UTV Tests

When we started to hear that Honda would build a sport UTV, we assumed it would be a single model motivated by some version of the proven Pioneer power train. We never imagined that there would be two models released at the same time! In addition to the 68.5 inch wide, 20-inch travel Talon 1000R, Honda used the same frame and 104-horsepower Talon engine package to create a true trail weapon named the Talon 1000X. The car’s exterior and interior specifications are all the same, but the 1000X double-wishbone front…

 -- PROJECT UTV -- By the staff of Dirt Wheels Beverly Hills is a place where beauty is manufactured and the elderly get a new lease on life—well, in the looks department at least! Force Off-Road is a company that is veteran-run, and they outfit UTVs and other off-road toys with aftermarket upgrades. This means that they also get to give elderly UTVs new parts that help them keep living in their golden years. Scott Scurlock is a part of the Force team, and he purchased a tired Polaris RZR XP 4 900 from one of the Force…

-- Bolting on just about every accessory part available -- Russell Porter has the enthusiasm of a happy-go-lucky child in a man’s body. Buggy Whip, his successful family company, needed a rolling UTV showcase to help promote its products. Russ jumped like a kid in a candy store at the prospect of turning a Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs into a wicked display car. Buggy Whip has a great reputation, so many leading companies were ready to participate in the build. Russ was able to pick and choose, but he did a lot of choosing,…

2019 Honda Talon 1000R Dirt Wheels is in Hurricane, Utah at the 2019 Honda Talon introduction. Today we tested this significant new machine at the famed Sand Hollow State Park riding area. Sand Hollow combines red sand dunes with slick-rock crawling. In between these extremes are sand trails that get exceptionally rough and whooped. That was especially true today since the area has been pounded with rain. Compounding the situation, many of the sandy trails are just a thin layer of sand over ledged rock, so you are…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0LBKa9BiY&feature=youtu.be Polaris first released the all new RZR XP Turbo S in 2018 with an all new look. In addition to the body style upgrades, the drive train was strengthened, cockpit was redesigned, it came stock with 32" tires and many of the cars components were made more durable. The new machine also came with the electronically controlled "Dynamix" suspension system, which made this model top of the line along with making the price tag jump too. This year Polaris made the…

-- Pioneers & Talons -- HONDA PIONEER 1000 There are three versions of this three-seat Pioneer 1000 for 2019. You can get the base model that has stamped steel wheels. Upgrading to the EPS version you have power steering, paddle shifters for changing gears and more. The Limited Edition model has Honda’s I-4WD that electronically controls the brakes to help keep traction constant. Engine type Uni-Cam twin Displacement 999cc Suspension: Front Dual A-arm/10.6” Rear Dual A-arm/10.0” Length/width/height…

-- Enormous options ahead -- The popularity of UTVs grows larger each year, and 2019 brought some new heavy hitters to the game! Textron released their impressive Wildcat XX that has one of the best sport suspension systems on the market and pumps 130 horsepower out of a non-turbo engine. Can-Am released its Maverick Sport line that provided the industry with multiple new two-seaters and a four-seat option. Polaris stepped up in the sport performance category with their impressive RZR XP Turbo S and XP 4 Turbo S that…

-- Single seater build by Sector 7 -- Pro Moto Billet has been an innovator in off-road for many years. It started with billet parts, added Fastway to the stable, and now has brought its own brand of innovation to the UTV market. Its signature UTV part is a truly exceptional mirror set with powerful built-in lights that illuminate ahead and to the side. Do we have lights available? Or mirrors? Certainly, but Pro Moto Billet’s UTV arm, Sector 7, is combining both in a quality, innovative package. PMB is a family company,…

-- And it can still be hauled inside a van! --  By the staff of Dirt Wheels - This could be the lowest-budget UTV project that we have ever covered in Dirt Wheels. Derek Hunt and his brother Chris spend their days creating incredibly exotic electric bikes for their company, Hi-Power Cycles (www.hi-powercycles.com). Don’t tell anyone, but despite their penchant for things electric, the brothers harbor a fondness for things powered by gasoline. Very few of their high-end electric bikes cost less than what Derek forked…

-- Testing a fast 60 inch wide woods UTV --  By the staff of Dirt Wheels A quick tap of the brake pedal sets the slide in motion. As you actuate the throttle, the crisp awakening of the Can-Am Maverick Sport’s 1000R V-twin engine has a throaty tone that fills the cab. The UTV begins its lean, while the outside Fox Podium shocks settle into their compression stroke, as the inside wheels lighten. A hefty roost of tacky dirt and rocks sprays the trail and trees on the outside of the corner. You counter-steer your power…

-- Testing a very fast 4-seater -- By the staff of Dirt Wheels, Photo by Pat Carrigan Polaris has a success story going, and it starts with new models arriving first as two-seat versions, and shortly after a four-seat version follows. As you can imagine, as soon as the RZR Turbo S arrived, we had our eyes on the horizon looking for the RZR XP 4 Turbo S to pop into sight. Now that it is here, it did not disappoint. You have a choice of the arrest-me red with black suspension that was on our 2018 two-seat, or a sleek…

-- Testing the original ATV reimagined -- By the staff of Dirt Wheels Chances are that any off-road enthusiast recognizes the unique eight-wheeled profile of the new Argo Aurora 800 Limited. The name Argo may not roll off of your tongue—yet. Argo isn’t currently a household OHV name, but it could become one. 2017 was the 50-year anniversary for Argo, and the milestone coordinated with an infusion of leadership making the move from Arctic Cat. Using the anniversary as a kick-off, Argo made a huge push with its classic…