UTV TEST: Hisun Strike 800

Having tested the Strike 1000 in April and the youth Strike 250 in May, we thought we’d try out the Strike 800 this issue. Not everyone can afford the extreme-performance UTVs of today, and the Strike 800 delivers a lot of standard features at a low price that makes it appealing. Here’s the story on Hisun’s sporty UTV with its second-largest engine supported by CVTech’s new, more durable Trailbloc IBC clutch.

WHAT’S A STRIKE 800?
Hisun is a long-time manufacturer of ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and scooters in China, and final assembly of its UTVs and ATVs is completed at the Hisun facility in Dallas, Texas. Strike UTVs are sport-minded machines with eight-valve, SOHC, EFI, V-twin engines connected to dual-range CVTs with a CVTech Trailbloc IBC clutch and Delphi EFI. The Strike 800 has two 91mm pistons, a 61.5mm bore and makes 55 horsepower with 10:1 compression. Standard equipment includes a nontilting bed like a RZR, a 3500-pound winch, half windshield, side mirrors, turn signals, emergency flashers, adjustable high-back seats, roof, horn, analog/digital display, and new twotone aluminum wheels with aggressive Wanda tires. It’s EPA/CARB compliant and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
Hisun’s Strike 800 is a bargain at $10,999 with its standard 3500-pound winch, roof, windshield, mirrors, heavyduty front bumper and oil-emulsion shocks with adjustable preload. Arctic Cat’s Wildcat Sport 700 starts at $13,599 and goes up to $15,999, while Can-Am’s Commander 800 starts at $11,999 without EPS and $13,149 with Tri-mode EPS. The new Polaris RZR S 900 EPS is $15,499 or $16,499 with EPS, and the 50-inch RZR 900 is $12,799 without EPS and $14,799– $17,999 with it.

HOW FAST IS THE 800CC V-TWIN?
The Strike 800 is comparable to the old Rhino 660 in speed and acceleration. Compared to the 1000 we tested in April, the 800 shares the 91mm pistons, but is de-stroked 13.5mm and has a pound less compression, so it isn’t nearly as crisp in acceleration. It’s fairly sporty in low range but takes a long time to build revs in high. It also has an inch-lower tires than the 1000 (26s), while the manual lists 25-inch tires. We’d like to see a reduction in gearing to better match power to the new 26-inch Wandas.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?
A dual-range continuously variable transmission with a CVTech Trailbloc IBC clutch and Rhino-like dual-button control for 2WD/4WD/front diff-lock. Unlike the Strike 1000, the 800 doesn’t have an unlocking rear diff for Turfsaver mode.

WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLING?
It’s decent, with a good combination of turning prowess and stability. The HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES? Not very for sport riders. Although it has four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, pedal throw is excessive and the parking brake is also weak.

WHERE IS THE STRIKE HAPPIEST?
Cruising forest trails. Rack-and-pinion steering has a light feel at the wheel despite no EPS, so it carves turns on forest-service roads and provides good feedback in slides. With a little over 5 inches of suspension travel, it doesn’t want to slam water bars, rocks, roots or rain ruts.

HOW ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
This is the Strike’s strong point. The high-back seats are comfortable and fully adjustable, and the shoulder/ seat belts work well. The steering wheel is strong and looks like a tilt unit, but it takes wrenches to set it to the desired angle. The dash has blanks for accessories but no glove box (there’s a storage bin under the hood). The curved T-handle passenger bar is adjustable and sturdy as well. The steering column has turn signals on the left and horn and light controls on the right lever, plus an emergency flasher switch on top. The plastic roof is nice but doesn’t have a rain gutter along the front, so rain runs into the cabin and onto the occupants’ legs. The winch control plugs underneath the dash and has a metal mount.

WHAT’S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
While the 800cc EFI V-twin is closest in performance to the Strike 1000, the Strike 800 has suspension travel more like that of the youth Strike 250 2WD. Its standard features and comfortable seats make it a pleasure on the trail, though, as long as you don’t over-drive the suspension. The Strike is streetlegal in more than 20 states. We’d like to see more suspension travel and optional doors instead of the wimpy side nets.

SPECS
2016 HISUN STRIKE 800
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type …… Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC 4-stroke
V-twin
Displacement …………………………………………800cc
Bore x stroke …………………….. 91mm x 61.5mm (2)
Compression ratio ……………………………………. 10:1
Lubrication system ……………………………. Wet sump
Induction ………………………… EFI 54mm throttle body
Starting/back-up ……………………………..Electric/none
Starting procedure ……….In any range, brake engaged
Air filter:
Type …………………………………. Paper mesh/screen
Transmission ………. Dual-range CVT w/ CVTech clutch
Drive system ………………..2WD/4WD w/ locking diffs
Final drive f/r …………………………………….Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ……………………………………….. 7.9 gal.
Wheelbase …………………………………………….. 76.4”
Overall length/width/height …………..106.3”/61”/72.4”
Ground clearance …………………………………….. 10.2”
Claimed dry weight ………………………………1,205 lb.
Bed capacity …………………………………………350 lb.
Hitch ……………………………………… 1.5-inch receiver
Towing capacity …………………………………. 1200 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame ……………………….. 2-inch, high-strength steel
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms & coil-over shocks w/ adj. prel./5.1”
Rear Dual A-arms & coil-over shocks w/ adj. prel./5.9”
Brakes:
Front ………………………Single-piston hydraulic discs
Rear ……………………….Single-piston hydraulic discs
Tires:
Front ………………………….AT26x9-14 Wanda radial
Rear …………………………AT26x11-14 Wanda radial
DETAILS
DC outlet ……………………. Auto-style waterproof plug
Lighting:
Front ………………………………..Two 35W headlights
Rear ……………………Twin 5W/21W tail/brake lights
Instrumentation … LED speedo/odo/tach/trip/hour/fuel/
gear position/diagnostics/clock
Colors …………..Black, red, blue, orange, white, camo
Minimum recommended operator age ………………. 16
Suggested retail price ………………………….. $10,999
Contact …… www.hisunmotors.com, (972) 446-0760