2009-2011 ARCTIC CAT CROSSFIRE R AND CFR 800
The CrossFire was Arctic Cat’s popular line of crossover snowmobiles built upon the M-series mountain chassis for a mix of on- and off-trail riding. This was also the timeframe the go-fast manufacturer was marketing the new-ish Twin Spar chassis for trail riders. Unfortunately for speed fanatics, the Twin Spar wasn’t cutting the proverbial green relish like the Firecat 700 before it. The answer was the Crossfire R 800 in 2009 - a lightweight, big-bore snowmobile specifically tuned for speed, reminiscent of the Firecat’s legendary top end capability. For 2010, the model shed its confusing CrossFire name in place of the racier CFR (CrossFire Racer) moniker. 2011 marked the last year of CFR production.
2007-2010 POLARIS IQ 600
After the 2005 and 2006 Fusion fiasco, Polaris needed some on the snow success in a big way. To get there they went back to doing what they’ve always done best – a good handling midpower sled that over-performed and left a smile on your face. In 2007 the IQ 600 was that sled. With the less than desirable look of the Fusion put out to pasture, the updated 600 motor featured a four-injector fuel system with a smooth 125-ponies nestled into the lighter and much better looking IQ plastic. In short, it was a winner. Also, by 2007 Polaris had the handling quirks worked out from the earlier versions of the IQ front suspension.
2013-2018 POLARIS INDY 600 SP
2012-2013 ARCTIC CAT F1100
The all-new Arctic Cat ProCross trail chassis replaced the Twin Spar in 2012 and one of the best handling 125hp-class models was the F1100 with Suzuki’s 1056cc four-stroke twin-cylinder. Mated to the new ProCross chassis, the nearly bulletproof engine provided just enough weight to keep these early ProCross chassis firmly planted in the corners but yet retain its lightweight steering input. Those who thought it wouldn’t compete against the competition’s 600 two-strokes were quickly mistaken. For our tastes, we preferred the Sno Pro package with firmer FOX Shocks to tame the big stuff. 14 Midwest Rider 2022
While all the hype and focus was on the unusual looking and some would say unusual performing outside the tunnel ProRide suspension introduced in 2010. The extra effort required of the Pro-Ride suspension were further revealed in 2013 when Polaris brought back the Indy name in the Pro-Ride chassis and with a “conventional” rear suspension design. Targeted as a value sled at the time, many riders soon discovered the Indy was in many ways a better trail sled than the more expensive Rush model. Powered by the quick revving 600 Liberty, the Indy SP 600 was all the sled you needed, and it remains so today.
