Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 9

36

THE PERFECT FIT

IQ Rear Suspension Adjustments

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.

To decrease weight transfer under 
acceleration (for improved corner-
ing), rotate the RRSS to a higher 
position.

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

Tip: Your dealer can help you with initial 

setup and additional setup instruc-
tions to help you achieve your opti-
mum ride. A scissor stop tool is also 
available from your dealer.

HIGH

LOW

LOW

MEDIUM

FRSS

RRSS

37

THE PERFECT FIT

Traction Products

n Carbide Skags

A skag is a replaceable bar attached to the underside of the ski to assist 
in turning the snowmobile and to prevent ski wear caused by contact 
with roads and other bare terrain. Use carbide skags with studded tracks 
to help maintain proper vehicle steering and control. See page 93.

If your snowmobile has carbide skags, it may be necessary to add track 
studs to maintain proper vehicle control. Maintain a proper balance 
between the number of studs and the length of carbide on the skags (the 
more studs you use, the longer the carbide on the skags should be). See 
your dealer's track studding chart.

Inspect skags frequently. Worn skags may reduce steering and braking 
control on hard-packed snow and ice. Replace worn skags to maintain 
proper balance and vehicle control.

WARNING! Loss of control can result in serious personal injury or death. 
Proper balance of traction products on the skis and track must be maintained to 
obtain proper vehicle control on hard-packed snow or ice. See your dealer for 
assistance.

Wear Strips

To avoid excessive tunnel wear, tunnel wear strips must be installed 
whenever track studding is used.

Install the appropriate wear strip kit. See your dealer.

Wear strips are designed for a specific stud length. See your dealer's 
studding chart for recommended traction accessories.

NOTICE: Whenever wear strips are relocated, be sure there's adequate stud 

clearance to the tunnel. Lack of clearance may result in damage to 
tunnel.

38

THE PERFECT FIT

Handlebar Adjustments

When making handlebar adjustments, always be sure the handlebars, 
brake lever and throttle lever operate smoothly and do not contact the 
fuel tank, windshield or any other part of the vehicle when the handle-
bars are turned fully to the left or right.

Handlebar Position

Follow these steps to adjust handlebar position.

1. Remove the handlebar cover.

2. Loosen the four upper and four lower adjuster block bolts.

3. Adjust the handlebar to the desired position.

4. Torque the front bolts first, then torque the rear bolts. Torque the 

bolts to 15-17 ft. lbs. (20-23 Nm).

5. Reinstall the handlebar cover.

Upper 
Bolts

Lower 
Bolts

39

THE PERFECT FIT

Handlebar Adjustments

Handlebar Angle

Follow these steps to adjust handlebar angle at the handlebar block.

1. Remove the handlebar cover.

2. Loosen the four upper adjuster block bolts.

3. Adjust the handlebar to the desired angle.

4. Torque the bolts to 15-17 ft. lbs. (20-23 Nm).

5. Reinstall the handlebar cover.

Accessories

POLARIS offers a wide range of accessories for your snowmobile to 
help make each ride more enjoyable.

Use only POLARIS parts and accessories on your POLARIS snowmo-
bile. Use of unapproved parts and accessories may result in:
• Non-compliance with government/industry requirements
• Voiding of warranty
• Injury to self or others

This applies, but is not limited to the following areas: brakes, clutches, 
fuel systems, and exhaust systems.

Tip: Exhaust systems are critical safety areas that must use approved POLARIS 

parts. Please see your POLARIS dealer for service.