Dressed in ****, this **new 2027 Polaris 650 Switchback® XC 146 1.6 7S** looks like it’s already halfway to the next ridgeline—because it’s built for riders who don’t want to choose between crisp trail manners and off-the-trail curiosity. It’s a **crossover** at heart with a **trail-first** attitude, ready to turn a groomed straightaway into a grin and a fresh line into a “why not?”
At the center of the fun is Polaris’ **Patriot™ 650**—a **liquid-cooled**, **2-cylinder**, **2-stroke** horizontal in-line engine with **reed valves** and **fuel injection**. It runs on **regular gas** with **oil injection**, so you get that classic two-stroke punch with modern consistency. Hit the button with the **electric start**, or go old-school with the **pull start**—either way, the first squeeze of the **thumb throttle** feels like flipping the “today’s going to be a good day” switch.
Power delivery is handled by a **CVT** with belt drive and a **P-85 / TEAM LWT** clutch setup, built to keep the engine in the sweet spot when the trail opens up or the snow gets deeper. And when the route tightens up—parking lots, trail intersections, or that inevitable “I should probably turn around here” moment—**reverse** is there to save you from wrestling 499 pounds of purpose.
The **MATRYX aluminum frame** gives the sled a precise, planted feel without feeling bulky, and the rider zone is thoughtfully set up for long pulls and quick transitions: **skid-resistant** running boards, **rubber grips**, **hand guards**, and **heated grips** (because cold hands turn “one more mile” into “let’s go home”). You get a clean, confident perch with a **one-piece vinyl seat**, and the wind protection is handled by a **mid-height tinted windshield** that keeps the ride feeling fast without making it feel punishing.
Up front, the **independent A-arm** suspension paired with **MATRYX** geometry and **9.5 inches of travel** helps the Switchback stay composed when the trail gets choppy. The **Fox® QS3 adjustable gas shocks with remote reservoirs** (front) let you fine-tune feel without overthinking it, while the rear is built to keep you moving with **16 inches of travel** through the **IGX** rear suspension and **Fox® QS3** shocks out back—plus a matching **Fox® QS3 center shock**. It’s a setup made for riders who want to attack bumps, float through whoops, and still have enough comfort left to take the long way back.
Steering stays direct and predictable with **manual handlebar steering**, anchored by **Pro-Steer™ composite skis** and **carbide skags** that bite when you ask them to. When it’s time to scrub speed, the **Matryx Stealth hydraulic disc brake** delivers confident control—smooth, strong, and ready for repeat use.
Then there’s the track: a **Cobra Track** measuring **146 inches long**, **15 inches wide**, with **1.6-inch lugs**. That’s the sweet spot for a crossover sled—enough footprint and paddle to step off the hardpack when fresh snow calls your name, while still feeling agile and lively on the trail. Add in an **11.5-gallon** fuel capacity, and you’ve got the range to turn “quick rip” into “all-day mission.”
To tie it together, **RIDE COMMAND™ GPS** keeps your adventure pointed in the right direction, with practical dash support like a **fuel gauge** and **temperature warning light**—because the best rides are the ones you can focus on, not fuss over.
And yes, it comes in standout options like **Gloss Black** or **INDY® Red / White Lightning / Gloss Black**—but in ****, this Switchback XC brings its own vibe: clean, bold, and ready to make every winter road look like an invitation.
