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POLARIS GOVERNMENT & DEFENSE
HELP CENTER
04/02/2024

Customizing Your Suspension Setup on Matryx Trail Models

The following information applies to the following snowmobiles featuring the Matryx platform: 

  • Model year 2021+ INDY VR1, INDY XC Launch Edition and Switchback Assault 146
  • Model year 2022+ Switchback XC, INDY XC, INDY XCR, INDY Adventure
  • Model year 2023+ Switchback SP, INDY SP

Your Polaris snowmobile’s suspension can be adjusted to fit your individual riding style. For full details on adjustments, see your Owner’s Manual

The front and rear suspensions of your Polaris Matryx snowmobile are easy to adjust. Remember these three steps:

1. Ride your snowmobile. 
Ride the snowmobile in various terrain to fully experience the existing suspension settings before making any adjustments. 

2. Adjust the torsion springs to tune vehicle balance. 
After riding, you should be able to determine if the snowmobile needs more or less transfer.

  • For more transfer, decrease preload of the torsion springs by turning the shock clockwise.
  • For less transfer, increase preload of the torsion springs. If you prefer lighter steering on your snowmobile, decrease the preload of the torsion springs or increase the front track shock spring preload.

Reference the Torsion Spring Adjustments section later in this article. 

3. Adjust the shock clickers (if equipped) for ride quality. 
For models equipped with monotube shocks, always adjust the rear track shock spring preload to enhance bottoming resistance. 

For models with shock clickers, you can adjust the clickers to control bottoming and adjust ride comfort.

  • Turn a clicker counterclockwise to decrease damping for a softer ride.
  • Turn a clicker clockwise to increase damping for a stiffer ride and less bottoming. Always adjust the clicker at least one click below full stiff (full clockwise), or shock damage will occur. 

Test ride the snowmobile and continue making spring and clicker adjustments until you achieve the perfect ride. 

Shock Locations

Shock locations

Your snowmobile's suspension includes a rear track shock (1), a front track shock (2) and front IFS shocks (3).

SHOCK COMPRESSION DAMPING
The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is torsion spring preload. Perform this adjustment first. After adjusting torsion spring preload to your satisfaction, compression damping adjustments can be made to control ride quality and bottoming resistance.

Compression damping can be adjusted at the front suspension and at the front and rear track shock. Make adjustments in two-click increments and then test ride. When adjusting the front suspension, always adjust both clickers equally.

To stop the bottoming of the front or rear suspension (and create a stiffer ride), rotate the clicker(s) clockwise two clicks (as viewed from the top of the clicker) and then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until the bottoming stops and the desired ride quality is achieved.

For a more plush ride at the front or rear suspension, rotate the clicker(s) counterclockwise two clicks and then test ride. Repeat the adjustment until the desired ride quality is achieved.

TORSION SPRING ADJUSTMENTS

Torsion spring adjustment

To adjust rear torsion spring preload, rotate the three-position cam (1) with the engine spark plug tool. Adjustment is easiest when the cam is rotated from low to medium and then to high. Rotating directly from low to high will require significantly more effort. Different rate torsion springs are available if a firmer ride is desired. See your Polaris Dealer for more information. 

Adding a passenger seat or additional cargo may affect the handling of your snowmobile and require a spring rate change. 

TORSION SPRING SETTINGRECOMMENDED USAGE
LowRider(s) and gear = 140 to 180 lb (64 to 82 kg)
If less than 140 lb/64 kg, use the optional spring chart below for softer springs
MediumRider(s) and gear = 180 to 220 lb (82 to 100 kg)
HighRider(s) and gear = 220 to 260 lbs (100 to 118 kg)
If above 260, use the optional spring chart below for heavier springs.

REAR TORSION SPRING KITS

All Matryx vehicles are equipped with standard stock rear track suspension springs. To customize your ride, rear torsion spring kits can be installed to accommodate your particular total rider weight range.

Model Year 2022 Vehicles
Kit DescriptionPart NumberWeight Range - Lbs (Kg)
Factory-Installed Stock Spring7045190
7045191
140-260 lb (64-118 kg)
Factory-Installed Stock
Spring (144/146)
7041629
7041630
140-260 lb (64-118 kg)
129/137 Light Duty28849730-180 lb (0-82 kg)
144/146 Light Duty28849760-180 lb (0-82 kg)
129/137 Heavy Duty2884974220-350 lb (100-159 kg)
144/146 Heavy Duty2884977220-350 lb (100-159 kg)
129/137 Extra Heavy
Duty
2884975310-425 lb (141-193 kg)

 

Model Year 2021 Vehicles
KIT NUMBERSPRING TYPEDESCRIPTIONFITMENT (BY TRACK LENGTH)
2884973 Spring, Torsion Light Duty129/137
2884974 Spring, Torsion Heavy Duty129/137
2884975 Spring, Torsion  Extra Heavy Duty 129/137
2884976
(Switchback Assault)
 Spring, Torsion Light Duty144/146
2884977
(Switchback Assault)

Spring, Torsion 

Heavy Duty144/146

FRONT SUSPENSION (IFS) SHOCK ADJUSTMENT
Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

To reset IFS clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff, then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

I F S adjustment

IFS SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS 
The factory installed length of the IFS Shock Spring is equal to the maximum installed free length. 

FACTORY SPRINGFACTORY
INSTALLED LENGTH 
 MINIMUM INSTALLED LENGTH  
 Matryx INDY VR110.75 inches (27.3 cm)9.75 in (24.8 cm)
 Matryx INDY XC10.75 in (27.3 cm)9.75 in (24.8 cm)
 Matryx Switchback Assault9.75 in (24.8 cm)8.75 in (22.2 cm)

IFS REMOTE RESERVOIR FACTORY CLICKER SETTINGS

MODELCLICKER SETTING
(FROM FULL STIFF)
 Matryx INDY VR15
 Matryx INDY XC5
 Matryx Switchback Assault6

FRONT TRACK SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Factory settings, combined with user adjustments to the rear track shock spring (RTSS), should be all that is necessary to provide the best riding experience for most riders. The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is the RTSS preload. Perform this adjustment first.

R T S S preload

Note: Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension. Never adjust spring preload to an installed length longer than the factory length or shorter than the minimum length shown in the following chart. Damage to the suspension could result. When decreasing preload, make sure at least two turns of preload are holding the retainer against the spring.

The front track shock is measured from the bottom of the spring to the top of the body cap.

ATP® Monotube

ATP monotube front shock

ModelMatryx Nordic ProMatryx Voyageur
Factory Installed Length8.38 in (21.28 cm)8.38 in (21.28 cm)
Minimum Installed Length7.73 in (19.63 cm)7.73 in (19.63 cm)
Factory Clicker SettingNo clicker No clicker

Walker Evans® Velocity

Walker Evans Velocity

ModelMatryx INDY VR1Matryx Switchback Assault
Factory-Installed Length7.5 in (19.05 cm)7.8 in (19.81 cm)
Minimum Installed Length7.26 in (18.45 cm)7.23 in (18.37 cm)
Factory Clicker Setting*56

*from full stiff

Walker Evans® Velocity Lo/Hi

INDY XCR models are equipped with Walker Evans® Velocity shocks, which utilize dual shock clickers to control bottoming and ride comfort.

To reset shock clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff, and then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

Note: Speed refers to the rate of shock compression, not speed of the vehicle. 

Walker Evans Velocity hi/lo front shocks   Walker Evans Velocity hi/lo

• The outside clicker (1) adjusts shock compression during high speed compression events. Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
• The inside clicker (2) adjusts shock compression during low speed compression events. Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.

ModelMatryx INDY XCR
Factory Installed Length8 in (20.32 cm)
Minimum Installed Length7.23 in (18.37 cm)
Factory Clicker Setting*

Outside clicker: 5

Inside clicker: 6

*from full stiff

Fox® QS3

Fox QS3

ModelMatryx INDY AdventureMatryx INDY XCMatryx Switchback XC
Factory Installed Length8.18 in (20.77
cm)
8.18 in (20.77
cm)
8.18 in (20.77
cm)
Minimum Installed Length7.80 in (19.82
cm)
7.80 in (19.82
cm)
7.80 in (19.82
cm)
Factory Clicker Setting*MediumMediumMedium

*from full stiff

FRONT TRACK SHOCK FACTORY INSTALL LENGTH

FACTORY SPRINGMAXIMUM
INSTALLED LENGTH
MINIMUM
INSTALLED LENGTH
 Matryx INDY VR12.25 inches (5.7 cm)1.75 in (4.5 cm)
 Matryx INDY XC1.62 in (4.1 cm)1.38 in (3.5 cm)
 Matryx Switchback Assault1.75 in (4.5 cm)1.75 in (4.5 cm)

REAR TRACK SHOCK SPRING SETTINGS
Note: Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

For riders who weigh 160 to 220 pounds (73 to 100 kg), test ride at factory settings. Then make fine-tuning adjustments. 

To reset clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff, then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

The rear track shock of your Matryx snowmobile is equipped with a shock clicker. The clicker will increase or decrease compression damping when adjusted. 

  • For a stiffer ride, turn the clicker clockwise to increase damping.
  • For a softer ride, turn the clicker counterclockwise to decrease damping.

Rear track shoick springs

ATP® Monotube
Nordic Pro and Voyageur models are equipped with ATP® monotube rear track shocks. These shocks are non-adjustable. Adjust the front track shock spring and torsion springs for additional weight transfer.

ATP monotube

ModelMatryx Nordic ProMatryx Voyageur
Factory Installed LengthNo springNo spring
Factory Clicker SettingNo clickerNo clicker

Walker Evans® Velocity
Walker Evans velocity shocks

ModelMatryx INDY VR1Matryx Switchback Assault
Factory Installed LengthNo springNo spring
Factory Clicker Setting*56

*From full stiff

Walker Evans Velocity Hi/Lo
INDY XCR models are equipped with Walker Evans Velocity shocks, which utilize dual shock clickers to control bottoming and ride comfort. To reset shock clickers, rotate the clicker to full stiff, and then back off the same number of clicks for each shock.

Notice: Speed refers to the rate of shock compression, not speed of vehicle. 

  • The outside clicker (1) adjusts shock compression during high speed compression events. Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.
  • The inside clicker (2) adjusts shock compression during low speed compression events. Turn clicker clockwise to increase compression and counterclockwise to decrease compression.

Walker Evans Velocity Hi/Lo shocks

ModelMatryx INDY XCR
Factory Installed LengthNo spring
Factory Clicker Setting

Outside clicker: 5

Inside clicker: 6

Fox® QS3

Fox QS3

ModelINDY AdventureINDY XCSwitchback XC
Factory Installed LengthNo springNo springNo spring
Factory Clicker SettingMediumMedium Medium

*from full stiff

REAR TRACK SHOCK FACTORY CLICKER SETTINGS

MODELCLICKER SETTING
(FROM FULL STIFF)
 INDY VR16
 INDY XC5
 Switchback Assault6

REAR TORSION SPRING KITS
All AXYS and Matryx snowmobiles are equipped with standard stock rear track suspension springs. To customize your ride, rear torsion spring kits can be installed to accommodate your particular total rider weight range.

KIT DESCRIPTIONPART NUMBERWEIGHT RANGE - LBS (KG)
 Factory-Installed Stock Spring7045190, 7045191140 to 260 pounds
(64 to 118 kg)

 Factory-Installed Stock   Spring (144/146)

 7041629, 7041630 140 to 260 lb
(64 to 118 kg)
 129/137 Light Duty28849730 to 180 lb (0 to 82 kg)
 144/146 Light Duty28849760 to 180 lb (0 to 82 kg)
 129/137 Heavy Duty2884974220 to 350 lb
(100 to 159 kg)
 144/146 Heavy Duty2884977220 to 350 lb
(100 to 159 kg)
 129/137 Extra Heavy Duty2884975310 to 425 lb
(141 to 193 kg)

REAR REAR SCISSOR STOP (IF EQUIPPED)
Moving the RRSS to a higher position will have the following effects on the suspension: 

  • Reduced weight transfer
  • Improved chatter bump ride
  • Improved cornering performance
  • Increased load carrying capacity (2-up riding) 

WEIGHT TRANSFER DURING ACCELERATION
The preferred method for controlling weight transfer during acceleration is by adjusting the rear rear scissor stop (RRSS). The factory setting is the best for most trail riding conditions. 

R R S S

To decrease weight transfer under acceleration for improved cornering, rotate the RRSS to a higher position. 

To increase weight transfer or ski lift during acceleration, rotate the RRSS to a lower position. 

When adjusting for weight transfer, both the left and the right rear rear scissor stop adjuster blocks must be adjusted to the same position. 

R R S S settings

R R S S settings

Your Polaris Dealer can help you with the initial setup and additional setup instructions to help you achieve your optimum ride. A scissor stop tool is also available from your dealer.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. To find a Polaris Dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
For additional track maintenance and adjustment procedures, consult your Owner’s Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

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