Hey Polaris people I need some advice. Im skidoo man but my dad needs a sled. I've narrowed it down to two. A 1997 indy 500 or a 1996 xcr 600....I know nothing about polaris and i really need your help to choose a sled please post what you think...

The 1996 XCR 600 had the fuji triple engine in it. They are not even close to reliable as the Indy 500. But the XCR is a performance machine, while the 500 is not. It just depends if he wants performance or not. If he is not looking for performance or high speed I would stick with the indy 500.

for the occational trail rider who wants to be able to get some zip out of his sled I would get the 500. better suspension and durable engine. You can do some clutching changes to make it more fun to ride.
:D

I have had lots of sleds in my life. Probably close to 35.
IMO the Polaris 500 Carb is the greatest sled ever made. I have had two of them. One was an 1987. My friend now owns it and it is still running.
Stay away from an XCR. It stands for cross country racer. Is that what your dad wants to do?
You will always be fiddling and tuning any XCR

I owned a '96 XCR 600 tripple-tripple, it was the worst sled I ever owned...bar none. If its the single pipe XLT style engine, they are not much better reliability wise, especially in '96.
The 500 however is one of the most reliable/low maint. motors ever built. Great choice.

Rick.

I think they are both good sleds. I would let your Dad's weight, and desired level of performance, make up your mind.


AL