Our 2013 Polaris RZR XP 900 was an easy choice for the March 2013 UTV of the Month. In just six months, this machine evolved from a stock RZR XP into a thoroughly tested, race-proven build capable of handling everything from the Rubicon Trail to King of the Hammers and the dunes.
The goal was to build a versatile RZR XP using readily available bolt-on components. It needed to be durable enough to compete at King of the Hammers while remaining comfortable and practical for trail rides, desert testing and weekends in the sand.
Rather than becoming a single-purpose race vehicle, the finished RZR XP proved it could handle nearly every type of terrain we encountered.
Rock Crawling on the Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail provided an early test of the RZR XP’s suspension, drivetrain protection and rock-crawling capability. The combination of upgraded suspension components, underbody protection, high-clearance parts and 30-inch tires helped the machine negotiate the trail’s granite ledges and technical obstacles.
RZR XPs Complete the Rubicon Challenge
Dune Testing at Sand Mountain
The same machine that crawled over rocks also spent plenty of time in the dunes. At Sand Mountain, the RZR XP was fitted with HiPer beadlock wheels and dedicated sand tires from Fullerton Sand Sports. The suspension and engine upgrades helped make it a capable and entertaining dune machine without compromising its ability to return to the rocks and desert.
Sand Mountain — Halloween 2012
Upgrading the RZR XP Suspension
One of the most significant changes was the addition of FOX 2.5-inch large-bore position-sensitive shocks with bottom-out control. Magnum Offroad handled the custom shock valving, while Cognito Motorsports replacement A-arms and Lonestar Racing high-clearance trailing arms strengthened the suspension package.
The result was a setup designed to absorb high-speed desert impacts while retaining the control needed for rocks, trails and dunes.
The Ultimate RZR XP Suspension Package
Testing 30-Inch UTV Tires
The RZR XP also served as the test vehicle for our 30-inch UTV tire comparison. Its combination of horsepower, suspension travel and varied terrain use made it an ideal platform for evaluating larger tires in rocks and open desert.
Among the tires tested were the 30x10R14 STI Rocktane and GBC Kanati Mongrel. The experience also helped us determine how larger tires affected traction, ground clearance, steering response and clutch performance.
A Podium Finish at King of the Hammers
The build’s biggest test came at the 2013 King of the Hammers UTV race. Crowley Offroad and Jagged X prepared the RZR XP to survive the combination of high-speed desert terrain and punishing rock trails surrounding Johnson Valley.
Despite being built primarily with bolt-on components, the RZR XP completed the race and earned a podium finish. That result validated the original goal: create a durable, competitive race machine without sacrificing the versatility needed for recreational riding.
Crowley Offroad and Jagged X Earn a Podium Finish at the 2013 King of the Hammers UTV Race
Preparing the RZR XP for King of the Hammers
Before race day, the team spent time testing the RZR XP in terrain similar to what it would face during King of the Hammers. Suspension tuning, tire selection and component durability were all evaluated before the machine reached the starting line.
Camp RZR and the Glamis Dunes
After racing through rocks and desert terrain, the RZR XP transitioned back into a recreational dune machine. Its appearance at Camp RZR in Glamis demonstrated how easily the build could move between racing and weekend recreation.
Polaris Rings in the New Year with Camp RZR
Exploring the Grand Canyon
Not every trip involved racing or extreme terrain. The RZR XP was also used for destination rides, including an adventure to Bar 10 Ranch and the Grand Canyon. Trips like this highlighted the machine’s ability to cover long distances while carrying the equipment needed for a full day on the trail.
Bar 10 Ranch and the Grand Canyon
Glamis UTV Industry Ride
The RZR XP returned to Glamis for the second annual UTV Industry Ride. With its dedicated dune setup installed, the race-proven machine was once again ready to carve bowls and cover open sand.
Second Annual Glamis UTV Industry Ride
Back to Sand Mountain
By March 2013, the RZR XP had survived rock crawling, desert racing, tire testing and multiple dune trips. It finished this six-month stretch back at Sand Mountain, once again proving that the build was never limited to a single type of riding.
Sand Mountain Spring Break 2013
2013 Polaris RZR XP 900 Build Specifications
- Base vehicle: 2013 Polaris RZR XP 900 EPS Orange Madness/Blue LE
- Axia Alloys: Whip flag mount, fire extinguisher mount, panoramic mirror and GPS mount
- Benchmark Performance: Cylinder-head work
- Cognito Motorsports: Replacement A-arms
- Desert Molding Concepts: Super Seal gasket and air intake
- EPI Performance: Severe-duty belt, clutch springs, weights and helix
- Factory UTV: UHMW skid plate and rock sliders
- FOX: 2.5-inch large-bore position-sensitive shocks with bottom-out control
- Fullerton Sand Sports: Sand tires
- GBC Motorsports: 30x10R14 Kanati Mongrel tires
- High Lifter: Outlaw DHT axles and high-clearance radius rods
- HiPer Technology: Beadlock wheels for sand and rock/desert setups
- K&N: Air filter
- Lonestar Racing: High-clearance trailing arms
- Lowrance: Baja 540C GPS
- Magnum Offroad: Custom shock valving
- Muzzys: Dual exhaust and DigiTune
- Pro Armor: Doors, seats, harnesses, bumper and door pads with storage
- ProLine Wraps: Custom graphics
- PRP Seats: Window nets
- Radiantz LED Lighting: Amber LED dust lights
- Rigid Industries: LED light bar
- Rugged Radios: Radio, DSP intercom and mounting bracket
- SDR Motorsports: Seat bases
- Sick Stick: LED whip flag
- SSV Works: Side mirrors
- SxSPerformance.com: IRC Tracker mount and harness
- Summers Brothers Racing: Rear axles
- TMW Off-Road: Custom roll cage
- UTV Inc.: Radiator-fan override switch, front bolt-on gusset kit and heavy-duty tie-rod kit
- Warn: Winch
- Yoshimura: Carbon-fiber intake scoops
A Truly Versatile RZR XP Build
This 2013 Polaris RZR XP 900 was built to do much more than look good. In six months, it completed the Rubicon Trail, served as a tire and suspension test platform, explored the Grand Canyon, ran the dunes at Glamis and Sand Mountain, and earned a podium finish at King of the Hammers.
The build demonstrated how carefully selected bolt-on components could transform the original RZR XP 900 into a capable multi-terrain machine without turning it into a dedicated race car or trailer queen.
