In March 2011, my buddy Dave and I loaded up our brand-new Polaris RZR XP 900s and headed to Nevada’s Sand Mountain Recreation Area for a quick day of dune testing.
Both machines still had stock engines, intake systems, exhaust systems and Fox 2.0 suspension. The most significant changes were paddle tires and a few bolt-on accessories. That made the trip an excellent opportunity to see what the original RZR XP 900 could do without engine or suspension modifications.
Setting Up the RZR XP 900 for the Dunes
I was extremely happy with the paddle-tire and wheel combination supplied by Fullerton Sand Sports and OMF Performance. We ran STU Blaster paddle tires at the rear, smoothies up front and OMF billet-center beadlock wheels.
The flotation provided by this setup was impressive. The RZR XP 900 had enough power to pull the tall tires without much effort, while the wide tire-and-wheel package gave the machine a larger, more aggressive stance.
Climbing the Back of Sand Mountain
We began by cruising the smaller dunes to get a feel for the machines and inspect the terrain following several storms. Wind and changing weather can create new holes, abrupt drop-offs and sharp transitions, so it is always smart to examine the dunes before carrying serious speed.
My friend Miguel rode with me while Dave drove his RZR solo. After about 10 minutes, we worked our way around to the back side of Sand Mountain.
From the bottom, I decided to follow a steep ridge toward the summit. It was not quite as difficult as attempting a completely straight climb up the back, but it was still a serious test for a nearly stock UTV.
The XP climbed it without hesitation—even with two people aboard.
The damp sand helped provide traction, but I had never climbed the back side of Sand Mountain so easily in a UTV this close to stock. We turned around, descended and lined up for a straight run. Once again, the XP reached the top with power to spare.
Miguel climbed out at the summit and recorded the following video on my phone:
Suspension and Jumping Performance
After exploring more of the mountain, I decided it was time to get the XP into the air. I am not a big jumper, but the RZR XP 900 made jumping feel remarkably manageable.
The long-travel suspension and Fox 2.0 shocks absorbed the landings with impressive control. It was easy to forget that the engine, chassis and suspension were still essentially stock.
Handling Across Sharp Dune Ridges
Strong winds had recently reshaped Sand Mountain and left plenty of sharp ridgelines. I have always enjoyed transitioning across dune ridges, so I was anxious to see how the new XP would respond.
Its wide stance and generous ground clearance made the transitions feel smooth, stable and predictable. The handling reminded me more of my old mid-engine V8 sand car than the earlier utility-based UTVs we had spent years modifying for dune use.
The twin-cylinder, 88-horsepower ProStar engine also delivered useful, controllable torque. I could feather the throttle through a transition and still have immediate power available when needed.
First Sand Mountain Verdict
After approximately five hours of riding, we loaded the machines and headed home. Everyone came away impressed with the new RZR XP 900.
The combination of strong stock power, predictable handling and capable suspension represented a major step forward for production sport UTVs. Even with only paddle tires and a few accessories, the XP could climb the back of Sand Mountain, transition sharp ridges and absorb dune landings with surprising ease.
For more ownership impressions, see our complete 2011 Polaris RZR XP 900 long-term review. You can also learn more about the riding area in our Sand Mountain Recreation Area guide.
Accessories Installed on Our RZR XP 900
In addition to the sand tires and beadlock wheels, we installed several practical accessories before beginning our longer-term testing.
PURE Polaris Protection
The aluminum rock sliders and trailing-arm guards were not essential for riding in open dunes, but we planned to take the XP on rock-crawling and desert adventures where the added protection would be valuable.
SSV Works Audio and Mirrors
The period-correct SSV Works weatherproof iPod audio system mounted overhead on the stock cage. It was designed for the original Polaris RZR, RZR S 800 and RZR XP 900, using a simple two-wire connection.
Maier Manufacturing Roof
More Photos from Sand Mountain
