Through Cervus Equipment here in Cranbrook, B.C., this spring we were able to take the 2015 Polaris RZR S 900 for a spin, and what appeared on the front cover of our Summer 2015 print magazine is only part of the story.
A new addition to the Polaris off-road lineup, the RZR S 900 replaces the RZR S 800 of last year. At the heart and soul of this vehicle is a new 75-horsepower ProStar EFI engine, which has plenty of get-up-and-go. It pulls hard, and even at higher speeds, there seemed to be lots of throttle left.
But the feature we noticed first was suspension. Thanks to the dual A-arms and rolled independent suspension, as well as Fox Performance Series 2.0 Podium X Shocks, the RZR S 900 gobbled up every root, rut and rock in its path.
And it can hold a line. Getting used to the machine’s corner capability was easy, thanks to an additional 1.3 inches of rear track width. Is it wider than the 800? No. Somehow, the engineers at Polaris managed to keep the overall width at 60 inches.
Blasting through the trees was fun, thanks to the tight turning radius and precise handling. — Kirsten Armleder photo
With the Gold Creek area only 15 minutes from RidersWest headquarters, we were able to test it on terrain that ranges from steep, rocky hills to tight, loamy trails. What we could throw at it in three hours we did, and the RZR S 900 handled it all extremely well.
Through the trees, we appreciated the narrow turning radius and fast steering response. When it came to ground clearance, the RZR S 900 cleared mid-trail stumps with ease.
Climbing the steeper stuff wasn’t an issue, and on-demand all-wheel drive was there if we needed it. — Kirsten Armleder photo
Gripping the ground are 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander eight-ply tires. More of an all-around tire than a site-specific one, the GBC Dirt Commander seemed to be well suited for our dry, rocky terrain. That being said, these tires didn’t have a problem chewing through whatever mud came our way.
On the hills, the RZR S 900 inspired confidence. It isn’t equipped with an engine braking system or active descent control, but with the low range available, we didn't seem to mind.
The RZR S 900 holds a line so well that it took some trying to break it loose on the corners. — Kirsten Armleder photo
Other features we liked are the factory-installed doors, adjustable bucket seats, floor drains and electronic power steering. Overall, this machine brings a new level of fun and comfort to the trails.
A new face in town
After our ride, we were able to chat with the new branch manager, Max Watson. Coming from a John Deere dealership in Saskatchewan, Watson brings several years of experience in sales and service to the area, plus a refreshingly humble approach to running an ATV and sled shop.
“It’s about partnering with (customers) to find their specific needs,” he said, “and then making sure you are there to support them in the after-sale as well.”
An ATVer, snowmobiler and motocross guy, Watson has enjoyed his first year of living and playing in the Kootenays.
“There’s so much the area has to offer, whether it’s fishing, powersports, mountain biking or skiing,” said Watson. “I like that aspect of it a lot.”
Welcome to Cranbrook, Max, and thank you for letting us test the 2015 Polaris RZR S 900.
Seat belts, roll bars and solid doors make riders feel safer. — Kirsten Armleder photo
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