Positioning:
The 1998 Polaris Indy 500 RMK was a popular snowmobile in the mountain-specific category, designed for aggressive riding in deep snow and challenging terrain. It represented a balance of power, agility, and rider comfort for its era.
Competitors:
Competed against models from Ski-Doo (e.g., Formula III), Yamaha (e.g., VMAX), and Arctic Cat (e.g., Thundercat).
Features:
RMK designation signifies its mountain prowess, featuring a longer track, higher ground clearance, and specialized suspension for backcountry riding. The 500cc engine provided a good blend of power and reliability.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 1998 Polaris Indy 500 RMK.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but description indicates extensive content).
Type:
Service/Shop Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Engine System:
Engine overhaul, tuning, carburetor service, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication.
Drivetrain System:
Primary and secondary clutch service, chaincase, drive axle, track system.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, trailing arms, skis.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, starter, ignition coil, CDI unit.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor identification and adjustment.
Braking System:
Brake caliper, brake disc, brake lever, brake line service.
Steering System:
Handlebar, steering post, tie rods, spindle service.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, chassis inspection and repair, seat assembly.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, spark plug replacement, chain lubrication and adjustment, general inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting issues, running problems, and component failures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Rebuild Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, clutch overhauls, suspension component replacements.
Carburetor Service:
Disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, and synchronization of Mikuni carburetors.
Clutch Calibration:
Sheave alignment, spring and weight adjustments for optimal performance.
Depth:
Detailed, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Searchable Text:
Typically yes for professionally scanned PDFs, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Type:
2-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder
Displacement:
488cc (approximate, variations may exist)
Bore X Stroke:
63.0 mm x 78.0 mm (typical for this engine family)
Horsepower:
Approximately 90-100 HP (estimated, dependent on tuning and specific model configuration)
Torque:
Not explicitly stated in product info, but ample for its class.
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM36 carburetors (common for this engine)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane or higher, check manual for specifics)
Oil System:
Autolube (Premixing of oil and fuel is not required for standard operation)
Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - Polaris P-85 Drive Clutch and Arctic Cat APV Driven Clutch (common setup for Polaris in this era, though specific clutch models may vary and would be detailed in the manual).
Options:
N/A (CVT was standard for this performance snowmobile)
Clutch Calibration:
Adjustable for altitude and rider preference; detailed calibration procedures in manual.
Gear Reduction:
Integrated within the chaincase; specific ratios would be in the manual.
Chaincase Oil:
Refer to manual for specific Polaris chaincase lubricant or equivalent (e.g., SAE 30 or 75W-90 gear oil depending on model year and region - manual is critical here).
Overall Length:
Varies by track length, typical RMK would be longer for deep snow traction.
Ski Stance:
Typically around 42-43 inches for stable mountain riding.
Dry Weight:
Approximately 470-500 lbs (estimated)
Fuel Capacity:
Approximately 10-11 gallons (standard for this class)
Cargo Rack:
Rear rack included for carrying gear.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Snowmobiles are not typically rated for crash safety in the same way as automobiles).
Engine Kill Switch:
Standard tether cord system for engine shutdown if rider is separated.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake for reliable stopping power.
Headlight:
Halogen headlights for visibility.
Taillight:
LED or incandescent taillight/brake light.
Oil Change:
Refer to manual for specific intervals based on operating hours or mileage; typically every 50-100 hours or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; usually every 100-150 hours or annually.
Clutch Inspection:
Recommended annually or every 50 hours for belt wear and sheave condition.
Track Tension:
Check and adjust as needed, especially after initial break-in or heavy use.
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/coolant suitable for extreme cold temperatures (e.g., ethylene glycol-based with corrosion inhibitors). Refer to manual for specific mixture ratio (typically 50/50).
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic 2-stroke snowmobile oil specifically designed for liquid-cooled, oil-injected engines. Polaris Premium 2-Stroke Oil or equivalent is recommended.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belts (wear and tear), carbides (wear on skis), idler wheels, shock absorber seals, primary/secondary clutch components (weights, rollers, springs).
Engine Vibration:
Can be an issue if engine mounts are worn or if engine is out of balance. Manual provides engine mount inspection and alignment procedures.
Carburetor Icing:
A common issue in cold, humid conditions. Manual offers tuning and maintenance tips to mitigate.
Heritage:
Polaris has a long-standing history in snowmobile manufacturing, known for innovation and performance-oriented machines. The 'Indy' nameplate has been a staple of their lineup for decades.
Evolution:
The RMK (Ridgeline Mountain King) designation was introduced to specifically target the growing backcountry and mountain riding segment. Models like the Indy 500 RMK evolved from earlier Indy chassis, incorporating longer tracks and specialized suspensions for improved flotation and climbing ability.
Production Period:
The Indy 500 RMK was part of Polaris's lineup in the late 1990s, a period of significant development in mountain snowmobile technology.
