Levi gets the chance to ride the two new 2020 Polaris Indy snowmobiles. The XC 137 and the XCR 129. Both incredible machines, find out which one is Levi's favorite right now.
Levi, I’m picking up a 2020 Indy 850 with 137”. I was able to try one out on trails of the North Shore. Scored high on the fun factor. Could you please tell me what you use for hand guards? I’m looking for a little better wind protection, even with the higher Indy windshield. I Huge thank you from southern Minnesota
That was great hearing from someone who actually rides our flat land ..... Nice job! You need to do more product reviews for Polaris.... and don’t forget about us riders that can’t afford the big 850 sleds.... I would like to hear your opinion about the Voyager line up... plus 550 verses 600
I haven't been able to ride the voyager, but I can tell you from experience the 600 is significantly faster than the 550. Both are very durable engines but if you don't care about being able to go 100mph or having the hard acceleration of the 600, the 550 fan is a great engine.
Man I run my 137 cat 800 and out climb a 146 summit. It's all the rider. I work hard but I can get around really well in deep pow on my 137. I'd love to ride with Levi I can bring him on some amazing country
Do you have any regrets putting 1.75 on the xcr for trail purposes. Does it make it push more through corners or does the ass end slide more. Thanks Nick
Personal I like having the extra traction so I can pull the front end to wheelie over bumps or just wheelie off rolls for fun. I had 137 with a Storm 150 track (1.5 center lugs, 1.25 outer lugs) and the 128 with the 1.75 and the 1.75 was a bit slower on top end. The 1.75 Backcountry will let loose giving some sideways movement in the turns because the outer lugs are cut at an angle and there isn't outer lugs on every bar. When the track has a little give (slide) in the turn it allows it to pivot around the corners better, where as a track with vertical outer lugs on every bar feel really rigid in the turns, not allowing it to pivot and it makes it feel like it wants to drive the sled straight forward, which if you don't have big enough skis/carbides to overcome that, it can feel like it pushes more. Regarding push it the turn- There are many things that can cause this- from having to little spring in the rear suspension back, having the limiter strap out to far, having the front springs to light, too little skis / carbide traction, too much rear traction, and even rider input while cornering can play a big part. One thing I do when I corner is I always keep a finger on the brake so if I start the feel the front end push I can drag the break enough to get some weight to transfer back onto the skis so they bite in better.... and worse case I can slam the brake and slide it sideways. If you come into the corner and grab a handful of throttle it will upset the attitude of the machine causing it to transfer weight to the rear in a wheelie type motion. This pulls weight off the front end and will cause it to push. With the 1.75 you have to be smooth with the throttle in the turns because of the straight line traction it has, where as if you had a 1.25 lug track you can be a little more ram rod on with the throttle because it will spin instead of hooking up.
New to your channel, love the videos Levi! I got a question for you but first some background. I currently ride a 2016 800 rush and I’m going to get an Indy for 2021 snow check. When I ride my brothers and I will put on 180-200 miles in 6 hours in some hard core fast paced trail riding lots of twisty’s. The rush has been great, best sled I’ve ridden yet. But I like to occasionally jump off the trail into the deeper snow and the rush does okay but I’m yearning for something a little longer. I also enjoy doing occasional ditch jumping. I’m stuck between the Indy 129xcr or the 137 Xc. What do recommend based on my style riding?
That is a tough one! I like the little bit longer 137 off trail and side hilling, but the XCR is a bit stiffer so jumping is great! To make my XCR a bit better off trail I ordered it with the 1.75" lug track which gets around pretty good off trail. It is slower on top end but fun hooking up and wheeling when I want to! If you don't get the 1.75 track on the XCR for off trail and aren't as concerned with jumping, I feel I would get the 137 and stiffen it up so you can jump a little if need be.
Have to say Levi that now days I find myself slamming a redbull before I hit the trails lol must've picked up that habit from all your videos! Also I do like the xc, an xcr 129.. although I prefer my 2011 pro r rush 600 ride. Would like to know if you have had any experience with the new 2020 pro s rush . For me the Rush set up hasn't made me sore even after 125 mile ride..also learned a lot about the rush from your funny informative polaris videos. Cant wait for the new fxr lavallee merchandise!
michael C the pro S is so smooth! The newer pro xc rear suspension is just as smooth and they were about to achieve a better ride height through the geometry of the suspension, rather than having to crank the rear springs up to achieve it which makes it even more plush on the small bumps.
If we have good snow in tug hill when you come to salamanca lets make it happen! Also how do you feel about amd xcr 137 for 2021? I was talking to Cade the other day if Polaris releases one i 100% will be spring checkin
Myrtle palmetto I rode it stock for this comparison and I did bottom it once I started jumping down that big hill and if I would over shoot jumps... but I had the clickers right where they came from the factory so I could have stiffened it up a bit.
Great video.. I've been wondering which length would work best for me and i think it'd be the 129 riding mostly trails in UP of Michigan and ditch banging country roads around my house in lower Michigan. Do you have any thoughts on the Indy SP 129 as opposed to the XC 129? I know the SP doesn't have the clicker shocks, but any other major changes to those? They're a bit more economical especially when looking at purchasing 2. I'm upgrading from some 2005 Firecats, so whatever i purchase will be light years ahead of those!
Thank you Brad! You are correct in say you light-years ahead. haha The difference you will notice between the SP and XC will be in the bumps and corners. Depending on the size of the rider and how fast they ride makes the importance of the suspension components that much more critical. The SP suspension is comfortable for small bumps and a slow pace riding. The shocks on the XC feel a little plusher and with the clickers, you are able to adjust them so you can hit bumps faster without bottom out the suspension which also helps for ditch banging / jumping. You can turn up the springs on the SP to make the suspension a little stiffer for harder hits, but the issue is if you turn the springs up too high is if you don't weigh enough, it can cause a bouncy feel which leads to the back end of the sled swapping left to right through bumps. If you trail ride at a slow to moderate speed and you don't consider yourself an aggressive rider, the SP will be just fine. If you ride hard and want the sled to be able to take it, then the XC and XCR (next level of hard riding) are for you. Hopefully that helps.
What are your thoughts on going from a Rush Axys platform to the XCR129? We ride trails 90% of the time. Want to keep the nimble, quick corners, lightness.
I just rode a 2020 XCR and a 2020 XC 137. Now that you can get an XCR in a 137, would you still choose the 129 for ditch banging in central MN? Or would you go 137? Just curious cause at the time of this video they did not have the XCR in a 137. I loved the XCR 129, but just curious. Thanks
Polaris needs to post your videos on their channel. This is exactly what the customers and consumers want to see, watch, and learn, some of the videos Polaris does on their channel are about nothing.
Snowlover just trying to help. After I started riding all the different models I realized how well they work in different conditions and riding styles... and on the other hand how specific some models are and how it would be less than ideal if it doesn’t fit your style.
What track should i get on the XCR? Really want the 1.75 for versatility, but do some aggressive trail riding. Will it slow me down? Is is clunky? mostly ride in the pequot area!
I like to trail ride aggressive and like a playful sled that wheelies and can slide around corners. I'm thinking the vr1 129 850 with a 1.5 storm track and keeping it un studded or max of 90 doubles down center. Does this sound like the right combo for my riding style?
that would be great. The storm hooks up pretty well and is nice for tail sliding etc. Definitely throw some studs in the middle belt just for some ice traction in case of a emergency..
@@Levi_LaVallee I decided on the xcr with the 1.6 because MERICA..lol. currently have a 600 xcr but want more speed. I think I'm going to go with the 136 on the xcr because of the tipped rails I'm hoping will make it corner pretty much like a 128. 🤷♂️
I would say more so in the suspension than the length. You will want to get the HD torsion springs for either but the XCR's stiffer suspension and the Assault Suspension is what most bigger guys like. You may want to get a higher handle bar riser as well if the handlebars feel low . Rox has a nice adjustable riser so you can see what height feels best for you. You can get a 15% off if you go to www.levilavallee.com/promo-codes . Enter LEVI15 at check out. The length would help preventing wheelies on a VR1 with the straight rails, but the same length on the XCR with the tipped up rails will wheelie easier.
I have a 2018 Polaris switchback 800 XCR with a 1.375 cobra and I think it is one of the best trail sleds. Because of the suspension design it has it doesn’t feel like a 137 and it rides like a 129. I really think next year Polaris will come out with a XCR 137 conventional tunnel and it will be interesting if they keep making that current rear suspension design or not but then again the biggest question would be, what would be better a 137 XCR conventional tunnel or the existing 137 XCR with the rear suspension shock up high the way it is?
It doesn't feel like a 137" because it's not it's a 136" 😂. I have the XCR switchback also and had bad luck and tore the track in 500 miles and didn't know it was a 136" till I had to replace it. XCR models run 1" shorter same with the 129" it's a 128". I agree the switchback handles great I would like to try the XC 137 to see the difference.
Don Knicker wow 500 miles is really soon to tear the track, my track on both my switchbacks is in excellent condition but I take very good care of my sled and only ride in adequate snow conditions and I’m not studded. Is your track studded and what lug do you have? I have the 1.35 cobra lug but there is other lug tracks available on the XCR. You are right about the inch shorter but most still refer to them as 129 class and 137 class.
Don Knicker also to be honest I believe a XC 137 whether they make it as a 136 XCR or not, our switchback 137 with the suspension geometry is what makes it trail so well and be under so much control and not feel like a long track. I rode a 137 arctic cat and wow did it feel like a longer track on the trail than the switchback 137 and I think a Polaris XC137 XCR or not would feel longer. However a 137 open tunnel would be better off trail for deep snow evacuation than our 137 switchback that has the beaver tail and can’t do the deep snow evacuation off the track as well. Although I have never been stuck and I have done some off trail stuff but you have to know how to ride.
I noticed on the XCR 850 that it doesn’t have the pull your arms off acceleration like the XCR 800. Did you notice this difference? Any adjustments to get more raw power coming out of the corners?
Interesting. how many miles do you have? They start running once you get the break-in miles on. The other thing that maybe you are feeling is it not back shift fast enough for you. I am going to try a different secondary spring and see if it will help it back shift... I'll keep you posted, what I find.
LaVallee let me know how the different secondary spring works out! I have 425 miles on with 12 engine hours so I should be just at the end of break-in. I also adjusted my belt deflection today and will see if that makes a difference as well.
You need to come to Valdez Alaska on March 14th for our Mayor’s Cup 200 mile XC race. We’ll take you out backcountry riding the next day in the mountains so you can see and ride on the glaciers. We’ve got some of the best riding in the USA. You can ride right from town, be in amazing terrain within minutes, all close to civilization and cell phone coverage AND warmer temps. The elevation ranges from sea level to 6,000 feet and we’ve got good snow this year. www.valdezalaska.org/event/valdez-mayors-cup-snowmachine-race/4/
I swear by them! They are your savior when you come up on the unexpected icy corner . In most case 2 studs per lug is adequate unless you like a really "locked in" feel in the turns. Most will do 2 singles per lug in the inner belt. this gives you better side bite so the back end of the sled bites more in the turn preventing the back end from "drifting' the turn as much. I prefer a little give in the turns so I go with a double double ( 2 double stud backer plates) every other lug so it has a little less side bite. In a week or so I will have a promo code for Woody's Traction up on my "Promo Codes" page on my website if you are looking to buy some studs and want to save some money.
Hey Levi how about young Brandon Cormier. That boy got some skills but I think he needs a sled with some more Juice and he is really going to light it Up.
good one. I am going to go 129 XCR. I had a SWB Pro X a couple years ago and it ditch bangs really well but the I think the XCR does equally well in the ditches but it is easier to get around on the trails. The indy 129 and indy 137 both feel more nimble and easier to throw around than the SWB Pro X. Also if you are carving the bottomless ditches, the 129 is a little easier to get on edge because of the traditional tunnel.
@@Levi_LaVallee cool beans!! thanks for the reply i just sold my swb pro-x not sure what route to take. I have the 17 swb assault for deeper snow with the 2inch lug just wish the xcr was a 137 with traditional rear suspension!! Might just wait a season polaris has a pattern with new chassis reveals every 5 yrs or so😎🎉
Hey quick question I have a 137 inch track with 1.25 inch lug limiter strap is all the way loosened up coupler block are at 1 and rear is all the way soft center is stiff fronts are stiff and it picks up a little but not as much as I want it to what do you recommend to do to make it lift up more ? Thanks Pete
When you say "stiff" what did you do to achieve "Stiff"? If you are looking for more wheelie, turn the center shock spring preload up (clockwise). To be honest the main thing that would help is a deeper lug track. the 1.25" lug doesn't hook up enough in most conditions. The storm 150 track hooks up enough to pull some wheelies, but the 1.75" is when you can really start having some fun. That is what track was on that 128 XCR in this video.
6:20 = I am lost. Trail & a ditch is 2 very different environments. A ditch full of soft wind-blown snow drifts & hard-packed plowed road snow at the same time, small trees, and culverts is nothing like a flat groomed trail. A ditch or treed creek gully is our only off-trail around my parts. I am looking to buy a ditch banger, and am more confused than ever as to what to buy after watching this. Sounds like I need a XCR137, which doesn't exist.
Hello Don. Great to hear from a fellow ditch banger! Growing up ditch banging groomed me for some pretty crazy jumps later on in my life. haha In regards to a ditch banging sled, the XCR is my pick. I feel it is the best sled for jumping and hitting bumps hard because it has the stiffest suspension of any of the sleds in the Polaris line other than the 600r (which is only available for people who are racing). I have also heard from many 200lbs+ riders that they like the XCR because of the stiffer suspension. My opinion of ditch banging is jumping, wheelieing, with the occasional side hill across a bottomless ditch. But most of the emphasis on jumping and harder hits which is why I choose the XCR as my ditch banging machine. I really like the 1.75 lug track option on the XCR as it helps with both wheelies and if you find some soft snow to carve around in.
The SWB XCR Handles the harder hits better than the 137. The Pro Xc rear suspension does great with the hard hits on the trail and does pretty well in the ditches. The 136 feels like it is on rails but it feels a little less playful because of that. The 137 feels a bit better off trail carving.
Do you ever go riding Northome, Squaw Lake, Blue Ox trail? I am really sad I had to sell my 2012 SWB Adventure 😪😪, can you give me a good deal on one of yours?
@@Levi_LaVallee Well you got the 136 XCR, (tipped rails even) This vid needs a re visit now. IMHO for trail and ditch, the XCR 136 is 'IT' for next year.
@@Levi_LaVallee ya it's nice but its been raining at my house so no snow on the roads😥 but if you ever wanted to come up I could show you around that would be awesome I have alot of pictures on my Instagram @everythingloud_406 if you wanted to look both summer and winter because I have a 2019 raptor 700r so I ride alot but my sled isn't nothing great it's a 2001 rmk800 that I bought a month or two ago it's still fun though😁
Tank Destroyer haha we all get to have our own opinion.... I believe if you are a Snowmobiler you are a friend of mine..... just a friend with poor judgement. Lol 😜
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