2018 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144

The 800 Switchback® Assault snowmobile is for aggressive, backcountry riders that demand off-trail agility and on-trail confidence. Its powerful, proven 800 H.O. Cleanfire® engine paired with the AXYS® Chassis and IGX 144 Rear Suspension deliver Rider-Balanced™Control, Unrivaled Acceleration, and Rider Centric Comfort.

RIDER BALANCED CONTROL 

AXYS® Chassis
The AXYS® chassis for the 144 platform is light and strong, offering rider balanced characteristics critical for the 50/50 rider. The rider is moved into a balanced position on the sled  so it rides flat through the corners. When the trail gets rough or the rider jumps off into the powder, rider balance enables the rider to move back and make the front end light to climb up on top of the snow or the moguls.

IGX 144 Rear Suspension
A core element to the AXYS 144 platform is the IGX 144 uncoupled rear suspension, which offers the ultimate blend of durability and strength. The IGX 144 rear suspension provides RMK-inspired off-trail agility and balance with a drastically improved on-trail ride. Pitch is controlled through geometry in this rear suspension. And with 43% more front torque arm travel, this sled features reduced bottoming and less drag off-trail. An optimized, lighter, reinforced tipped rail beam design gives the sled a nimble feel.

PowderTrac™ Hybrid Running Boards
The PowderTrac Hybrid running boards offer optimized design with 56% open space for maximum snow clean out while maintaining extreme strength.

• Designed to serve the needs of riders on- & off-trail
• Efficient design delivers maximum strength & snow clean-out with 56% open space
• Front is wide & flat for foot comfort & stability; rear has tapered, dual-angle design for mobility & snow clearance

UNRIVALED ACCELERATION 

Lightweight
At 456 lbs, the Switchback ASSAULT on the AXYS 144 platform is the industry-leading lightweight 50/50 crossover snowmobile. It allows you to get up on top of deep snow faster and offers quick acceleration.

800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine
Developed in conjunction with the AXYS platform, the proven 800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine delivers class-leading acceleration. The integrated mounting position optimizes the balance of the chassis. Featuring:

• 3-stage electronically-controlled exhaust valves
• Electronic oil pump
• Thermostat with bypass warms up to operating temperature 40% faster and improves durability
• High-efficiency intake and exhaust
• VForce Reeds
• Lightweight crankshaft
• Throttle body is lighter weight and reduces throttle effort
• Grooved Piston

3-Stage Electronically-Controlled Exhaust Valves
3-stage electronically-controlled exhaust valves provide improved running quality, crisper throttle response, smoother idle and improved fuel economy. The active feedback for the exhaust valve position provides more accurate fueling in transient situations. These exhaust valves also improve combustion stability, leading to improved durability and engine life.

Electronic Oil Pump
Electronic oil pump eliminates power-robbing gear drive – and provides more precise, improved oil delivery for performance and durability as well as a 35% reduction in throttle effort. Requires no adjustments.

High-Efficiency Intake and Exhaust
Porous intake duct material and high-flow exhaust system create a better breathing engine package for more power. The silencer provides reduced sound levels while on the trail. Vforce reeds provide improved performance, throttle response and reed durability.

VForce Reeds
Provide improved performance, throttle response, and reed durability.

Lightweight Crankshaft
Lightweight crankshaft weighs 2.5 lbs less, delivering 25% lower inertia and quicker throttle response and spooling. This provides improved acceleration. Designed and engineered specifically for the 800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine for increased durability, this same lightweight crankshaft is used in Polaris Race sleds, including during the past 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, showing it's proven durability.

800 Cleanfire® H.O. Engine Piston
Grooved piston was designed specifically for the 800 HO Cleanfire® Engine to increase durability and engine life.

MY18 800 Cleanfire H.O. Engine Updates

• New thermostat provides
  • Lower operating temperature, 110º F (43.3º C) vs. 125º F (51.6º C) for improved overheat margin and more consistent engine operation
  • Increases main circuit flow by 12 percent; increases bypass flow by 9 percent
  • New thermostat will come on all 2018 snowmobiles with the 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine
• More durable exhaust gas temp sensor (EGT) providing over 200 percent life improvement
  • Improved connector
  • More durable sensing element
  • Matched to new ECU
• Sealed cross-shaft cavity crankcases provide additional lubrication and increased durability on both 600 and 800 Cleanfire H.O. engines
• Improved MAG end seal provides better sealing and increased durability on both 600 and 800 Cleanfire H.O. engines

RIDER CENTRIC COMFORT 

AXYS® Performance Seat
The AXYS Performance seat utilizes a high-performance seat foam, and the seat design is narrower in front to provide greater maneuverability.

• The seat is lighter without compromising comfort
• Improved ergonomics and stability
• Seat top features a gripper material that helps keep the rider in place

Polaris MessageCenter Gauge
Informative and easy to read, this instrumentation keeps a rider aware of sled operating conditions and provides a wealth of additional data.

• Easily viewable LCD screen, 4.3"" diagonal measurement
• Scrolling message center keeps rider informed
• Increased number of tell tales by over 60%
• Large buttons can be operated with gloved hands
• Brightly lit display is easily readable in all light conditions

Interactive Digital Display
Another industry first for Polaris - the most advanced instrumentation in snowmobiling. This 4.3"" high resolution, full color, LCD digital display provides a rider with information including:

• Sled performance: Speedometer, tachometer, dual tripmeters, average speed, max speed, engine/trip hours & odometer Sled operating conditions: Coolant temperature, diagnostics & maintenance warnings
• Riding conditions: Air temperature, time of day in 12 or 24-hour clock format
• Bluetooth™ functionality: Enables the gauge to communicate with the rider’s cell phone and provide notification of incoming calls or texts. Displays phone battery & signal strength
• GPS/Mapping Capability: A compass is standard, & full-featured GPS can be installed to provide directions & information about services such as fuel, restaurants, lodging & Polaris dealerships. Customize the GPS to operate with North Up or Course Up navigation depending on your preference
• Ride Planning Feature enables you to plan a ride using Ride Command, save it as a GPX file, and transfer it to the display through the USB interface
• This gauge comes as an option on some SnowCheck models, and is available as an accessory option

Wind Protection
The hood and windshield designs produce significantly enhanced wind protection for a rider, and the foil on the side panels further enhances protection.

Integrated Storage

• Provides 1024 cubic inches of secure storage space
• Weather-tight design seals out snow
• Storage can be accessed through zippered and velcro enclosure that is covered by additional material and buckle down straps
• Bag is attached and located underneath the seat and tank and atop the tunnel
• Combination of semi-rigid, compression-molded materials and polyester

Premium Fit & Finish
Interfacing surfaces between body panels and components are shorter for minimized gaps

• Interfaces are strategically located in recessed areas
• Styling of storage elements results in clean, integrated lines
• Components are engineered for functionality and styled for the best styling

Choice of Cobra 1.35” or Series 4 2.0” Track
The 800 Switchback Assault comes with the Cobra 1.35” Track with softer lugs that feature traction teeth for better grip on hard-pack surfaces and also delivers great performance on soft, loose snow off-trail. Also available: Customers can select an 800 Switchback Assault model with electric start and the Series 4 2.0” track that feature a stiff lug base for hard-pack performance with soft and flexible tips for deep snow traction.

Walker Evans Needle Shocks
Premium shocks with compression adjusters and remote reservoirs offer the best in tunability and fade-proof performance. Unique needle design uses hydraulic force at the end of the stroke to eliminate harsh bottoming.

ProTaper Handlebars
New ProTaper Handlebars are aluminum and feature a flat design with integrated mountain hooks for ease in deep snow riding and aggressive cornering

PRO-STEER Skis
The PRO-STEER ski features a reshaped keel and shortened skag for reduced steering effort. Redesigned ribs atop the ski increase torsional stiffness for more precise steering, and bosses added atop the ribs provide traction to prevent slipping when a rider steps on the ski in deep snow.