Hi-performance Side x Sides are all about a perfect balance between power, suspension and handling. In the right combination, they’ll give you an exhilarating rush like nothing else. The machine that exemplifies that magic formula better than any other is the 2012 Polaris RZR XP 900.
Visually the RZR XP 900 gets its styling from the rest of the RZR family, but under the bodywork is where the differences begin. Racing across the desert requires long travel suspension, and the XP 900 comes with 14 inches of wheel travel right from the factory. Unlike other members of the RZR family, the XP 900 uses a trailing arm rear suspension design to help control geometry change through the long travel stroke, and at both the front and rear, premium quality, Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks control the ride. At the front is a set of long, dual A-arms offering 13.5 inches of wheel travel and total width is 64 inches. It’s not the most travel in the class, but it is very effective and as a package it works awesome.
Polaris equips the RZR XP 900 with the new ProStar engine and the 875cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, twin cylinder engine is fed by Electronic Fuel Injection. The new engine starts easily, runs smooth, and the rear engine placement keeps noise to a minimum for the driver and passenger. Polaris claims a maximum 88 hp, 73 mph, and 29% better acceleration than anything else, but whatever the final numbers, the power is impressive.
The Polaris RZR XP 900 practically begs to be ridden hard. Dial in the shocks for your riding style, point it at wide open desert, press the throttle to the floor and it floats across the landscape with ease. It set a new standard for hi-performance recreation and for 2012, the Polaris RZR XP 900 is our pick for High Performance Side x Side of the Year.
