Launched for 2010, the Polaris Rush aims to attract younger customers and revitalize the brand. The model not only met these expectations but also revolutionized the industry with its innovative style, ergonomics and rear suspension.

Launched for 2010, the Polaris Rush aims to attract younger customers and revitalize the brand. (Photo: Pascal Bastien/Moto123.com)

The Rush Pro-R offers the ergonomics of a snowcross sled thanks to raised handlebars and seat, a near upright steering column, wider floorboards and extra knee room that combine to make active riding easier.

Intricate suspension
Polaris did not reinvent the snowmobile, but the new Pro-Ride chassis, which is said to come from long, extensive development, looked extremely promising on paper. Unfortunately, when I first rode the machine, I wasn't particularly enthused with the progressive-rate suspension. Of course, there are plenty of improvements over the IQ architecture, including superior rigidity, better front suspension control and easier weight transfers resulting from the revised riding position (higher and closer to the front). Grip and steering precision are both enhanced. However, the effectiveness, travel and damping characteristics of the rear suspension on bumpy trails left me a bit disappointed.

Major upgrade
Never sitting still, Polaris quickly addressed the issue. The new 2011 600 and 800 Rush Pro-R models have been significantly upgraded with premium Walker Evans shocks and a revamped rear suspension featuring an improved slider and a non-progressive spring.

The latest evolution of the Pro-Ride chassis literally flies over bumps yet never sends the rider airborne, even at ultra-high speeds on a frozen lake riddled with ice bumps. Riding very aggressively over a succession of big bumps still leads the rear shock to bottom out, but the system effectively deals with most imperfections found on regulated trail networks. In fact, it offers one of the industry's best comfort/stability ratios.

The new 2011 600 and 800 Rush Pro-R models have been significantly upgraded with premium Walker Evans shocks. (Photo: Pascal Bastien/Moto123.com)