EXHIBIT 99.1

Contact:		Richard Edwards
		Polaris Industries Inc.
		763-542-0500

POLARIS REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER SALES AND EARNINGS FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS; SALES GREW 15 PERCENT TO $511 MILLION; EARNINGS
PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS INCREASED 8 PERCENT TO A RECORD
$1.00 PER DILUTED SHARE

Third Quarter Highlights:

•		26th consecutive quarter of increased sales and net earnings from continuing operations
•		ATV sales grew 18%, international sales grew 60%, and PG&A sales increased 20%
•		Repurchased 265,000 shares of common stock during the third quarter 2004
•		Increasing full year 2004 sales growth guidance to 11 to 13 percent and increasing and narrowing full year 2004 earnings from continuing operations guidance to $2.97 to $3.01 per diluted share, a 12% to 13% increase over 2003 reported earnings from continuing operations

Note: All periods presented reflect the classification of the marine products division’s financial results, including the loss from discontinued operations and the loss on disposal of the division as discontinued operations.

MINNEAPOLIS (October 14, 2004) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE/PSE: PII) today reported record net income from continuing operations of $1.00 per diluted share for the third quarter ended September 30, 2004, an eight percent increase over the prior year third quarter net income from continuing operations of $0.93 per diluted share. Higher sales volume from all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory motorcycles, parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) and international operations contributed to the third quarter earnings increase. Reported net income from continuing operations for the third quarter 2004 was a record $44.6 million, a six percent increase over the prior year third quarter net income from continuing operations of $42.2 million. Sales from continuing operations for the third quarter 2004 totaled a record $510.6 million, up 15 percent from the prior year’s third quarter sales of $444.4 million.

     “We are pleased with the acceleration we experienced in our sales during the quarter,” said Tom Tiller, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Several factors contributed to the sales improvement including the excitement generated at our 50th Anniversary celebration this past July where the Company held the largest new product introduction in the Company’s history for the 2005 model year. Additionally, we experienced good growth in sales at the retail consumer level during the third quarter from the Factory Authorized Clearance sales promotional program which helped make room for our 2005 models at our dealers. And as we have seen for several quarters now, our overseas international operations continue to show very strong growth.” Tiller continued, “Commodity costs have continued to increase, particularly in steel and fuel, which has put some pressure on our gross margins in the short term. However, we continue to expect 2004 to be another record year in sales and earnings from continuing operations, our 23rd consecutive year of record earnings for the Company.”

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Impact of Marine Products Division exit on third quarter results

     As previously reported, the Company announced that it had decided to cease to manufacture marine products effective September 2, 2004. The marine products division’s financial results are being reported separately as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In the third quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a loss on disposal of discontinued operations of $35.6 million before tax, or $23.9 million after tax. This loss includes the estimated costs to support the dealers in selling their remaining inventory, additional incentives and discounts to encourage consumers to purchase remaining products, the disposal of factory inventory, tooling and other physical assets, and the cancellation of supplier arrangements. The Company’s third quarter 2004 loss from discontinued operations was $2.1 million, net of tax, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $2.8 million, net of tax, or $0.06 per diluted share in the third quarter 2003. Reported net income for the third quarter 2004, including both continuing and discontinued operations, was $18.7 million, or $0.42 per diluted share.

Nine Month Results from Continuing Operations

For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Polaris reported an 11 percent increase in net income and earnings per share from continuing operations of $89.1 million or $1.98 per diluted share compared to $80.3 million or $1.79 per diluted share from continuing operations in the first nine months of 2003. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 totaled $1,234.2 million, up 13 percent from $1,097.0 million in the comparable period of 2003.

     (In millions except per share data)

		3rd Quarter ended												Year to date ended
		September 30,												September 30,
		2004				2003				Change				2004				2003				Change
Sales		$	510.6			$	444.4				15	%		$	1,234.2			$	1,097.0				13	%
Operating income from continuing operations		$	67.4			$	63.8				6	%		$	135.4			$	118.7				14	%
Net Income from continuing operations		$	44.6			$	42.2				6	%		$	89.1			$	80.3				11	%
Earnings per share from continuing operations (diluted)		$	1.00			$	0.93				8	%		$	1.98			$	1.79				11	%
Earnings per share (diluted)		$	0.42			$	0.87				(52	)%		$	1.27			$	1.62				(22	)%

Note: All periods presented reflect the classification of marine products division’s financial results, including the loss from discontinued operations and the loss on disposal of the division as discontinued operations.

     ATV (all-terrain vehicle) sales growth was strong, increasing 18 percent in the third quarter 2004 compared to last year’s third quarter. Sales growth was driven by the successful introduction of the 2005 model year ATVs including the completely redesigned Sportsman line. Sales of Polaris ATVs outside of North America continued to grow, increasing 67 percent during the third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003. Additionally, the Company introduced several new models that will begin shipping in the fourth quarter 2004 including the all new Sportsman 800 EFI (electronic fuel injection), the biggest and most powerful ATV on the

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market today, the new Sportsman 700 MV (military version) and a new entry-level ATV called the Phoenix. For model year 2005, 62 percent of the Polaris ATV lineup is new. North American dealer inventory of ATVs at September 30, 2004 is lower than the dealer inventory levels a year ago.

     Sales of Parts, Garments and Accessories increased 20 percent during the third quarter 2004 over the third quarter 2003. Snowmobile and ATV PG&A sales growth was the primary reason for the increase in sales with both lines experiencing very strong growth during the third quarter 2004. The PG&A business continues to focus on accelerating innovation, maintaining high order fill rates and driving towards industry leading product and service quality. An example of the innovative products in PG&A is the recently introduced new Lock and Ride™ system developed exclusively for Polaris ATVs, which makes installation of ATV accessories fast and easy without the use of tools.

     Sales of Victory motorcycles increased to $11.1 million during the third quarter 2004 up from $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2003. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2004, sales of Victory motorcycles increased 35 percent from the comparable period in 2003. Growing brand recognition, an increase in the number and quality of Victory dealers and the initial production and shipment of the model year 2005 motorcycles contributed to the increase in sales for the third quarter 2004.

     Snowmobile sales decreased two percent during the third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter 2003 due to the differences in planned timing of shipments as most of the all-new 900 Fusion and 900 RMK snowmobiles will be shipped in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2004, sales of snowmobiles have increased 17 percent from the comparable period in 2003.

     Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 24.2 percent for the third quarter 2004, a decrease from 24.8 percent in the comparable quarter of 2003. The lower gross profit margin for the third quarter was the result of increased raw material costs, primarily for steel, incremental transportation and fuel costs, and the added manufacturing startup costs associated with the increased number of new 2005 model year ATVs and snowmobiles. These increased costs were partially offset by ongoing product cost reduction efforts during the third quarter of 2004. For the year to date period ended September 30, 2004, the gross profit margin has increased to 23.8 percent compared to 23.1 percent for the 2003 year to date period.

     For the third quarter 2004, operating expenses increased 18 percent to $63.5 million or 12.4 percent of sales compared to $53.6 million or 12.1 percent of sales for the third quarter 2003. Research and development expenses increased 23 percent in the third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003, as the Company continued to accelerate investment in the design and development of new products. In the third quarter 2004, the Company held the largest new product introduction in the Company’s history, driven by the increased research and development investments made over the past several quarters. Sales and marketing expenses increased 22 percent in the third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003, as Polaris continues to work towards upgrading its distribution network of nearly 2,000 dealers in North

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America in the areas of sales, service, and merchandising which is expected to translate into accelerated sales growth and a stronger brand over time.

Financial position and cash flow

     Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations totaled $137.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of 61 percent when compared to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of $85.4 million in the first nine months of 2003. A reduction in cash required to fund factory inventory levels in the year to date period of 2004 compared to the same period last year and higher accounts payable balances were the primary reasons for the significant increase in net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations during the first nine months of 2004. The Company’s debt to total capital ratio was five percent at September 30, 2004, compared to six percent a year ago. Cash and cash equivalents were $106.6 million at September 30, 2004 compared to $38.3 million a year ago.

Share buyback continues

During the third quarter 2004 the Company repurchased and retired nearly 265,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of $12.6 million. Since inception of the share repurchase program in 1996, approximately 19.7 million shares have been repurchased at an average price of $21.90 per share. Under the current authorization of the Board of Directors, approximately 3.3 million shares of Polaris stock may be repurchased by the Company.

Full Year 2004 Guidance increased

     Mr. Tiller, addressing Polaris’ expectations for the remainder of the 2004 year said, “In this 50th anniversary year our Company has experienced good growth in sales and earnings from continuing operations through the first nine months. As a result, we are increasing our sales growth guidance to 11 to 13 percent for the full year 2004 and increasing and narrowing our earnings per share from continuing operations guidance to $2.97 to $3.01 per diluted share, which represents a 12 to 13 percent increase over the prior year. Our 50th anniversary year is proving to be our best year ever.”

Conference Call to be Held

     Today at 9:00 AM CDT Polaris Industries Inc. will host its quarterly earnings conference call. The conference call is accessible by dialing 800-374-6475 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-634-4982 for International calls or via the Investor Relations page of the Company’s web site, www.polarisindustries.com. If listening to the web cast, please allow sufficient time to register and download the latest version of Real Player audio software. The conference call will be available until October 21, 2004 on Polaris’ web site or by dialing 800-642-1687 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-645-9291 for international calls and entering passcode 1262485.

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About Polaris

     Information about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.

     With annual 2003 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use.

     Polaris is the recognized leader in the snowmobile industry and one of the largest manufacturers of ATVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, is rapidly making impressive in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. Consumers can also purchase apparel and vehicle accessories anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.

     Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations regarding 2004 sales, shipments, net income and cash flow, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as product offerings, promotional activities and pricing strategies by competitors; warranty expenses; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; uninsured product liability claims; and overall economic conditions, including inflation and consumer confidence and spending. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(summarized financial data follows)

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
UNAUDITED

		For Three Months Ended								For Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2004				2003				2004				2003
Sales		$	510,623			$	444,405			$	1,234,248			$	1,097,000
Cost of sales			387,206				334,296				941,076				843,194
Gross profit			123,417				110,109				293,172				253,806
Operating expenses
Selling and marketing			28,051				23,006				79,565				66,594
Research and development			15,294				12,470				44,024				33,278
General and administrative			20,158				18,148				57,037				51,496
Total operating expenses			63,503				53,624				180,626				151,368
Income from financial services			7,429				7,277				22,817				16,215
Operating Income			67,343				63,762				135,363				118,653
Non-operating Expense (Income):
Interest expense			558				593				1,705				2,035
Other expense (income) net			259				593				613				(2,360	)
Income before income taxes			66,526				62,576				133,045				118,978
Provision for Income Taxes			21,954				20,338				43,905				38,668
Net Income from continuing operations		$	44,572			$	42,238			$	89,140			$	80,310
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	(2,067	)		$	(2,761	)		$	(7,961	)		$	(7,412	)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax			(23,852	)			—				(23,852	)			—
Net Income		$	18,653			$	39,477			$	57,327			$	72,898
Basic Net Income per share
Continuing Operations		$	1.05			$	0.99			$	2.10			$	1.87
Loss from discontinued operations			(0.05	)			(0.07	)			(0.19	)			(0.17	)
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations			(0.56	)			—				(0.56	)			—
Net Income		$	0.44			$	0.92			$	1.35			$	1.70
Diluted Net Income per share
Continuing Operations		$	1.00			$	0.93			$	1.98			$	1.79
Loss from discontinued operations			(0.05	)			(0.06	)			(0.18	)			(0.17	)
Loss from disposal of discontinued operations			(0.53	)			—			$	(0.53	)			—
Net Income		$	0.42			$	0.87			$	1.27			$	1.62
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			42,294				42,760				42,348				42,967
Diluted			44,771				45,306				44,996				44,943

Business Unit Information

		Third Quarter Ended September 30,												For Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2004				2003				%chg				2004				2003				%chg
Snowmobiles		$	94,756			$	96,817				(2	)%		$	156,829			$	134,559				17	%
All-terrain Vehicles			338,659				287,687				18	%			843,223				767,048				10	%
Victory Motorcycles			11,126				4,872				128	%			49,835				37,019				35	%
Parts, Garments & Accessories			66,082				55,029				20	%			184,361				158,374				16	%
Total Sales		$	510,623			$	444,405				15	%		$	1,234,248			$	1,097,000				13	%

All periods presented reflect the classification of the Marine Division’s financial results and the loss on
disposal of the division as discontinued operations.

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)
(Subject to reclassification)

		September 30, 2004				December 31, 2003
		(Unaudited)
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	106,574			$	82,761
Trade receivables			77,285				50,574
Inventories			198,426				166,939
Prepaid expenses and other			10,001				10,718
Deferred tax assets			64,579				59,517
Current assets of discontinued operations			6,679				17,207
Total Current Assets			463,544				387,716
Property and equipment, net			194,056				171,744
Investments in Finance Affiliate and Retail Credit Deposit			80,940				79,578
Goodwill, net			24,425				24,295
Intangible and Other Assets, net			3,194				3,342
Long term assets of discontinued operations			—				4,677
Total Assets		$	766,159			$	671,352
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	142,931			$	63,045
Accrued expenses			212,942				235,324
Income taxes payable			15,370				22,540
Current liabilities of discontinued operations			39,413				9,569
Total current liabilities			410,656				330,478
Deferred income taxes			8,000				3,488
Borrowings under credit agreement			18,000				18,008
Total Liabilities		$	436,656			$	351,974
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock $0.01 par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock $0.01 par value, 80,000 shares authorized, 42,720 and 43,362 shares issued and outstanding		$	427			$	434
Additional paid-in capital			—				—
Deferred compensation			(5,147	)			(8,922	)
Retained earnings			335,431				330,205
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,208	)			(2,339	)
Total shareholders’ equity			329,503				319,378
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity		$	766,159			$	671,352

All periods reflect the classification of the Marine Division results as discontinued operations.

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POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)
Unaudited
(Subject to reclassification)

		For Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2004				2003
Operating Activities:
Net income		$	57,327			$	72,898
Net loss from discontinued operations			31,813				7,412
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			43,525				38,359
Noncash compensation			11,892				11,395
Noncash income from financial services			(8,123	)			(6,724	)
Deferred income taxes			(550	)			(3,792	)
Changes in current operating items:
Trade receivables			(26,711	)			(23,339	)
Inventories			(31,487	)			(66,460	)
Accounts payable			79,886				31,922
Accrued expenses			(22,383	)			4,501
Income taxes payable			524				23,877
Prepaid expenses and others, net			1,850				(4,628	)
Net cash provided by continuing operations			137,563				85,421
Net cash flow provided (used) from discontinued operations			10,499				(10,244	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			148,062				75,177
Investing Activities:
Purchase of property and equipment			(61,992	)			(43,438	)
Investments in finance affiliate and retail credit deposit, net			6,762				(176	)
Net cash used for continuing operations investment activities			(55,230	)			(43,614	)
Net cash used for discontinued operations			(1,091	)			(1,965	)
Net cash used for investing activities			(56,321	)			(45,579	)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings under credit agreement			380,000				410,001
Repayments under credit agreement			(380,008	)			(410,017	)
Repurchase and retirement of common shares			(49,225	)			(59,972	)
Cash dividends to shareholders			(29,095	)			(20,015	)
Proceeds from stock issuances under employee plans			10,401				7,503
Net cash used for financing activities			(67,927	)			(72,500	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			23,814				(42,902	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			82,761				81,193
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	106,575			$	38,291

All periods reflect the classification of the Marine Division results as discontinued operations.

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