2015 Polaris RZR 900 S First Ride
- Updated: August 13, 2014
After three years of riding the full Polaris RZR platform, through every test imaginable and through the most extreme conditions, it all came down to being huddled in front of my computer awaiting that sacred product release announcement of the new Polaris 2015 lineup, which was rumored to have an all-new XP 900 replacement.
While waiting with baited breath I tried to imagine what Polaris had up their sleeves, then BAM, the Polaris website was updated and there they were, the brand new 2015 RZR 900 S, (60”), the RZR 900 XC (55”) and the RZR 900 (50”). I couldn’t wait to see Polaris’ new 900 innovations up and close, so I planned to take the 9-hour drive to Jericho Mountain State Park in New Hampshire the following weekend, where I would not only be able to check the machines out for myself, talk to the developers and product testing crew, but get to ride test the machine on some of the coolest terrain in the country.
Jericho Mountain is part of New Hampshire’s Ride The Wilds, which has over a thousand miles of interconnected trails – making it the largest trail system in the east. Every year they hold an annual event in August, called the Jericho ATV Festival, which draws thousands of people from all over the northeast with events and attractions for everyone of all ages.
We started the drive, thinking we would stop and sleep for the night then continue the next day, but as each mile ticked away the excitement became too much to sleep. At that point we decided to drive all night and be the first ones in line for the “Polaris Experience Tour” where I could put my choice machine, the 2015 RZR 900 S, through the paces. This worked out perfect as we got there about an hour before the demo started so I was able to talk extensively with the new RZR 900 senior project engineer, Kyle Bjorkman.
After that, around the corner we went and they were all lined up and ready to rip. As soon as I sat in the new cockpit, I began to notice all the new comforts the new 900 offered that the old XP didn’t, like more leg room, more entry room, factory installed doors, new seats, sliding seat, cabin lighting, a better instrument display and new floor clean-out drains. Everything made this vehicle the most comfortable RZR yet. After soaking in all the new-ness, I then turned the key and the 875cc mill came to life with a take-me-for-a-ride-kind-of-moan. The adventure began with a test track which incorporated, mud, rocks, hills, creek crossings, whoops and off camber areas. Wow, were we ever in the perfect place to test this bad boy!
We started in low gear which now can be driven to 40 mph. I think most trail riders will really appreciate and actually use this new low gear as it really delivers low end power and grunt to rip through the harshest conditions without sacrificing speed. Also the new design seems to keep the rider dryer and more protected from the mud.
The next thing I noticed was how well the machine handled and how effortless the steering was. Not only was it easier to steer but it also had more precise point and shoot handling. This is the result of a new high performance true on-demand All-Wheel Drive higher ratio steering system. The steering has been upgraded to a 2-turn lock-to-lock steering ratio for a 20% faster steering response. Steering was comparable to my full-race GNCC XC1 XP 900 machine, which is equipped with a quickener.
The wheelbase was lengthened by 2” and it also has front and rear dual A-Arm suspension, which I’m a big fan of, and it comes complete with FOX Performance Series 2.0 Podium X Shocks. Before I could even complete a mile of the three mile loop I already knew that the new RZR 900 S was my favorite stock RZR of all time. I suppose if there was such a thing as a new RZR 1000 S I would like it better, but for now I’m all about this new 900. Some might say they prefer the old XP 900, but after my test drive, I much rather have the new 900 S.
A lot has changed as Polaris continues to produce the hardest working, smoothest riding machines on the planet. These changes are not just appealing, but result in a machine with more precise stable handling, less fatigue, and more fun factor. With numerous new models, graphics and accessories to fit each rider’s wants and needs, Polaris has something for everybody and the new Polaris RZR 900 line is sure to please the pickiest of drivers. After taking advantage of the opportunity to ride test the new Polaris machines, I can highly suggest you do the same, look for a Polaris Demo Event near you and see for yourself what the new RZR 900 line-up is all about.
Learn more about the new RZR 900 equipment and much more at polaris.com
