2024 TWO-SEAT 50 & 60-INCH UTV BUYER’S GUIDE

On May 14, 2024

2024 TWO-SEAT 50 & 60-INCH UTV BUYER’S GUIDE

Sport machines for tight trails By the staff of Dirt Wheels

Yamaha’s original Rhino 660 had a width of 54.5 inches, and the Polaris RZR 800 introduced 20 years ago had a width of 50 inches, making it perfect for U.S. Forest Service, BLM and state 50-inch ATV trails. The evolution of side-by-sides brought bigger engines, long-travel suspension and more performance, and the new Maverick R is 77 inches wide, so it’s great to see manufacturers still offering 50- and 60-inch SxS models with tight-wood trails and mountain switchbacks in mind. Here are the 2024 sport recreation machines for USFS trail exploration.

CAN-AM MAVERICK SPORT DPS 1000R

Can-Am’s 60-inch-wide Maverick Sport 1000R uses a more aggressive tune and exhaust system to produce 100 horsepower from the 976cc V-twin. Maverick Sports join X3-like handling and ergonomics with a more nimble, compact platform that is perfect for tighter trails. The DPS 1000R lets you tune the power delivery with the Sport and Eco throttle-map switch on the dash. Sport 1000s featwure Can-Am’s automatic-locking Visco-Lok Front differential and roomy interiors with large in-dash storage compartments for the driver and passenger. DPS models have three-mode variable-assist power steering, painted bodywork, Visco-Lok QE, automatic engine braking, two-tone seats, and LED accented headlights. A 90.6-inch wheelbase aids agility, and tires are 27-inch Bighorn 2.0s.
See UTV Action’s full test of a previous Maverick Sport model here: https://utvactionmag.com/test-can-am-maverick-sport/.
See the entire Can-Am UTV lineup here: https://can-am.brp.com/off-road.

CAN-AM MAVERICK SPORT MAX DPS

Can-Am’s Maverick Sport Max X DPS is a 100-horsepower, 60-inch wide machine with a 976cc, 8-valve V-twin engine supplies the power, and the DPS model lets you tune the power delivery with the Sport and Eco throttle-map switch on the dash. The Maverick Sport Max also features Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential. Smart-Lok has two toggles on the dash to select from four modes: 2×4, 4×4 fully locked, 4×4 Trail Active (mud) and 4×4 Trail.

CAN-AM MAVERICK TRAIL DPS

Can-Am’s Maverick Trail DPS is available with a 52-horsepower, 650cc single or 75-horsepower 976cc V-twin, and the 50-inch-wide machine was developed for cross-country racers and trail riders. Drivers can tune power delivery with Sport- and Eco-mode ECU throttle maps, and the Trail has EBS with Electronic Hill Descent Control and Can-Am’s Quick Response System CVT with electronic drive belt protection. The Maverick Trail DPS features Can-Am’s Visco-Lok QE front differential and Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering with three levels of assist. The Trail DPS sports 26-inch Carlisle ACT tires on 12-inch aluminum wheels and premium taillight. The Maverick Trail DPS has 10 inches of front travel and 10.5 inches of rear travel using twin-tube gas-charged shocks. Front and rear anti-sway bars fight body roll in turns, and a 90.6-inch wheelbase adds to the agility.
See UTV Action’s full test of the Maverick Sport X xc here: https://utvactionmag.com/can-am-maverick-sport-x-xc/.
See the entire Can-Am UTV lineup here: https://can-am.brp.com/off-road.

CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 SPORT

The CFMoto ZForce 950 Sport is a 60-inch-wide sport machine with double-A-arm front suspension and multi-link trailing-arm rear suspension, a rarity on 60-inch-wide UTVs. It’s powered by a 963cc, 79-horsepower V-twin, and you can tune the engine performance to your driving style or terrain conditions with the Standard/Sport mode selector on the dash. The 950 Sport weighs just 1,488 pounds dry, giving this machine a great power-to-weight ratio. The 950 Sport also comes with rock sliders, compression-adjustable piggyback-reservoir shocks, 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels, 27-inch CST Stag tires, cutting-edge styling, a roof, 3,500-pound winch, full skid plate, LED head- and tail-lights, a multi-functional LCD instrument display with Bluetooth call indicator, 12-volt and USB power ports, and 2-inch hitch receiver – features you have to add to many sport UTVs.

CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 SPORT 4

The CFMoto ZForce 950 Sport is a 60-inch-wide, four-seat sport machine with double-A-arm front suspension and multi-link trailing arm rear suspension, a rarity on 60-inch-wide UTVs. It’s powered by a 963cc, 85-horsepower V-twin, and you can tune the engine performance to your driving style or terrain conditions with the Standard/Sport mode selector on the dash. The 950 Sport 4 weighs just 1,753 pounds dry, giving this machine a great power-to-weight ratio. The 950 Sport 4 also comes with rock sliders, compression-adjustable piggyback-reservoir shocks, 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels, 27-inch CST Stag tires, cutting-edge styling, a roof, 3,500-pound winch, full skid plate, LED head- and taillights, a multi-functional LCD instrument display with Bluetooth call indicator, 12-volt and USB power ports, and 2-inch hitch receiver—features you have to add to many sport UTVs. Wheelbase is 120 inches.

CFMOTO ZFORCE 950 TRAIL

The CFMoto ZForce 950 Trail is a 50-inch-wide sport machine with double-A-arm front suspension and TTA trailing arm rear suspension. It’s powered by a 963cc, 85-horsepower V-twin, and you can tune the engine performance to your driving style or terrain conditions with the Standard/Sport mode selector on the dash. The new-for-2023 950 Trail weighs just 1,422 pounds dry, giving this machine a great power-to-weight ratio. The 950 Trail also comes with rock sliders, compression-adjustable piggyback-reservoir shocks, 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels, 26-inch CST Stag tires, cutting-edge styling, a roof, 3,500-pound winch, full skid plate, LED head- and tail-lights, a multi-functional LCD instrument display with Bluetooth call indicator, 12-volt and USB power ports, and 2-inch hitch receiver—features you have to add to many sport UTVs.

CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 TRAIL

The CFMoto ZForce 800 Trail is 50 inches wide with 10 inches of front and 12 inches of rear travel. It’s powered by a 799cc, 8-valve V-twin with EFI and 59.6 horsepower. Standard equipment includes power steering, tilt steering wheel, doors, stainless steel bumpers, premium adjustable shocks, CST tires on alloy wheels, mirrors, a roof, high-intensity projector-beam headlights, digital dash, 2-inch hitch, and 3,500-pound winch. This agile machine rips through tight woods quicker than the 950 Sport and at a lower price; wheelbase is 90 inches.

HISUN STRIKE 1000R

The Hisun Strike 1000R is a 60-inch-wide, 1000cc sport machine that costs less than many 64-inch-wide Sport UTVs. The Hisun Strike 1000R comes with power steering, side mirrors, turn signals, horn, full windshield, 4,500-pound winch, heavy-duty steel Front bumper, roof, piggyback reservoir shocks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, rear trailer hitch and 26-inch tires on 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels for $14,599! The Strike’s instrumentation includes an easy-to-read analog speedometer and tachometer with LCD readouts for fuel level, engine temperature, odometer, trip odometer, clock and more. Hisun UTVs also come with a two-year warranty.
See the entire Hisun UTV lineup here: https://www.hisunmotors.com/products/vehicle/15/sector/sector-1000-eps.

KAWASAKI TERYX S LE/TERYX4 S LE

The four-seat Teryx4 S LE is a long-travel model of the original Teryx. Double-A-arm front and rear suspension with longer A-arms offers 10.7 inches of travel up front and 10 inches in the rear. Compression and spring preload-adjustable Fox 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks are used front and rear. The Teryx S LE is 61.6 inches wide and retains the same 118.1-inch length as the original Teryx, making it nimble on tight trails and great on mountain switchbacks. Large storage bins behind the seats and a tilting cargo bed provide plenty of storage.
The Teryx S LE is powered by a 783cc V-twin that produces strong, sporty response for its size, and it’s very controllable thanks to Kawasaki’s automatic transmission, which features a belt-protecting centrifugal clutch on the primary clutch that also provides predictable four-wheel engine braking in 4WD. The Teryx S is only available in LE trim, which includes power steering, painted bodywork, 14-inch aluminum wheels with 27-inch tires, and a roof. The Teryx S is covered by Kawasaki’s three-year warranty.

KAWASAKI TERYX

The 2024 Kawasaki Teryx is a sporty recreation machine with large storage bins behind the seats and a tilting cargo bed. The Teryx is powered by a responsive 783cc V-twin that is very controllable thanks to Kawasaki’s automatic transmission, which features a belt-protecting centrifugal clutch on the primary clutch that also provides predictable four-wheel engine braking in 4WD.
These 60-inch-wide machines have double-A-arm front and rear suspension with 8 inches of travel up front and 8.3 inches in the rear handle the bumps. Compression and spring preload-adjustable Fox 2.0 piggyback reservoir shocks are used front and rear. The Teryx is nimble on tight trails and great on mountain switchbacks. The Teryx is covered by Kawasaki’s three-year warranty.
See the full line of Kawasaki UTVs here: www.kawasaki.com.

POLARIS RZR TRAIL S 900 SPORT/S 1000 ULTIMATE

RZR Trail S models are 60 inches wide, with the Sport S 900 featuring a 75-horsepower, 875cc ProStar inline twin, and the Ultimate upgrading to a 100-horsepower 999cc twin. The S 900 Sport has 12.25 inches of front travel and 13.2 inches of rear travel, with Sachs twin-tube ZF shocks and double-A-arm independent suspension with dual anti-sway bars. Electronic power steering reduces effort and terrain kickback, and a three-position bus bar eases accessory installation. Sports have half doors, 27-inch Trailmaster A/T tires on 12-inch aluminum rims, LED lights, and styling from the Turbo S. Ultimate Trail S trim upgrades to Walker Evans Needle 2.0 shocks with 16-position compression adjusters, Ride Command with 7-inch touchscreen and back-up camera, LED accent lights, sport poly roof, and Rockford Fosgate Stage 2 audio system. Trail S models have a 1,500-pound towing and a fixed bed with 300-pound cargo capacity.

POLARIS RZR TRAIL 900 SPORT/1000 ULTIMATE

RZR Trail models are 50 inches wide, with the Sport 900 featuring a 75-horsepower, 875cc ProStar inline twin, and the Ultimate upgrading to a 100-horsepower 999cc twin. The 900 Sport has 10 inches of front and rear travel with Sachs twin-tube ZF shocks and double-A-arm independent suspension with dual anti-sway bars. Electronic power steering reduces effort and terrain kickback, and a three-position bus bar eases accessory installation. Sports have half doors, 26-inch PXT tires on 12-inch steel rims, LED lights, and styling from the Turbo S. Ultimate Trail trim upgrades to Fox Podium 2.0 X shocks, Ride Command with 7-inch touchscreen and back-up camera, LED accent lights, sport poly roof, and Rockford Fosgate Stage 2 audio system. Trail models have 1,500-pound towing and a fixed bed with 300-pound cargo capacity. Ground clearance is 11 inches.

POLARIS GENERAL 1000 SPORT/ULTIMATE

The Polaris General 1000 Sport is a 62.5-inch-wide two-seat sport utility UTV with 12.25 inches of front suspension travel and 13.2 inches in the rear. It has a 100-horsepower engine mated with a CVT with engine-deceleration assist EBS, and lighter weight gives it stronger acceleration than the more expensive Polaris General XP 1000 models. Travel is equivalent to a RZR Trail S with 12.25 inches of front and 13.2 inches of rear travel, so it’s sporty but has a dumping bed with 600 pounds of cargo capacity. The Sport comes with Sachs ZF twin-tube shocks, front/rear anti-sway bars, full doors, 27-inch CST Clincher tires on 12-inch cast-aluminum wheels, and special graphics. Wheelbase is 81 inches for agile handling. Ultimates upgrade to Fox Podium 2.0 QS3 shocks, LED lights with accent LEDs, 27-inch Maxxis Coronado tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels, and Volcanic Orange paint.