2021 Polaris 550 Indy Voyageur 144 Snowmobile

The Polaris 550 Indy Voyager 155 snowmobile is a kind of mixture of a cross-country machine and a utilitarian snowmobile, since this model is suitable for both sports and other various tasks, for example, towing cargo, hunting and fishing trips, as well as much more. The key feature of the snowmobile is its fairly simple handling, regardless of surfaces and operating conditions.

The class of utilitarian equipment is currently quite popular and this is due to the fact that the cost of such machines is quite affordable for the average consumer, ease of operation, and universal purpose. All the same applies to the Polaris 550 Indy Voyager 155 snowmobile. However, initially the entire Indy line was predisposed to representatives of the Performance class, namely for sporting purposes.

This snowmobile was first released in 2013 and almost immediately became popular, first in the domestic market, and later in Russia. The Indy Voyager has its differences from previous models, namely a longer tunnel and track, a high windshield, and a trunk behind the single seat.

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The Polaris 550 Indy uses a modern Pro-Ride double-wishbone suspension and universal RydeFX MPV gas shock absorbers. There are also Pro-Float skis made of high-strength plastic. According to the manufacturer, the use of this type of ski results in easier handling of the machine, which also affects comfort.

The versatility of this snowmobile was largely achieved thanks to the successful choice of power unit. The installed engine confidently copes with fairly large loads, which is also observed in ordinary utilitarian machines. But if we compare it completely with the same utility vehicles, then the Polaris 550 Indy Voyager allows you to move at a fairly high speed and has increased traction force, thanks to which a loaded vehicle can climb a slope without any special dynamic losses.

In general, this model turned out to be really successful and combines all the necessary qualities of modern snowmobiles: high cross-country ability, riding comfort, handling and maneuverability. Moreover, the model has low structural weight and a sporty character, which is typical for the entire Indy family.

Chassis system

One of the highlights of the model is its caterpillar. On the previous version of the Polaris 550 Indy Voyageur 144, its size was 15x144x1.35 inches, but when modified, the snowbike received an almost mountain-sized track - 15x155x1.6 inches. Such indicators allow the machine to easily perform any task, including moving along steep snow-covered slopes.

Due to the large track area, the vehicle moves well in deep snow. It remains maneuverable both with a passenger during regular tourist walks and when towing heavily loaded sleds.

When cornering, the front wishbone suspension holds the snowmobile well on a given trajectory, which is not surprising. Behind the plastic cladding is a high-tech Pro-Ride chassis that guarantees very decent handling.

Specifications

Dimensional data:

• The structural length of the snowmobile is 3359 millimeters.
• The width of the body is 1220 mm.
• The total height of the snowmobile is 1420 millimeters.
• The smallest ski track width is 990 millimeters.
• The largest ski track width is 1040 millimeters.

Suspension:

• Front suspension type: Pro-Ride double wishbone.
• Rear suspension type - INDY with articulated extension.
• Number of front shock absorbers – 2.
• Type of front shock absorbers - gas RydeFX MPV.
• Rear shock absorbers: gas RydeFX MPV.
• Ski type – Pro-Float.
• The front suspension travel is 229 millimeters.
• Rear suspension travel is 358 millimeters.

Propulsion:

• The type of propulsion is caterpillar with front drive sprockets.
• Number of caterpillars – 1.
• Track type - Cobra.
• Tension mechanism type: screw.
• Type of caterpillar track – rubber-fabric, reinforced.
• The total length of the track is 3937 millimeters.
• The width of the caterpillar track is 380 millimeters.
• The height of the lugs is 25.4 millimeters.

Transmission:

• The model of the installed transmission is Invance.
• CVT type – CVTech PowerBloc50.
• The type of transmission installed is CVT.
• CVT gears – low (L), high (H), reverse, neutral.

Brakes:

• Brake type – disc, RMK®.
• Brake drive type – hydraulic.

Operating parameters:

• Start type of the power unit – manual/electric starter.
• Type of power system – carburetor.
• Ignition system type – capacitor CDI.
• Type of lubrication system – oil.
• The structural weight of the snowmobile is 217 kilograms.
• The capacity of the main fuel tank is 43.5 liters.
• Number of places – 1.
• Exhaust system type – Single.

Basic equipment:

• Electric starter – available.
• Reverse gear – available.
• Heated steering wheel grips and throttle trigger are available.
• Windshield – available.
• Passenger backrest available.
• Rear towbar – available.
• Speedometer – available.
• Odometer – available.

Lighting technology:

• Headlight type: halogen, 55/60.
• Taillight type: LED.

First combat: Polaris S50 Indy Voyageur 155

According to the Americans, the new model Polaris 550 Indy Voyageur 155 should take away some buyers from the very popular Canadian snowmobile Ski-Doo Tundra. Who would have thought 4-5 years ago that such fierce competition would unfold in the recreational utility segment or, as such “snowballs” are also called, light utility. I remember that some “experts” argued that this entire class of light utilitarian machines is just a delusional invention of marketers, divorced from the real life of snowmobiles.

True, to be completely frank, the phrases “light utility” or “entertainment utility” (recreational can also be translated as “entertaining”) still cause irritation for many domestic snowmobilers. It spills out in specific questions: “will a drag boat with a ton of fish, all entertaining, be torn from its place?”, “and loaded, with a passenger, will it go through deep snow?”, “and if there’s trouble, can the engine be moved to the field?” etc. and so on.

No, gentlemen! To pull a herd of hunted wild boars out of a snowy forest by the tusks, to go fishing on distant lakes and rivers, and to sort out engines with a blowtorch in the fresh air at minus 30 - sorry, but there are other snowmobiles for such a brutal pastime. As for light utility vehicles, namely the Polaris 550 Indy Voyageur 155, they have a slightly different purpose. “Voyager”, as the name suggests (in French – both “traveler” and “tourist”), is addressed primarily to those who are looking at a snowmobile as a device for comfortable recreation and travel, without participating in serious sports battles.

The Indy Voyageur's engine performance can truly depress even the most inveterate optimist. An old 2-stroke air-cooled engine with a pair of 544 cc cylinders and two VM34 carbs develops about 60 hp. How many “horses” actually reach the truck through the centrifugal variator PowerBloc 50 of the Canadian company CVTech, God only knows the Polaris of the RMK family.

Ascetic Set

An electric starter is included in the basic kit. But, as befits a real extreme snowmobile, the manual start “cord” is always available. Among the attributes of a real snow ascetic: a mechanical fuel level sensor, a “choke” for starting the engine, a lonely “dial” of an analog speedometer. Although it wouldn’t be possible without a small LCD display

Central line,

transverse rigid insert, high column - the device is fully adapted for active control in a standing pilot position. The set of controls on the steering wheel is standard for Polaris snowmobiles. Reverse through the key located under the left hand. Naturally, it is better to turn the emergency engine stop button away from the pilot, so that when braking or maneuvering you do not accidentally turn off the engine with your own body.

Lengthened, broken

The track became longer due to a hinge device in the suspension, popularly called a “breaking heel.”
Due to this, when moving in reverse, the truck rises up and burrows less. The caterpillar itself, in addition to high and hard lugs on the outside, has, one might say, a “scaly” texture. That’s why it was named Cobra by the manufacturer. The platform has long been tested, tested and has managed to earn honor and respect from the most authoritative world-class pro-riders. Along with the aluminum frame, the Indy mountain bike inherited the Pro-Ride RMK front adjustable suspension with RydeFX MPV shock absorbers (229 mm travel). The extended rear suspension with the so-called “breaking heel” is also equipped with RydeFX MPV shock absorbers (380 mm of travel). However, the most important thing is the Cobra track, which measures 381mm wide and has an overall length of 3937mm, with rigid cupped lugs that are 40.6mm high. The “mountain” chassis coupled with a narrow track ensure excellent handling and maneuverability.

Polaris Indy Voyageur 155

Price, RUB from 410,000Hard and high lug (high for a utility vehicle) guarantees good traction at the start. By the way, a towbar for towing drags is included as standard. The Indy Voyager 155 is equipped with new PRO-Float skis - they are 45% wider than standard Polaris PRO-Steer or Gripper skis. PRO-Float has a two-stage bottom architecture. We went out onto a hard track - the narrowest part of the ski works, but on virgin soil we walk on the snow with our full “foot”. Due to the “ski-snowshoes”, the flotation of a snowmobile increases significantly. But personally, these snowshoes on the Indy Voyageur 155 seemed unnecessary to me.

Clean and you won't slip

The wide footrests make it easy to move along the snowmobile.
But in deep snow they will have to be regularly cleared of snow, since drainage holes in the “stirrups” are provided only closer to the engine

Wide and narrow

The PRO-RIDE single seat is profiled for different driving styles. Quite wide in the middle, it allows you to sit comfortably on a long stretch. And for the sake of ergonomic control in a standing position, the seat was narrowed near the fuel tank and made moderately short, so that it was convenient to move your legs from one footrest to another

No wind

The front window of moderate height protects the pilot well from the oncoming headwind.
It is unknown how resistant it is to impacts, and if you want to knock it out, it is better to dismantle it. The complex shape of the glass clearly does not imply a painless flip over the “ears”. I will say more: if you replace them with ordinary narrow “grippers”, remove the cargo “cage” from the stern, remove the high windshield for safety, then the lightweight utility will turn into an excellent training machine for mastering basics of boondocking. “Voyager 155” can be safely recommended to beginners who are trying to decide why they actually need a “snowball” - for fun tourist voyages or for the first taste of extreme backcountry and even light freeride on a plane in deep snow. The Indy Voyageur 155 is perfect for this purpose! It easily stands on its side, and the machine’s dry weight of 217 kg will not be a death sentence when buried: two people can pull it out of almost any “ambush.”

In deep and loose snow, the engine power will naturally be sorely lacking. You need to be mentally prepared for this and plan your route with appropriate adjustments. But on the 155 you can develop excellent practical skills of experienced freeriders: “look and think where you are going” and “no need to put pressure on the gas - the slower the better.” Do you know what is the most common mistake made by students at snowmobile mountain schools in Russia? Inability to drive slowly on slopes and difficult terrain. Of course, the Indy Voyageur 155 is not for mountains, but the ergonomics of driving the car are close to “mountain” ones. After all, the high steering column with a fixed spacer (89 mm) and a narrow single seat, profiled for active driving, came from the legendary RMK.

record cargo

The luggage compartment in the stern area is capable of carrying a load weighing up to 30 kg

Efficient and durable

The Voyager also inherited its hydraulic brake mechanism from the advanced platform of the mountain bikers of the RMK family.
The brake performance is close to the standard of efficiency. Pay attention to where the battery is. In my opinion, it is a very controversial decision to push the battery under the brake disc. But this arrangement has a beneficial effect on the overall weight distribution of the device. The CV Tech Powerbloc 50 variator has been in service with Polaris snowmobiles for a long time and has earned a reputation as a reliable, durable mechanism. However, due to the lack of drainage holes, the footrests quickly become clogged with snow and ice. This means you need to be careful and not be lazy to clean the footrests regularly

In general, many “old-school” snowmobilers will probably take my advice with hostility, but the Indy Voyager 155 is really suitable as a first war horse for the back country in conditions of relatively flat terrain with small ravines, hills and a steep coastline. At the same time, there is always the opportunity to “turn back” - to the zone of comfortable tourism, short trips for hunting and fishing. I don’t know about drags with two tons of poached fish, but the 155th Voyager will easily deliver firewood or one wild boar from the forest.

Engine

The Polaris 550 Indy Voyager 155 snowmobile is powered by a Polaris® two-cylinder gasoline powertrain. The diameter of each cylinder is 73 millimeters, and the piston stroke is 65 millimeters. With all this, the total working volume of the two cylinders is 544 cubic meters. The rated output power is 44.13 kilowatts, which translates to 60 horsepower. Most modern snowmobiles use a fuel injection system, however, the VM34 carburetor is still used here. The standard ignition system is capacitor CDI, and the cooling system is air.

Features of the package

Price

This model is quite affordable, since the cost of a completely new snowmobile starts from 320 thousand rubles and up to 400 thousand Russian rubles. The variability of the final cost, as a rule, is determined by the year of production of the equipment, configuration, and version (basic or modified).

A used car will cost much less, namely from 210 thousand rubles to 295 thousand Russian rubles. In this case, not only the year of production and equipment are important, but also the general technical condition of the car and the number of kilometers traveled. It is these factors that largely influence the final cost.

When purchasing a new snowmobile, the buyer is given a one-year warranty. And if during this period any malfunctions occur in the equipment, the official dealer provides free repair and service of the snowmobile. For the Polaris 800 model, the manufacturer has added a second warranty year, which comes into effect only if the client carefully operates the machine. This is precisely evidenced by the appearance of the equipment and the general technical condition; if everything is normal, then the official dealer will also undertake warranty repairs and service as in the first year of the warranty.

Features of use

The Polaris Indy Voyager digital-analog instrument panel provides the driver with comprehensive information about the vehicle’s condition and driving parameters. A high-profile windshield and INDY PRO-RIDE seat take care of protecting the driver from wind and snow. A towbar for towing drags is included as standard.

There is a central sling, a transverse rigid insert, and a high column - the vehicle is fully adapted for active control in a standing pilot position. Driving a snowmobile while sitting is also comfortable, since the seat has an anatomical shape that prevents you from getting tired even during a long trip. The handles are heated.

Owner reviews

• This past season I have enjoyed riding the 550's predecessor, the 2015 Indy Adventure 155. My 2014 550 Indy Adventure was shorter, had narrower skis and a shorter Cobra track, and full-length Adventure bags and backrest. The car pleasantly surprised me with its behavior on packed snow. Of course, its 544cc air-cooled two-stroke engine was louder than a liquid-cooled engine, but it spooled up and accelerated the sled quickly enough. During the entire period of operation there were only minor breakdowns, which were resolved fairly quickly. Overall, I really liked this snowmobile, as it can be used for almost anything, be it fishing trips or just riding with friends and acquaintances. If we rate it on a scale of 10, then I would give it all 10.
• I have a 2014 model. In my opinion, this snowmobile has practically no drawbacks; it is easy to operate and quite powerful. What I liked most of all was its versatility, since in addition to regular rides, it can also be used on the farm, of course, if there is no other equipment. At the moment I use it exclusively for recreation because it really does provide a lot of fun to ride. Of the serious malfunctions, there was only a failure of the starter, but this was solved by a banal replacement. This model fully met my expectations, which, by the way, I am very pleased with.