Snowmobile Polaris Trail RMK (2010 year). Manual - part 8

33

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Rider weight, riding style, trail conditions, and vehicle speed all affect 

suspension action. Each rear suspension can be adjusted to suit rider 

preference and deliver excellent performance for a given set of condi-

tions. However, all suspension designs and adjustments involve a com-

promise, or trade-off. For example, a suspension set up for snow-cross 

racing would provide a very stiff ride on the trail. A suspension set up 

for trail riding would bottom out harshly on a snow-cross course.
See your Polaris dealer for initial suspension setup information. Addi-

tional adjustments can be made after initial setup. Make adjustments to 

one area at a time so you can evaluate the change. For further assistance, 

see your dealer.

Suspension Performance Tips

• Rider weight usually determines the position at which the spring pre-

load should be set. However, this may vary with riding style. With a 

little experimentation, each rider can find a preferred set-up. These 

adjustments are easy to make, involve very little time or effort, and 

greatly affect the ride.

• In deep snow, a new rail slide will offer improved performance over a 

worn rail slide. It can also improve top speed.

• When riding on ice or hard-packed snow, adding a set of bogie wheels 

to the rail may enhance the machine’s performance. Bogie wheel kits 

are available from your dealer.

• Polaris offers track kits for improved flotation in deep snow. See your 

dealer for assistance.

Tip: Keep the suspension pivot points lubricated. This will reduce moisture and 

rust build-up and ensure proper function of the suspension components. 

Grease rear suspension pivots before adjusting the rear suspension. See 

page 71.

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain cor-

rect tension and alignment. Refer to the track tension maintenance sec-

tion beginning on page 94.

34

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Initial Spring Preload Setting (Sag Method)

To set up the EDGE RMK rear suspension torsion spring preload, mea-

sure the distance between the ground and rear bumper (see illustration). 

This measurement should be taken with no rider and the rear suspension 

at full extension. This is measurement X.
Take the first measurement with no rider and with the rear suspension at 

full extension.

Tip: The rear bumper may need to be lifted upward slightly to fully extend the 

rear suspension.

Next, have the rider drop down hard on the seat and bounce up and 

down several times, collapsing the rear suspension. With the rider 

seated, measure the distance between the ground and the rear bumper at 

the exact location used for measurement X. This is measurement Y.

X

Y

35

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Initial Spring Preload Setting (Sag Method))

To determine sag, commonly referred to as ride-in, subtract measure-

ment Y from X (sag=X-Y). Adjust sag by rotating the torsion spring 

preload cams located on the rear torque arm. Use the illustration for ref-

erence. The ideal amount of Sag for the this rear suspension is four 

inches (X-Y=4).
If the rear suspension rides in less than three inches or more than five 

inches with the torsion spring preload cams at their maximum range of 

adjustment, optional torsion springs (softer or stiffer, respectively) may 

be required. This is only an initial set-up, and final spring preload may 

vary based on rider preference and riding conditions.

36

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Torsion Spring Preload

To adjust rear torsion 

spring preload, rotate the 

three-position cam using 

the engine spark plug 

tool. Different rate torsion 

springs are available if a 

firmer ride is desired. See 

your dealer for more 

information.
The following informa-

tion is provided only as a 

guideline to be used for 

initial suspension set-up. 

Your set-up may vary 

based on your desired 

riding style.

Limiter Strap Position

The following information is pro-

vided only as a guideline to be 

used for initial suspension set-up. 

Your set-up may vary based on 

your desired riding style.
High: Limiter strap in high posi-
tion

 

increases ski pressure

Low: Limiter strap in low position 

decreases ski pressure 

Optional Torsion Springs

Track

Soft

Standard

Firm

136

Not applicable

7041627-067  7041628-067

.347    77

ο

7041629-067  7041630-067

.359    77

ο

Soft/Low Tension

(Long end to front)

Medium Tension

(Short end up)

High/Firm Tension

(Long end up)

High

Low