50 Inch RZR 800 Test Review by Everything ATV UTV Reviews

Recently we at Everything ATV UTV Reviews had the opportunity to test a 2012 Rzr 800 Limited Edition with the 50 inch chassis.  First let's cover some of the upgrades that come with the Limited Edition or LE.  These include aluminum wheels, tough automotive style painted plastics and best of all, Electronic Power Steering or EPS.  Polaris released at least three different versions of the Rzr 800 in 2012 and include the "S" version highlighted by a wider stance and adjustable gas charged shocks.  The LE version we previously discussed and the base model without electronic power steering.

Firing the Rzr 800 up is as easy as turning the key with it's electronic fuel injection system.  Once started choose between Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low or High Range.  We found high range to fit most trail situations unless hill climbing from a dead stop, slow technical riding or towing a load.  When the trail gets rough flip the all wheel drive (AWD) switch and unlike most other manufacturers the Rzr 800 delivers a true four wheel drive with all four tires grabbing traction.  With the electronic power steering we couldn't feel any negative feedback through the steering wheel and found ourselves forgetting to take it out of AWD on more than one occasion.

The 800 twin cylinder engine provided plenty of power for whatever we encountered along the trail.  These engines don't have the best exhaust tone, but make up for it in performance and reliability.  The torque the 800 puts out is handled effectively by the PVT or belt driven Polaris Variable Transmission.  The only area the transmission lacked in was engine braking and tends to break loose and free wheel at lower RPM's.

As always we pushed the 800 Rzr up hills and through tight trails that general only see ATV's.  With the narrower 50 inch stance we had no trouble getting the 800 RZR LE through the trails.  We can say that it would have been near impossible to squeeze the wider S model through some places.  When riding on off chambers we did hit the hills and slopes with a head on line and momentum to keep it on all four tires.

The highlight of the Rzr 800 was defiantly the smooth ride characteristics and electronic power steering.  We had no problems with fatigue from hours on the trail and that makes the Rzr 800 one of the top picks for folks primarily trail riding with this UTV.  If you're in the market for a used Rzr Everything ATV UTV Reviews has one fail safe suggestion and that is get one with power steering, you won't regret it!