Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2015 year). Manual - part 8

34

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 
conditions. However, all suspension designs and adjustments involve a 
compromise, 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. 
Additional 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 

preload 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 snowmobile’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 66.

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain 
correct tension and alignment. Refer to the track tension maintenance 
section beginning on page 89.

35

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Suspension Coupling

For most riding conditions, the 
alignment tab should be positioned 
at the open hole, about half way 
between the plus (+) and minus (-) 
marks.

1. If more ski pressure is pre-

ferred (for riding in hilly ter-
rain on hard surfaces with a 
high vehicle load), turn the 
adjuster knob clockwise. Ski 
pressure will increase as vehi-
cle load increases.

Tip: For maximum comfort, set the 

suspension to bottom out 
occasionally.

2. If less ski pressure is preferred, 

turn the adjuster knob counter-
clockwise. Ski pressure will 
decrease as vehicle load 
increases.

3. Turn the knob fully counter-

clockwise (minimum setting) 
for riding in deep snow with-
out a passenger and with a low 
vehicle load.

Tip: Do not exaggerate adjustments. A 

couple of turns on the adjuster 
knob will usually give the desired 
effect.

Alignment Tab

Adjuster Knob

36

THE PERFECT FIT

Rear Suspension Adjustments

Rear Spring Settings

1. To check for the recommended rear spring settings, lift the rear of 

the snowmobile, then slowly lower it. Measure the distance between 
the ground and the running board.

2. Without letting the suspension settle, the rider should carefully 

mount the snowmobile. Measure the distance between the ground 
and the same spot on the running board.

3. The difference between the two measurements should be 

approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). If the difference is greater, 
adjust the rear spring equally on both sides and repeat steps 1-3.

4. Compensate for heavy or light 

drivers or cargo loads by 
adjusting the rear spring eye 
bolt length. Adjust spring 
tension so there is equal tension 
on the long leg of each spring.

• Tighten the bolt for more 

spring tension.

• Loosen the bolt for less spring 

tension.

Tip: Rear spring settings affect ski-to-ground pressure. If ski pressure is too 

light, tighten the rear springs.

Eye Bolt

37

THE PERFECT FIT

Handlebar Adjustments

Standard Handlebar

Follow these steps to adjust handlebar angle at the handlebar block.

1. Remove the mountain bar by 

removing nuts.

2. Using a 7/16-inch wrench, 

loosen the four nuts on the 
bottom of the adjuster block 
(turn the handlebar either left 
or right for access to the rear 
nuts). If necessary, pry the 
blocks apart with a 
screwdriver.

3. Adjust the handlebar to the 

desired angle. Be sure the 
handlebar, brake lever and 
throttle lever operate 
smoothly and do not hit the 
gas tank, windshield or any 
other part of the snowmobile 
when the handlebar is turned 
fully to the left or right.

4. Torque the front bolts first, then torque the rear bolts. Torque the 

bolts to 11-13 ft. lbs. (15-18 Nm).

5. Reinstall the mountain bar.

Traction Products

Carbide Skags

A skag is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski to assist 
in turning the snowmobile and to prevent ski wear caused by contact 
with roads and other bare terrain. 

Inspect skags frequently. Worn skags may reduce steering and braking 
control on hard-packed snow and ice. Replace worn skags to maintain 
proper balance and vehicle control.

WARNING! Loss of control can result in serious injury or death. Proper balance 
of traction products on the skis and track must be maintained to obtain proper 
vehicle control on hard-packed snow or ice. See your dealer for assistance.

Bar

Nuts

Bolts

Nuts