TMW Off-Road and SDR Motorsports started with identical 2014 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000s, but the two shops produced distinctly different custom dune machines. The builds were created independently for UTVGuide.net and UTVUnderground before being unveiled together at the 2014 UTV Industry Ride in Glamis.
The project became known as the RZR XP 4 1000 Battle of the Builders. It was never intended to produce a formal winner. Instead, it demonstrated how two leading UTV fabrication shops could interpret the same four-seat platform using different suspension, lighting, interior and styling packages.
Starting With the New RZR XP 4 1000
Polaris introduced the RZR XP 4 1000 during Camp RZR 2013 in Glamis. It used the same 999cc ProStar twin-cylinder engine and 107-horsepower rating as the two-seat RZR XP 1000.
The four-seat model also shared the XP 1000’s three-link trailing-arm independent rear suspension. Compared with the preceding RZR XP 4 900, the XP 4 1000 was approximately 12 inches longer overall and had a wheelbase that was 10 inches longer. That additional wheelbase contributed to its stability in the dunes while providing room for four occupants.
Media representatives drove the new machines in stock form during Camp RZR. Once the event ended, Jon Crowley sent the UTVGuide.net XP 4 1000 to TMW Off-Road in Mesa, Arizona. Joey DiGiovanni of UTVUnderground sent his machine to SDR Motorsports in Corona, California.
How the Battle of the Builders Began
Jon and Joey traveled from Glamis to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show, where conversations about their respective projects developed into the Battle of the Builders. The concept was simple: Each shop would complete its RZR without coordinating with the other builder.
That separation ensured the completed machines would reflect the individual style and priorities of TMW Off-Road and SDR Motorsports.
“Having a young family who loves to off-road, the RZR XP 4 1000 platform is very appealing. The customization available from aftermarket accessories allows me to personalize the machine to my needs.”
— Joey DiGiovanni, UTVUnderground
TMW Off-Road was founded in 2006 and became known for its cages, doors, fabrication and complete custom UTV builds. Its Mesa location also placed the company close to extensive Arizona desert and dune testing areas.
SDR Motorsports was founded by Tim Berendes in 2008. The Southern California shop developed a reputation for complete turnkey UTV builds combining in-house fabrication, carefully integrated electrical systems and detailed interiors.
Two RZR Builds Unveiled in Glamis
The two machines were completed for the 2014 Glamis UTV Industry Ride, held from February 27 through March 2. TMW and SDR unveiled the builds together on Saturday morning.
Although both projects began as stock RZR XP 4 1000s, their appearances and component selections were immediately different. TMW built Jon’s machine around the factory Titanium Matte Metallic and orange color combination. SDR used a darker black-and-brown treatment for Joey’s RZR.
The differences extended beyond appearance. TMW paired Lone Star Racing suspension components with electronically adjustable JRi shocks, while SDR used custom-valved Walker Evans Racing shocks and Assault Industries suspension components. TMW selected Vision X lighting and a Wolf Designs wrap; SDR used Rigid Industries lighting and ProLine Wraps graphics.
“For both builds to be added to the extremely busy schedules at these shops and then show up on schedule and work flawlessly speaks volumes to the quality of these builders.”
— Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net
Despite their size and extensive equipment, both machines remained surprisingly nimble in the dunes. More importantly, they retained the RZR XP 4 1000’s ability to carry four adults while adding the comfort, lighting, communication and performance equipment needed for extended dune rides.
TMW Off-Road and UTVGuide.net RZR XP 4 1000
TMW’s interpretation emphasized a bright orange appearance, clean fabrication and electronically adjustable suspension. This machine became known as Orange Crush.
The configuration shown here represents the RZR as it appeared during the Battle of the Builders. The machine subsequently received additional engine, suspension and audio development. See the complete evolution in our TMW Off-Road Orange Crush RZR XP 4 1000 feature.
TMW/UTVGuide Build Specifications
- TMW Off-Road roll cage, front bumper and doors
- TMW electrical installation and custom rocker-switch panel
- JRi JRide electronically adjustable shocks
- Lone Star Racing factory-replacement suspension components
- HiPer Technology carbon-fiber wheels with billet centers
- 28-inch Sand Tires Unlimited Sand Blaster and Razor Blaster tires
- Wolf Designs graphics wrap
- Vision X 30-inch Xmitter low-profile LED light bar
- Vision X LED Light Cannons with amber spot covers
- Vision X Solstice Solo cornering lights
- Vision X rear light bar and accent lighting
- Triple X Black Widow suspension seats
- EPI Performance clutch kit
- Sparks Racing X-6 dual exhaust
- Dynatek Fusion fuel and ignition controller
- SickStick illuminated whips
- Axia Alloys mirrors and fire-extinguisher mount
- Rugged Radios RRP686 five-place intercom
- Rugged Radios Vertex 50-watt race radio
SDR Motorsports and UTVUnderground RZR XP 4 1000
SDR Motorsports took a darker approach to Joey DiGiovanni’s XP 4. The build combined SDR fabrication with Walker Evans Racing shocks, Assault Industries suspension components, Rigid Industries lighting and a five-speaker SSV Works audio system.
SDR also added a custom rear trunk and taillight treatment, giving the four-seat RZR additional storage without losing its passenger capacity.
SDR/UTVUnderground Build Specifications
- SDR Motorsports roll cage, doors, rear trunk and custom taillight
- SDR electrical installation and custom rocker switches
- Rigid Industries RDS, Dually D2, SR-Series and A-Series lights
- OMF Performance 14-inch NXG1 beadlock wheels
- Walker Evans Racing 2.5-inch remote-reservoir rear shocks
- Walker Evans Racing 2.5-inch piggyback front shocks with custom valving
- Assault Industries heavy-duty radius rods and tie rods
- Assault Industries rear shock guards
- Twisted Stitch Vortex front seats and rear bench
- Five four-point harnesses
- DragonFire Racing passenger grab bars
- DragonFire Racing suede steering wheel and quick disconnect
- DragonFire Racing billet shifter
- GlazzKraft custom dashboard
- Rugged Radios RRP686 five-place intercom
- Rugged Radios Vertex 50-watt race radio
- Muzzys UTVUnderground-edition dual exhaust and piggyback programmer
- SSV Works five-speaker Kicker audio system
- Alba Racing CVT belt-temperature and voltage gauges
- Dirty Dog Performance custom clutch tuning
- Dual four-foot Safe Glow LED whips
- ProLine Wraps custom graphics
Different Approaches, Same Objective
The Battle of the Builders showed how quickly the RZR XP 4 1000 became an important platform for the UTV aftermarket. TMW emphasized electronic suspension control, vivid styling and a coordinated dune package. SDR focused on integrated fabrication, passenger comfort, audio and a darker visual theme.
Neither machine was merely a showpiece. Both were completed on a demanding schedule, unveiled together and driven in the Glamis dunes during the 2014 UTV Industry Ride.
For more coverage of the platform, see our Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 review and model profile. You can also explore more historically significant machines in the UTV of the Month archive and follow the RZR’s development in our history of the Polaris RZR.
Photos by Neal Rideout and Cody Hooper.
