You are here

RZR Report Card - Passed!

2011 Polaris RZR 4 LE Long Term Review
Written By: 
Wayne Davis
2012.polaris.rzr4-le.blue.front-right.riding.on-dirt.jpg

The RZR 4 is one of the most fun, all-purpose side by side vehicles we have ever driven.  When given the chance to put some miles on it and really see what the RZR 4 LE is capable of, we couldn’t get it on the trail fast enough.  With just over 4000 trouble free miles logged on our 2011 RZR 4 LE, you can bet we had a chance to ride in many different conditions, and it met or exceeded our expectations every time.

Ride Tested - Polaris RZR 800 Suspension Upgrade

We Install a Set of Walker Evans Shocks on our RZR 800
Written By: 
Pete Bengel
2012.polaris.rzr800.red.front-left.jumping.in-air.jpg

SXS vehicles are like dandelions… new models are popping up all over the place.  Almost every major manufacturer now has at least one model on the market, each with its own design, style, features, and level of performance.  But even bigger than the explosion of SXS vehicles into the off-road market is the explosion of OEM and aftermarket performance parts and accessories.  From the off-road parks to the trails or the sand dunes, it’s hard to find a SXS out there that hasn’t been modified in some way.

Accessory Items - Trick Kitty

Parts Ready To Go from Arctic Cat
2012.arctic-cat.wildcat.green.front-left.parked.on-dirt.jpg

One of the most popular vehicles ever for customization is the modern Side x Side.  Not since the 60’s have people so willingly applied parts and paint to their vehicle, creating machines that reflect their personal taste while increasing functionality, and in some cases ending up with  rolling works of modern art.  Visit any dune riding area and you’ll quickly see what we mean.  It won’t take you long to find an owner who has given their vehicle a name, and to him - or often her -  it’s more than a simple sand toy; it’s part of who they are.

First Ride - The John Deere Gator XUV 550

A Look Under the Hood and a Quick Spin on Deere's Newest Gator
Written By: 
John Arens
2012.john-deere.gator-xuv550.green.front-left.riding.on-grass.jpg

In every manufacturer’s lineup, there are models that mark watershed moments of major change.  In the hardworking utility vehicle market, John Deere first found success with the five wheeled AMT, then enjoyed an even greater following with their next generation Gator.  Last year they celebrated a huge milestone when the 500,000th Gator rolled off the line at their Horicon, Wisconsin plant, but other companies took notice of the Gator as well.

Ride Tested - The Utility Player

Riding KYMCO's Value Priced Workhorse, the MXU 500i IRS 4x4
Written By: 
John Arens
2012.kymco.mxu500i-irs4x4.red.front.riding.on-dirt.jpg

Regardless of the product it’s all about the value these days.  Customers are better educated, more adept at comparison shopping, and expect more for their dollar.  In the powersports world KYMCO has been building components and even entire machines for some of the other manufacturers and by doing so they’ve learned what customers are looking for, how to maintain world class quality standards, and how to build efficiently; all keystones of value.

Can-Am Commander Side-By-Sides take 1st and 2nd place at the 2012 Mint 400

The Can-Am Commander Side-by-Sides of Murray Motorsports and Desert Toyz took 1st and 2nd respectively at the 2012 Mint 400 in Las Vegas. Racers Jason and Derek Murray drove their Murray Motorsports Commander to 1st place while Cory Sappington brought home the Desert Toyz Commander in 2nd. Watch their awesome run to the finish line!

New Product Test - Snow Eagle

Testing American Manufacturing's Generation II Eagle Plow
vendor.2012.american-manufacturing.eagle-plow.front-left.plowing-snow.jpg

One of the best-selling accessories for ATV and Side x Sides is an aftermarket plow. With their maneuverability, 4wd, and ability to work in tight quarters, an ATV or UTV with a plow can get into places a tractor or truck mounted plow can’t reach, and they’re much more cost effective. If you already own an ATV or Side x Side, it’s a no-brainer to turn it into a winter work tool as well.

First Ride - The Polaris RZR XP-4 900

More Power, More Suspension, More to Love
Written By: 
Pete Bengel and John Arens
2012.polaris.rzr4-900.silver.right.riding.on-sand.jpg

We spent the better part of last summer running around the north woods on the friend and family friendly, four seat sensation called the Polaris RZR4.  Regardless of whether we were in the driver’s seat or the back seat, it’s impossible not to have a great time on the RZR4 thanks to the long wheelbase, super stable platform, and silky smooth, stock FOX shocks.  It’s a blast to cruise down the trail on the RZR4, but we always felt it could use a little more power.

Long Term Report - 2012 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i

What We Learned from a Year on the Trail
2012.kawasaki.brute-force750-4x4i.green.front-left.riding.over-rocks.jpg

It’s our job to let you know exactly what to expect from every vehicle we test.  We want you to know what a machine is capable of long before you hand the dealer a check, and that means everything from fit and finish to average maintenance tasks.  We use our test ATVs exactly like you do; for work duty, for weekend play, and as hunting buddies.  After a year with the Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i here is what we’ve found. 

Race Report - Desert Cat

The debut race for the Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000i
Written By: 
2012.arctic-cat.wildcat1000i.black.front-right.riding.over-rocks.jpg

To say the King of the Hammers event is a tough race but might be a fun challenge is a little like saying a Badger has a slightly intolerant disposition but would otherwise make a fine family pet.  To even enter the event raises a whole host of questions, especially when you consider that almost 60% of those who start the race never finish, and in some classes the attrition rate is much higher than that!

Pages

Support our site we are a Amazon Affiliate partner.

Advertisement