Polaris RZR Review
The 2008 Polaris RZR is taking the ATV world by storm! It is the world's most versatile side by side that is meant not only for play, but also for the serious work around the farm or hunting in the woods.
Being only 50 inches wide, the RZR can fit down any ATV trail without being too wide. Having the lowest cage height of any side by side available will help you avoid low-hanging branches.
The RZR's Big Bore 800 Twin-Cylinder Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) 4-stroke engine has plenty of low end torque and a top speed of 55 mph, giving it 30% more power than the Yamaha Rhino. The EFI system automatically compensates for changes in altitude, pressure and temperature changes. This takes away the need for rejetting when you switch from riding at sea level to driving in the mountains. It also keeps you from having to rejet when adding aftermarket performance upgrades such as high-flow intakes and exhaust systems.
The engine is mounted sideways in the engine compartment with a three point vibration isolating mounting system. Engine maintenance is made easier since the engine is accessible without tools. You simply remove both the seats and an access panel.
The Polaris RZR weighs only 945 pounds, which is 100 pounds less than the Rhino. The powerful engine coupled with the light weight results in a power-to-weight ratio that is easily outperfoming every other side by side on the market.
Having the lowest center of gravity of any side by side results in incredible stability. Polaris was able to lower the seats by 7 inches by moving the engine behind the seats and ahead of the rear axles. This keeps all mass low in the frame. Even though the RZR is shorter than other side by sides, it has a longer wheel base which adds to the stability and helps to keep all four wheels on the ground.
The transmission is a Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT). It was modified slightly for placement into the RZR frame. The gears are smooth and are engaged through the use of a floor mounted shifter which takes the RZR from high to low to neutral to reverse and to park. When placed in park, the driveline is locked into place erasing the need for a parking brake.
Ground clearance is not compromised by the low center of gravity. The full 10 inches comes in handy when you are climbing over larger rocks. The suspension keeps it from bottoming out. This exceptional suspension performance comes from the 9-inches of suspension travel in the front and 9.5-inches in the rear.
The Polaris RZR is the first side by side with front and rear sway bars. This allows for more stability during hard cornering. The front utilizes A-Arm Suspension which along with the sway bars, reduces body roll to almost none. The rear features a Rolled Independent Rear Suspension System which means that the wheels are canted backwards. This concept, which Polaris calls "Recessional Wheel Travel", allows the suspension to absorb more shock than a traditional suspension that only moves up and down.
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) traction system is enabled via a dash mounted rocker switch. When enabled, the AWD system senses wheel slippage and automatically engages giving you extra 
traction. If you do not need the added traction and want to be able to power slide, disable the AWD system and have some fun!
traction. If you do not need the added traction and want to be able to power slide, disable the AWD system and have some fun!The Polaris RZR has steering that is responsive and predictable. It allows you smoothly executed turns with little drift which gives you confidence when you come off a steep hill and find a hairpin turn.
The seats are more comfortable than in other side by sides and easily adjustable, with the right tools, to accomodate all riders no matter how tall or short. The tilt steering wheel also allows for different heights of riders. The passenger is provided with a secure T-bar handle mounted under the dash. It is easily adjustable by sliding it in and out and is secured with a pin. It allows the passenger to hold on during any maneuver the driver throws at him.
The three-point safety belts allow for 2-inches of give. This keeps them from tightening up while driving on rough terrain. The safety net across the door openings and the deep well floor do their job of keeping legs inside the vehicle. During heavy cornering, the tubular braces located at the outer sides of both seats at hip and shoulder level keep the driver and passenger firmly in their seats.
The dash instrument design allows all the indicators to be easily read in bright sunlight and in the dark. One quick look is all you need to see your speed, fuel level, gear selection, and AWD status. There is also a rocker switch on the dash which turns on the rear lights. This is a great feature for those who need to pack up their gear in the dark after a long day of riding.
The rear cargo bed is set up to use the Polaris lock and load type tie downs. It has a cargo capacity of 300 pounds which is plenty of room for extra gas, chainsaws, tools and other gear. The 1500 pound towing capacity is more than enough to pull other riders out of the mud, to haul hay around the farm, or a deer out of the woods.
There are many accessories already available for the Polaris RZR. These include:
* 14 inch Aluminum Wheels and Tires
* 12 inch Aluminum Wheels With Simulated Beadlocks
* Stealth Front and Rear Bumpers
* Spare Tire Rack
* Windsheild
* Bikini Top
* Polycarbonate Top
* 3500lb Warn Winch
* Full Skidplate
The Polaris RZR is smaller and lighter than all the other side by sides on the market. Its incredible power provided by the Twin Cylinder 800 EFI Engine, low center of gravity, front & rear sway bars and longer wheel base all work together to give you stability during sharp turns, quick acceleration to top speed and the ability to climb decent rock crawls with ease.
