2023 Polaris Indy Adventure X2, It’s been a while since Polaris has offered a 4-stroke engine in these snowmobiles. In fact, almost a decade with the latest 750cc FSTs from 2014. Many customers have been asking for it and for 2023, the Minnesota manufacturer is finally bringing back a 4-stroke engine in its snowmobile lineup: The ProStar S4 engine.
Even more interesting is the fact that the manufacturer offers it in many versions, including the 2023 Polaris Indy Adventure X2, a model specially designed for two-up trail riding with a full list of standard equipment. The Passion Motoneige team had the chance to try out this brand new model at SnowShoot and we share our impressions with you.
First, let’s talk about the new 4-stroke engine that Polaris is launching in the snowmobile segment. It is called the ProStar S4. This name is probably not unfamiliar to you and indeed, this mill is derived from the manufacturer’s off-road vehicles. Think of the RZR, Ranger and Sportsman. However, several modifications were made to it in order to offer a mechanism that matches the snowmobiles. This meant rotating the engine head 180˚ so that its geometry would allow it to get as close to the rider as possible. With the exhaust pointing forward now, the 1000cc engine allows the mass to be centralized near the driver. In addition, some modifications have lowered the engine as low as possible to keep the center of gravity low.
On the side of the technical characteristics. We find ourselves with a 2-cylinder engine in parallel of 1000cc. As for the power, Polaris did not clearly state the figures. The engineers mentioned a power near the 100 horsepower mark. This is not an impressive amount of horsepower when compared to other 4-stroke engines available on the market. However, we can deduce that Polaris did not want to overshadow the two Patriot 2-stroke engines that offer more advanced performance. The 650cc with 130 horsepower and the 850cc with 175 horsepower.
When you press the throttle, you notice that there is no cable anymore and that you are using an electronic device. Electronic throttles are not always popular and I can testify to that on some of the models I tried. On the other hand, with the S4 engine, Polaris has masterfully calibrated this aspect to offer the rider a very natural and intuitive “feeling” while maximizing the engine’s performance. Finally, to transmit power efficiently, Polaris has used a newly calibrated P22 clutch that works beautifully and smoothly.
During our test ride, we noticed that the ProStar S4 engine offers adequate power and the torque delivered at lower rpm is surprising compared to a 2-stroke engine. We also noticed that the engine sounded a little peculiar at low revs, similar to a quad, which detracts a little from the overall experience of riding a snowmobile. This is certainly the price to pay for reusing an engine that has been used for years in the manufacturer’s off-road vehicles. Of course, you’ll benefit from proven reliability, low fuel consumption and much less frequent maintenance with this type of engine. All in all, the new 4-stroke engine matches the Indy Adventure X2’s vocations very well, and if you want more power, you can opt for the Patriot 2-stroke engines.
Polaris also presents us another novelty for 2023 on this model and it is located at the level of the suspensions. The manufacturer unveiled new shocks, the Polaris TF with pawls that offer 5 positions to configure them from “soft” to “hard”. They are efficient and above all, super easy to adjust. These shocks remind us a lot of the FOX QS3 shocks that we have known for several years now and that have quickly become a very popular option because they are easy to master. We can bet that Polaris wanted to offer this same type of suspension without having to pass on the entire bill to consumers. This way, we get simple and efficient shocks with a more aggressive selling price.
At the rear of the 2023 Polaris Indy Adventure X2, we find the same type of Polaris TF shocks. The suspension geometry is the one we know from many models: the PRO-CC. This suspension provides a good compromise between comfort, performance and handling. For the X2 version, we had to consider adding a passenger and we can also count on stiffer springs to compensate for the weight. With these quality components supporting us, we get excellent handling and a comfort worthy of mention.
For the comfort of the passenger, there is a rear seat already included in the package when ordering the Indy Adventure X2. It is the M2 seat introduced 2 seasons ago with the arrival of the MATRYX platform. The seat is easy to install or remove when you want to go solo. It uses the Lock & Ride quick release and a quick connect to power the heated handles. The Lock & Ride system not only allows you to attach the seat, but also a full list of accessories like panniers and more.
Our test model was also equipped with a large windscreen for optimal wind protection and the fabulous 7S touchscreen. The latter offers impeccable image quality and, above all, a mountain of functions that enhance the rider’s experience. There is a built-in GPS that also allows you to see your fellow riders in real time if they have the same device. In conjunction with the Ride Command application, you can record your tracks, share them later and have Bluetooth connectivity. Granted, this option is still expensive, but it’s definitely worth the price.
Strong Points:
- Finally the return of a 4-stroke engine for Polaris
- A true trail touring model and well equipped from the factory
- Several choices of engines depending on what you want to do with them and the performance required
Areas for Improvement:
- Sound of the 4-stroke engine is not as exhilarating as the 2-stroke
- Long-term reliability to be proven, but an engine that has already proven itself in the off-road world.
Conclusion
We were allowed to ride the Indy Adventure X2 with the ProStar S4 engine at the SnowShoot and the team really appreciated this model. The equipment is generous, the engine provides adequate power and the handling is excellent. This is all it takes to guarantee a promising future for this new model and the long-awaited return of a 4-stroke engine.
