2020 Polaris KHAOS Snowmobile | Mountain Sledder
Technology
March 4th, 2019
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2020 Polaris KHAOS Snowmobile

For model year 2020, Polaris has announced a new model called the Polaris RMK KHAOS, a variation of the legendary PRO-RMK. Here’s what separates the KHAOS from its sibling, the PRO-RMK.

Here’s what Polaris says about the new model:

“The SnowCheck-exclusive 850 RMK KHAOS 155 is the most flickable mountain sled – ever. Designed for all riding zones for a lively and dynamic backcountry experience.”

What does that mean? Well, let’s take a look at what makes the Polaris KHAOS unique.

 

Read about our first impression riding the 2020 Polaris KHAOS here.

 

2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS


MY2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS Mountain Snowmobile

So what is the RMK KHAOS? Let’s start with what it’s not: an updated RMK Assault, despite the fact that the Assault is no longer present in the 2020 lineup. It features a final belt drive, not a chaincase. And it also has the narrow 36″-38″ adjustable PRO-RMK React front suspension. In fact, it’s mostly a PRO-RMK DNA sled, with the exception of a newly configured rear suspension and better shocks. And just like the MY2020 Polaris PRO-RMK, the RMK KHAOS will come with either the legacy Cleanfire Liberty 800 engine, or the modern Patriot 850 powerplant.

So just how is it different?

New Rear Suspension Geometry

For starters, the RMK KHAOS features a new suspension geometry called—you guessed it—RMK KHAOS. Polaris says that the new RMK KHAOS rear suspension “provide[s] transfer and traction for light handling and control and the best response in all riding zones.”

While a revised geometry sounds like perhaps a small change, we would agree that even a small change to the setup of a rear suspension can have a dramatic impact on how a sled feels and performs. For example, while the PRO-RMK setup is known to excel in technical sidehilling situations, that same geometry tends to prevent the sled from easily lofting its skis for a feeling of power and lightness. The RMK KHAOS rear suspension is tailored to exhibit a little more playfulness in that regard.

As Chris Burandt explain the difference in the video below, there are three main changes to the rear suspension:

  1. New tighter, more aggressive rail profile
  2. More front track shock travel
  3. Longer limited strap

That doesn’t sound like a whole lot of change, but Polaris clearly feels that it alters the handling of the sled sufficiently to warrant a new model designation.

Here’s a reaction from RMSHA champ and Polaris factory rider, Keith Curtis.

2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS
2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS
2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS
The SnowCheck-exclusive 850 RMK KHAOS 155 is the most flickable mountain sled – ever. Designed for all riding zones for a lively and dynamic backcountry experience.”
– Polaris
2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS 155 Black Pearl/INDY Red

Upgraded Shocks Package

The other significant difference between the PRO-RMK and the RMK KHAOS is in the shocks package. The KHAOS will use Walker Evans Velocity Hi-Lo Compression Adjustable Shocks, which are proven in hillclimb competition.

2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS

Who Is the Polaris RMK KHAOS For?

One other interesting fact is that the RMK KHAOS model is only offered in a 155” track length. This suggests to us that perhaps Polaris is specifically pinpointing a particular user group with this sled—although we’re not totally sure at this point who that might be exactly. Is this production offering a way for Polaris to further their domination of the stock class in the RMSHA hillclimb race circuit? We’re speculating here. Regardless, many mountains riders will surely find the performance shocks package to be an attractive option.

Oh, and the rear bumper is aluminum!

Otherwise, the 2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS 155 will be available with either the 2.6” lugged Series 6 track, or the 3” Series 7 track.

And there are three colour options available: Black Pearl/INDY Red, Plum Crazy/Sky Blue, and White Lightning/INDY Red.

The 2020 Polaris RMK KHAOS is a SpringCheck exclusive model, and won’t be available for purchase in-season.

 

– MS

 

For more info on the rest of the 2020 Polaris lineup of mountain sleds, check out our article here.

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