Since the launch of the new Pro Ride chassis at the end of 2009, Polaris has kept impressing us with the constant evolution of its lineup and the remarkable quality of its products. For 2011, the American manufacturer is serving up no less then five models equipped with the Pro Ride rear suspension. The 600 Rush LX is part of this new vintage, a solo touring sled that arrives like a breath of fresh air in a slightly humdrum segment.

With its unusual looks and original, in-your-face rear suspension, the Rush is all about shaking things up. (Photo: Pascal Bastien/Moto123.com)

Revolutionary chassis
With its unusual looks and original, in-your-face rear suspension, the 600 Rush LX is all about shaking things up. Starting with the Pro Ride chassis that imposes an all-new riding position, higher and pushed forward. Ski-Doo had originally broken new ground with a position inspired by supersport bikes, and three years later Yamaha joined the fray with the Phazer and a riding position straight off a sport ATV. Polaris is following in their footsteps with the Pro Ride chassis, offering a riding position reminiscent of an all-terrain vehicle. The new platform can be summed up in four words: balance and weight centralization.

To achieve this, designers placed the rider nearer the front, reduced the overall length of the machine compared to conventional sleds and increased suspension travel, to allow the rider to precisely control front-rear weight distribution and encourage intense trajectory changes and corner exit power.

Touring inclined
Created for long-distance trail riding, the 600 Rush LX is delivered with a ton of touring-oriented equipment, such as a baggage carrier, a removable storage bag, a 12-volt universal outlet, an RCA outlet, a high windshield, two rear-view mirrors and an electric starter.

Smooth grunt
The Cleanfire engines have just been getting better and better since their introduction, and the 600’s mill is no exception, to the competition’s dismay. True, it still smells too much like burnt oil, but its sporty yet not overly throaty exhaust note is music to a rider’s ears and not anathema to his or her neighbours. Though it generates nearly 200 hp per litre of displacement, the Cleanfire 600 engine gives the impression of being more powerful than it truly is. Thanks to its 120 ponies, the 600 Rush LX never seems to run out of steam, even in a foot of fresh powder, and it effortlessly transports you where you want to go.

With the Pro Ride chassis, Polaris provides a driving position that is reminiscent of an ATV. (Photo: Polaris)