To most UTV enthusiasts, a RZR 1000 is the RZR XP 1000—the 110-horsepower, 64-inch-wide, high-performance beast. There’s another RZR 1000 you need to know about—the 100-horsepower, 60-inch-wide RZR S 1000.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017?
—Front and rear sway bars minimize body roll. The 2016 had a rear sway bar only.
—2-inch Walker Evans piggyback front and rear shocks offer tool-less compression-damping adjustment and needle-type bottom-out control.
—A new seat angle places the driver’s upper body closer to the steering wheel for less arm fatigue.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
The RZR S 1000 EPS is $17,999. Can-Am’s 100-horsepower, 60-inch-wide Maverick XC is $15,699. The Maverick XC DPS is $16,599 and the Maverick X XC is $18,599. Arctic Cat’s Wildcat Sport XT EPS is $14,599, the Wildcat Sport LTD EPS is $15,999 and the Wildcat Sport SE EPS is $16,499. The RZR XP 1000 is $19,499.
WHAT POWERS IT?
A 999cc, double-overhead-cam, eight-valve inline twin, much like the RZR XP 1000’s, but it’s tuned for 100 horsepower rather than 110.
WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT HAVE?
A belt-type, fully automatic, continuously variable transmission. It’s the easiest type to use. Unlike most other RZR models, the RZR S 1000’s transmission provides engine braking in continuous zero-throttle situations.
WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT HAVE?
Selectable 2WD/4WD with an automatic-locking front differential. Even when you select 4WD, the system remains in 2WD until the speed-sensing front differential detects rear-wheel slip, then it locks.
HOW FAST IS IT?
Seriously fast. The 100-horsepower, 1,235-pound RZR S 1000 actually has a slightly better power-to-weight ratio than the 110-horsepower, 1,369-pound RZR XP 1000. It’s 12.35 pounds per horsepower versus 12.44 pounds per horsepower. The RZR S 1000 delivers XP 1000-like acceleration when you stand on the gas pedal, but the less highly tuned S isn’t as brutally quick as the XP.
HOW IS THE POWER DELIVERY ON THE TRAIL?
It’s aggressive but controllable. A hundred horses is a lot of power for tight woods work, but the RZR’s power delivery is responsive without being too abrupt. It has the tractability you need for rock steps and slippery trails, and strong acceleration for covering ground in a hurry. Low range is good for 40 mph, so on tight trails you can rocket from turn to turn. The S 1000 has that great, fun feeling of always having plenty of power in reserve.
HOW IS THE SUSPENSION?
It’s an excellent woods setup. The RZR S 1000’s suspension has a firm, sporty feel, and it handles aggressive driving with great control and no excessive bottoming. With 12.25 inches of travel up front and 13.2 inches in the rear, it’s able to take G-outs and jump landings in stride. It can even maintain an impressive pace in whoops, though it can’t devour whoops at XP 1000 speeds. Tool-less, knob-type compression-damping adjusters on the shocks make it easy to take advantage of the suspension’s adjustability.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
It’s very agile and well planted. Front and rear sway bars and high-end suspension give the S 1000 flat, direct cornering. It’s impressively stable on steep or off-camber trails, and it slides predictably. Power steering gives the RZR S 1000 a light, easy-to-handle feel, and it damps the feedback bumps try to send through the steering wheel.
HOW IS IT ON HILLS?
It’s a confident climber. With 100 horsepower, power isn’t an issue when taking on big climbs with the RZR S 1000, and the 4WD system gets the power to the ground efficiently. The GBC Dirt Commander tires find plenty of traction in soft, rocky and hard terrain. Unlike most RZRs, the RZR S 1000 has engine braking, which adds a measure of security on steep downhills. It only acts on the rear wheels, even in 4WD, but having engine braking when you’re off the throttle makes steep terrain easier to tackle.
HOW IS IT IN MUD AND WATER?
Mostly great. As with many sports UTVs, the bodywork and the quarter doors don’t offer much splash protection, but the S 1000 is otherwise well suited to wet and muddy riding conditions. Door inserts or full doors can help keep more mud and water outside the cabin. Plenty of power, an effective 4WD system and 12.5 inches of ground clearance make muddy, rutted terrain just another fun feature on the trail for the RZR.
HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Impressive. The RZR S 1000 comes with power steering, painted bodywork, aluminum wheels, and compression and spring preload-adjustable piggyback-reservoir Walker Evans shocks. It also has quarter doors rather than nets and a roomy, comfortable cabin with good seats. Engine braking makes this RZR one of the easiest RZR models to drive in hilly terrain.
WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
The RZR S 1000 gets you the arm-stretching power and acceleration that makes 1000cc machines so much fun with the crisp, agile handling and added trail access of a 60-inch-wide machine. It’s also much more affordable than the RZR XP 1000.
POLARIS RZR S 1000 EPS
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC 4-stroke twin
Displacement 999cc
Bore x stroke 93mm x 73.5mm (x2)
Compression ratio 11:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Additional cooling Auto fan
Induction 48mm EFI throttle body (X2)
Starting/back-up Electric/none
Starting procedure Turn ignition switch
Air filter:
Type Paper pleat
Access Tool-less, remove engine panel & undo
2 straps
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/ reverse &
engine braking
Reverse procedure Move range selector to “R”
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ auto diff-lock
Final drives Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 9.5 gal.
Wheelbase 79.0”
Overall length/width/height 106”/60”/71.5”
Ground clearance 12.5”
Claimed dry weight 1,235 lb.
Bed weight limit 300 lb.
Hitch No
Towing limit N/A
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame Steel round tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms w/ prel./comp.-adj. Walker Evans
2.0 shocks/12.25”
Rear Dual A-arms w/ prel./comp.-adj. Walker Evans
2.0 shocks/13.2”
Brakes/actuation:
Front Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Rear Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Parking Lever on console
Tires:
Front AT 27×9-12 GBC Dirt Commander
Rear AT 27×12-12 GBC Dirt Commander
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet Console
Lighting:
Front 2 halogen 55/60W hi/lo headlights
Rear Dual LED brake/taillights
DETAILS
Instrumentation Speed/odo/trip/hour/rpm/fuel/gear/
clock/2WD-4WD
Colors Indy Red, Stealth Black, Spectra Orange
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $17,999
Contact Polaris, (800) POLARIS