For most folks that have ridden all the new sleds, the Polaris chassis comes across as being the easiest to tip over.  For some, that makes them the easiest sleds to ride.  For others, it's a disconcerting feeling because the sled has very little on-center stability.  For me, the new IQ Raws are a hoot.  I've jokingly said that when you're riding with Jon and Kellie Bayne, it's really a contest and you lose points for every moment that both skis are touching the ground.  For those of us that like to carve and sidehill continually, the chassis really is fantanstic.  It's a little skittish when you're playing the highmark game, especially in the groove, but for tree bashing and generally powder playing, it's a blast.  For as many years as we've been riding snowmobiles, however, I wasn't prepared for what you see in the picture.  A couple of weeks ago, I was over at the dyno and we were taking the skags off to get this new 800 Dragon up on the table.  I had tipped the sled up on one ski so that Bill could easily remove the carbide.  One of the things that you notice when riding the new Polaris chassis is that it doesn't take much effort to hold it up or ride it on one ski.  I had always assummed that was a dynamic property of the chassis but standing there holding the sled, I wasn't making much effort to keep it tipped up.  After a little bit of adjusting on the bars for the right amount of countersteer, I let go of it and it just stayed there on one ski.  I know the skeptics will say that the photo has probably been Photoshoped, but if you have a new Raw, try it.  It's really not tough to get them to balance.  It's no wonder the sled is so easy to ride and roll over when the balance is this good.  Consider the fact that the sled is essentially sitting on the ski and a very small amount of the edge of the track and yet it stays right there.  Although the chassis dynamics are probably not for everybody, Polaris clearly understands something and has built the easiest to ride mountain sled we've ever had.  Well, it's time to head for the Ears again to burn up some gas and enjoy the fresh snow.

Take care,
Donavon