Meet the ** 2027 Polaris 650 Switchback® XC 146 1.35** in ****—a crossover sled that looks as sharp parked outside the lodge as it feels the moment you thumb the throttle and point it toward the next stretch of trail. Built for riders who like their days to include a little bit of everything, it blends **crossover attitude** with a **trail-first** personality, giving you a machine that’s happy carving the groomed stuff, then stretching its legs when the ride gets rough and rowdy.
At the heart of it is the **Patriot™ 650**—a **liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke** with **reed valve** induction and **fuel injection**. It’s the kind of setup that delivers crisp response when you roll on, with the confidence of **gas/oil injection** and the convenience of **regular fuel**. Getting it fired up is easy too, thanks to **electric start** with a **pull-start backup**, so your ride isn’t at the mercy of a cold morning. Power delivery runs through a **CVT** with **belt drive**, managed by a **P-85 / TEAM LWT** clutch package, and when the trail gets tight or the parking spot gets awkward, you’ll appreciate that it has **reverse**.
Polaris built this Switchback on the **MATRYX aluminum frame**, keeping it purposeful and responsive. With a stance set at **42.5 inches**, it feels planted and predictable, while the **Pro-Steer™ composite skis** with **carbide** skags help it track with intent. Up front, you’ve got an **independent A-arm** setup with **9.5 inches** of travel, tuned with **shock-mounted adjustment** and controlled by **Fox® QS3 adjustable gas shocks with remote reservoirs**. Out back, the **IGX rear suspension** brings **16 inches** of travel, with **two rear shocks** plus a **center Fox® QS3**, all adjustable—so you can dial it toward your kind of ride, your kind of trail, your kind of day.
The track is where this XC earns its keep when conditions vary. A **Cobra Track** measuring **146 x 15** with **1.35-inch lugs** gives you the bite to hook up and the length to stay composed when the trail turns choppy. It’s a smart, versatile footprint that matches the Switchback’s “go-anywhere” mood without pretending to be something it isn’t.
Comfort and control are built in, not bolted on as an afterthought. The **thumb throttle** keeps your inputs natural, the **manual handlebar steering** stays direct, and the **mid-height tinted windshield** helps take the edge off wind without making you feel boxed in. When the temperature drops, **heated, adjustable driver hand grips** and **hand guards** keep your hands happier for longer. Practical details—like **skid-resistant running boards**, **tunnel braces**, a **belt guard**, and a **snow guard**—add to that ready-for-real-riding feel.
It’s also set up to keep you informed, not distracted: a **fuel gauge** for fuel level, a **temperature warning light**, and **LED lighting** to keep the ride bright when the day runs late. And with **11.5 gallons** of fuel capacity, it’s ready for the kind of miles that turn a quick outing into an all-day story.
In ****, this 650 Switchback® XC 146 looks every bit as confident as it rides—clean, aggressive, and unmistakably built for riders who don’t want to choose between smooth trails and big, unpredictable days.
