"An interesting rumor on the streets says Polaris is ready to match Ski-Doo’s oh-so-close to factory racer MX-Z X-RS package with a consumer available version of its radical IQ snocrosser next year". supertraxmag.com

http://www.supertraxmag.com/article.asp?nid=378

every single "insider" i talk to says that the IQ (in full blown racer trim) will never ever see production... and guys i trust that have trail ridden them have said they pretty much suck ballz in anything but straight line craters (ala snowcross track)...

this is my bet... stubby nosed 440 bodywork on a production IQ chassis with dragon suspension and a 600cfi motor... slightly more aggressive ergos but thats about it... this will end up being the basis for the new production 600 racer for next season (07-08)... just my guess

I was told it will be something along these lines.

Click to view attachment

they will at the VERY least be using the RAW style like the dragon to keep weight down... lightweight seat and all... it will not be as finely finished as the picture above... it will be stripped down like the pro-x/pro-xr was... certainly won't be a sled for the faint of heart...

imho, the current dragon is, other than some body work, pretty damn close to being exactly that anyway... think about it... top notch WE shocks (much better than previous WE shocks and basically only a detuned version of what's on the racer), lightweight RAW chassis, more aggressive ergos than the 06 fusion... just stuff the 440 bodywork and a little extra bracing on it and call it a day...

YUCK, I'm praying it won't end up looking like the picture that redxcr440 posted. Some may like it, but it's fugly IMO.

I agree with Bonz 110%. I don't care about all that flashy bodywork. Strip the damn sled down and make it lightweight. Walker Evans shocks in the front AND rear, and agressive ergos. I LOVE the industrial look of the Dragon's. IQ 440 style tunnel should be used instead of the Fusion tunnel though IMO. Unless they opt to go with a RAW style tunell? If they're gonna do it they need to make the option of 600CFI, 700CFI, and 800CFI......Their new motor for '08 I would like to see them offer them in a 136" as well, but I know it won't happen.

it would be sweet even with some more trail friendly stuff on it, i agree with you shortstop, the iq in the picture looks gay, something more lightweight and naked would really top it off ... :beerchug:

good up-to-date info from october

If we want Polaris to ever get back to #1 in Sales, #1 in Reliability, #1 in Respect we should hope they would start building sleds much like this one. Some of you might think it's ugly but until you have seen it, just give it a chance. We heard from everyone after Haydays '04 how ugly the IQ racer was, how it was just a REV copy and all kinds of other garbage. Look at how it's done on the SnoX track.

I totally agree with those who say get rid of that lame seat and go with something like the Dragon seat with the RAW style tunnel. This sled could EASILY be built to weigh under 460lbs and have at least 125hp with the 600CFI and maybe 145hp with the 700CFI. Who needs an 800 when your Power to Weight ratio is 3.15?? With removable side panels these sleds would be very easy to maintain and work on.

And let me just point out one more thing, when this sled comes Blowing By You on the trail you aren't going to be to concerned about how ugly it is.

That sled will sell and Sell is what Polaris must do if they want to survive.

Anyone who thinks the IQ 440 is ugly and the Fusion is good looking needs their eyes checked IMO. Not bashing just my .02 I think the Fusion styling is down right ugly. RMK styling is an improvement but still doesn't hold a candle to the IQ 440. I have loved the look of the IQ 440's since the day they came out. Best looking 440 made IMO and one of the best looking sleds overall.

ShortStop20, what are you talking about??? You said YUCK above.

The IQ Racer and the picture Redxc posted are basically the same sled except for a few cosmetics and Trail friendly A-Arms, Shocks and Seat. Looks wise the two are the same save for a few cosmetics.

I have been begging Polaris to build this sled since late 2004, lets hope they do. I know lots of people have struggled to get the IQ racer to handle on the trails but a few people are actually getting it done. Properly set up they are as good as any REV., granted it's not Prox trail manners but it's not point and shoot trail manners either. And if this picture is any indication af where the steering post will end up that sled will be much closer to a ProX on the trail.

Click to view attachment

I like where this is going, but I wont be happy until there is a full on production replica (Identical) with a regular mill dropped down into it. Maybe Im a sucker for a sled that looks like a racer but so be it. I see the similarities between the racer and the sled pictured above, but there are some obvious differences. To be honest, that sled pictured above looks more like a fusion than it does an IQ440 at first glance. Thats not goinig to compete with the XR-s at all. There are already plenty of trail sleds in Polaris' stable why make another washed down version of the racer. Why not just build the damn thing for real. I guess with the end of the 440 class being just around the corner, we should be acle to get closer to the ideal sled we are all looking for.

I think that the new seat that is on the 700 dragon would look better with IQ racer body style.

Well, I don't like the seat, bellypan (even though it's only slightly different), color scheme(maybe that's what makes the bellypan look like $h!t?). Don't care for the winshield, tunnel, handlebar setup (not far enough forward IMO.) Etc. minor stuff. Don't like the A-arm and spindle setup either, but if that's what is needed to make the sled trailable, whatever I guess.

The sled looks like Iq 440 pannels on a fusion frame. Ive seen how little pounding the Fusion can take. Its not a race chassis by any means.

That was a survey pic Polaris sent out to owners last spring. It was only to gauge consumer response. I particapeted in it.

^^^^Yes it was. Was told by RMI racing that it would be simular to that except the seat would have a more raw look.

I had heard there were a lot of people pissed off about the XR-s because its more like a trail sled with risers, the racer seat and only some of the race bracing.

I would be killer if Polaris would take the IQ, throw a 600 in there, revalve the shocks a little softer, and get the trail manners a little better. Keep the no-bs look. All those extras aren't needed. Simple and clean.

I dont get your logic? I too like the looks of a racer, but I also know that they are purpose built. I too want something more than just a trail sled, I want something light and agile, that can be ditchbanged, and jumped . I want it to handle super flat in the corners, but everything is a trade off. If a sled handles flat like a gen2 it's not going to take the bumps like a racer. If its built to fly 60 feet through the air the studder bumps will kill you. My gen2 handled auesome but wouldnt take huge bumps very well so I thought I wanted something better so I bought an 02 ProX. This is probably the stiffist production suspension ever. the studer bumps were eating me for dinner. The edge chassy was really smooth trail sled but because of this it didnt handle the curves because it was a tad longer than the ProX. My point is, If you want to buy a racer for its looks go ahead but dont be surprised if the studder bumps kill you. If you want a trail sled dont be surprised if the 3 footers bottom out your suspension. If you buy a sled for oval racing the stand up seating probably will disapoint you.I myself could care less what it looks like I just want it to perform to suite my riding style. If it looks like a racer fine, but I hope it dont ride like one. RB

I dont think my logic is that hard to follow. I want the IQ with at least a 600 engine and the ability to run a descent gas tank. I could care less for trail manners. But I do need a sled that is reliable, stout, and can handle 100 miles of track spin on a tank of fuel. You seem to be mistaking me for someone who wants a trail sled. My point was that the picture above was more like a Fusion than an IQ 440 on the outside, and if the inside was similar, I would be severely disapointed.

agreed we need a sled thats built like a tank. all the reinforcements of the racer. if they just took the 440 racer, put the new 700 in it and a 12 gallon tank i would sell my stuff and buy one tomorrow ...

You're right. I find it quite amusing that it's the one's who own the sleds (including myself) are the ones that are bitching how terrible these things are in full race trim on the trail and ditches, how expensive the parts are, how heavy the front end is (suspension), how tough it is to steer, and how cold they are to ride. If anyone thinks a Fusion turns hard...heh, try riding a 440 IQ. It's those who don't own one, haven't ridden one and don't understand the market that are all gung ho for this. They think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Looks alone don't make a sled sell. This thing sucks for anything that isn't a snocross race. It will take some serious work to make the IQ 440 a reasonable consumer sled and if many bought it as is, they would be very disappointed. I consider myself a "big baddass ditch racer" but I'm throwing fusion parts on my IQ this season thank you very much. I'm sure you'll see a sled like this from Polaris this year but be warned, get out and ride a 440 IQ before you buy one because many of you will most likely quickly change your opinion in a hurry.

DIX, you're describing a mod race sled. For the love of God save us all the trouble by purchacing a mod race sled, get different heads and a larger tank and GO RIDE.

I too want a 600 engine, and a sled that is reliable, stout, and can handle 100 miles of track spin on a tank of fuel. But lets face it unless you have a snowcross track in your back yard or some big jumps the suspension is just too stiff. Or if all the trails had 3'rs they would be great but lets face it most snowmobile trails are groomed or have small studer bumps. If you ride off trail this suspension is total off track, for your needs. I like my Pro X because it can take abuse but it took me over a year to get the suspension tuned for my riding. I think they should build a sled for serius ditchbanging not sell us a snowcross sled. We will probably not get one because we are in the minority. I think the ride height, springs, and shocks would need changed on your racer sled before it would sell. BUT I've been wrong before. RB

Man I forgot about the steering till you brought it up! I'm getting a gym membership tomorrow! LOL. I remember the first time I got to ride a rev440 race sled converted to trail duty. It rode horible but was still smoother than my ProX. I think if I would have removed the shocks on my 02 Prox and bolted in a 2x4 it would have improved the ride. Dont get me wrong they can be made to ride nice but unless you enjoy working on a sled and replacing new parts ,WHY?RB

Fine then I guess you guys have changed my mind about what I want. How silly of me to actually think I could decide for myself what type of sled I would like to have. I guess I shall defer to you guys in future when forming my opinions. You obviously know whats best for me!

I'm with you DIX, us OLD guys should stick together and have fun beating our race sleds down the trail, through the ditches and hucking jumps.

Maybe someday Polaris will build a consumer version of these Racer Sleds, built like a tank with all the needed reinforcements and a little finer tuned for better trail manners. Send them out to their dealers and watch them disappear, instead of collect dust like the current line up.

I've owned lots of Polaris race sleds over the last 5 years and they just keep getting funner and funner, on the trail and on the track. Maybe the IQ's don't handle like a ProX consumer chassis but they are at least as good as my '04 ProXr 440. That thing did not handle on the trails at all. And all you '04 440 guys know how much fun that sled is, LOTS.

There are a few guys who have got their IQ's set up to handle pretty good. Are they as good as a ProX??? NO. Not till you put a 3' bump in front of it. Then the IQ is far surperior. And as far as cold, I wear Gortex and Polarfleece, I always stay warm when riding my IQ, and this is Alaska.

Oh Dix, cry, cry. In all honesty, you really do not understand the IQ until you ride one. I don't care who you are. I'm just giving you a heads up of what to expect.

AkIQPilot, I'm not arguing that they aren't a fun ride. I never said that anywhere. They are a complete blast to ride when they work right and that's why I'm using mine another season with a Fusion front end. They are much more fun to ride than my Pro-XR ever was.

As far as getting cold...there is no denying that the IQ is a much colder sled than the other stock sleds Polaris makes. The wind hits you right in the chest. I wear the best thermal protection I can find, and on cooler days, even I get cold by the end of the day.

Yes, I do believe we'll see a production IQ from Polaris and yes I'm sure it will have all the race parts on it such as to reduce the cost of the components for Polaris buy buying them in greater quantities. You can bet your button it won't be a cheap sled to buy though, because it is not cheap to build.

AkIQPilot, do you know if the changes to the spindle have any effect on steering effort on the 2007 IQ's?

I have to agree with the guys that want a race sled look-alike to be an actual race sled. If you ride the sled the way its meant to be ridden it's great. If you want to do a 400 mile day get another sled. You want to complain about being cold get a warmer jacket or better yet a tek-vest. I ride a rev 440 there is no wind protection, but I wear a shell over my tek-vest and layer under it. I sweat most of the time. The sled won't do much over 70 and really 50+ for more than a few seconds will drive you crazy. But ride it where it likes to be ridden and it is incredible so that where I ride it. The fact that it is unruly is what makes it fun.

What some of you are asking for would be like someone saying "gee, I really like the RMK's if only they put the fusion front end under so it turns better and the track is too long maybe a 144 with a 1.25 lug 'cause the 2.25 ligus will eat sliders and while we're at it lets throw in the adjustable steering post." And when someone says, "hey they make that already its called the switchback", he'll say "well yeah but it dosen't look like the RMK."

Point is they make the sled some of you want its called the Dragon. Its got the suspension you want, it'll turn flat, has wind protection and a head light that works.


I say don't even bother making a consumer version of the race sled, I'd rather just buy a used '08 600 stocker for $5000 and have all the goods than spend $11,000 on a poser sled like the MXZx rs. Plus when I see one coming down the trail at me I can give the guy the thunbs up for riding a cool sled.


BTW, I had a '02 ProX 600 and that sled was a Cadilac compared to the '01 ProX600 that I still have.

You a Democrate? RB

Damn, when you quote me like that I guess I do sound Kerry-like.

But no, I'm a Republican.


I should've said, don't bother making a consumer version of the race sled, if its going to be half assed.








How do you edit post here? I had a couple spelling mistakes I wanted to fix but I couldn't figure out how you edit.

I don't think you can edit posts after an hour from posting them.

:beer: I hope its just like the IQ racer with the six. I have never ridden the 440 IQ but I do have th 3 foot creators on the trail. Bring on the race chassie with a six If They don't forget it. If they scale it down a bit don't they already have that sled (dragon) why do that and call it a race sled?

LOL, You had me confused. I would like them to expand the Dragon a little and improve on it, But lets face it, If you take a race sled/ add oil injection/ put on a bigger tank/ put in a bigger engine/ Add some track wheels/ put in a headlight/ add a spedometer, all you got is an overweight snowcross sled. Its nolonger good at what it was good at. If you want a snowcross sled go buy one. I would rather see them drop 50LB's off a Dragon and offer more engines. I could give a rats but what the sled looks like. Plus when you do see a snowcross sled on the trail its kinda neet because the guy has put some time into it and if its just a production lookalike they will be a dime a dozen. Nothing cool about that. RB

I just started working at a Polaris dealership and would love to see them come out with a full production IQ race chassis that has the dragon 700 motor in it. A friend of mine at the dealership races an 05 IQ 440 and trail rides it as well, I'm looking forward to comparing it to my rev 800 that I've pretty much converted into a 04 440x.

The biggest problem I can see happening if Polaris introduces the IQ 440 chassis to the consumer is all the guys that will buy it soley on looks and then bitch about it being too stiff, has no wind protection and steers hard. There are people who DO want a full on race sled for the trail, I plan on buying a used 08 600 race sled to trail ride, I think they are going to make AWESOME trail sleds!

.....And that's exactly what will happen too. :frech32: :frech32:

I agree 100%. But Polaris has to build something to be on the same page as the Sno-Pro & X-RS calibrations. Us guys that have a lot of saddle time on our ProXs have been patiently waiting for Polaris to build the heir apparent to the Pro X.(The Dragon is close). So I say build it & bring it on. These knuckleheads that buy on image alone, only to complain, have no clue that they have options at thair disposal. There is a multitude of revalving and spring options that can be applied to these "stiff" suspensions to make them more compliant for a token fee. If Polaris builds these sleds maybe they should advise their dealers as to the kind of rider these sleds are geared toward. The dealers in turn could let a potentional buyer of this sled know what the hell they're getting themselves into. A good dealer should and will do that. Polaris has to build this sled and I think they will. Look at the '07 IQ racer's front end, it has been widened & lowered. Another thing, why would they be making a 10 gallon tank for this sled if they didn't plan on making a "consumer & trail friendly" version? Something to ponder. Just my 2 cents.

Good Points Farmer. Im riding a ProX2 knowing It isnt in race trim and worrying about it holding together. I went through 3 sets of Motor Mounts last year alone, and Im probably due for another set now. This sled while pretty well equiped, doent stand up to abuse much better (In some ways not as well) as a regular edge setup. It does have some of the things I like though so its a trade off. As for the dragon, it aint no ProX, and it certainly isnt a race sled. My buddy bought one as a ditch banger, and lets just say he doesnt have it any more.

I guess In my mind I really want to see the Pro XR 800 back in new IQ trim. Thats a sled that would have me pulling out my wallett.

If you think the IQ's are that much more durable, you've got another thing coming. They break, just like anything else out there. The Dragon will walk circles around any Pro-X out there, engine wise and chassis wise.

Gotta agree with that. :div20:

I say, if they do it and not half assed, they will sell the shit out of them. Gauranteed.

600 or 700 Cfi engine, trail friendly IQ racer chassis and they will come. Out of the woodwork.

I have checked out an IQ racer chassis and even at 275lbs, I couldn't hardley squat the
suspension while jumping up and down on it. That thing would have to beat the absolute
shit out of you on a normal trail. I still want one though...... :banghead: :smilielol:

you know, i think that all the manufacters have taken their sweet time on releasing any sort of consumer *race* sled because i think they know exactly what happnes when you do that....the blair morgan wannabes start hurting themselves and more importantly hurt others. as soon as those guys that think there the hottest shit on snow get a hold of a sled thats labeled a *race* sled they instantly get stupid. i would be worried as a manufacturer about the liability of putting a so called race sled on the trails. people start doing dumb shit with them and others will be asking why did they put that sled in the hands of an amature rider when it was developed for the profesionals...

And a 340 can kill a ten year old. What's your point??

I can tell you that the liablilty of it don't mean squat to the manu's. What bothers them,
I think, is the fact of all the Tom, Dick and Harry's that will buy these "Race" sleds and
BITCH about all the stupidest little things on it. "It rides too stiff, the handwarmers don't work well,
and it makes "weird" noises" etc, etc.

I guess what honestly appeals to me the most on the IQ racer's is the rider position and stance.
Could I ride it all day comfortably?? Probably not, but for all out ditchbangin', boondockin' and
aggressive trail riding, it would fuckin' rock I am sure. :div20:

ok ill explain better...its all in the NAME. you could have a 340 *race* sled and someone out there would think its too dangerous to put on the trails. because since it is technically built to be put on a race track some will see it as dagerously fast for the trails blah blah blah. get what im saying? there is a stigma that comes with the title *race sled*.

The main reason for a lack of a true "race bread" sled it the lack of interest from AVERAGE comsumers. The kind of balls out hardcore sled that everyone here wants isnt something your typical snowmobiler is interested in. Polaris isnt going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to tool a specialty "race" sled just becasue 50 people on some internet forum want one. The number of Pro X sleds sold pails in comparison to the number of XCs sold. If you want a IQ consumer "race" sled quit you bitchin, buy a IQ roller and a 700 CFI motor and build it yourself. Dont bitch that Polaris doesnt make it cause you are too lazy to do it yourself! I highly doubt anyone here could throw more at the Dragon than it could take. What, the suspension is to soft? Put different shocks on or just revalve the ones on there.

maybe no one here wants some beat ass used roller to build a mod sled....mod sleds are a HUGE pain in the ass to build and keep working properly, you cant just go to the dealer and say "oh, i need part so and so" shit has to be custom made sometimes 4-5 times to get ti right. most people who built IQ mod sled have upwards of $10,000 in them to get it working right.

Dealers have new ones sitting on the floor with no miles on them. They arent hard to get if your willing to pay the price. Bristows Polaris in St. Cloud had 3 of them for sale. Someone stated before they want an updated Pro XR 800. Hell that cost 10g when it came out and so is the dragon which if you look at other manufactures is on the cheaper side for top of the line performance sleds. If you want the best you have to be willing to pay the price. This is my point some people wont take it upon themself to do the work or shell out the money to have the sled of their dreams and they just expect polaris to built one for them. Look at mountain riders they have been custom fabbing sleds from the ground up for years.

I'm just curious but where does the 07 Dragon fall short of what you guys are looking for? According to former Pro X owners the new IQ chassis (06 and newer) handles better and sucks up the bumps better as well. Is it just the "racer look" that everyone wants?

I couldn't agree more. If you want a race lookalike go buy one and convert it to trail duty. I bet you could walk into a dealer and buy a new IQ440 and pay them to convert it over. Sled sales here in MI are down to the point I bet you could even get the dealer to warrenty it. Probably could be done new for about $15,000. Then you would have something unIQue. If thats too much become a regular consumer and buy a Dragon and throw some IQ440 parts at it. RB

Why does everyone think the dragon is a bad ass sled? Its a regular sled with walker evans shocks slapped on it. It doesnt have any additional bracing or any different reinforcements. It has the ProX Skid, and thats it.

Its no more of a ditch banger than the prox ever was. My buddies 06 dragon cracked the bulkhead after a winter of what we consider regular use.

my sled is built the exact way i want it, i rode a dragon and my X2 the way i have it set up eats that dragon for lunch...im sure i could built a dragon the way i want it too but i just got the X2 dialed in how i want it and im very happy with it so for now ill be staying here.

dont know if a polaris will be my next sled seeing as how i can get any new cat now for $500 above dealer cost since a good friend just bought a cat dealership....i might have to get a M1000 just becaue i can get it for around $7000

Well if he cracked the bulkhead under "regular" use there isnt a sled out there thats going to hold up year after year for you. Even the 05 and 06 RACE sleds had issues with the front end durability. Sounds like the only way a sled would be "durable" enough for you is if you threw another 30 lbs of bracing to it or made it out of cold rolled steel in which case you would complain about how it weighs too much. Dont ya think it is a little unreasonable to expect polaris to make a sled that is tuff enough for a couple canuk boys to drop off a 100 foot cliff and drive away? Most riders will never subject their sleds to that kind of torture.

our area is flat as hell with minimal snow and our dealers still sell the mxzx rs, pro xrs, snopro cats etc. there is not one person that i know of in our area that rides these sleds to there potential. but yet everyone wants one because its the in thing. build it and they will come