Video-2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 at Hatfield McCoy Trails Hot

The 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 is a side-by-side utility vehicle that offers riders a nonstop, heart pounding experience for the Ranger RZR's 2 or 4 person models. The folks at Polaris Industries have done a great job with not only the mechanics and overall quality of the 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP900, but aesthetically it looks like Max Thunderdome had a fling with I Am Legend.

The result: badassness with a little hint of swagger.

Let's say it's the end of the world, give or take a few plagues. Things obviously aren't going that well for mankind. A few less than happy survivors are trolling around the city, there's rubble everywhere, and needless to say, it's a little challenging for me to get around in my Prius. What's a guy to do?

Well, I'll give you the short answer, the 2012 Polaris RZR XP 900. It is, the vehicle of choice for Armageddon enthusiasts, or perhaps those who want to spend the weekend at the Hatfield McCoy Trail Systems.

Ready to ride? Well tie on your big boy pants, because here we go.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails-Little Coal River Trail Head

Little Coal River is 1 of 7 trail systems you will find at Hatfield McCoy trails. The others are Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, Rock House, and Pocahontas.

The trails are well maintained, marked, more than wide enough for the 65" of side-by-side lovin' the RZR offers, and there is so many different levels of riding that Little Coal River offers. If you want black diamond hills and trails, you have them. If you want a more relaxing and scenic atmosphere with the family, that is there for you as well.

With 54.5 miles of trails, onsite lodging offered by Kathryn Kabins, and family activities with water parks and sports, there is something for everyone at the Little Coal River Trail System.

The Engine

1:09-You will see the raw power of the 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP900 chewing up a black diamond hill. 875 CC, 4-stroke, DOHC, Twin Cylinder engine. In other words, its hella fast, with torque to deliver for days on end.

I noticed very little lag in pedal response, and the power delivery was smooth throughout. Plus, it gave me enough low and high-end power to get through deep mud pits and ruts on the trail system. Keep pressing the pedal and the power keeps coming, it seems endless.

Braking

1:42 - A great feature of the 2012 Polaris Ranger RZR is the engine braking.

Spotty braking can be the difference between a broken tree limb or a broken arm limb. Thankfully, the RZR has a monster braking component with 4-wheel hydraulic disc braking. So what does this mean? Discs stop each wheel more effectively, and offer more control in heavy braking situations, thus providing riders with more fun and less trips into the tree in front of them. I had some close calls during my test and I was far beyond impressed with the braking ability and overall stopping power.

Handling

2:52 - RZR XP 900 hitting some tight turns

Side-by-Sides are not typically revered for their exceptional handling, but the RZR XP 900 impresses with a solid core (81.4") for stability and very competent handling on tight trail systems. Thirteen inches of ground clearance gives plenty of room for logs, rocks, or anything else you'll need to run over.

Suspension

3:22 - Fox Racing suspension dominating some high speed jumps

The Fox Racing shocks worked great on hills, rough terrain, small jumps, and the high-speed handling was phenomenal, offering us great stability.

Features includes:

• Digital GaugeSpeedometer
• OdometerTachometer
• Trip and Hour Meter
• Cloc
• Gear Indicator
• Fuel Gauge
• Hi-Temp/Low-Battery Light
• Coolant Temp
• DC Outlet

Overall Impressions

The RZR XP starts at 16k, which is pricey I admit. But here's the real question, is it worth 16k? I would say yes, if you're looking for a high-performance side by side. ATV's and UTV's are not inherently inexpensive anyway, but the RZR XP is the Dodge Viper of them all, raw power and aggression in its purest form.

I think the RZR is probably one of the most complete off-road units I've tested over the past year. It offers power, handling, stability, and comfort in a package that, well, makes me look pretty cool if I can say so myself.

I would address the storage capacity, which for me was lacking. The gas tank size was pretty robust, giving us a good amount of time of riding per tank. Trying to figure out how many hours or miles you can get from the 7.25 gallon gas tank is next to impossible.

We spent the entire day on the Little Coal River-Hatfield McCoy Trail System without filling up once. So, depending on where and how often you are using the full potential of the 88 horsepower, Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 like we were, gas mileage/hours is up to you.

Thanks

Western Powersports - Fly Racing Gear for providing us the gear to get the job done!

Kathryn Kabins - onsite lodging with heating, A/C, hot showers, and all the amenities of home

Polaris Industries - Sending us the most amazing dirt machines I have ever ridden

Liquid Image - supplying the onboard, and in the mud cameras and goggles

Hatfield McCoy Trail Systems - Little Coal River Trail Head

Snow Polaris/Victory in Coraopolis/Chicora - great bunch of guys, who keep up with servicing this machines

2012 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 Review

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