I am looking for some feedback on the newer 4 strokers. I thinking about one next year but the added 100lbs or so makes me a little unsure. How are they are in the twisties? I ride agressive and don't want to be wore out by the end of the day due to handling the extra weight up front. Just looking for some input for those who ride aggresive with these. Thanks
Polaris 4's
- Thread starter tgun
- Start date
Oh well... FSTs all handle the same back to day 1 not many changes in the platform but plenty of changes under the hood. 2011 just make sure they have installed heat dispersal kit get real hot under the hood without it. Never heard anyone complain about FST ridewise seemed to be a good riding sled.mspease can tell all had 12,000 miles on his & now on adventure.
D
Deleted member 10829
Guest
Mine was a 2006 FST Classic and that was the first year. They were known to steer very hard but that was greatly improved with new spindles and other improvements over the next 2 years. I think they had that corrected by the 2008-2009 model year. I never did upgrade my spindles and I do ride trails fairly hard, but am slowing down some as I get older! I was maybe a little more tired at the end of a day, but I can't say it was noticeable to the point of being a problem. I'm guessing with the changes, it wouldn't be an issue. Whitedust is right on the heat vents to cool under the hood. Prior to installing those, I was blowing a belt every 1,000 miles due to the intense heat that is created by a turbo. Since I installed them, I never blew another belt.
If they were able to put a 4s in the new Rush platform, I would still be riding a 4s, but I had to have the new Rush once it came out with a 136" skid. I didn't want the IQ chassis again as I had put 12,000 miles on mine and didn't want the same thing. That engine was very reliable. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!
If they were able to put a 4s in the new Rush platform, I would still be riding a 4s, but I had to have the new Rush once it came out with a 136" skid. I didn't want the IQ chassis again as I had put 12,000 miles on mine and didn't want the same thing. That engine was very reliable. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!
What you need to ask yourself is how long do you want to keep the sled & are you a high milage rider? 4s are for big mile guys that want to go fast, change oil once a year have good range & just ride the crap out of their sleds & not worry. A Shift is a short timer sled to move up in a year or 2 & will not hold value well with big miles. FST more money but you are getting sooooooo much more as well & most dealers moving FSTs a reasonable prices. To me FST is much better choice if a keeper sled.
F
fusion
Guest
Shift is about as basic a sled as you can get - no frills.
Good motor for a 2-stroke, but forget it on resale - it's worth $3500 all day - three years down the road.
The FST will hold value, give better performance and probably be trouble free.
But if you were going 4-stroke, not sure I'd be going Pol - they aren't the leaders.
Good motor for a 2-stroke, but forget it on resale - it's worth $3500 all day - three years down the road.
The FST will hold value, give better performance and probably be trouble free.
But if you were going 4-stroke, not sure I'd be going Pol - they aren't the leaders.
I think with a upgraded track and shocks the Shift is ready to go. Good motor and chasis equal to what I have now. I like to pack on the miles when I get out but don't get out as much as I used to. I only have 2900 miles on my 06 now. If the snow hits here I may try to find a dealer that has a FST I can demo. I know the Weber is behind the pack but I prefer the ride of the IQ over the others. CFI for sure just toying 2 vs. 4. Thanks for the info.
Upgrade track & shocks all around got to be at least $2K -3k more. Can't see it never get $$ back just like studs & skid plate on a used sled. Either a pro ride 2s or FST best bang for buck. Shift ok but as soon as you upgrade you might as well buy a better sled out of box.
anonomoose
New member
Opinions are like pennys on the sidewalk....too many to pick up.
Polaris skids are pretty much tops and seem to hold up well. Instrumentation is equal to or better than the rest, and the controls are where they should be on the handle bars...so you are never reaching for stuff if you want to know what is happening on the fly.
Mechanically, they still suffer...IMO and I would look elsewhere if you are going to hang on to the unit.
I bought FST and still think that it has the best balance of power and not over kill but just right for most functions. Cat is better for quality and reliability but the power of their turbo is crazy high and not something you want to turn your novice loose on for sure.
Skiis suck on Polaris, what can I say...expect to remove them and trade for better particularly if you are going off trail.
Weight is something that 4 strokes have but in balance I would trade away for the the stink of 2 strokes and few talk about "ring jobs" when they get a few miles on them. If you know how to ride and can learn to adapt, 100 pounds just is not that important in all but the deepest of powder (midwest just doesn't get that sort of thing often) and again you can enjoy the sled enough to get past all the talk about a few pounds...(go on a diet and drop 20 lbs off your butt if you are really all that concerned)
For most guys who move away to the 4's...if they are completly honest, will not go back to a 2 except for if they just want something different and most will tell you privately they miss the 4 stroke power...and gas mileage.
I would look hard at a 1200 doo....as they look bullet proof and have nice skids, but used to be cheaply made, or a Cat turbo which is wildly fast and also acceptable ride for lots of fun...if not too fast for most...and then Polaris for a follow up.
But then that is just me.....
Polaris skids are pretty much tops and seem to hold up well. Instrumentation is equal to or better than the rest, and the controls are where they should be on the handle bars...so you are never reaching for stuff if you want to know what is happening on the fly.
Mechanically, they still suffer...IMO and I would look elsewhere if you are going to hang on to the unit.
I bought FST and still think that it has the best balance of power and not over kill but just right for most functions. Cat is better for quality and reliability but the power of their turbo is crazy high and not something you want to turn your novice loose on for sure.
Skiis suck on Polaris, what can I say...expect to remove them and trade for better particularly if you are going off trail.
Weight is something that 4 strokes have but in balance I would trade away for the the stink of 2 strokes and few talk about "ring jobs" when they get a few miles on them. If you know how to ride and can learn to adapt, 100 pounds just is not that important in all but the deepest of powder (midwest just doesn't get that sort of thing often) and again you can enjoy the sled enough to get past all the talk about a few pounds...(go on a diet and drop 20 lbs off your butt if you are really all that concerned)
For most guys who move away to the 4's...if they are completly honest, will not go back to a 2 except for if they just want something different and most will tell you privately they miss the 4 stroke power...and gas mileage.
I would look hard at a 1200 doo....as they look bullet proof and have nice skids, but used to be cheaply made, or a Cat turbo which is wildly fast and also acceptable ride for lots of fun...if not too fast for most...and then Polaris for a follow up.
But then that is just me.....
F
fusion
Guest
"Cat for quality"? If you had one with zero probs - you got lucky, so consider yourself blessed.
I'd never attach that label to a cat.
I'd never attach that label to a cat.
I am an agressive rider and cme off of a xcr 800 to a 800 Iq to a 2011 fst. I will never go back to a 2 stroke thus far. I dont see where peolpe seem to think that poo is not a great contender in the 4s world. I personall havent been beat by any other 4s yet. Of course I havent been up against any of the 2012 sleds yet. the added weight is a little bit to get used to but with some adjustments and time in the saddle youll soon adjust yourself to the machine. I know Im glad I bought my fst.
How much engine braking with FST a lot with my 2007 Attack? If not use to that can be difficult adjustment. I like it when on my butt going into turns but a handful when standing on the big bumps.