The Switchback® XCR snowmobile is for extreme performance riders that need to dominate tough terrain at high speeds. Its lightweight yet strong AXYS® Chassis paired with the 800 H.O. Cleanfire® Engine and Race-Ready components like reinforced rail beams and racing brake system deliver extreme crossover performance.
Rider Balanced Control
AXYS® Chassis
The AXYS® Switchback® XCR features the AXYS® chassis and IQR handlebars with an aluminum overstructure. The chassis structure and design makes it possible to change the rider positioning, centralize vehicle mass, redesign the rear suspension, add more power, remove weight, and evolve the rider’s experience. In short, it is the key to delivering rider-balanced® control, unrivaled acceleration, and rider-centric comfort.
Rider Balanced Control
Rider Balanced Control gives the rider:
- Flatter cornering without sacrificing the fun factor
- More precise handling in all conditions
- Better control in big bumps AND chatter bumps
- Put the rider in the right location on the sled
- Centralized vehicle mass
- Optimized the suspension geometry to better control pitch
Rider Balanced Positioning
On the AXYS® chassis, the rider is moved forward to a more balanced position. The rider’s hands are moved 4.5” forward, the feet are 2” forward, the knees are 4.5” forward, and the seat is 4.5” forward. In the neutral riding position, the AXYS® platform provides bite for flatter, positive cornering. When the trail gets rough or the rider jumps off into the powder, rider balance enables the rider to move back and make the front end light to climb up on top of the snow or the moguls.
PRO-XC™ Suspension with Polaris Race Technology (PRT)
The completely redesigned geometry of the PRO-XC™ progressive-rate rear suspension is optimized for the best performance and Rider-Balanced Control. Through innovative Polaris engineering and construction, the suspension is both lighter and stronger, featuring:
- Lightweight, forged aluminum rear crank
- Completely redesigned crank and pivot
- Front torque arm was moved rearward to control pitch, increase travel, and improve the rail profile
Polaris Race Technology Brake System
The PRT Brake system delivers outstanding performance with unparalleled durability. The race rotor provides increased surface area that effectively absorbs heat from brake pads for more consistent performance and even pad wear. The Brake Scoop offers increased cooling and improves durability & performance, while the Type 81 Brake Pads withstand higher temperatures associated with higher speeds.
Active Pitch Control™
The PRO-XC™ suspension delivers Active Pitch Control™ which controls the pitch by suspension geometry and not simply by a high spring rate. This makes the sled less sensitive to adjustment while allowing optimal weight transfer.
1.35” Cobra Track
Excellent performance on loose snow & on hard-packed snow surfaces
PRO-STEER Skis
The PRO-STEER ski features a reshaped keel and shortened skag for reduced steering effort. Redesigned ribs atop the ski increase torsional stiffness for more precise steering, and bosses added atop the ribs provide traction to prevent slipping when a rider steps on the ski in deep snow.
IQR Handlebar with PRO-X Riser
The IQR handlebar with PRO-X Riser is taller to accomodate stand-up riding
Unrivaled Acceleration
Lightweight
When developing the AXYS® platform, Polaris engineers minimized weight throughout the sled without compromising strength. The 800 Switchback PRO-S is more than 35 pounds lighter than the previous chassis and weighs approximately 40 lb. less than a competitive crossover model.
800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine
Developed in conjunction with the AXYS platform, the proven 800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine delivers class-leading acceleration. The integrated mounting position optimizes the balance of the chassis. Featuring:
- 3-stage electronically-controlled exhaust valves
- Electronic oil pump
- Thermostat with bypass warms up to operating temperature 40% faster and improves durability
- High-efficiency intake and exhaust
- VForce Reeds
- Lightweight crankshaft
- Throttle body is lighter weight and reduces throttle effort
- Grooved Piston
3-Stage Electronically-Controlled Exhaust Valves
3-stage electronically-controlled exhaust valves provide improved running quality, crisper throttle response, smoother idle and improved fuel economy. The active feedback for the exhaust valve position provides more accurate fueling in transient situations. These exhaust valves also improve combustion stability, leading to improved durability and engine life.
Electronic Oil Pump
Electronic oil pump eliminates power-robbing gear drive – and provides more precise, improved oil delivery for performance and durability as well as a 35% reduction in throttle effort. Requires no adjustments.
High-Efficiency Intake and Exhaust
Porous intake duct material and high-flow exhaust system create a better breathing engine package for more power. The silencer provides reduced sound levels while on the trail. Vforce reeds provide improved performance, throttle response and reed durability.
VForce Reeds
Provide improved performance, throttle response, and reed durability.
Lightweight Crankshaft
Lightweight crankshaft weighs 2.5 lbs less, delivering 25% lower inertia and quicker throttle response and spooling. This provides improved acceleration. Designed and engineered specifically for the 800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine for increased durability, this same lightweight crankshaft is used in Polaris Race sleds, including during the past 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, showing it's proven durability.
800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine Piston
Grooved piston was designed specifically for the 800 HO Cleanfire® Engine to increase durability and engine life.
MY18 800 Cleanfire H.O. Engine Updates
- New thermostat provides
- Lower operating temperature, 110º F (43.3º C) vs. 125º F (51.6º C) for improved overheat margin and more consistent engine operation
- Increases main circuit flow by 12 percent; increases bypass flow by 9 percent
- New thermostat will come on all 2018 snowmobiles with the 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine
- More durable exhaust gas temp sensor (EGT) providing over 200 percent life improvement
- Improved connector
- More durable sensing element
- Matched to new ECU
- Sealed cross-shaft cavity crankcases provide additional lubrication and increased durability on both 600 and 800 Cleanfire H.O. engines
- Improved MAG end seal provides better sealing and increased durability on both 600 and 800 Cleanfire H.O. engines
Rider Centric Comfort
AXYS® Performance Seat
The AXYS® Performance seat utilizes a high-performance seat foam, and the seat design is narrower in front to provide greater maneuverability.
- The seat is lighter without compromising comfort
- Improved ergonomics and stability
- Seat top features a gripper material that helps keep the rider in place.
Interactive Digital Display
Another industry first for Polaris - the most advanced instrumentation in snowmobiling. This 4.3" high resolution, full color, LCD digital display provides a rider with information including:
- Sled performance: Speedometer, tachometer, dual tripmeters, average speed, max speed, engine/trip hours & odometer Sled operating conditions: Coolant temperature, diagnostics & maintenance warnings
- Riding conditions: Air temperature, time of day in 12 or 24-hour clock format
- Bluetooth™ functionality: Enables the gauge to communicate with the rider’s cell phone and provide notification of incoming calls or texts. Displays phone battery & signal strength
- GPS/Mapping Capability: A compass is standard, & full-featured GPS can be installed to provide directions & information about services such as fuel, restaurants, lodging & Polaris dealerships. Customize the GPS to operate with North Up or Course Up navigation depending on your preference
- Ride Planning Feature enables you to plan a ride using Ride Command, save it as a GPX file, and transfer it to the display through the USB interface
- This gauge comes as an option on some SnowCheck models, and is available as an accessory option
Left-Hand Controls
The left-hand controls feature improved ergonomics, updated styling, and enhanced hand and thumb warmer control. The controls are easy to operate with gloves on, and have an improved tactile feel.
LED Lights
All models built on the AXYS® platform feature standard LED headlights. LED headlights deliver the industry’s best lighting:
- Nearly 1 lb. lighter and high beams are 80% brighter than incandescent lighting.
- Color temperature or output of the lights (the “whiteness” of light, reported in Kelvin) is 5000K, closely matching daylight.
- LED headlights last the entire lifetime of the sled. A major durability enhancement over traditional incandescent headlights which experience filament burn out.
- For constant visibility and enhanced safety, the low beams remain on at all times. Even when the high beam is activated, there is never a period of no light.
Wind Protection
The hood and windshield designs produce significantly enhanced wind protection for a rider, and the foil on the side panels further enhances protection.
Integrated Storage
Storage was designed and developed right along with the AXYS platform, so it installs securely and features seamless, integrated styling that matches the sled’s design lines.
- Compression-molded materials provide semi-rigid storage and enhanced styling
- Sturdier zippers provide better cargo security and protection
- Installs without tools
Premium Fit & Finish
Interfacing surfaces between body panels and components are shorter for minimized gaps
- Interfaces are strategically located in recessed areas
- Styling of storage elements results in clean, integrated lines
- Components are engineered for functionality and styled for the best styling
Walker Evans® Shocks
Walker Evans® Hi/Lo Compression Adjustable Piggyback Needle Shocks with XCR valving are more tune-able and allow you to adjust compression to suit your riding styles & the day’s conditions. They are the most durable in extremely rough terrain at high speeds.
Walker Evans® 2.0” Body Front Track Shock
Polaris developed, these shocks feature a larger diameter to withstand higher speeds and increased oil volume for higher temperature operation.
