? Side-by-Side ATV Recommendations/Opinions

I've been using my 50inch RZR 800 since late 2009, purchased in the fall when the 2010 models were coming out. Since then, thousands of miles of fun in the rocky mountain wests. Travels with ease on roads that used to trash my highly modified jeep based rock crawler. Now I spend much of my time on the 50 inch trails which are my preference. As others have mentioned, driver skill makes a huge difference so stay within you capability. In many cases these machines are far more capable than the driver. I've been on group rides where people were tipping over or flipping in areas where the experienced drivers weren't even thinking of it as difficult.

I purchased a Polaris ACE for my wife so she could ride on her own without an uncomfortable thumb throttle. She really likes it and does well. The power steering is a must but we added it after the fact and wish I had it from the factory. This would allow you to both ride ATV trails or go try things the other doesn't want to.

We also have the Polaris Ranger which does not have an adjustable seat so my wife has a real hard time driving it as she is pretty short. Even I can't drive it sitting normally in the seat and I am 5' 7". It is the 2010 model and I believe the new models have adjustable seats.

One other very important thing to note is the height of the unit you purchase. To get the Ranger in my toy hauler I have to remove the bottom bunk from the back or the Ranger roll cage hits going in.

With age comes the cage..... ;)

Brokenbackjack wrote:

Good luck and enjoy! They are fun at least for us old geezers!!!

I call RZR's Go-Carts for the elderly. Lots of fun :B

We have owned ATV's for over 25 years and side by sides for the last 10. Lived on a farm and used them hard there and have since moved to town.
We have always run Polaris machines. Sportman's for the ATV and Ranger for the side by sides. We just recently sold our 2012 Ranger to our daughter and her boyfriend and next spring we are ordering a new Polaris General Deluxe. Depends on what you are going to use them for. Go out and drive each one and also go to where they trail ride and see how the people who are driving them like them. We prefer Polaris but when driving below 15 MPH always use low range! Saves the belt and the clutches.
Each machine has their pluses and minuses. I won't cut them down. Have some friends that run Can Am and the only things they don't like is they get lots of engine heat off of them and you have to pull the seats to service them. Our 2010 Ranger did too but we put a blanket rolled up in the open spot of the seat and back rest. New ones have the engine moved back on the Polaris's. Make sure you get the power steering on it. Very nice to use 1 finger to turn or trail ride and your steering wheel won't spin if you hit something with only 1 front wheel. Friends laughed when we got it and now they all have it on theirs too!
Polaris is big here by far then Can Am. Not many Honda's but you see more of them than you did a few years ago.
Also here in ND and SD you can ride on the 2 lane highways if it is licensed, has blinkers, horn, and mirror. Most towns allow it and some cities. I know in the Black Hills of SD you can ride them in their towns and cities, at least the ones we went to. We do this a lot when down there. Easier to find a parkng space in town too!
Good luck and enjoy! They are fun at least for us old geezers!!!

****. Wish I'd of known that. Imogene and Black Bear were on my hit list. I ended up doing the loop and a few out and backs from Silverton before I got a flat that could not be fixed. Ended up doing Camp Bird Road in Clifford.

All in all, amazing country and I will be back. I might even venture into Telluride this time :-)

So far as the SxS question, I've had an amazing time with my Trail, and I would not hesitate purchasing a full-sized Wildcat - except that I would not be able to get on 50" trails.

seagrace wrote:
Fly-Boy - I stand corrected. However, you must admit the rules are quite vague and/or misleading. For example, I was told I could or could not drive my licensed and insured SxS Through Lake City to complete the Alpine loop. The "could-nots" argued that you "could" do it, so long as a State Trooper does not see you. I did quite a bit of research on all of the towns and specific regulations and I have to say that the best I came up with was that you could drive down main street in Silverton, plus a couple of side streets, but you could not cross the highway to get to the only gas station in the area.

Telluride lost my business to Silverton this last summer because of a similar vagueness in whether or not it was legal. Until these towns get their acts together on this issue, they will continue to lose the dollars that could come from the OHV community.

I agree- it's confusing at best!
When I was in Telluride this Summer I left SXS on the trailer until I ran into a Sheriff and asked him what the deal was. (this was after seeing maybe 50 SxS's going down main street over 2 days) I didn't want a ticket and had read probably all the same horror stories you have online. He said it is no problem so long as everyone is safe... We used ours for another 3-4 days in Telluride with zero issues before heading to Silverton.

ramgunner wrote:
Has anyone answered the question about how the particular trail photographed in this thread is marked?

No, the trail was not named nor how it is marked.

ramgunner wrote:
I'd simply advise the MX folks to be careful about taking an us vs. them attitude. We need to work together. I do agree about using trails properly marked for what you have and to use established trails. The folks I ride with do this.

Thank you.

I don't have a SxS, only an ATV but agree this is not a us vs. them situation that should be pursued. Heck, I ride MTB too and know there are many hikers, MTB'rs and equestrians who are always looking at the chance to pursue trails getting closed to OHV here in CO.

Be a responsible trail user and the reasons for trail closure go down.

There are many MX only trails in CO and if that is your pleasure, do yourself a favor and seek out those trails if you don't want to see SxS/ATV/Jeeps on the trail. That is the attitude I take and what I do when I go MTBing.

I apologize for all of my OT comments.

Has anyone answered the question about how the particular trail photographed in this thread is marked?

I'd simply advise the MX folks to be careful about taking an us vs. them attitude. We need to work together. I do agree about using trails properly marked for what you have and to use established trails. The folks I ride with do this.

Here's some good info on the recalls for Polaris due to fire hazards.

Polaris Recalls RZR Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard, 900 & 1000

As for comments on OHV trails in CO, do your homework before showing up at the trail head as there are many 50" restricted trails but they will be marked. There are also restricted trails which only allow MX and those too will be marked.

And please Stay The Trail! We do not need more reasons for trails to get closed.