The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding a specific terrain where the Polaris RZR RS1 feels at home. After testing this innovative single seat UTV in the dunes, the mud and now in the rocks, we’re convinced, there’s really no place this machine can’t go. Sure you’ll have to settle for losing the ability to carry a passenger but in our opinion, the thrill of it’s enhanced performance coupled with a better overall driving experience quickly makes up for it.
From the get go, Polaris touted the RS1 as “driver-focused,” meaning everything about the vehicle is designed to enhance the driver’s experience. From the center cockpit design providing a level of visibility that is unrivaled in the industry to it’s compact wheelbase and dual footbrake pedal, calling it anything other than “race inspired” would be a grave understatement. A clear indicator of the RS1’s capacity for performance is the fact that Polaris pulled some of the key features from it’s RZR 1000 platform and integrated them into the smaller, lighter RS1. The same 110 horsepower ProStar High Output engine found in XP1000 models is what powers the RS1 and that’s not all that Polaris borrowed from it’s older sibling. Walker Evans Racing Needle Shocks matted to the same dual a-arm front suspension and trailing arm rear suspension provide 21 inches of usable travel.
While on our recent trip to Sand Hollow Utah for the Side by Side Adventure Rally, we linked up with Reid Nordin from Walker Evans Racing to check out their newly built RS1 dubbed “Hot Randy Special” after Walker Evans Racing’s owner, Randy Anderson. While this particular RS1 isn’t over the top with modifications, it’s obvious that it’s no stocker and it’s got most of the important mods to make it safer and a better performer than a factory unit.
As you might expect, they swapped out the stock Needle Shocks with a set of Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks to further enhance the ride. The Velocity Series shocks offer a dual rate spring setup, dual rate compression adjustment as well as an advanced version of the same needle valve technology available in the Needle Shocks but with multiple stages of internal bypass and greater bottom out control. To give the RS1 a more stable feel when cornering, they also included a set of their Walker Links to replace the factory front sway bar links.
Lastly they added a Holz Racing Products custom cage to keep the driver safe and secure and wrapped a set of 30 inch BFGoodrich KR2 tires around Walker Evans Forged UTV Legend bead lock wheels. While it’s far from the most modded out RS1 we’ve ever seen, it’s definitely one of the cleanest and sharpest looking and Sand Hollow was the perfect proving ground.
The only thing this Polaris RS1 needs to make it unstoppable is lower low range gearing and maybe a set of aftermarket A-Arms. Maybe we will see a few RS1’s race at King of the Hammers in 2019?
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