TMW Storm Trooper: Turbo Long-Travel RZR XP 1000

Posted on October 7, 2013
9:10 am

TMW Off-Road’s “Storm Trooper” began as a brand-new 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 White Lightning. After removing the factory graphics, the combination of white bodywork and black trim looked so clean that TMW decided to carry the theme throughout the entire build.

The result was a sharp, purpose-built dune machine that combined the proportions of a custom sand car with the performance of the RZR XP 1000 platform. Black powder-coated HCR Racing long-travel suspension, a low-profile TMW cage, streamlined doors and carefully selected accessories gave the Storm Trooper its distinctive appearance.

Built for the Dunes

We first saw the Storm Trooper at the 2013 Sand Sports Super Show. Even among a collection of high-end custom builds, the white-and-black RZR stood out. Its HCR Racing long-travel suspension, 2.5-inch King internal-bypass shocks and custom-shaved sand tires gave it the stance of a miniature sand car.

The build was more than a showpiece. A few weeks later, we met up with the TMW Off-Road crew during Camp RZR in Glamis and put the Storm Trooper in its intended environment.

An MCX-USA turbo system running 12 pounds of boost provided the extra horsepower needed for the dunes. The additional power was supported by Summers Brothers axles, while the HCR Racing suspension delivered 22 inches of wheel travel for handling rough sand, transitions and dune chop.

Custom TMW Off-Road Chassis Components

TMW Off-Road replaced the stock occupant-protection structure with its Venom V2 roll cage, which sat four inches lower than the factory cage. The lower roofline helped give the XP 1000 a more aggressive sand-car profile.

TMW Sidewinder doors continued the smooth body lines along each side, while an F2 front bumper added protection without overwhelming the clean design. Wolf Designs completed the appearance with a custom graphics package that complemented the original White Lightning bodywork.

Wheels, Tires and Suspension

The Storm Trooper rode on three-piece 14-inch OMF Performance beadlock wheels. Fullerton Sand Sports custom shaved the 14-inch STU Sand Blaster rear tires and Razor Back front tires to reduce unnecessary rotating weight and tailor their performance for the dunes.

HCR Racing long-travel suspension widened the RZR and increased wheel travel to a claimed 22 inches. The suspension was paired with 2.5-inch King internal-bypass shocks, creating a setup designed to absorb dune chop and harder transitions at speed.

Interior, Lighting and Audio

Inside, Triple X Black Widow seats and Simpson four-point harnesses provided support and restraint. TMW laser-etched switches controlled the accessories, while an Axia Alloys billet mirror improved rear visibility.

A TMW Audio Locker housed the Bluetooth-capable stereo head unit. The audio system also included a JL Audio 500/3 amplifier, Focal Polyglass 6.5-inch front speakers and SSV Works speaker pods.

For nighttime dune runs, TMW installed a 30-inch Rigid Industries SR-Series LED light bar above the cage and a 12-inch E-Series LED light bar in the front bumper.