'09 Polaris Switchback 800

dan_flagg

New member
Any new releases since this thread was started? Many so called recall letters and suggestions on remapping. Also read that swapping out pistons for a dual ring version and increasing clutch weights were also suggested "fixes."

Has Polaris stood behind their product?

Thanks
 

indy_500

Well-known member
what do you need the 800 for if you're worried about it being reliable? just get the 600. twice as reliable and gets better gas mileage while being a couple miles per hour slower.
 

snoughnut

New member
I have an '09 Switch 800, love the chassis, concerned about the motor and the reliability issues, I haven't had a problem yet. Sled performed well stock, I re-geared slightly and dropped 70 g weights in it, made a substantial difference, pulls much harder now, also had it reflashed twice. 600 only a couple miles per hour slower?, don't think so, I lined up with my brother, he has a 600 liberty and it wasn't even a race, destroyed him badly. I think once Polaris gets the new 800 dialed in it will be a force to be reckoned with, sad they can't get it right the first time.
 

1moresnow

New member
Good information on Amsnow forum regarding the 800 CFI. It seems new pistons (2 rings) and head was the main items. There were a few other items based on model type. Your dealer should have all the details.
 

dan_flagg

New member
Just got word that there is a "service bulletin" on the 800 Polaris motor. New pistons, head and Mapping are planned for this motor.

More to follow as time gets near.
 

snoughnut

New member
Dan, that is correct, Polaris is stepping up to the plate and standing by these motors 100%. I will be getting the update, mine didn't blow last year, but I do have light scoring on the exhaust side of the pistons. Once you get the clutching and gearing right, this new motor pulls hard and the update should help. One subtle change that most guys know about was going from the stock 68 gram weights to 70-71 gram weights, that little change made a huge difference.
 

2xcsps

New member
i talked to a former polaris dealer that went out on his own and from what he said its a fuel problem at the mid range the bottom and top inj. don't overlap and lean out at at that rpm's he installed a pcIII and has 2000 problem free miles for $350 from slp sounds like cheap insurance
 

indyxcr

New member
Polaris will pay for the 2 new 2 ring pistons, new heads and the 3rd remap that is out know the parts are $1,000+ from Polaris the dealer will take care of it for you 100% and a extra year warranty on the motor also. I have a 2009 800 Dragon and a 800 IQ the only bad thing is it will take your dealer all day to fix. The single ring piston can't take the heat if you drive it hard, thats why they are putting 2 ring pistons to handle the heat all 2010 800's will have 2 ring pistons in them also the dealer told me 800 switchbacks get a updated new slp in the exhaust I believe.
My 2 800's work great but if get poor gas in the UP or other states then the pistons could go also! Get it fixed and your good to go 3rd year on motor can't bitch.
 

indyxcr

New member
Also the 70 gram weights makes a big difference maybe go up to 72 gram weights next, the dealer is going to test the 72 gram weights on his sled to make sure it is not to much?
The 70 works perfect once you get the things all done with the pistons and remap your sled will be faster!
This will be a good year the 800's will run like they should fast.
 

indyxcr

New member
I made a mistake in the post the 800 switchback gets the pistons new heads new remap but not sure about the exhaust or the skis it was one of these replaced also.
 
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