Polaris 50 Indy 2023 User manual

2023
OWNER’S
MANUAL
For Maintenance and Safety
550 Indy
550 Indy LXT
550 Indy Adventure
550 Switchback
550 Voyageur
Indy Evo
RMK Evo

WARNING
Operating, servicing, and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-road
vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon
monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize
exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as
necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves
or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle.
For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
!WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all of the instructions and safety
precautions in this manual and on all product labels.
Failure to follow the safety precautions
could result in serious injury or death.
For videos and more information
about a safe riding experience with
your Polaris vehicle, scan this QR
code® with your smartphone.
!

2023 Owner’s Manual
550 INDY 121
550 INDY LXT
550 INDY ADVENTURE 144
550 SWITCHBACK 144
550 VOYAGEUR 144
INDY EVO
RMK EVO

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.
Allen® is a registered trademark of APEX BRANDS, INC. Loctite® is a
registered trademark of Henkel Corporation. QR Code® is a registered
trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED. BatteryMINDer® is a
registered trademark of VDC Electronics Inc. Bluetooth® is a registered
trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. NGK® is a registered trademark of NGK
Spark Plug Co., Ltd. NYOGEL® is a registered trademark of Nye Lubricants,
Inc. MIKUNI® is a registered Trademark of MIKUNI CORPORATION. KLIM®
is a registered trademark of Teton Outfitters, L. L. C. FOX® is a registered
trademark of Fox Factory Inc. ORTOVOX® is a registered trademark of
Ortovox Sportartikel Gmbh. SAE® is a registered trademark of Society of
Automotive Engineers, Inc. Hayes® is a registered trademark of Hayes
Bicycle Group, Inc. INVANCE® is a registered trademark of CVTECH-IBC
INC. Woody's® registered trademark of International Engineering &
Manufacturing Inc.
Copyright 2022 Polaris Industries Inc. All information contained within this
publication is based on the latest product information at the time of
publication. Due to constant improvements in the design and quality of
production components, some minor discrepancies may result between the
actual vehicle and the information presented in this publication. Depictions
and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only. No
liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any reprinting or
reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or
in part, is expressly prohibited.
The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are
provided as translations of the original instructions.
Printed in U.S.A.
9940812 Rev 02

Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our world-wide
family of POLARIS enthusiasts. Be sure to visit us online at www.polaris.com for
the latest news, new product introductions, upcoming events, career
opportunities and more.
Here at POLARIS we proudly produce an exciting line of utility and recreational
products. We believe POLARIS sets a standard of excellence for all utility and
recreational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of experience
have gone into the engineering, design, and development of your POLARIS
vehicle, making it the finest machine we’ve ever produced.
For safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the
instructions and recommendations in this owner’s manual. Your manual contains
instructions for minor maintenance, but information about major repairs is
outlined in the POLARIS Service Manual and can be performed by a factory
certified Master Service Dealer (MSD) technician.
Your POLARIS dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your total
satisfaction. Your POLARIS dealership can perform all of your service needs
during and after the warranty period.
For the most up-to-date owner’s manual visit https://www. polaris.
com/en-us/owners-manuals.
3
WELCOME

The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual and on
your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and symbols are used.
Become familiar with their meanings before reading the manual.
DANGER
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result
in minor to moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE provides key information by clarifying instructions.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT provides key reminders during disassembly, assembly, and
inspection of components.
The Prohibition Safety Sign indicates an action NOT to take in
order to avoid a hazard.
The Mandatory Action Sign indicates an action that NEEDS to
be taken to avoid a hazard.
4
SAFETY SYMBOLS AND SIGNAL WORDS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Pre-Ride Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
POLARIS Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR OWNERS AND
DRIVERS
After reading this manual, store it in the snowmobile for convenient reference. It
should remain with the snowmobile when the snowmobile is sold.
Some of the illustrations and photos used in this manual are general
representations. Your model may differ.
Follow the maintenance program outlined in this manual. Preventive
maintenance ensures that critical components of the snowmobile are inspected
at specific mileage intervals. This service can be performed by your authorized
POLARIS dealer.
You and your dealer must complete the registration form included with your
snowmobile and forward it to us. This completed form is necessary to ensure
warranty coverage.
Protect and preserve your right to ride by joining your local trail riding clubs.
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 sponsored by
local or state organizations.
7
INTRODUCTION

PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
POLARIS is committed to supporting an environmental education campaign. We
encourage state and provincial governments across the snowbelt to adopt
rigorous safety training programs that encourage protection of our environment,
including wildlife and vegetation.
Snowmobile clubs and other organizations are working together to protect our
environment. Please support their efforts and operate your snowmobile with
consideration for the protection and preservation of our environment.
NOISE LEVEL
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.
AIR POLLUTION
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.
8
INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
Record your snowmobile's identification numbers and key number in the spaces
provided.
NOTICE
If installing an aftermarket tunnel wrap, do not cover the tunnel certification,
tunnel VIN or emissions certification labels with the wrap. If the tunnel wrap
doesn’t provide an opening for these labels, remove the section of wrap where
the labels are located.
q
Emissions Certification Label
w
Tunnel VIN
e
Certification Label
VEHICLE MODEL NUMBER:
TUNNEL VIN (RIGHT SIDE OF TUNNEL):
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (ON RECOIL
HOUSING):
KEY NUMBER:
9
INTRODUCTION

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number q is located on the identification label on top of the
engine recoil housing.
KEY IDENTIFICATION
The ignition keys are etched with an
identification number. Remove the
spare key and store it in a safe place.
Your key can be duplicated only by
mating a POLARIS key blank using the
same identification number with one of
your existing keys, so if both keys are
lost, the ignition switch assembly must
be replaced.
10
INTRODUCTION

SAFETY
OPERATOR SAFETY
Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 68 of this
manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile are thoroughly
inspected at specific mileage intervals. Your dealer can perform this service.
WARNING
Driving a snowmobile requires your full attention. DO NOT drink alcohol or use
drugs or medications before or while driving or riding as a passenger. They will
reduce your alertness and slow your reaction time.
Snowmobiles are capable of traveling at high speeds. Use extra caution to
ensure operator safety. Make sure your snowmobile is in excellent operating
condition at all times. Always check major and vital safety components before
every ride.
All POLARIS snowmobiles are designed and tested to provide safe operation
when used as directed. Failure of critical machine components may result from
operation with any modifications, especially those that increase speed or
power. DO NOT MODIFY YOUR MACHINE. The snowmobile may become
aerodynamically unstable at speeds higher than those for which it is designed.
Loss of control may occur at higher speeds. Modifications may also create a
safety hazard and lead to bodily injury.
The warranty on your entire machine is terminated if any equipment has been
added, or any modifications have been made, to increase the speed or power
of the snowmobile.
STAY CLEAR OF TRACK
Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially exposed
for proper operation. Do not stand on the plastic flap.
WARNING
Serious injuries may result if hands, feet, or clothing become entangled in the
track. Be alert when riding, and remain properly seated to stay clear of the
track. Never hold the snowmobile up or stand behind it while warming up the
track. A loose track or flying debris could cause serious injury or death. We
recommend having your dealer perform all track service and alignment
procedures.
11
SAFETY

STAY CLEAR OF ENGINE
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.
WARNING
Serious injury can occur if fingers or clothing contact the moving parts of an
engine. Always stop the engine before attempting adjustments.
RIDING POSITION
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.
WARNING
Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in serious injury or
death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your vehicle.
RIDING APPAREL
HELMET
Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding this
POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established
safety standards. Clasp the buckle and pull each strap tight to ensure the helmet
is properly secured to the head.
Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) label.
Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania bear
the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists of a
circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has
granted approval. The approval number and serial
number will also be displayed on the label.
12
SAFETY

EYE PROTECTION
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection. Whenever riding
a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles or use a shatterproof
helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends wearing approved Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or
CE. Make sure protective eye wear is kept clean.
CLOTHING
WARNING
Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves, which can become entangled in
moving parts and cause serious injury. Always wear an approved helmet and
eye protection.
Be prepared, be warm and be comfortable
when riding. Be aware of the weather
forecast, especially the windchill, and dress
accordingly. See page 20.
DISABLED OPERATORS
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.
SURVIVAL PREPARATION
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:
13
SAFETY

• Spare Drive Belt
• Extra Set of Spark Plugs
• Tow Rope
• Extra Oil
• Fuel Deicer
• Winter Survival Kit
• Trail Map
• First Aid Kit
• Tool Kit
RIDER CAPACITY
Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for a single rider only, while some
are designed for up to two riders. A safety label on the vehicle indicates whether
the vehicle is designed for a single rider or for two riders.
EXCESSIVE SPEED
WARNING
High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury or death.
Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.
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.
DRIVER AWARENESS
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.
14
SAFETY

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.
AVALANCHES
Snowmobilers should always be properly trained and equipped before traveling
in mountainous terrain:
• Take an avalanche class
• Travel with experienced people
• Travel on designated trails
• Make sure each person is equipped with a shovel,
probe and avalanche beacon.
You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur. Be
aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat slope or
snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable enough you can
trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you. Always be aware of snow
conditions above you as you travel in mountainous terrain.
Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local avalanche
advisory to get current weather and snow stability information.
For more information about avalanche training and avalanche conditions,
contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit the American and Canadian
online avalanche centers at www.avalanche.org.
ICE AND SNOW BUILD-UP
WARNING
Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your snowmobile,
resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and
ice.
15
SAFETY

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.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING
Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on slippery
surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-packed
snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of control
and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when operating
on slippery surfaces.
INADEQUATE SNOW CONDITIONS
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.
NOTICE
Driving in too little snow will result in excessive wear and damage to the slide
rail, track and/or engine.
WARNING
Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the slide rail and
track, causing premature wear, damage and failure, which can result in serious
injury. Reduce speeds and frequently drive into fresh snow to allow adequate
cooling and polishing of the slide rail and track surfaces. Avoid operating for
prolonged periods on ice, hard-packed surfaces or roads.
OPERATING IN DEEP SNOW
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.
HIDDEN OBSTRUCTIONS
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.
16
SAFETY

DRIVING DOWNHILL
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.
WARNING
When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding the brakes
may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake failure.
Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also cause
an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of
brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.
DRIVING IN HILLY TERRAIN
WARNING
Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of balance and
snowmobile rollover, causing serious injury or death. Use caution and good
judgement when driving in hilly terrain.
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.
17
SAFETY

DRIVE BELT
Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.
Any servicing that requires operation without a belt can be performed by your
dealer.
WARNING
Operation of the engine with the belt removed may result in injury or damage to
the engine.
INTAKE SILENCER
Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.
NOTICE
Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are removed.
CLUTCHES
Do not attempt to service the clutches.
All clutch service can be performed by your 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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVE-AWAY
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.
18
SAFETY