations.
Gauges And Indicators:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for fuel level, engine temperature, and warning lights (e.g., low oil, engine malfunction). The manual details gauge cluster operation and troubleshooting.
Efi Management:
Electronic Fuel Injection system provides automatic altitude and temperature compensation for optimal engine performance and emissions control. ECU (Engine Control Unit) manages fuel and ignition timing.
Diagnostic Ports:
May have a diagnostic port for connection to specialized EFI diagnostic tools (though often dealer-specific for this era). The manual provides wiring diagrams to aid in manual diagnostics.
Oil Change Chaincase:
Annually or every 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. More frequently if used in extreme conditions.
Spark Plug Service:
Inspect every 1,000 miles, replace as needed. Typical interval 2,000-3,000 miles.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect annually or every 500 miles for wear, cracks, and delamination. Replace at first sign of damage or when thickness is significantly reduced.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or as recommended by coolant manufacturer. Use specified anti-freeze/coolant mix.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Mixture ratio typically 50/50 with distilled water.
2 Stroke Oil Type:
High-quality synthetic 2-stroke snowmobile oil, specifically designed for liquid-cooled EFI engines (refer to manual for Polaris-specific recommendations).
Chaincase Oil Spec:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, SAE 80W-90 is common. Capacity typically around 10-12 oz (check manual for exact capacity and PN).
Efi Sensor Issues:
Potential for TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor, or coolant temperature sensor failures leading to erratic running or no-start conditions. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Clutch Wear:
Wear on drive clutch rollers, weights, and driven clutch sheave can affect performance. Clutch maintenance and alignment are critical. Manual details clutch servicing.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension pivot points and shock bushings can lead to play and noise. Manual outlines inspection and replacement procedures.
Drive Belt Slippage:
Can occur due to worn belt, incorrect clutch alignment, or excessive load. Proper belt tension and condition are vital, covered in the manual.
Brand Founding:
Polaris Industries was founded in 1954, initially focused on snowmobiles.
Indy Lineage:
The Indy nameplate has been a cornerstone of Polaris' snowmobile lineup for decades, evolving from utility and trail sleds to performance-oriented models.
Rmk Development:
The RMK (Rally Mountain King) designation signifies Polaris' commitment to the mountain segment, featuring longer tracks, improved suspension travel, and higher ground clearance.
Manufacturing Location:
Polaris snowmobiles are primarily manufactured in the United States, often at their Roseau, Minnesota facility.
Market Impact:
The Indy 500 EFI RMK was a popular model known for its reliable performance and capability in varied snow conditions, contributing significantly to Polaris' market share in the late 1990s.
Performance Acclaim:
Models from this era were often lauded for their potent engines and capable chassis, making them popular among enthusiasts for their sporty nature and reliability in challenging terrain.
Industry Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often highlighted the strong power-to-weight ratio and improved handling of the RMK variant compared to its trail-focused counterparts.
Emissions:
Designed to meet emissions standards of the respective model years. The EFI system contributes to cleaner combustion compared to older carbureted designs.
