2001 Polaris XC Specs

Snowmobile stalwart Polaris made two XC, or cross-country, sleds in 2001, the 500 XC and the kiddies version, the 120 XC. The company that year also made a series of XC SP, or sport, models that had power valves and heftier shocks. In the 2001 Polaris lineup, the XC series was considered more performance-oriented than the Indy or the Indy Trail, which snowmobile enthusiasts saw more as entry-level snowmobiles. The 500 XC continues to be praised by enthusiasts, and as of January 2011, had a Kelley Blue Book suggested retail value of $1,765. Used models were offered for sale on user forums in the $1,400 to $1,500 range.

  1. Engine, Drive Train

    • The 500 XC is a one-person performance sled with a top speed of 90 to 100 mph. It features a two-cylinder, two-stroke 500 cc liquid-cooled engine with 2 TM38, TPS carburetors, digital CDI ignition and case reed induction. Fuel capacity is 11.8 gallons. Electric start and reverse are optional on this model.

    Appearance, Dimensions, Capacity

    • The XC weighs 480 pounds dry. The sled is 45 inches high, 121 inches long and 48 inches wide, and has a 42.5-inch ski center. The track is 0.82 inches by 15 inches by 121 inches. The vehicle comes with a 120/100 Halogen headlight standard. There's a standard 5-inch speedometer as well as a 5-inch tachometer. Adjustable thumb warmers and hand warmers come standard as well, but mirrors, tow hitch and storage rack are optional.

    Skis, Suspension, Brakes

    • Front and rear suspension is the Polaris patented "Edge" formula for a stiff performance ride rather than the softer, car-like ride common on its touring models. Front travel is 10 inches, with a select/threaded front shock and a Nitrex front track shock, and rear travel is 13.9 inches with a Fox PSS rear track shock. The ski runners are lightweight carbide to slip easily through the snow. A parking brake comes standard.