The 2017 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS Gold Matte Metallic Limited Edition was a rock-focused version of the naturally aspirated, two-seat RZR XP 1000. Its factory package combined a substantially lower low range with revised throttle mapping, high-clearance suspension components, beadlock wheels, a winch and underbody protection.
This model became the starting point for my 2017 King of the Hammers RZR XP 1000 build. After testing it on the Rubicon Trail and preparing it for the race, Reid Nordin and I drove the #1965 RZR to third place in the 2017 King of the Hammers UTV race.
2017 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS GOLD MATTE METALLIC LE – TRAIL and ROCKS EDITION
What Made the Gold Matte Metallic Limited Edition Different?
Polaris equipped this limited edition for technical trails and rock crawling. Its low-range gearing was approximately 55 percent lower than the standard RZR XP 1000’s, allowing better control at low speed. A dedicated low-speed throttle map made pedal inputs easier to manage while picking a line through obstacles. The gated shifter made it easier to select the intended gear.
The factory package also included strengthened front half shafts, high-clearance lower A-arms and rear radius rods, and Polaris’ Xtreme Performance True On-Demand all-wheel-drive system. Those features were a major reason I chose this RZR for King of the Hammers instead of starting with a more powerful RZR XP Turbo.
For traction and protection, Polaris fitted 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XG tires on beadlock wheels, rock sliders, a front bumper, an HMW skid plate and a 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope. The vehicle also came with Click-6 harnesses, a rearview mirror and narrow front fender flares.
From Rubicon Test to King of the Hammers Podium
Before modifying the vehicle for racing, I drove the Gold Matte Metallic RZR XP 1000 on the Rubicon Trail. Its gearing and predictable response in the rocks convinced me it was the right foundation for my return to KOH. Read my 2017 RZR XP 1000 SE rock-crawling review for those driving impressions.
For the race, we kept the naturally aspirated engine, clutch, CVT belt, intake, exhaust and ECU stock. The KOH build concentrated on suspension tuning, stronger front-end components, safety equipment, communications and 32-inch race tires. Those parts describe our modified race vehicle; they were not factory equipment on the Gold Matte Metallic Limited Edition.
Reid Nordin and I started 24th and finished third overall in the 2017 race. The RZR completed the course without a mechanical failure. Its low gearing helped in the technical rock sections, while the light, straightforward setup and properly tuned suspension proved effective in the desert. The full race recap covers the course and finish.
2017 Polaris RZR XP 1000 Gold Matte Metallic LE Specifications
The following are the published specifications for the factory vehicle, before our King of the Hammers modifications.
| Engine and drivetrain | Factory specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 999cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC ProStar twin |
| Claimed horsepower | 110 hp |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT with Park, Reverse, Neutral, Low and High; gated shifter and reduced low range |
| Drive system | Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD/2WD |
| Engine braking system | Not equipped |
| Suspension and brakes | Factory specification |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm; 16 inches of travel |
| Front shocks | 2-inch Walker Evans needle shocks with 16-position adjustable clickers |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm with stabilizer bar; 18 inches of travel |
| Rear shocks | 2.5-inch Walker Evans needle shocks with 16-position adjustable clickers |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic discs with dual-bore front and rear calipers |
| Power steering | Electronic power steering with variable assist |
| Tires, dimensions and capacity | Factory specification |
|---|---|
| Front and rear tires | 30 × 10-14 Pro Armor Crawler XG |
| Wheels | Cast-aluminum beadlocks |
| Ground clearance | 14 inches |
| Wheelbase | 90 inches |
| Overall length × width × height | 120 × 64 × 74.25 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 gallons |
| Published dry weight | 1,567 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 740 pounds |
| Cargo box capacity | 300 pounds |
| Seating | Two |
Factory Equipment and Original Price
Additional factory equipment included high-clearance lower control arms and rear radius rods, rock sliders, an HMW skid plate, a front bumper, a 4,500-pound Polaris winch, Click-6 harnesses, quarter doors and a rearview mirror. Polaris listed the 2017 Gold Matte Metallic Limited Edition at an original MSRP of $23,999. That is its launch price, not a current market value.
Polaris followed it with the 2018 RZR XP 1000 Trails & Rocks Edition. For the story of our specific 2017 vehicle, continue with the race build and third-place KOH race recap.
