Snowmobile Polaris 600 RMK / 600 PRO RMK / 800 RMK / 800 PRO RMK / 800 RMK Assault. Manual - part 12

50

THE PERFECT FIT

Suspension Adjustments

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

Always perform shock spring preload adjustments with the weight of 
the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension.

NOTICE: Never adjust spring preload to an installed length longer than the 

maximum or shorter than the minimum lengths in the following chart. 
Damage to the suspension could result. Never exceed one inch (2.54 
cm) of preload beyond the factory settings. When decreasing preload, 
make sure at least two turns of preload are holding the retainer 
against the spring. 

Spring Type

Maximum 

Installed Length

Minimum Installed 

Length

RMK Factory Spring

10 3/4" (27.3 cm)

9 5/8" (24.5 cm)

PRO-RMK Factory Spring

11" (28 cm)

9 3/4" (24.8 cm)

ASSAULT RMK Factory Spring

11" (28 cm)

9 3/8" (23.8 cm)

250# Optional Heavy Spring

10 7/8" (27.6 cm)

9 7/8" (25 cm)

Installed Length 

Measurement

51

THE PERFECT FIT

Suspension Adjustments

For riders who weigh 160-220 lbs. (73-100 kg), test ride at factory 
settings, then make fine-tuning adjustments. See page 52.

For riders outside the 160-220 lbs. (73-100 kg) weight range, adjust the 
factory-set preload to the following installed lengths as a starting point, 
then test ride before making fine-tuning adjustments. Do not exceed the 
minimum and maximum installed length requirements. See page 50.

TIP: If adjustments to the factory-installed springs are not sufficient for riders 

over 300 lbs. (136 kg), optional heavy springs are available. Please see 
your POLARIS dealer.

Initial RTSS Preload Settings

(Measure spring length with suspension off the ground)

Rider Weight

Model

Installed Length

For Factory-Installed Springs

Under 160 lbs.

Under 73 kg

RMK/PRO-RMK

10 3/4"

27.3 cm

ASSAULT RMK

10 7/8"

27.6 cm

160-220 lbs

73-100 kg

RMK/ASSAULT 

RMK

*10 1/4"

*26 cm

PRO-RMK

*10 3/8"

*26.4 cm

220-280 lbs.

100-127 kg

RMK/PRO-RMK

10 1/8"

25.7 cm

ASSAULT RMK

10"

25.4 cm

280-340 lbs.

127-154 kg

RMK/PRO-RMK

9 3/4"

24.8 cm

ASSAULT RMK

9 1/2"

24.1 cm

*Factory Setting

For Optional 250-Pound Heavy Springs

250-300 lbs.

113-136 kg

ALL

10 1/8"

25.7 cm

300-350 lbs.

136-159 kg

ALL

10"

25.4 cm

52

THE PERFECT FIT

Suspension Adjustments

Fine-Tuning Your Suspension Set-Up

The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is RTSS preload. 
Adjust the factory-set preload to the recommended setting for your 
weight and then test ride. Additional minor adjustments can then be 
made to the spring preload to adjust the feel of the vehicle. Do not 
exceed the minimum and maximum installed length requirements. See 
page 50.

For more ski lift (transfer), reduce spring preload by increasing the 
installed length. Rotate the spring 1-2 full turns counter-clockwise 
(when viewed from bottom). This will enhance maneuverability, mak-
ing the snowmobile more “flickable” although it may hinder climbing 
performance.

For less ski lift (transfer), increase spring preload by reducing the 
installed length. Rotate the spring 1-2 full turns clockwise (when viewed 
from bottom). This will improve climbing ability and rider control.

To control the overall balance of the vehicle use the following guideline:

• More rear track shock spring preload increases ski pressure. Less pre-

load decreases ski pressure. 

• Spring preload can affect bottoming resistance. More preload means 

less bottoming. Less preload means a softer ride (and more bottom-
ing). Both adjustments will affect overall balance and ski pressure.

After adjusting RTSS preload to your satisfaction, the front track shock 
(FTS) spring preload and independent front suspension (IFS) spring pre-
load can also be adjusted. See page 54.

53

THE PERFECT FIT

Suspension Adjustments

Shock Compression Damping (RMK/ASSAULT RMK)

The primary adjustment for overall vehicle balance is RTSS preload. 
Perform this adjustment first. See page 50. After adjusting RTSS pre-
load to your satisfaction, compression damping adjustments can be 
made to control ride quality and bottoming resistance.

800 RMK Damping

Make the adjustments in half-turn incre-
ments, then test ride.

To stop bottoming, turn the damping 
screw clockwise one half-turn, then test 
ride. Repeat the adjustment until bottom-
ing stops and the desired ride quality is 
achieved.

ASSAULT RMK Damping

Compression damping can be adjusted at 
the front suspension and at the rear track 
shock. Make adjustments in 2-click incre-
ments, then test ride. When adjusting the 
front suspension, always adjust both 
clickers equally.

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

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

Screw

Stiffer

Softer

S

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S

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