An Affordable Sportster Built for the Trails
By: Jason Giacchino

It seems like only yesterday a 250cc two-stroke engine powered the Polaris Trailblazer. In fact from 1991 all the way up until 2006, that was precisely the case! Thanks to environmental concerns, politics and evolving consumer demand, the two-stroke is becoming a thing of the past. In 2007 the Trailblazer 250 was absent from the Polaris ATV lineup as it underwent metamorphosis to make use of the air cooled 329cc four-stroke power plant that first appeared within the Trailboss model in 2002. These days that 330 still powers both the Trailblazer and Trailboss and either can be had for ,299.

Kissing Cousins

If you find yourself wondering why Polaris offers essentially two variations of the identical ATV, the answer really comes down to styling preference. The Trailblazer being reviewed here takes on a more sport-oriented appearance borrowed from Polaris’ Outlaw series while the Trailboss mimics the “traditional” utility vehicle fit and finish including front and rear cargo racks (that come with a weight penalty of nearly 40 pounds). Otherwise the engine, transmission, suspension, chassis and so on are exactly the same between the two.

Hard Facts

The Polaris 330 spec sheet is a pretty decent package with components clearly chosen to offer maximum performance while keeping the MSRP as reasonable as possible. Goodies like electronic fuel injection or all-wheel-drive won’t be found here but instead tried and true Polaris staples including a fully-automatic CVT transmission (with reverse), a reliable single-overhead-cam, two-valve, air/ fan cooled engine, and MacPherson strut front suspension (8.2-inches of travel). In the rear a traditional straight axle and piggyback reservoir-equipped shock boast 10.2 inches of squish. Starting is of the push button electric persuasion and the wheels are chain driven.

Braking duty is accomplished by a pair of hydraulic discs in the front and a single hydraulic disc in the rear not unlike the high-tech Outlaw ATVs this one emulates.

Dry weight comes in at 492 pounds and Polaris claims the machine’s good to tow up to 850 pounds.

Start Me Up

Getting the carbureted 330 up and running was always as simple as pulling the bar-mounted choke lever and giving the starter-button a push on even the coldest of NY winter mornings. While we never had to use it, it is comforting to know that Polaris has included backup recoil starting. The machine idles smooth and quietly with more of a steady exhaust hum than a raspy growl.

Fully integrated floorboards make mounting up as effortless as possible and the CVT transmission means take-off is as simple as applying the thumb throttle.

The Ride

As is the case with most automatic CVT transmissions, there is a slight delay between the engine’s RPM increase and the lunge of forward motion. However, the Trailblazer atones for this with nice zippy acceleration that likes to pull long and hard. In sketchy terrain that slight lag in take-off can be used to meter the power-delivery through light throttle application but there’s still enough snap on hand to break the rear tires loose should the desire arise.

Chassis stability is commendable with no tendencies to high side or slide-out during high speed cornering maneuvers. While there are certainly more appropriate ATVs on the lineup to consider for track duty, the Trailblazer 330 proved surprisingly capable of zinging along on hard pack and long fire-roads.

The machine’s primary appeal will surely target trail riders (as the name suggests) however and it is, naturally, a bit more adept in that arena. Fast flowy trails with big sweeping corners are the Trailblazer’s absolute forte. The automatic transmission and sure footing result in a quad that is just a blast to toss around. Traits like excellent fuel economy and confidence-inspiring brakes make it strong choice for all day adventuring.

In the absolute ugliest of technical condition (slippery rocks, roots, mud, and steep climbs) the 330 starts to exhibit a few shortcomings. The MacPherson struts up front are plenty adequate on everything from hardpack to soft sand but tend to transmit a bit of bump-steer in successive rock pounding. Additionally steep climbs in slick conditions can result in nothing but rear wheel spin for the throttle-happy. The Trailblazer works best with a good deal of momentum on its side and steady metering of the power when asked to ascend.

On the flipside, descending is a snap on the Trailblazer. Separate front/ rear brake controls allow for proper rider input once the ground starts to slope downward and the transmission removes any fear of stalling out while gravity takes hold.

Additionally we were pretty impressed with the quad’s ability to conquer snow as its weight really aids in putting the power to the ground in the rear. It’s great fun in blasting across a few inches of powder or pulling donuts on ice. Group riding in the deep stuff (especially those where a 4×4 model leads the way) is a definite possibility for the Trailblazer 330. We have found that it makes for a fun, reliable winter cruiser.

Conclusion

The Polaris Trailblazer 330 is certainly a smart, affordable choice for riders looking for a low-maintenance trail oriented ATV. In our time with it, the machine proved extremely reliable and more than willing to get out and romp even in conditions that had our editors considering staying indoors to sit near the furnace and drink hot chocolate! It’s comfortable and predictable with a few amenities that are typically found on higher-priced quads (hydraulic disc brakes all around, a handy fuel gauge, tow hitch option and so on). Beginners will absolutely adore it in stock trim, performance hounds will be glad to know that there is near unlimited hop-up potential (and a large after market of parts/ accessories) and little touches like tool-less air filter access and back-up pull starting will surely be appreciated by everyone.

Specs

Engine
• Starter: Electric / Pull
• Engine Type: Single-Cylinder
• Displacement (cc): 329
• Cylinders: 1
• Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
• Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke

Transmission
• Transmission Type: Continuously Variable (CVT)
• Primary Drive (Rear Wheel): Chain
• Reverse: Yes

Driveline
• Driveline Type: 4X2
• Rear Unlocking Differential: No

Brakes
• Front Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc
• Rear Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc

Dimensions
• Width (in): 45
• Height (in): 49
• Wheelbase (in): 48.5
• Ground Clearance (in): 4.8
• Length (in): 75

Front Suspension
• Front Suspension Type: McPherson Strut
• Front Travel (in): 8.2

Rear Suspension
• Rear Suspension Type: Swing Arm
• Rear Travel (in): 10.5

Seat Specifications
• Seat Height (in): 35
• Number Of Seats: 1

Weight
• Dry Weight (lbs): 492
• Towing Capacity (lbs): 850

Capacities
• Fuel Capacity (gal): 4

Tires
• Front Tire (Full Spec): 23 X 8-12
• Rear Tire (Full Spec): 22 X 11-10

Price
MSRP: 99
Warranty (Months): 6

Contact

http://www.polarisindustries.com/

Anyone interested in getting a 330? We want to know!