Cognito Motorsports RZR XP Turbo Dune Invasion
By Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net One of my favorite cars from the 2015 Sand Sports Super Show was the FOX build from Cognito Motorsports. This build was clean and simple, yet very functional. Just the way I like it. Turns out that Cognito Motorsports built three more just like this with different themes for Rugged Radios, Sparks Racing and RZRForums.net.
Talking with Justin at the Sand Sports Super Show, we cooked up a plan to get together for a day in the dunes to show off these build. I am a sucker for a dune trip, especially when there is a turbo involved. We got a date set in October and met up at Ocean Dune State Vehicular Recreation Area. This OHV playground has 1,500 acres, featuring beach and sand dune riding. The beach is extremely busy during summer weekends, and actually has a cap on the number of OHVs that can be in the recreation area at any one time. We were lucky enough to come in on a Wednesday after the Summer crowds had diminished, so it was much less crowded.
Other than color and graphics, these RZR XP Turbo cars all feature Cognito Motorsports long travel suspension, cage, doors, bumper. Rigid Industries LED lights, Pro Armor seats and harnesses, Rugged Radios intercom and radio, Sparks Racing exhaust, Method beadlock wheels and STU sand tires.
We spent the better part of the day ripping around the dunes with these cars, and by the looks of the pictures, I am sure you can tell the cars were not babied! Here is more details on the components built by Cognito for these cars. Long Travel Suspension The cornerstone of these builds is theCognito Motorsports Complete Long Travel Suspension kit. The Cognito kit for the 2 and 4 seat Polaris RZR XP1000 and XP TURBO has a track width increase of 4″ per side and retains the stock wheel base. Stock wheel base is essential to retain favorable steering geometry and handling characteristics. With the proper shock calibration, this long travel suspension system adds 3.5″ of travel to the a-arm type front suspension and 1.5″ of travel to the trailing arm type rear suspension. The suspension travel is optimized while retaining minimum ground clearance at full compression to help prevent undercarriage damage and occupant injury, and also retaining proper working angle of the cv joints at full suspension extension (droop). The front arms use a spherical bearing joint (uni-ball) at the spindle with hardened spindle pins. The front carrier arm (lower control arm) is made from DOM tubing for light weight and durability with a high clearance design. The front load arm (upper control arm) as well as the rear trailing arms are made from chromoly and are a boxed sheet metal design for strength. The added weight from this kit is minimal at only 25 lbs over the stock items. The stock front sway bar, when present, is also re-used on this suspension kit. This is the same suspension package on the winning desert racing #HELLRAISERXP1K platform of the Cognito Motorsports racing team.
Upgraded OE FOX IBP Shocks The Polaris RZR XP Turbo comes with 2.5″ front and 3.0″ rear FOX Internal Bypass Shock Dampers with Polaris springs and hardware that are really good from the factory for the general user. When adding a long travel suspension system, these OE shocks can be reused, but a new shock calibration is needed for optimal performance due to the change in suspension geometry. The front suspension is where the re-calibration is most needed due to the nature of an a-arm type suspension. The rear trailing arm type suspension with no wheel base change is less affected by the geometry change of the long travel suspension, but still can benefit from some upgrades. If no changes are made to the shocks while the long travel suspension system is added, the ride height will be too low and then shock dampening in the front will be very soft, all leading to a comfortable ride quality in smooth to choppy terrain but harsh bottom out situations in g-outs, whoops, and rough terrain. Upgrade costs vary from $1100 to $2800 with parts and labor depending on the options.
Cage The Cognito CMS Sport 2 Series cage for the Polaris RZR XP1000 and XP TURBO is made for the recreational enthusiast looking for style, protection, and performance without adding unnecessary weight. This cage is 4 lower than stock overall, is made from 1.3/4x.095 DOM steel tubing, and has an aluminum roof with quarter turn fasteners. 2 whip tabs are standard, options include rear view mirror and mounting, intrusion bars, light bar mounting, and powder coat colors. Stock finish is raw metal.
Doors The Cognito CMS Sport 2 Series opening doors are a factory replacement door kit that bolts on to a Polaris RZR XP1000 or XP TURBO just like stock. These opening doors are made for the recreational enthusiast looking for style, debris protection, and smooth reliable use. The stock door latches are transferred over to these doors, the hinge design is hidden, and an aluminum door panel is attached with quarter turn fasteners to the round tube frame and has nice lines to flow with the RZR body. This door kit is also built with performance in mind, as not to add too much power robbing weight.
Bumper The 2 and 4 seat Polaris RZR XP1000 and XP TURBO Cognito front bumper is a bolt on solution that is light weight enough for the recreation user and tough enough for mild racing situations to offer some adequate protection. It is built with performance in mind as to not add too much weight, yet take some abuse without damaging the stock frame behind it. Optional light mounting available. This is the same front bumper used on the winning short course RZR of Cody Rahders and winning WORCS RZR of David Haagsma.
While the I have had a great time in our Polaris RZR XP Turbo in more stock form, these build take it to another level with increased performance, comfort and safety. If you are looking for an upgrade for your RZR XP 1000 or RZR XP Turbo, check out Cognito Motorsports. Cognito Motorsports RZR XP Turbo Specifications:
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