As LoudHandle mentioned above, lots of little changes that add up to a lot. I feel Polaris was watching what customers were doing to their Pro's with aftermarket products and also incorporated some of those. For example, for years many of us were buying "Drop & Roll" kits from places like Fastrax ftxmotorsports.com to get a better track angle and to get up on the snow quicker. Now it comes with one factory! New lower gearing, again like the aftermarket gear-down kits like Kurtspolaris.com. This keeps belts cooler helping to last longer, higher track speeds and improved throttle response.
Better tunnel coolers, again like ones from Fastrax. Coolant bypass kits and more.
Suspension changes with new geometry in the rear suspension that improves lift and performance like the old Holz. Revised shock valving for front and rear suspensions feels like what Carl's cycles has been doing for us customers for years making the stock shocks feel completely different and finally work! The 2.6" and 3" tracks, again the old Pro track was ok, but many were swapping tracks to aftermarket. My 2.6" stock track now rocks! Ive tried everything in the past with tracks (different brands, cutting down lugs etc). Polaris is finally coming with great tracks stock. New A-arms, some people don't like them, however the reason they were made with forged aluminum was for lite weight, strength, and engineered "give" like a crumple zone in any new vehicles. They were made with "ductility" designed in them to give, but also to work with the raised chassis and new spindles. The spindles are an improvement them selves. Look at how many people have been putting on aftermarket spindles and A-arms on the old Pro's. Polaris was again following the customers and aftermarkets lead and refining these parts. Could they change the a-arms a little for next year? I think so, nothing is perfect, however I have so much bark on mine from hitting everything under the sun (snow) and haven't broke or bent mine yet (once going over the bars from a stump). The rear rails are improved as well, once again following what customers are doing. They are lighter (three lbs), stronger and 15% stiffer. There is a little play in the steering, however the poly bushings are part of design to make steering quick and lite, but have a give point from taking a hit. In the last 3 years only one of my friends broke one, but he also broke the overstructue from a hard hit. I carry this poly bushing in my pack now incase I brake one. The side panels are more compact from the Pro, keeping the sled from paneling out as easy. Great factory running boards as well which are the best they have had for years as far as strength and rigid, however the foot hoop is way to small. Again, nothing is perfect and again the aftermarket to the rescue like B&M's burly boards with the much bigger foot loop. Overall its a better balanced chassis, lighter and stronger that flat out works. If your reading this Polaris, Thank you but please change the foot hoop!
I know this tread is about the Chassis, but don't discount how the improvements in the motor transfer to the success of the feel of the chassis. Examples are the light weight crank, spools quick, less rotating mass (gyro effect) and snappiness helping to get up on the snow quicker. Other engine mods that improve the same are the new V-Force reeds, and more power to weight ratio.
