The Polaris 120 is a popular kid-sized snowmobile marketed since 2000 under various names. Just like its rivals the Yamaha SRX 120R and Arctic Cat 120, this tiny Polaris sled has also gained a lot of fans over the years.
If you are looking for a Polaris 120 Indy review, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled the specs and the key info about this sled under one roof!
Polaris 120 Indy Review
Polaris 120 snowmobiles have been around for decades. The first Polaris mini sled, the 120 XCR debuted in 2000 to compete with rivals the Arctic Cat ZR 120 and Yamaha SRX 120.
Over the years, the Polaris 120 has undergone some changes and been sold under different names, such as:
- Polaris 120 XCR
- Polaris 120 PRO X
- Polaris 120 Dragon
- Polaris 120 Youth
- Polaris 120 Assault
- Polaris 120 PRO-R
- Polaris 120 Indy
For the 2014 season, the model got the well-known Indy name. Besides the name, this mini sled tries to mimic the bigger Indy models in a lot of ways.
Unlike the predecessor XCR powered by a 4-stroke Fuji engine, the power source of the 120 Indy is manufactured in-house. Under the hood of the 120 Indy you can find an air-cooled, 121cc, 4-stroke single that utilizes a Mikuni BV-18 carb and a manual start.
Keeping safety in mind, the sled comes with a tether cord that shuts down the engine if the kid becomes separated from the machine. What’s more, the engine also automatically stops when the hood opens.
Thanks to the adjustable throttle, you can control the engine power based on your child’s skills.
On top of that, the engine is equipped with a speed governor that restricts its top speed to 8 mph.
This seems like a very moderate performance, but don’t forget that the Polaris 120 Indy is designed for the smallest riders. According to the manufacturer, this sled is intended for children 6 years old and up. Also, these little riders must be under the active supervision of an adult.
Compared to the other 120 sleds from Yamaha and Arctic Cat, the Indy 120 offers a lot more travel in the rear suspension. Its rear suspension has a travel of 7 inches (17.78 cm), while you can expect only a 4.5-inch rear travel on its competitors.
The front suspension of the Indy is also different as it features the classic “Indy” front arms.
In contrast, Yamaha and Arctic Cat mini sleds are manufactured with wishbone (“A-Arm”) front arms with coil spring-assisted hydraulic shocks.
The Indy also utilizes a bigger Tri-Star track that is 2 inches long and with slightly taller, 0.79-inch lugs.
Standard features include a comfortable seat with under-seat storage, a chain drive, mechanical drum brake, CVT clutch, composite skis, and a low-oil indicator light.
The Polaris 120 Indy offers a ton of fun for kids and easy maintenance for their parents. Since kids outgrow these tiny snowmobiles very quickly, they virtually last forever!
Polaris 120 Indy Specs Charts
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the Polaris 120 Indy specifications into these charts:
Polaris Indy 120 Engine Specs
| Engine type | Forced air cooled/4-cycle |
| Cylinder arrangement | 1-cylinder |
| Engine stroke | 4 |
| Cooling system | Forced air |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.36 x 1.69 in. (60 x 43 mm) |
| Displacement | 121 cc. |
| Carburetor | Mikuni BV18 x 1 |
| Turbocharged | No |
| Rated operating RPM | 3600 |
| Idle RPM | 1650 +/- 100 |
| Main jet | 70 |
| Pilot jet | 50 |
| Cutaway | 170 Throttle Valve |
| Fuel Screw (from fully seated) | 1.75 turns; non-adjustable |
| Pilot air jet | 0.05 in. (1.3 mm) |
| Starting system | Pull start |
| Gasoline (Recommended) | Minimum 87 octane non-oxygenated or 89 octane oxigenated |
| Engine oil (Recommended) | PS-4 or PS-4 Plus |
| Exhaust | Single |
Polaris Indy 120 Dimensions
| Length | 75 in (190 cm) |
| Width | 34 in (86.4 cm) |
| Height | 31 in (78.8 cm) |
| Ski stance | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.5 U.S. gal. |
| Crankcase oil capacity | 20 U.S. oz. |
Polaris Indy 120 Weight Chart
| Dry Weight (lbs.) | 147.5 |
| Weight capacity (lbs.) | 140 |
Polaris Indy 120 Suspension
| Front suspension | IFS |
| Front shocks | Steel MT |
| IFS Shock type | Mini |
| Front travel | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Rear type | Mini INDY |
| Rear travel | 7 in (17.78 cm) |
| Ski Type | Composite |
Polaris Indy 120 Drive Track
| Track type | Tri Star |
| Track width | 10 in. |
| Track length | 69 in. |
| Lug height | .79 in. |
| Suspension type | Slide rail suspension |
Polaris Indy 120 Electric Features
| Spark plug type | NGK BR6ES |
| Spark plug gap | 0.028 in. (0.7 mm) |
| Ignition type | Flywheel magneto (solid state) |
| Ignition timing | 23° BTDC @ 3600 RPM |
| Alternator output | 50 watt @ 3600 RPM |
Polaris Indy 120 Features
| Drive clutch type/Driven clutch type | Centrifugal/Sprocket (P-40) |
| Drive system type | Chaincase |
| Brake type | Mechanical Drum |
| Drive chain length | #40DLX74 |
| Ski type | Composite |
| Color/Graphics | Sky Blue |
| Seat type | Mini INDY |
| Seat capacity | 1 rider |
| Windshield | Mini INDY |
| Riser type | Fixed |
| Safety tether | Standard |
| Adjustable throttle | Standard |
| Temp/Low Oil Light | Low oil light |
These charts are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications, refer to the factory manual.
How Fast Does a Polaris 120 Indy Go?
The top speed of the Polaris 120 Indy is a limited 8 mph, but bypassing the speed governor can increase its speed up to 13-15 mph.
How Much Does a Polaris 120 Snowmobile Weigh?
The dry weight of the Polaris 120 Indy is as light as 147.5 pounds.
How do You Make a Polaris 120 Go Faster?
Because of the limited top speed, older children may quickly become bored on it. Therefore, many parents are wondering how they can speed up these mini sleds.
The most common way to make a Polaris 120 snowmobile faster is by simply mounting a zip tie on the speed governor spring. However, according to MidWestMini, this is not a good idea! Why?
First, this speed governor is a safety feature that is installed on the sled for good reason.
Also, this sled’s gearing and chain are designed for lower engine speeds, so running it at high RPM may end in severe engine damage.
Consequently, if you want to increase the top speed of a Polaris 120 safely, it’s recommended that you install a “speed kit” on the sled that includes more durable sprockets and drive chain. (Keep in mind that these kits are typically only recommended for racing applications.)
Polaris 120 Indy for Sale
To the greatest delight of the smallest sledders, the Polaris 120 Indy is available off-the-shelf.
So, if you are looking for a new one, you may want to visit one of Polaris’ authorized dealerships.
If you’re considering buying a used machine, you can find many great Polaris 120 Indys for sale on Craigslist, Kijiji, Snowmobilesoup, eBay, Snowmobiletrader, Sledswap, and other snowmobile ad sites.
Also, you may want to visit some Polaris snowmobile forums and Facebook groups!
Takeaways – FAQs About the Polaris 120 Indy
What year did the Polaris 120 Indy come out?
The Polaris 120 came out in 2000, and over the years, it has been sold under many different names. Ultimately, the sled got the “Indy” model name in 2004.
What size is a Polaris 120 Indy?
The Polaris 120 Indy is 75 inches long, 34 inches wide, and 31 inches high, while its ski stance is only 30 inches.
What is the track size of the Polaris 120 Indy?
The Polaris 120 Indy comes with a 10″ x 69″ x 0.79″ Tri Star track.
How much does a Polaris 120 Indy weigh?
The dry weight of the Polaris 120 Indy is only 147.5 pounds.
How much weight can a Polaris 120 hold?
The official weight capacity of the Polaris 120 Indy is 140 pounds.
What kind of engine is in a Polaris 120 Indy?
The Polaris 120 Indy engine is an air-cooled, 121cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder power plant.
How fast does a Polaris 120 Indy go?
The Polaris 120 Indy can go up to 8 mph in stock condition, but with a bypassed speed governor, it can reach about 13-15 mph.
What kind of oil does the Polaris 120 Indy use?
The manufacturer recommends its PS-4 or PS-4 Plus oils for the Polaris 120 Indy.
How much oil does a Polaris 120 Indy take?
The Polaris 120 Indy takes 20 ounces of oil.
How do you clean the carburetor on a Polaris 120?
To clean the carburetor on a Polaris 120, you have to first remove it from the engine. You can find the carb on the backside of the engine. First, you have to remove the cover from the airbox than remove the two nuts. Once you’ve pulled the carb out, just take it apart and give it a thorough clean. Here’s a great tutorial on how to clean the carburetor on a Polaris 120 sled.
What age is a Polaris 120 Indy snowmobile for?
According to the manufacturer, the Polaris 120 is recommended for children who are at least 6 years old.
How much does a Polaris 120 snowmobile cost?
The price of the new Polaris 120 Indy starts as low as $2,999.
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