The 2016 John Deere Gator RSX860i replaced the RSX850i with a higher 60-mph top speed, available electronic power steering and several usability improvements. It retained the 62-horsepower V-twin engine, independent suspension and compact cargo box that distinguished Deere’s sport-oriented RSX platform from the company’s work-focused Gators.
Model status: The Gator RSX860i has been discontinued and is now available primarily on the used market. Buyers interested in new models should see our current John Deere Gator lineup guide.
John Deere Introduces the Gator RSX860i
John Deere introduced the RSX860i for the 2016 model year as the successor to the John Deere Gator RSX850i. The update did not represent a complete redesign. Instead, Deere refined its sport-oriented Gator with more speed, optional power steering, quieter drivetrain operation and additional convenience features.
The most significant change was an increase in maximum engine speed from 7,250 to 7,750 rpm. This helped raise the claimed top speed from approximately 53 mph in the RSX850i to 60 mph in the RSX860i—a substantial number for a John Deere Gator at the time.
The RSX860i occupied an unusual position in the Gator family. While most Gators emphasized hauling, towing and property maintenance, the RSX combined a motorcycle-derived engine, FOX shocks and sport-oriented suspension geometry with a smaller utility cargo box. Learn more about where the RSX fits in the broader history of the John Deere Gator.
2016 John Deere Gator RSX860i Specs
| Engine | 839cc liquid-cooled V-twin, four-stroke gasoline engine |
|---|---|
| Fuel System | Closed-loop electronic fuel injection |
| Horsepower | 62 hp |
| Torque | 59.5 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse |
| Drive System | Selectable four-wheel drive with electronic locking front differential |
| Top Speed | 60 mph |
| Power Steering | Optional speed-sensitive Electronic Power Assist Steering |
| Front Suspension | Independent dual A-arm with 9 inches of travel |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link semi-trailing arm with 9 inches of travel |
| Shocks | FOX monotube shocks; FOX 2.0 piggyback shocks available |
| Ground Clearance | 10.5 inches |
| Width | 56.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 76.8 inches |
| Dry Weight | Approximately 1,430 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.4 gallons |
| Cargo Box Capacity | 400 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | 800 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,200 pounds |
Specifications are based on John Deere’s published information for the RSX860i. Equipment can vary by package, market and model year.
62-Horsepower V-Twin Engine
The RSX860i retained the 839cc, liquid-cooled V-twin used in the RSX850i. The motorcycle-derived four-stroke engine produced a claimed 62 horsepower and 59.5 lb-ft of torque. Closed-loop electronic fuel injection helped provide consistent starting, throttle response and high-altitude operation.
John Deere mounted the dry-sump engine transversely beneath the seats. This arrangement helped centralize mass and keep the engine relatively low in the chassis. Power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission with High and Low forward ranges, Neutral and Reverse.
The RSX860i also included selectable four-wheel drive, an electronically locking front differential and a locked rear final drive. Deere listed a maximum speed of 60 mph in High and 34 mph in Low.
Optional Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Assist Steering, or EPAS, became an important new option for the 2016 RSX860i. The speed-sensitive system increased assistance at lower speeds to reduce steering effort while decreasing assistance as vehicle speed increased to preserve steering feel.
An anti-kickback function reduced the amount of steering-wheel movement transmitted to the driver when the front tires encountered rocks, roots or other trail obstacles.
RSX860i models equipped with EPAS were also available with a winch-ready chassis. The preinstalled wiring harnesses and battery connections reduced the work required to install a compatible winch.
Independent Suspension and FOX Shocks
The RSX860i used independent suspension at all four corners. Up front, dual A-arms provided 9 inches of travel. The rear used Deere’s multi-link semi-trailing-arm design, also with 9 inches of travel. Front and rear anti-roll bars helped control body movement during cornering.
Standard aluminum-body FOX monotube shocks included adjustable spring preload. Buyers seeking additional suspension adjustability could choose FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks with piggyback reservoirs, spring-preload adjustment and adjustable compression damping.
The RSX860i measured only 56.5 inches wide, making it considerably narrower than many modern recreational side-by-sides. Deere listed 10.5 inches of ground clearance and a 76.8-inch wheelbase.
Utility Capability
Although sport performance was central to the RSX860i, Deere retained a functional composite cargo box. The bed measured approximately 32.3 inches long, 47.6 inches wide and 11.7 inches deep, providing 8.9 cubic feet of volume.
The box could carry up to 400 pounds and included integrated tie-down points, a removable tailgate and manual tilt. Total payload capacity was rated at 800 pounds, while towing capacity was 1,200 pounds through the standard rear two-inch receiver.
These figures were useful for a recreational UTV, although they were well below the cargo and towing ratings of Deere’s full-size work-oriented Gators.
Additional 2016 RSX860i Updates
John Deere made several smaller improvements for the 2016 model year:
- Backlit dashboard toggle switches improved nighttime visibility.
- A spiral-bevel front differential reduced drivetrain noise and vibration.
- Steering knuckles and control arms were painted after machining to help resist rust and discoloration.
- Selected factory packages combined power steering, a WARN winch or winch-ready wiring, sport seats, alloy wheels, upgraded FOX shocks and protective bumpers.
- The factory warranty increased to 12 months or 1,000 hours.
The RSX860i was offered in traditional John Deere green and yellow, olive and black, and Realtree Hardwoods HD camouflage. Exact colors and package availability varied.
RSX860i vs. RSX850i
| Feature | RSX850i | 2016 RSX860i |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 839cc V-twin | 839cc V-twin |
| Horsepower | 62 hp | 62 hp |
| Claimed Top Speed | Approximately 53 mph | 60 mph |
| Maximum Engine Speed | 7,250 rpm | 7,750 rpm |
| Power Steering | Not originally offered | Optional speed-sensitive EPAS |
| Dashboard Switches | Standard switches | Backlit switches |
| Warranty | Varied by model year | 12 months or 1,000 hours |
The RSX860i was therefore an evolution of the original RSX rather than a new platform. Our original John Deere Gator RSX850i review from Moab provides additional insight into the chassis, suspension and real-world trail character shared by the two models.
Is the John Deere Gator RSX860i Still Made?
No. John Deere discontinued the RSX860i and eventually stepped away from the high-performance recreational UTV segment. The company returned its attention to crossover and work-oriented Gators rather than developing a direct replacement to compete with modern high-horsepower sport side-by-sides.
Today’s full-size John Deere models are the gas-powered XUV845 and diesel XUV875 families. These machines provide substantially greater towing and cargo capability than the RSX, along with available factory HVAC cabs, but they are designed primarily for work rather than high-speed trail performance.
Buying a Used John Deere Gator RSX860i
A clean RSX860i remains an interesting used side-by-side for buyers who want a relatively compact recreational machine with distinctive John Deere styling and some practical cargo capacity. Its 56.5-inch width can also be attractive where a modern 64-inch UTV feels unnecessarily large.
Before buying, inspect the CVT belt and clutch operation, four-wheel-drive system, front differential, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, FOX shocks, cooling system and cargo-box mounts. Confirm that the electronic power steering and differential-lock controls operate correctly on equipped models. Service records and overall condition are particularly important because replacement bodywork and model-specific RSX components may be less readily available than parts for current Gators.
Final Thoughts
The 2016 John Deere Gator RSX860i represented the most refined version of Deere’s short-lived high-performance Gator concept. Its 62-horsepower V-twin, 60-mph top speed, independent suspension and available power steering made it significantly more recreational than the traditional Gator utility vehicle.
The RSX860i did not establish a lasting John Deere sport-UTV family, but it remains an important part of Gator history. It demonstrated that John Deere could build something faster and more trail-focused without completely abandoning the cargo-carrying practicality associated with the Gator name.
Explore additional legacy and current machines in the UTVGuide.net John Deere Gator archive.
