The performance side-by-side segment continues to lead in off-road dirt toys sales. In fact, it’s predicted that side-by- sides will surpass ATVs in unit sales by the end of this year.
And the side-by-side segment sales surge is led by the per- formance models. Performance models you say? Aren’t side-by- sides just that: side-by-sides? We don’t think so. We don’t think comparing Arctic Cat’s new Wildcat with, say, its Prowler XTX 700i or Prowler HDX 700i is a fair comparison. We think a better fit for the Wildcat is in with the Polaris RZRs, Can-Am Commanders and even the Kawasaki Teryx.
Granted, this performance class—the moniker we’ve chosen to call it—is fairly new, with its beginnings rooted in the un- veiling of the Polaris RZR. Then along came the Teryx, Com- mander and, most recently, the Wildcat. There could be some argument as to why we included the Teryx in this segment, but we decided it matched up fairly well, despite its engine size.
The performance class is small but it seems to be growing.
Here’s a look at what’s available for 2012.
Arctic Cat
Wild Cat 1000I H.O.
This is an all-new vehicle for 2011 and 2012. Cat began giving us tidbits of information and a few pictures early last year and made limited builds in November and December of last year. A bigger production run was made in late January and early February.
We fairly extensively cover the Wildcat in another part of this issue (page 14) so we won’t go into a lot of detail here.
Engine 951cc SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve, V-twin, liquid- cooled EFI H.O.
Transmission Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo range, reverse
Drive System 2WD/4WD, electric diff lock
Front Suspension Double A-arm (compression adjustment and reservoir)
Front travel 17 inches
Rear Suspension 5-Link trailing arm (compression adjust- ment and reservoir)
Rear travel 18 inches
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic disc Ground clearance 13 inches cargo capacity 300 lbs. towing capacity n/a
Wheels Aluminum
Features Electronic power steering, adjustable steering (tilt steering wheel), digital gauge, analog speedometer, odom- eter, tachometer, trip meter, gear indicator, fuel gauge, AWD indicator, full protection HDPE skid plates
To learn more www.arcticcat.com
Can-Am
Commander
Can-Am offers one of the biggest selections in the perfor- mance side-by-side class. The Commander comes in two en- gine sizes and six different models: Commander 800R, Com- mander 800R XT, Commander 1000, Commander 1000 X, Commander 1000 XT and Commander 1000 Limited. The differences in the X and XT packages versus the basic model include features such as a Warn Winch, wheel upgrades, analog/digital gauges, custom steering wheel and more.
We’ll break the Commander down in engine sizes and then tell the differences between the packages in those engine sizes. As you’ll see, there is a lot to choose from.
800R
Engine 799.9cc SOHC, 8-valve, V-twin, liquid-cooled, iTC with EFI transmission CVT, sub-transmission with high, low, park, neutral, reverse; standard engine braking
Drive System Selectable 2WD/4WD shaft driven with Visco-Lok front diff
Front Suspension Double A-arm with dive-control geom- etry, Motion Control shocks
Front Travel 10 inches
Rear Suspension Torsional trailing arm independent with external sway bar, Motion Control shocks
Rear travel 10 inches
Brakes (front) dual 214 mm ventilated disc with hydraulic twin piston calipers, (rear) single 214 mm ventilated disc brake with hydraulic twin-piston caliper
Ground Clearance 11 inches cargo capacity 600 lbs. towing capacity 1,500 lbs. Wheels Steel
Front tires Carlisle Black Rock 27x9x12 rear tires Carlisle Black Rock 27x9x12 Wheelbase 75.8 in.
Length 118.3 in.
Width 58.6 in.
Height 72 in.
Dry Weight 1,287 lbs.
Fuel 10 gallons
MSRP $11,699 (800R); $13,399 (800R XT)
Features Multi-function gauge, speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, auto shut off, D.E.S.S. anti-theft system, 4x4 indicator
XT Package Includes all the above plus 4000-pound Warn winch with roller fairlead, 14-inch cast aluminum wheels, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, heavy-duty front bumper, rugged bed rails, mudguards, analog/digital gauge, custom steer- ing wheel with brushed aluminum center part, three color options: yellow, Next G-1 Vista Camo, pure magnesium metallic
1000
Engine 976cc SOHC, 8-valve, V-twin, liquid-cooled, iTC with EFI
Transmission CVT, sub-transmission with high, low, park, neutral, reverse; standard engine braking
Drive System Selectable 2WD/4WD shaft driven with Visco-Lok front diff
Front Suspension Double A-arm with dive-control geom- etry, Motion Control shocks
Front Travel 10 inches
Rear Suspension Torsional trailing arm independent with external sway bar, Motion Control shocks
Rear Travel 10 inches
Brakes (front) dual 214 mm ventilated disc with hydraulic twin piston calipers, (rear) single 214 mm ventilated disc brake with hydraulic twin-piston caliper
Ground Clearance 11 inches
Cargo Capacity 600 lbs. towing capacity 1,500 lbs. Wheels Steel
Front Tires Carlisle Black Rock 27x9x12 rear tires Carlisle Black Rock 27x9x12 Wheelbase 75.8 in.
Length 118.3 in.
Width 58.6 in.
Height 72 in.
Dry Weight 1,295 lbs.
Fuel 10 gallons
MSRP $12,999 (1000); $14,699 (XT); $15,099 (X);$19,199 (Limited)
Features Multi-function gauge, speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, auto shut off, D.E.S.S. anti-theft system, 4x4 indicator
XT Package Includes all the above plus 4000-pound Warn winch with roller fairlead, 14-inch cast aluminum wheels, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, heavy-duty front bumper, rugged bed rails, mudguards, analog/digital gauge, custom steer- ing wheel with brushed aluminum center part, three color options: yellow, Next G-1 Vista Camo, pure magnesium metallic
X Package Includes front and rear Fox Racing Shox HPG piggyback shocks with dual speed compression, rebound and preload adjustments, front sway bar, 12-inch alu- minum beadlock wheels, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, rock sliders, heavy-duty front bumper, analog/digital gauge, custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center part, X-package seat trim and graphics and one color op- tion: black and yellow
Limited Package Includes front and rear Air Control Suspension with Fox Racing Shox HPG piggyback shocks, Garmin Montana 650t touch screen GPS, sound system with four integrated speakers, iPod/iPhone connector with gauge controls and USP port and auxiliary input, 2-piece full hard roof and half windshield, 4000-pound Warn winch with roller fairlead, painted plastics, 14-inch alumi- num wheels with Limited finish, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, heavy-duty front bumper, rugged bed rails, mudguards, analog/digital gauge, Limited seat trims, rear wind screen, custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center part, two color options: orbital blue metallic, pure magne- sium metallic
To learn more www.canamoffroad.com
Kawaski
TeryX 750 FI 4X4
Kawasaki also has a fairly large offering in this segment, including five two-seat side-by-sides and four Teryx4 models, which are the company’s newest vehicles and have room for four riders. The Teryx4, which are highlighted on page 28 in this issue, was unveiled at Kawasaki’s dealer meeting last fall in Orlando, FL. We had a chance to drive it in November in Tennessee.
All models—two- and four-seater—use the same basic engine, although Kawasaki managed to squeeze a little more power out of the powerplant in the Teryx4.
To make it a little easier to follow, we’ll put the two-seat models’ specs in one grouping and the Teryx4 in a different grouping.
Two-Seat
Engine 749cc, SOHC, 90-degree 4-stroke, V-twin, four valves per cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable belt-drive with high, low and reverse, Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
Drive System Selectable 4WD with Variable Front Differ- ential Control, shaft
Front Suspension Dual A-arm with gas-charged shocks with preload adjustment (750 FI 4x4, 750 FI 4x4 LE, 750 FI 4x4 LE Camo, 750 FI 4x4 LE SGE); dual A-arm with aluminum body gas-charged shocks with piggyback reservoirs, full adjustable preload, adjustable rebound/ compression damping
Front Travel 7.5 inches
Rear Suspension Independent Rear Suspension with gas- charged, reservoir shocks with preload adjustment (750 FI 4x4, 750 FI 4x4 LE, 750 FI 4x4 LE Camo, 750 FI 4x4LE SGE ; Independent Rear Suspension with reservoir- equipped gas-charged shocks with adjustable preload and adjustable rebound/compression damping (750 FI 4x4 Sport)
Rear Travel 7.5 inches
Brakes Dual hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers (front); sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc (rear)
Ground Clearance 11.6 inches cargo capacity 500 lbs. towing capacity 1,300 lbs. Front tires Maxxis 26x8-12 rear tires Maxxis 26x10-12 Wheelbase 76 in.
Length 116.3 in
Width 58.5 in
Height 75.8 in (750 FI 4x4, 750 FI 4x4 Sport, 750 FI 4x4 LE SGE); 79.5 in (750 FI 4x4 LE, 750 FI 4x4 LE Camo)curb Weight 1,402 lbs. (750 FI 4x4); 1,428 lbs. (750 FI 4x4 LE); 1,434.8 lbs. (750 FI 4x4 LE Camo, 750 FI 4x4 LE SGE); 1.395.1 lbs. (750 FI 4x4 Sport)
Fuel 7.4 gallons
MSRP $10,599 (750 FI 4x4); $11,399 (750 FI 4x4 LE); $11,699 (750 FI 4x4 LE Camo); $12,199-$1,499 (750 FI 4x4 Sport); $11,899 (750 FI 4x4 LE SGE)
Features Multi-function digital meter with speedometer, fuel gauge, clock hour meter, odometer, dual trip meter LE Hard top helps keep sun and rain out, half windshield covers lower area of Teryx LE cab, minimizing wind flow through the cockpit, adjustable rear suspension with pig- gyback shocks
LE Camo Same features as LE model with Realtree Hard- woods Green HD Camo paint job
Special Graphics Edition (SGE) Features factory flame paintwork in flame silver or flame metallic green; exclu- sive metallic lime green or light silver paint is over a black flame pinstripe on the hood and front fenders
Sport Lightweight aluminum wheels to reduce unsprung weight, aggressive predatory styling with twin projector- style headlamps, rugged skid plate and unique graphics, 48-inch wide track, fully adjustable front shocks with piggyback reservoir
Four-Seat
Engine 749cc, 90-degree 4-stroke, V-twin, liquid-cooled
Transmission Continuously variable belt-drive with high, low and reverse, wet centrifugal clutch
Drive System Selectable 4WD with locking Front Differen- tial Control, shaft
Front Suspension Dual A-arm with fully adjustable, gas- charged reservoir shocks
Front travel 7.8 inches
Rear Suspension Adjustable Independent Rear Suspension with fully adjustable gas-charged reservoir shocks
Rear Travel 8.3 inches
Brakes Dual hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers (front); sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc (rear)
Ground Clearance 10.8 inches cargo capacity 249 lbs. towing capacity 1,300 lbs. Front tires Maxxis 26x9-12
Rear Tires Maxxis 26x11-12
Wheelbase 86.1 in.
Length 125.2 in
Width 62.0 in
Height 77.3 in (750 4x4, 750 4x4 EPS, 750 4x4 EPS Camo); 79.4 in (750 4x4 EPS LE)
Curb Weight 1,616 (750 4x4); 1,624.3 lbs. (750 4x4 EPS, 750 4x4 EPS Camo); 1,627.3 lbs. (750 4x4 EPS LE)
Fuel 7.9 gallons
MSRP $13,399 (750 4x4); $14,399 (750 4x4 EPS);$14,999 (750 4x4 EPS Camo); $15,199 (750 4x4 EPS LE)
Features Multi-function digital meter with speedometer, fuel gauge, clock hour meter, odometer, dual trip meter
EPS LE Electric power steering, hard top helps keep sun and rain out, two-tone seats, cast aluminum alloy wheels, colored door panels
EPS Electric power steering, two-tone seats
EPS Camo Electric power steering, Realtree Hardwoods Green HD Camo paint job, including on the wheels
To learn more www.kawasaki.com
Polaris
Ranger RZR
If you like the performance side-by-side segment, you can thank Polaris for creating it, regardless of what brand you ride. Ever since Polaris hit the ground running with its first RZR, the Minnesota company has pretty much owned this segment, although other companies are working hard to get a slice of the market.
One reason the RZRs are so popular is that they flat out work in rough terrain, have a great powerplant and continue to create vehicles that hardcore off-road enthusiasts love to ride. First there was the RZR, then the performance-oriented RZR S and then the extreme performance XP 900. Along the way, Polaris also designed and built performance four-seat vehicles for those extreme performance riders who want to take two or three friends along.
For purposes of this performance buyer’s guide, we’re only including the RZR S, RZR XP and four-seat vehicles. We’ll include the base RZR 800 and RZR 570 in a future side-by- side buyer’s guide.
RZR S 800
Engine 760cc, H.O. 4-stroke twin, EFI
Transmission Automatic PVT with park, reverse, neutral, low and high, shaft
Drive System On demand AWD/2WD
Front Suspension Dual A-arm
Front Travel 12 inches
Rear Suspension Dual A-arm, rolled with anti-sway bar
Rear Travel 12 inches
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic disc with dual-bore front calipers
Ground clearance 12.5 inches cargo capacity 300 lbs. towing capacity n/a
Wheels Cast aluminum
Front tires 27x9-12; ITP 900 XCT rear tires 27x11-12; ITP 900 XCT Wheelbase 77 in.
Length 104 in.
Width 60.5 in.
Height 70.5 in.
Dry Weight 1,022 lbs.
Fuel 7.25 gallons
MSRP $12,699 (800); $13,999 (800 Orange Madness/Black LE); $13,999 (black/white/red LE)
Features Digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachom- eter, tripmeter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt lights, DC outlet
Orange Madness/Black LE Maxxis Bighorn tires on 12- inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black and Orange Madness seats with RZR emblem, Or- ange Madness painted dash and rear panel with Gloss Black hood; color matched front and rear suspension springs, custom RZR S graphics package, premium Fox Podium X shocks
Black/White/red LE Maxxis Bighorn tires on 12-inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black, Indy Red and white seats with RZR emblem, Gloss Black painted dash with white lightning hood, color matched front and rear suspension springs, White Lightning painted control arms, custom graphics pack- age, premium Fox Podium X shocks
RZR 4 800
Engine 760cc, H.O. 4-stroke twin, EFI
Transmission Automatic PVT with park, reverse, neutral, low and high, shaft
Drive System On demand AWD/2WD
Front Suspension Dual A-arm Fox Podium X 2.0 (com- pression adjustable with reservoir) shocks
Front Travel 12 inches
Rear Suspension Dual A-arm, rolled with anti-sway bar, Fox Podium X 2.0 (compression adjustable with reser- voir) shocks
Rear Travel 12 inches
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic disc with dual-bore front calipers
Ground Clearance 11.5 inches cargo capacity 300 lbs. towing capacity 1,500 lbs. Wheels Cast aluminum
Front Tires 27x9-12; ITP 900 XCT rear tires 27x11-12; ITP 900 XCT Wheelbase 103 in.
Length 130 in.
Width 60.5 in.
Height 75 in.
Dry Weight 1,255 lbs.
Fuel 7.25 gallons
MSRP $14,499 (Robby Gordon Edition); $15,799 (black/white/red EPS RG LE)
Front Suspension Dual A-arm with Fox Podium X 2.0 (compression adjustable with reservoir) shocks
Front travel 13.5 inches
Rear Suspension Trailing arm with Fox Podium X 2.0 (compression adjustable with reservoir) shocks
Rear Travel 14 inches
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic disc with dual-bore front calipers
Ground Clearance 13 inches cargo capacity 300 lbs. towing capacity n/a
Wheels Cast aluminum
Front Tires 27x9-12; ITP 900 XCT rear tires 27x11-12; ITP 900 XCT Wheelbase 81.4 in.
Length 108.4 in.
Width 64 in.
Height 73 in.
Dry Weight 1,190 lbs.
Fuel 7.25 gallons
MSRP $15,999 (XP 900); $17,699 (Voodoo Blue/ White/Black LE); $16,799 (Liquid Silver LE)
Features Digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachom- eter, tripmeter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt lights, DC Outlets (2)
EPS Black/White/Red RG LE Electronic power steering, premium Fox Podium X 2.0 shocks with compression adjustment knob, Maxxis Bighorn tires on 12-inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black, Indy Red and white seats with RZR emblem, Gloss Black painted dash with white lightning hood, color matched front and rear suspension springs
RZR XP 900
Engine 875cc, DOHC 4-stroke twin, EFI
Transmission Automatic PVT with park, reverse, neutral, low and high, shaft
Drive System On demand AWD/2WD
Features Digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, tachometer, tripmeter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, Hi- Temp/Low-Batt lights, coolant temp, DC outlet
Voodoo Blue/White/Black LE Electronic power steering, premium 8-ply BajaCross tires on 12-inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black, Voodoo blue and white seats with red RZR emblem, White Lightning painted dash with Voodoo blue hood, color matched Voo- doo Blue front and rear suspension springs, White Lightning painted control arms, trailing arms and radius rods, custom graphics package
Liquid Silver LE Premium 8-ply BajaCross tires on 12- inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black and white seats with red RZR emblem, Liquid Silver painted dash with Gloss Black hood, color matched front and rear suspension springs, White Lightning painted con- trol arms, trailing arms and radius rods, custom graphics package, Liquid Silver painted cab frame
RZR XP 4 900
Engine 875cc, DOHC 4-stroke twin, EFI
transmission Automatic PVT with park, reverse, neutral, low and high, shaft
drive System On demand AWD/2WD 
Front Suspension Dual A-arm with Walker Evans 2.0 (compression adjustable with reservoir) shocks Front travel 13.5 inches
rear Suspension Trailing arm with Walker Evans 2.0 (compression adjustable with reservoir) shocks
rear travel 14 inches
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic disc with dual-bore front and rear calipers
Ground clearance 12.5 inches cargo capacity 300 lbs. towing capacity n/a
Wheels Cast aluminum
Front tires 27x9-12; ITP 900 XCT rear tires 27x11-12; ITP 900 XCT Wheelbase 107.4 in.
length 134.4 in.
Width 64 in.
Height 77 in.
dry Weight 1,390 lbs.
Fuel 7.25 gallons
MSrP $17,999 (XP 4 900); $19,499 (Liquid Silver LE) Features Digital gauge, speedometer, odometer, ta- chometer, tripmeter, hour meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt lights, coolant temp, DC outlets (2)
liquid Silver lE Electronic power steering, Maxxis Bighorn tires on 12-inch black Crusher aluminum rims, custom cut and sew black and white seats with red RZR emblem, Liquid Silver painted dash with Gloss Black hood, color matched front and rear suspension springs, White Lightning painted control arms, trailing arms and radius rods, custom graphics package
To learn more www.polarisindustries.com
