Segment:
High-performance mountain/backcountry snowmobile, designed for aggressive riding and deep snow conditions.
Target Audience:
Experienced riders seeking a powerful, capable machine for challenging terrain.
Competitors 2008:
Arctic Cat M Series, Ski-Doo Summit, Yamaha Nytro MTX.
Engine Variant:
700cc Liberty Cleanfire 2-stroke twin.
Track Length:
163 inches, optimized for flotation and deep snow traction.
Suspension Design:
RMK (Rough Mountain Kicker) suspension system for superior off-trail capability.
Primary Coverage:
Complete official factory service and repair for the 2008 Polaris 700 Dragon RMK 163
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance schedules, and repair instructions
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but typical for a complete factory manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the Polaris 700 twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine, including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, fuel pump, fuel lines, and filter service.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, and related wiring.
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling system components, radiator, thermostat, and coolant specifications.
Drivetrain:
Primary and secondary clutch service, belt inspection and replacement, chaincase, gears, and lubrication.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, linkages, and adjustment procedures.
Steering System:
Handlebar assembly, steering post, tie rods, and ski alignment.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, master cylinder, calipers, brake pads, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Lighting, instrumentation, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator/stator, and wiring diagrams.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, seat, track, and tunnel inspection/maintenance.
Track System:
Track inspection, tensioning, and replacement procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and pre-ride inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and common issue resolution for engine, electrical, and drivetrain problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, rebuilding, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for complete engine rebuilds and major component overhauls.
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, chain tension, suspension settings, and clutch adjustments.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine disassembly and rebuild.
Engine Type:
Polaris Liberty 700 Twin, Two-Stroke
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 80mm x 71.5mm (specific for 700 Liberty may vary slightly)
Cooling System:
Liquid-Cooled
Induction:
Cleanfire Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Horsepower Est:
Approximately 130-140 HP (factory figures)
Torque Est:
Specific torque figures often not published prominently, but strong mid-range power delivery.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Injection:
Automatic Oil Injection (requires 2-stroke synthetic oil)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Snowmobiles are not typically crash-tested by agencies like NHTSA)
Throttle Safety:
Thumb throttle with self-retracting mechanism.
Kill Switch:
Emergency engine shut-off tether/lanyard.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillight, brake light.
Roll Over Protection:
N/A (inherent design limitations for this type of vehicle)
Instrumentation:
Digital gauge cluster with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level, coolant temperature, and diagnostic indicators.
Traction Control:
No electronic traction control systems; relies on rider skill and track design.
Charging Port:
Likely includes a 12V accessory outlet for charging devices.
Oil Change Recommendation:
Refer to manual for specific intervals, but typically every 100-200 hours of operation or annually.
Clutch Service:
Periodic inspection and cleaning recommended, especially after heavy use in deep snow.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check and clean/replace as per manual, typically every 1000-2000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze/coolant suitable for aluminum engines and extreme temperatures (e.g., ethylene glycol based, often specified by Polaris).
Chaincase Oil:
Polaris specifies specific chaincase gear oil (e.g., Polaris Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant) or equivalent.
2 Stroke Oil:
Polaris Genuine 2-Stroke Oil or a high-quality synthetic 2-stroke snowmobile oil meeting API TC or JASO FD standards.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutches can experience wear, especially with aggressive riding. Proper belt tension and alignment are crucial.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Regular flushing and inspection of the cooling system are important to prevent overheating.
Tunnel And Suspension Wear:
In deep snow, tunnel damage and suspension component wear can occur if not ridden carefully or if components are not maintained.
Polaris Heritage:
Polaris Industries is a long-standing American manufacturer of powersports vehicles, founded in 1954, with a strong legacy in snowmobiles.
Rmk Lineage:
The RMK (Rough Mountain Kicker) line has been a cornerstone of Polaris's deep snow offerings, evolving significantly in chassis design, engine technology, and suspension for enhanced off-trail performance.
Production Era:
The 2008 Dragon RMK 163 represents a refinement of Polaris's Pro-Ride chassis and Liberty engine platform from that era.
Model Changes 2008:
Refinements in clutch calibration and potentially minor styling updates over previous years.
