2008 Polaris® FST Touring Review
Admittedly, American manufacturer Polaris® surprised us last year with the introduction of the new IQ chassis and its numerous variations. After dominating the market for several years, the renowned firm had to completely revise its design and commercialization strategies. The rethink bore fruit, and the new crop is more mouthwatering than ever. Its chassis is valiant, its engines are efficient and its overall value meets the expectations of the brand's enthusiasts. The new FST Touring is no exception. It represents the future of the manufacturer in an increasingly popular class, that of the long, lazy trek.
In the Touring version, the new IQ chassis handles beautifully; it's very user-friendly and, above all, easy to learn to use. Two or three kilometres are all you need to feel in complete control of your machine. As for driveability, the FST Touring is quite neutral and doesn't pack any nasty surprises. No matter your size, it imparts a sense of confidence, courtesy of Polaris®'s exclusive Rider Select system that enables you to adjust the handlebars according to five pre-established settings.
The FST Touring's seat is well designed and very comfortable. It's slightly lower than that of the IQ performance models and allows for a driving position somewhere in between that of a conventional snowmobile and a new-generation sled. The position is very relaxing, no matter the condition of the trail. Apart from the lack of driver foot room, Polaris®'s new two-seater is more ergonomic than ever.
Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux
For 2008, the FST Touring inherits an all-new rear suspension dubbed IQ Comfort. It replaces the M-10 136 suspension that, admittedly, didn't measure up to the expectations of long trek lovers. The superiority of this new system resides in the fact that it offers greater compression resistance thanks to more progressive geometry and shock absorption. One of the features that stood out most is without a doubt its range of use, which enables greater freedom when the trek conditions change.
Remove the passenger seat, replace it with Polaris®'s Touring Pure trunk cover, move the adjustable backrest forward, and voilà, the FST Touring is perfectly suited for long and comfortable solo rides. In addition to being completely airtight, the super useful storage box can even accommodate a helmet, an industry first.
The FST Touring is powered by a 4-cycle, twin-cylinder, turbo engine. This cutting-edge mill uses an electronic fuel injection system. Its overall efficiency and smoothness are nothing short of phenomenal, and it never seems out of breath. Extremely powerful at high engine speed and bursting with torque at medium and low speeds, the FST Touring's engine is easy to use. What's more, if you're a fan of the endless trek, you'll appreciate its gentle purring
Polaris® is finally offering a snowmobile that measures up to the best in the class. Despite its potency, it's user-friendly in all conditions. The Polaris® FST Touring proves once again that the IQ chassis is well designed on several fronts. It has all the qualities required of a snowmobile destined for a long, two-passenger haul. Don't count on that passenger seat being empty too often.
Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux
- Driving position (Rider Select).
- Smooth, powerful engine.
- Ergonomics.
- Rear suspension a little too stiff.
- Not a lot of driver foot room.
- None.
