2024 600 Race Owner’s Manual

One of the most publicized issues about snowmobiles is noise. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE®), the standard-setting body for snowmobile development, recommends that snowmobiles conform to prescribed sound levels.

Polaris snowmobiles are engineered to conform to these SAE® standards. Our muffler systems are designed to reduce noise levels and must not be altered or removed. The sound of your snowmobile may not be welcome to non-snowmobilers, so you have a responsibility to operate your snowmobile with concern for others. We do our part by manufacturing quieter machines; we ask your help to further reduce the impact of noise by operating your snowmobile safely and responsibly.

Polaris engineers continuously investigate ways to reduce emission levels of two-stroke engines. We expect our efforts to lead to the reduction of potential air pollution.

In addition to our technological research, we encourage government agencies, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, ecologists, and other interested parties to work together to develop data on environmental topics.

Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially exposed for proper operation. Do not stand on the plastic flap.

Never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Turn off the ignition, open the side panels or hood, make the adjustment, secure shields and guards, secure the side panels and hood, and then restart the engine to check its operation.

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control. Rider positions may vary with experience and the features available on some snowmobiles, but under many conditions, the proper position is to be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake and steering control.

This snowmobile is designed for a single rider only. Never carry a passenger on this snowmobile.

For your safety, always ride in a group of other snowmobilers. Always tell someone where you're going and how long you expect to be gone. If it isn't possible to ride with others, and you must travel into remote areas, always carry survival equipment that's appropriate to the conditions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or cellular telephone.

Always carry the owner’s manual on your snowmobile. For added protection, purchase and carry the following items on your snowmobile as well:

• Spare Drive Belt

• Extra Set of Spark Plugs

• Tow Rope

• Fuel Deicer

• Winter Survival Kit

• Trail Map

• First Aid Kit

• Tool Kit

Always observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile operation and speed limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. If your speed is 40 MPH (64 km/h), your snowmobile is traveling about 60 feet (18 m) per second. If you look back for only two seconds, your snowmobile will travel about 120 feet (36 m). If your speed is 60 MPH (96 km/h), your snowmobile will travel about 180 feet (55 m) in two seconds.

Traveling at night requires extra caution. Check headlight and taillight to ensure proper operation, and don’t over-drive your headlight beam. Always be able to bring your snowmobile to a stop in the distance illuminated by the headlight.

Slow down when traveling near poles, posts, or other obstacles. Be especially alert if you're snowmobiling after dark. Always be on the alert for wire fences. Single strands are especially dangerous, since there may be a great distance between posts. Guy wires on utility poles are also difficult to distinguish.

Make sure the way is clear before crossing railroads and other roads and highways. The noise of your snowmobile will drown out the sound of approaching vehicles and bare roads limit the effectiveness of the steering system. Look ahead, behind, and to both sides before turning or crossing railroad tracks or highways. Steep embankments may also hide your view. Always leave yourself a way out.

Variances in snow depth and/or water currents may result in uneven ice thickness. You may drown if you break through the ice. Never travel on frozen bodies of water unless you have first verified that the ice is sufficiently thick to support the weight and moving force of the snowmobile, you and your cargo, together with any other vehicles in your party. Always check with local authorities and residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over your entire route. Snowmobile operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on frozen bodies of water.

When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and safety courses.

Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.

Mountainous terrain operation, even for experienced riders, can present conditions and situations that could result in serious injury or death. Please review all of the information about riding in mountainous terrain on the following pages of this manual.

The avalanche information provided in this manual should be considered basic information and is not intended to replace your participation in an avalanche safety training course. After reviewing the avalanche information in this manual, be sure to participate in an avalanche safety training course before riding in mountainous terrain. The training course will provide more information as well as the opportunity to practice riding and using proper search and recovery techniques.

For more information, education, training courses, and links to additional resources, visit:

• www.avalanche.org for North American riders.

• www.avalanche.ca for Canadian riders.

• www.lavinprognoser.se for Swedish riders.

• www.avalanches.org for European riders.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing the steering linkage.

Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow cover is a requirement for operation of your snowmobile.

If the snowmobile becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area of snow, then step down the snow in front of the snowmobile so that when the throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and over the snow.

Always be aware of surroundings and terrain when riding your snowmobile. Hazardous obstructions may be hidden beneath the snow. Reduce speed and use extra caution whenever riding off established trails. Striking a hidden obstacle could cause loss of control of your vehicle and lead to severe injury or death. Remain on established trails whenever possible to reduce exposure to hazards.

When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing the engine's compression to help slow the snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to maintain proper balance and avoid possible roll-over.

Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the other side of the hill.

If you're unable to continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill before it loses momentum. If this isn't possible, spin the track just enough to dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. Stop the engine and set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the downhill side of the snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the snowmobile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully.

Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.

Any servicing that requires operation without a belt can be performed by your authorized POLARIS dealer.

Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.

Do not attempt to service the clutches.

All clutch service can be performed by your authorized POLARIS dealer. The clutch is a complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds. Each clutch is dynamically balanced before installation. Any tampering may disrupt this precision balancing and create an unstable condition.

Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time, especially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened from ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with enough authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate within safety limits.

On 2-up machines, always operate with respect for a passenger.

While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the steering system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting of your body weight. Maneuverability will change based on rider weight and foot position on running boards.

Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile conditions may become dangerous if operators drive improperly. If you're new to snowmobiling, acquaint yourself with the snowmobile and with what it will and won't do under various conditions. Even seasoned drivers should spend some time getting the feel for a snowmobile before attempting ambitious maneuvers.

• A snowmobile depends on the rider's body position for proper balance in executing turns, traversing hills, etc. Always start on a smooth, level area to begin building your operating experience.

• Before allowing someone else to use your snowmobile, know the extent of their operating skills. Check to see if they've taken a snowmobile safety course and have an operator's certificate. For their protection, as well as yours, make sure they take a snowmobile safety course. Everyone can benefit from the course.

• Don't “jump” your snowmobile over large drifts or similar terrain. Jumping may injure your back because of spinal compression that could occur when the snowmobile impacts the ground. The seat and suspension of your snowmobile have been designed to provide protection under normal riding conditions. Your snowmobile is not intended for this kind of use.

• Be courteous to oncoming traffic by dimming your headlights and reducing your speed.

• When traveling in a group of snowmobiles, don't tailgate (follow too closely). Leave enough distance between snowmobiles to provide ample stopping room and to provide protection from flying snow and debris. Allow even more distance when driving on slippery surfaces or when driving in darkness or other low visibility conditions. Be aware of any snowmobile traffic around your vehicle. Drive defensively to avoid accidents.

• Remove the key from the ignition when you leave the snowmobile unattended.

The following information is provided to help you determine when temperatures become dangerous for riding.

WARNING

The Competition Only Warning label 1 is located on the right side of the dash.

This snowmobile is a competition model only and is not manufactured for, nor should it be used on public land or trails. The use of this snowmobile should be limited to participation in sanctioned competition events upon a closed course. This snowmobile should NOT be used for general off-trail recreational riding. This snowmobile is intended for experienced racers only, and NOT for beginners.

Part Number: 7178397

WARNING

The Operation Warning label is located on either side of the dash.

• To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand all warnings and the Owner's Manual before operation. If manual is missing, contact a Polaris dealer for a replacement.

• This vehicle is capable of high speeds. Buried objects or uneven terrain can cause loss of control. Reduce speed and use extreme caution when operating in unfamiliar terrain.

• Excessive speed, especially at night or with limited visibility, can result in insufficient time for you to react to terrain changes, to avoid unexpected obstacles, or to stop safely.

• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while operating this vehicle.

• In an emergency, push down the Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch, located on the top of the throttle control assembly, to stop the engine. Then pull the brake lever to stop.

• Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection, and adequate clothing while operating this vehicle.

• This vehicle is designed for adult use only. Check local laws for age requirements.

• When operating with a passenger (on approved models only) reduce speed and allow extra space for steering and stopping. A passenger reduces your ability to control the vehicle.

• When operating on hard-packed snow, ice, or when crossing roads, steering and braking ability are greatly reduced. Reduce speed and allow extra space to turn or stop.

• To maintain vehicle control on ice or hard-packed surfaces, you should have a proper balance of ski carbides to track studs. See Owner's Manual for proper use of traction products.

• Repeated stops from high speed may cause fading or sudden loss of braking ability.

• Parking brake may relax when used for long periods. Do not leave brake engaged for more than five minutes.

• Before starting engine, check throttle, brake, and steering for proper operation. Make sure hood and side panels are latched. Be seated and in position to control the vehicle.

Part Number: 7184133 English, 7185805 French

WARNING

The Engine and Clutch Warning label 1 is located under the engine side panel on the belt guard.

• Do not operate engine with hood open.

• Do not attempt adjustment with engine running.

• Do not operate engine with guard open.

• Never run engine with drive belt removed.

• Never service clutches yourself —see your dealer.

Part Number: 7079297

WARNING

The No Passenger Warning label 1 is located on the dash below the instrument cluster.

This vehicle is designed for operator only. “NO PASSENGER”

Part Number: 7172575

WARNING

The Track Warning label 1 is located on the top rear section of the tunnel.

Stay clear of track. Do not sit on seat back. Entanglement with the track or a fall from seat back may result in severe injury or death.

Part Number: 7172519 English, 717520 French

This area displays the CLOCK and Engine Hours meter.

The CLOCK displays the time, and the engine hour meter displays the total hours the engine has been in operation since manufacture.

To change the display, press and release the SET button or SET switch until the desired item is displayed.

To reset a trip meter, press and hold the SET button or SET switch until the meter resets to zero.

Read the Owner's Manual completely and refer to it often. The manual is your guide to safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of your snowmobile. Always make sure both are functioning properly.

Squeeze the throttle lever to make sure it compresses evenly and smoothly. When released, the lever should immediately return to the idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not function smoothly, or if you discover excessive lever freeplay, DO NOT start the engine. Have the throttle serviced immediately.

Always check the following items for proper operation before starting the engine.

The steering systems on POLARIS snowmobiles can be adjusted with ski toe alignment. Improper toe alignment can cause erratic steering. Your authorized POLARIS dealer can assist with adjustments.

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition and that the latches are securely in place before operating the snowmobile.

If your snowmobile is equipped with a removable seat, ensure that the seat is properly installed and securely latched before each use of the snowmobile.

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure. If excessive wear is found, your authorized POLARIS dealer can provide a replacement.

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication conditions voids the track warranty.

Push down on the engine stop switch 1 to ground out the ignition and stop the engine quickly. Pull the switch up to the ON position to allow restarting.

If your snowmobile has a tether switch, remove the tether from the switch to make sure the engine stops immediately.

Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light. Replace burned out lamps before operating.

Adjust the mirrors so they can be used to their full advantage.

Before driving away, check your surroundings. Be aware of obstacles and make sure bystanders are a safe distance from the snowmobile.

Do not depress the throttle until the engine starts.

1. Attach the tether cord to the tether switch.

2. Pull the kill switch (shut-off switch) up to RUN.

3. Grasp the starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages then pull abruptly to start the engine.

   NOTICE

   Do not pull the starter rope to the fully-extended position and do not allow it to snap back into the housing. Damage may result.

4. Warm up the engine before operating.

   NOTICE

   Operating the vehicle immediately after cold starting could cause engine damage. Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before operating the vehicle. If cold drive-away is attempted, the engine RPM may stumble slightly to protect the engine.

1. Attach the tether cord to the tether switch.

2. Pull the kill switch (shut-off switch) up to RUN.

3. Grasp the starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages; then pull abruptly to start the engine.

4. If the engine does not start on the first pull, slightly depress the throttle with your left hand (no more than 1/4 inch open) and pull the rope with your right hand. When the engine starts, immediately release the throttle.

Your snowmobile is equipped at the time of sale with an emission control information (ECI) label and a factory-installed emissions information hangtag. These items are required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The ECI label is permanently affixed to either the right side of the tunnel or the engine recoil cover. The ECI label should not be removed, even after you purchase the snowmobile. You may remove the factory-installed emissions information hangtag, which is intended solely for your use in making a purchasing decision.

Your snowmobile is certified to operate on gasoline with a minimum octane level of minimum 91 octane. If your snowmobile is equipped with a check engine light and it comes on, you must take your snowmobile to a qualified dealer for diagnostic service. Specifications and adjustments for engine tune-ups are located in the Service Manual, which is available to your qualified service technician. Reverse (if equipped) must not be engaged during engine tune-ups.

Please read the Snowmobile Engine Emissions Limited Warranty, and read the maintenance section of your owner's manual. You are responsible for ensuring that the specified maintenance is performed. POLARIS recommends that you contact an authorized POLARIS dealer, or other qualified person, to perform any service that may be necessary.

This vehicle emits some electromagnetic energy. People with active or non-active implantable medical devices (such as heart monitoring or controlling devices) should review the limitations of their device and the applicable electromagnetic standards and directives that apply to this vehicle.

Lubricate the steering post U-joint at the intervals outlined in the maintenance charts.

Lubricate the suspension pivot shafts with Polaris All Season Grease at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Table and before seasonal storage. When operating in heavy, wet snow conditions, lubricate every 500 mi (800 km).

Lack of lubrication will adversely affect your ride and the life of the suspension. For more information about suspension lubrication and adjustments, see your Polaris dealer.

Maintain the oil level between the “safe” marks on the dipstick whenever checking or changing oil.

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface

2. Remove the dipstick 1. Verify level is in SAFE zone.

3. Add the recommended oil as needed. Do not overfill.

4. Clean the magnetic tip 2 on the dipstick.

5. Reinstall the dipstick.

1. Locate the chaincase or gearcase drain plug access hole on the bottom of the nosepan.

2. Place an oil catch pan under the drain plug.

3. Remove the drain plug and drain the oil into the catch pan.

4. Clean the magnetic plug to remove metal shavings.

5. Install drain plug and hand-tighten. Do not over-tighten the drain plug.

6. Fill chaincase or gearcase at the dipstick hole.

The headlight may be adjusted for vertical aim using the following procedure.

1. Place the snowmobile on a level surface with the headlight approximately 25 feet (7.6 m) from a wall.

2. Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the headlight and make a mark on the wall.

3. Start the engine and turn the headlight switch to high beam.

4. Observe the headlight aim. The most intense part of the headlight beam should be aimed 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the mark placed on the wall.

   TIP

   Rider weight must be included on the seat.

5. Turn the adjustment nut, located inside the hood, just below the headlamp opening. Turn the knob in or out as needed for proper aim.

Clutch alignment offset is important for maintaining optimum performance. See your dealer for service and adjustments. A special tool is required to check for proper alignment.

Periodically check the condition and tension of the drive belt. Inspect the belt for signs of excessive wear (frayed edges, missing cogs, cracks) and excessive looseness. Replace the belt if any of these conditions exist.

Always carry a spare drive belt. Store the spare belt in the belt holder as shown. When placing the belt in the holder, orientate the belt to match the profile of the hood.

For improved drive-away during extremely cold temperatures, remove the belt and warm it to room temperature. Reinstall it before starting the snowmobile.

• Measure belt deflection with both clutches at rest and in their full neutral position.

• Place a straight edge on the belt and apply downward pressure while measuring at point. This measurement should be 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm).

To adjust the drive belt, do the following:

1. Loosen the driven clutch set screw with 7/16 wrench.

2. Using an 1/8 in Allen® wrench, adjust set screw until belt deflection meets specification.

3. Holding set screw with Allen® wrench, lightly tighten nut.

4. Using the L-wrench, open driven clutch sheaves 0.5 in.

5. Tighten deflection screw nut to specification.

   TORQUE

   Deflection Screw Nut

   145 in-lbs (16.4 N·m)

6. Rotate belt clockwise while removing L-wrench.

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.

2. Turn the ignition key off. Wait for the engine to come to a complete stop.

3. Lock the parking brake.

4. Remove the left side panel.

5. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 1/4 turn by hand to ensure forward engagement.

6. Locate the L-wrench in the tool kit. Install the wrench into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.

7. Turn the wrench clockwise until the sheaves open far enough to remove the belt. If the wrench does not turn readily, rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise an additional 1/4 turn by hand and try again.

8. Remove the belt from the driven clutch.

1. With the L-wrench inserted into the threaded hole and the sheaves in the open position, install the drive belt.

   IMPORTANT

   Install the belt so that the numbers can be read correctly on the left side of the vehicle, or in the direction in which the belt was originally installed.

2. Rotate the belt clockwise to remove slack while removing the L-wrench.

3. Reinstall the side panel.

4. Break in the new belt. See Drive Belt Break-In.

If the snowmobile is equipped with an engine torque stop, periodically check torque stop clearance. With clutches in proper alignment, the torque stop clearance should be .010”-.030” (.25–.75 mm) from the engine case. Adjust if necessary. Lock the jam nut.

Each week, or before a long ride, check all steering system fasteners and tighten if necessary.

1. Place the handlebars in a straight-ahead position.

2. With only vehicle weight compressing the suspension, measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) forward from the center of the ski mounting bolt (see 3 in illustration below). At this point, measure between the skis. This is measurement 1.

3. Perform the same measurement rearward from the center of the ski mounting bolt. This is measurement 2.

4. The 1 measurement should be 1/8 inch (3 mm) greater than the 2 measurement. If the skis are misaligned, your dealer can assist with alignment correction as camber adjustment may also be affected.

See your dealer’s studding chart for recommended skags. If you install longer or more aggressive carbide skags than the original equipment, it may also be necessary to add track studs to maintain proper vehicle control while turning on hard-packed snow or ice.

Check skags before each use of the snowmobile to ensure positive steering characteristics. Skags must be replaced when worn to half their original diameter.

Polaris rail slides run along the bottom of the rail to prevent track wear. The rail slide should be inspected periodically and replaced when necessary.

For ease of inspection, all POLARIS rail slides have a wear limit indicator groove 2 to indicate the minimum permissible slide thickness 1. Replace the rail slides if they are worn to the top of the groove at any point along their length. Failure to do so may result in permanent damage to the track or rails.

Proper storage starts with cleaning, washing, and waxing the hood, side panels, chassis, and plastic parts. Wipe down remaining surfaces with a damp cloth. Clean and touch up with paint any rusted or previously painted surfaces. Be sure that corrosive salt and acids are removed from surfaces before beginning preservation with waxes and rust inhibitors (grease, oil or paint).

The snowmobile should be stored in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sunlight, and covered with a fabric snowmobile cover. Plastic tarp may cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.

Lubricate all bushings, tie rod ends, and cables as outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Table.

Remove the drive belt and store in a cool dry location. Do not lubricate clutch components, except the driven clutch shaft bushing as outlined in the Master Repair Manual. Your dealer can perform this service.

Proper preparation of the engine and fuel system is vital to the prevention of rust and corrosion on precision engine parts during storage. Whenever the machine is stored for a period of more than 60 days, the engine must be fogged with fogging oil. Follow the engine fogging instructions provided on the container.

Always add Carbon Clean or a fuel conditioner/stabilizer to the fuel tank. Follow the instructions on the container, running the engine for five minutes to get additives through the entire fuel system. Top off with fresh fuel. Do not allow the snowmobile to run out of fuel.

Using a fuel stabilizer and topping off the fuel tank eliminates the need to drain the fuel system. If you prefer to drain the fuel tank, use the following procedure:

1. Transfer unused fuel from the fuel tank to an approved fuel container using a siphon pump. Do not re-use fuel after storage.

2. Securely support the front of the snowmobile with a jack stand so the machine is elevated and the engine is tilted rearward.

3. Remove the spark plug(s).

4. Rotate the engine slowly, watching the piston until it’s at bottom dead center (BDC), the lowest position in the cylinder. On twin cylinder models, the opposite piston will be up.

5. Pour approximately two ounces of POLARIS injector oil into the spark plug hole.

6. Wait one to two minutes and perform steps 3–5 on remaining cylinders.

7. Replace the spark plugs and lower the machine to the floor.

Replace worn or frayed electrical wire and connectors. Be sure wiring harness is properly secured away from sharp edges, steering linkage, moving parts, and hot exhaust parts.

Moderate track tension should be maintained during summer storage. The snowmobile should be supported off the ground to allow the track to hang freely.