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!

   

Rzr 1000 Dominating TN Trails by Everything ATV UTV Reviews

Over the course of the last years I've seen less and less ATV's on the trails and more folks moving to side by sides.  The popularity of side by sides continues to build steam as we seen on our latest trail ride at Brimstone Recreation in Huntsville TN.  Not only did we observe less ATV's on the trail we rarely seen anything but newer UTV's.

On this day my daughter and I were piloting a 2012 Rzr 800.  It had been almost a year since our last visit here and the terrain had changed considerably.  Our factory Rzr 800 could literally be driven between the tracks of the popular fire breathing Polaris and Can-Am 1000's.  We're always up for a challenge and the rutting of the bigger UTV's provided this. 

Throughout our ride it was apparent from the trail footprints that the 1000's had certainly been dominating the Brimstone scene.  We did pass an occasional 900 Rzr and Can-Am 1000, but the Rzr 1000 certainly appeared to be most folk's choice.  The bigger tires the 1000's ride on and the horsepower to spin them do leave their mark.  Even with the rutting on the more difficult, red trails, our Rzr 800 did everything we asked it to, even though it could have won the award for the oldest Rzr of the day.

What has virtually became extinct at Brimstone (at least on this day) was the traditional ATV.  Five years ago ATV's were the majority on the trail, but the smooth riding, family friendly and sporty side by sides have gained popularity.  ATV's are still my choice when I ride solo, but our 800 Rzr allowed us to comfortably and safely navigate through the Brimstone trails. 

Polaris General 1000 Walk Around-Everything ATV UTV Reviews

Polaris has been pushing the limits in the ATV and SxS industry for years now.  They keep things exciting for us off-road warriors by consistently improving the capabilities and styling of their all-terrain offerings.  New for 2016, Polaris has again rocked the market with the Ranger General 1000!

We were able to get our hands on a Deluxe General 1000 for a walk around and to say we were impressed is a understatement.  It's no surprise that Polaris knows how to contour body lines with color schemes and this dual purpose UTV is a perfect match.  The styling makes a statement of a true sport utility vehicle with the right amount of both.  Not only does it look good on the initial look, but closer inspection of the way everything fits together really speaks volumes on the attention to detail and quality.

On the outside the General's color schemed a-arms, Fox gas shocks, painted black aluminum rims with Dirt Commander tires and multitude of bolt on accessories scream sport even when it's sitting still.  On the inside the General doesn't disappoint and has a true "WOW" factor.  The interior styling and finish reminded us of opening the door of a late model Jeep.  The seats look and feel much better quality over the 800 Rzr's, colored schemed to the exterior and look and feel really high end.

Factory Polaris accessories are abundant for the General and they've done a incredible job.  Bumpers, tree kickers and much more simply bolt on without hassle.  If you can't find what you're looking for from the factory don't worry, plenty of companies out there with alternative product lines.  Polaris allows folks to finance these items in with the initial purchase.

To sum our walk around of the new General 1000 up we can say it truly is impressive.  Everywhere you look on the General you see attention to detail and a great understanding of how things mesh.  These UTV's are certainly worth the new customer taking a serious look at.

Polaris General Front Differential Fluid Change: 7.5 Oz. Capacity

Changing the front differential fluid, also known as the Front Gearcase is a easy task.  The oil change is basically identical to all other Polaris ATV's and UTV's.  The fluid change requires only requires one tool and a couple minutes to complete.

Before getting started have everything you need on hand.
-Polaris Demand Drive Fluid (7.5 oz)
-8mm allen wrench
-catch pan

To make the fluid easier to drain warm it up by driving the General around for a couple minutes.  After warming it up park the General on level ground and place the catch pan under the front differential.  Next remove the 8mm allen style plug from the bottom of the differential, it's located via a hole in the skid plate.  As the old fluid drains remove the fill plug, it's located on the passenger side of the differential unit and is also a 8mm allen style plug.  Once the fluid has drained wipe any debris from the magnet drain plug and reinstall.  Some small debris is normal, but large shavings may indicate a problem within the gearcase.  The creative part is filling the differential with 7.5 oz of Demand Drive Fluid.  We general use a hose attached to the filler neck as seen in the video, but others have used turkey basters or funnels.  Once the front gearcase is full the fluid will be at the point of coming out the fill plug.

We would suggest performing this maintenance every 25 hours of use.  This may seem like a lot, but the front gearcase or differential is a costly repair.  A good  maintenance routine can save big bucks in the long term. 

What happened to the Polaris Rzr? Largest Recall in off-road Vehicle History.

As most readers already know we work on and review lots of ATV's and UTV's.  Recently on one of my many trips to our local Polaris dealer I noticed the show lot out front looked pretty bare.  Once inside I noticed that there were pages full of names posted on the parts room door.  As my trip to the Polaris Dealer lingered I overheard folks talking about a recall on the newest Rzr's.

So to clear things up it appears Polaris has recalled some models of the Rzr 900 and Rzr 1000 from 2013 to 2016.  This recall effects 133,000 units, including the current brand new 900 and 1000's at the dealerships.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports this is the largest recall in the history of off-road recreation vehicles.

The recall appears to have stemmed from a reported 160 Rzr fires, some which ignited when the vehicle tipped over.  It has been reported that 19 individuals have received injuries and one 15 year old girl died as a result of burns sustained.  In the recall announcement, CPSC officials noted that the reported injuries involving RZR machines included people who suffered first-, second- and third-degree burns.

As part of the recall, Polaris agreed to immediately suspend the sale of all of the affected RZR models until they are repaired. The company said it is sending recall letters to owners whose addresses are on file with the company, but it also urged owners to check the company’s website for the specific vehicle identification numbers involved in the recall. Repairs will be provided free of charge and service appointments should last about an hour, Polaris said.

LINK TO SOURCE 

Polaris General Transmission Fluid Change

Changing the transmission fluid or as Polaris refers to it as the Main Gearcase on the General 1000 is pain free.  The General's design allows for the average UTV owner to maintain the entire running gear with just a hand full of tools.  Before getting started make sure you have the following ready.

• 1.3 quarts of Polaris AGL Fluid
• 8mm allen wrench
• catch pan

Begin by locating the drain plug which can be found where the main and rear skid plate meet.  Remove the drain plug with a 8mm allen wrench.  The drain plug is magnetic so take notice to any debris on it and wipe clean.   As the old AGL Fluid drains locate the fill plug above the reese hitch and below the rear sway bar.  The clearance is tight accessing the transmission fill plug on the General, but is doable.  Once the fill plug is broke loose you can remove it entirely with your fingers.  To fill we used a clear tube attached to the nozzle as seen in the below video.  Once 1.3 ounces of AGL Fluid is installed, or it crests the fill plug hole, reinstall the fill plug.

Best way to change oil on the Polaris General 1000

The Ranger General 1000 has been designed to allow the owner with limited mechanical skills the ability to perform their own maintenance.  Changing oil on the General requires only one tool, a 6mm allen wrench, and less than 30 minutes.  Before getting started make sure you have the following ready or watch this How To Video.

• 2.5 qts. 5w-50 Synthetic Oil
• oil filter
• 6mm allen wrench
• catch pan

 Begin by removing the drain plug and allowing the oil to drain.  While the oil drains remove the oil filter, located on front of the engine and behind the cab.  The owners manual suggests accessing the oil filter from the drivers side and removing some ducting and hoses.  We were able to remove the oil filter from the passenger side without having to remove anything, but you will have to wait for the exhaust to cool.  There is enough room to get you're right hand and arm to the filter with this method.  The video below shows exactly how to do it.  Once the oil is drained reinstall the drain plug and oil filter and fill to 2.5 quarts oil.  After running the engine for a couple minutes and then allowing it to sit for a couple minutes check the oil level.