SUSPENSION QUICK SET-UP GUIDE

Content Source: 2021 600/850 AXYS Switchback Assault / RMK / SKS / Indy / Voyageur Owner’s Manual (9931265 R01) > The Perfect Fit Chapter

IMPORTANT

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SUSPENSION QUICK SET-UP GUIDE

The front and rear suspensions on your snowmobile are easy to adjust. Just remember three simple steps:

Step 1: Ride your snowmobile.

Ride the snowmobile in various terrain to fully experience the existing suspension settings before making any adjustments.

Step 2: Adjust the torsion spring to tune vehicle balance.

After riding, you should be able to determine if the snowmobile needs more or less transfer.

For more transfer, decrease the torsion spring preload.
For less transfer, increase the torsion spring preload.

If you prefer your snowmobile has lighter steering, decrease the torsion spring preload or increase the front track shock spring preload.

Step 3: Adjust shock clickers (if equipped) for ride quality.

For models equipped with monotube shocks, always adjust the rear torsion spring preload to enhance bottoming resistance.

For models with shock clickers, you can adjust the clickers to control bottoming and adjust ride comfort.

Turn a clicker counter-clockwise to decrease damping for a softer ride.
Turn a clicker clockwise to increase damping for a stiffer ride and less bottoming.

NOTE

Always adjust the clicker at least one click below full stiff (full clockwise) or shock damage could occur.

Test ride the snowmobile and continue making spring and clicker adjustments until you achieve the perfect ride.

NOTE

Adding traction components, such as traction studs or additional ski skag carbides, or changing the factory equipped track, could change handling characteristics. Addition setup may be required.

Shock Locations

Rear Track Shock

Front Track Shock

Front IFS Shock

Shock Compression Damping

The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is torsion spring preload. Perform this adjustment first. After adjusting torsion spring preload to your satisfaction, compression damping adjustments can be made to control ride quality and bottoming resistance.

Compression damping can be adjusted at the front suspension and at the front and rear track shock. Make adjustments in 2-click increments, then test ride. When adjusting the front suspension, always adjust both clickers equally.

To stop bottoming of the front or rear suspension (stiffer ride), rotate the clicker(s) clockwise two clicks (as viewed from the top of the clicker), then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until bottoming stops and the desired ride quality is achieved.

For a more plush ride at the front or rear suspension, rotate the clicker(s) counter-clockwise two clicks, then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until the desired ride quality is achieved.

Torsion Spring Adjustments

To adjust rear torsion spring preload, rotate the three-position cam

using the engine spark plug tool. Adjustment is easiest when the cam is rotated from low to medium, and then to high. Rotating directly from low to high will require significantly more effort. Different rate torsion springs are available if a firmer ride is desired. See your dealer for more information.

NOTE

Adding 1+1 seat, or additional cargo may affect handling and require a spring rate change.

Torsion Spring Setting	Recommended Usage
Low	Rider(s) and gear =140-180lb If less than 140, use the optional spring chart for softer springs.
Medium	Rider(s) and gear = 180-220lb
High	Rider(s) and gear = 220-260lb If above 260, use the optional spring chart for heaver springs.

Torsion Spring Setting

Recommended Usage

Low

Rider(s) and gear =140-180lb

If less than 140, use the optional spring chart for softer springs.

Medium

Rider(s) and gear = 180-220lb

High

Rider(s) and gear = 220-260lb

If above 260, use the optional spring chart for heaver springs.

Optional Spring Kits

Kit Number	Spring Type	Description	Fitment (By Track Length)
2884973	Spring, Torsion	Light Duty	129/137
2884974	Spring, Torsion	Heavy Duty	129/137
2884975	Spring, Torsion	Extra Heavy Duty	129/137
2884976 (Switchback Assault)	Spring, Torsion	Light Duty	144/146
2884977 (Switchback Assault)	Spring, Torsion	Heavy Duty	144/146

Front Track Shock Spring Settings (Indy Models)

Factory settings, combined with user adjustments to the rear torsion spring, should be all that’s necessary to provide the best riding experience for most riders. The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is the rear torsion spring preload. Perform this adjustment first.

Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

NOTICE

Never adjust spring preload to an installed length longer than the factory length or shorter than the minimum length as shown in the following chart. Damage to the suspension could result. When decreasing preload, make sure at least two turns of preload are holding the retainer against the spring.

INDY SP

INDY XC

Front Track Shock Spring Settings

Factory Spring	Maximum Installed Length	Minimum Installed Length
INDY SP	1.25" (3.2 cm)	0.75" (1.9 cm)
INDY XC	1.88" (4.8 cm)	1.38" (3.5 cm)
INDY XCR	2.12" (5.4 cm)	1.62" (4.1 cm)

Front Track Factory Clicker Settings

Model

Clicker Setting

(from full hard)

INDY SP

N/A

INDY XC

INDY XCR

Low: 6

High: 5

Front Track Shock Spring Settings (Switchback Assault/SKS Models)

Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

NOTICE

Front Track Shock Spring Settings

Factory Spring	Maximum Installed Length	Minimum Installed Length
Switchback ASSAULT SKS 146	1.25" (3.2 cm)	1" (2.5 cm)
Switchback SP	2" (5 cm)	1.75" (4.5 cm)
600 RMK 144	Not Adjustable	Not Adjustable
600 Voyageur	Not Adjustable	Not Adjustable

Front Track Factory Clicker Settings

Model	Clicker Setting (from full soft)
Switchback ASSAULT	2
SKS 146	2

Model

Clicker Setting

(from full soft)

Switchback ASSAULT

SKS 146

Rear Track Shock Factory Clicker Settings

Indy XC Models

Model	Factory Clicker Setting (From Full Stiff)
Indy XC	5

Model

Factory Clicker Setting

(From Full Stiff)

Indy XC

Switchback Assault/SKS Models

Model	Clicker Setting (from full soft)
Switchback Assault	8
SKS 146	8

Model

Clicker Setting

(from full soft)

Switchback Assault

SKS 146

Rear Rear Scissor Stop (RRSS) (If Equipped)

The rear rear scissor stop (RRSS) couples the movement of the rear torque arm with the front torque arm and limits the amount of independent movement between the rear torque and the front torque arm.

Adjusting the RRSS either allows more weight to transfer to the rear for more traction, or allows less weight to transfer to the rear, resulting in improved cornering performance. An adjustment dot is located on the RRSS. This dot is on the longest end of the scissor stop.

REAR REAR SCISSOR STOP (RRSS) - ATTRIBUTES

Moving the RRSS to a higher position will have the following effects on the suspension:

Reduced weight transfer
Improved chatter bump ride
Improved cornering performance
Increased load carrying capacity (2–up)

WEIGHT TRANSFER DURING ACCELERATION

The preferred method for controlling weight transfer during acceleration is by adjusting the rear rear scissor stop. Use the scissor stop tool located in your tool kit it make the adjustments.

To decrease weight transfer under acceleration (for improved cornering), rotate the stop to a higher position.

To increase weight transfer or ski lift during acceleration, move the stop to the rearward upper position. The stop may also be rotated to a lower position for even more weight transfer if desired.

Low Position — This setting will increase weight transfer

Medium Position — This setting is the production setting and will provide the best overall trail riding

High Position — This setting will decrease weight transfer

Rearward Upper Position (optional hole location) — This setting will increase weight transfer


High	Low	Medium	Low

The preferred method for controlling weight transfer during acceleration is by adjusting the rear rear scissor stop (RRSS)

. The factory setting is the best for most trail riding conditions.

To decrease weight transfer under acceleration (for improved cornering), rotate the RRSS to a higher position.

To increase weight transfer or ski lift during acceleration, rotate the RRSS to a lower position.

TIP

Your dealer can help you with initial setup and additional setup instructions to help you achieve your optimum ride. A scissor stop tool is also available from your dealer.

Front Suspension (IFS) Shock Adjustments (if equipped)

Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

To reset IFS clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff, and then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

IFS SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS

FACTORY SPRING	FACTORY INSTALLED LENGTH	MINIMUM INSTALLED LENGTH
INDY SP	10.75” (27.3 cm)	10” (25.4 cm)
INDY XC	10” (25.4 cm)	10” (25.4 cm)
INDY XCR	9.75” (24.8 cm)	9.25” (23.5 cm)
Switchback ASSAULT	10” (25.4 cm)	9.5” (24 cm)
SKS 146	10” (25.4 cm)	9.5” (24 cm)
600 RMK 144	10.5” (26.7 cm)	10” (25.4)
600 Voyageur	10.5” (26.7 cm)	10” (25.4)

IFS Remote Reservoir Shock Factory Clicker Settings

Model	Clicker Setting (from full hard)
INDY SP	N/A
INDY XC	12
INDY XCR	Low: 6 High: 5
Switchback ASSAULT	6
SKS 146	6

Cornering Adjustments

To improve cornering ability, remove up to 1/2" of preload from factory IFS spring setting. Trade-off for removing 1/2" of preload will add steering effort.

Limiter Strap Adjustment

The front torque arm limiter strap is set at position

POLARIS recommends leaving the limiter strap length at position to maintain the optimum ride characteristics of the snowmobile. Riders who desire less ski pressure and more weight transfer toward the rear of the snowmobile can lengthen the limiter strap by changing to position .

Loosen the lock nut.
Adjust the limiter strap.

Tighten the lock nut.

TORQUE
16 ft-lbs (21 Nm).