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Polaris RZR RS1 Dune Review

Polaris RZR RS1

By Jon Crowley

After several years of single-seat ACE machines that have left pure-sport junkies wanting more, Polaris finally came out with the RZR RS1.  This new single seater no longer carries the ACE name and appears from the marketing material to be focused on the racer market (GNCC, WORCS, GRC):

The RZR RS1 is the ideal machine for a real driver’s driver looking to push beyond their limits, free from care or concern of a backseat driver. The single-seat center-of-mass position unlocks high-visibility sightlines to oncoming terrain and provides increased balance and feel within the chassis. The race-inspired driver ergonomics and new steering position create extra room for active arm and leg movement.

Polaris RZR RS1

Polaris RZR RS1

The ultra-nimble 64” width RZR RS1 features a 110-HP ProStar 1000 H.O. 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder, the RZR XP 1000’s suspension, upgraded drivetrain and compact, 83-inch wheelbase. The new precision-balanced chassis features a rear-mounted, dual-fan radiator for maximum engine cooling and a new race-hardened drivetrain for durability and instantaneous power. The RZR RS1 also adopts the trailing-arm suspension of the RZR XP 1000, to absorb unrelenting obstacles for the smoothest possible driving experience as you scythe through the most twisting of trails.

To me, the dunes are nature’s race track, and thanks to Placerville Polaris, I was able to check the RZR RS1 out at Sand Mountain, NV to see how it could handle the dunes firsthand. Other than the Pro Armor sand tires, the RS1 was completely stock.

Polaris RZR RS1

Polaris RZR RS1

The RZR RS1 is naturally aspirated just like the RZR XP1000. In our fleet of vehicles in the dunes, we had all turbos so the RS1 had its work cut out – we had a new RZR XP Turbo S, a 2016 RZR XP Turbo and our Can-Am Maverick X3 X RC

Sand Mountain

The lineup at Sand Mountain Nevada

We ran for a few days out in the dunes together, mostly with Rick from Placerville Polaris behind the wheel and the RS1 never skipped a beat.  I got behind the wheel a few times and was very impressed. The visibility was incredible.  You can literally see both front tires all the time.  The vehicle feels very balanced with just the center seat, and with the arms sticking out past the body so far, it gives you the feeling that you have long travel suspension. The power is adequate for the dunes, and the RS1 had no problem keeping up, but most of us that got behind the wheel were thinking a turbo would be a great addition. Not really needed in the hard pack, but for steep hill climbs like you see at Sand Mountain, it would be fun.

The RZR RS1 is going to be a bigger hit for the enthusiast crowd than I think Polaris expected. It is really fun, and definitely not for just racing.  I can see taking the RS1 on trail rides, rock crawling, exploring, etc.  Only drawback for adventure type riding is the lack of storage space.  There is some room under the hood, and a little bit behind the seats in the “bed”, but you would be hard pressed to go camping in the RS1.

Slightly unrelated, but I really think the RS1 will be a very good rock crawler.  Great visibility and small skid plate will make it super nimble. I am hoping that we can get our hands on an RS1 so we can hit the trails with it and take it to the Rubicon this summer.

Likes:

  • Visibility
  • Reuses RZR XP1000 engine and suspension (common components equals more aftermarket parts)
  • Driver centric
  • Price – $13,999
  • Updated, stronger front differential (same as RZR XP Turbo S)
  • Updated CVT cooling (same as RZR XP Turbo S)
  • New brake pedal allows for awesome two-foot control
  • More legroom than normal RZR XP
  • Side plastic by engine removes easily for better access
  • Single seat so you don’t have to feel bad telling someone that you’d rather ride alone!

Dislikes:

  • Lack of storage, very small area in the “bed”
  • Seat flex (mostly from the seat base)
  • Whip flag mounts are not strong enough

More details on the Polaris RZR RS1: 2018 POLARIS RZR RS1

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