“ Where the 340 required concentration always and maximum concentration if you wanted to‘ book,’ the 400 features a much less demanding feel,” they reported. Our Snow Goer predecessors loved it too.“ The rougher it gets, the more twisting the trail, the better the Indy( 400) likes it,” reported one Snow Goer editor.“ The Indy simply allows you to drive much faster, under complete control than the leaf-spring rigid-front sleds.”
On a personal note, I had a 1986 Indy 400, essentially the same sled with different decals, and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable trail machine, if a little underpowered for its weight. That would change in 1989 with the new Indy 500 liquid twin, but that’ s a story for another time. Meanwhile, 1991 was the last year for the Indy 400 before it was punched out to a 440.
Indy 400s seem to have aged well if properly maintained, and today they are great choices for retro riders, teenagers, beginners and those on a limited budget. And in my opinion, they still have awesome eye appeal too.
1985 Polaris Indy 400
Manufacturer: Polaris Industries, LP, in Roseau, Minnesota
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 398cc Polaris by Fuji Heavy Industries EC40PL-02 liquid-cooled piston-port mono-block twin with two Mikuni VM-34SS slide-valve carbs and silencing air box, capacitor discharge ignition( CDI) and single pipe into Polaratone muffler Lubrication: Oil Injection from 2.5-quart reservoir Power output: 62 HP @ 7,600 RPM Electrical output: 120 watts Clutches: Polaris P-85 flyweight drive and Polaris torque sensing driven Chassis Type: Riveted aluminum with steel sub-frame, reaction injection molded( RIM) nosecone, painted tube steel rear bumper, fiberglass hood and thermoplastic elastomer( TPE) belly pan Claimed dry weight: 421 pounds
Front suspension: Leading arm coil-over-hydraulic-shock with dual radius rods and sway bar Ski stance: 36.5 inches Rear suspension: Aluminum slide rails with coil-over-hydraulic-shock on front arm and torsion springs with one hydraulic shock on rear arm Track: 15- by 121-inch reinforced molded rubber with dual internal drive Brake: Hydraulic disc Fuel capacity: 7.3 gallons Standard equipment: Speedometer / odometer, tachometer, engine temperature warning light, Kelch gas gauge, padded fuel tank cover, kill switch, handlebar pad, under-hood toolbox, rear seat storage compartment, carbide runners, snow flap Options: Hand warmers, rear view mirrors, cargo rack, tow hitch, rail wheel kit, low windshield, tether switch MSRP: $ 3,749 JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM / 11