Does size really matter

Hello to all .  I'm new to the Side by Side world . I have owned 2 wheeler 3 wheeler and 4 wheeler I'm looking to get into the SXS, mostly to trail ride . I've seen all the company have either 50" or 60" and 64" model I was wondering how well the 64" model go through the trails ? Does 4 inches wider really make that much of a difference ?

They all will work but I like 60

WV trails will fit 64" easy.  60" machines also do great and ride good also. The 50" machines tend to ride rough but can go on tight trails where others can't.  The wider machines tend to ride better. Also, power steering is a great option when looking at machines. What ever you choose make sure it's what you want and what fits your needs...not what everyone says to buy.

No I agree . And I understand I ride at Hatfield a couple times a year . I see a lot of 64" wide side by side running down the trails . I'm just trying to make good conscious decision that will work good every where not just wide open trails . You guy have a really cool site !

If you stay around that 60 inch area then it will ride good.  I would stick around there.

A couple more quick questions ,is power steering a must have ? Or just a really nice luxury?

depends on the machine. I like the power steering because of the anti kick. As you ride, if you hit a small rock or ditch, with power steering  the wheel won't kick.

I would say the can am lineup needs it but most of them come with it. The rzr line up doesn't really need it in my opinion.

Power steering also helps with fatigue throughout the day. Its your call on that one. I have it on all of my machines. Its something once you get it, your addicted to it and will want it.

If you have it, its a necessity, if you don't its a really nice luxury.

I love power steering.   I wouldn't have a sxs wwithout it.

As far as size. My current XP4 is 69 inches wide with my wheels and tires and I go where ever I want.

HELL YOUR FROM WIRT CO. YOU GUYS AREN'T KNOWN FOR TO MUCH BRAIN POWER.

I don't have power steering on my Commander but I will. If you ride enough in the woods you will want it. As soon as I can dig up enough money I'll be calling James to see what kind of a deal he can get me. As for what side x side I like the 60" but with the new suspension on the wildcat trail I would look at that one really hard. We're I live 80% of the trail systems are 50" or less. What I can't live without is the utility part of the Commamder or Rhino.

Jimbob my only saving grace is that I'm not a Hooner

Went from a 50" non-power steering to a 66++" Power steering and will not go back, 60" would be the smallest I would prefer, but power steering is a must after having it.

Go for the biggest and baddest. You'll save money in the long run:IJS:

what ever u get get powering u will not regret it.

I'm glad this thread didn't turn into a perverted thread again. Everytime I see this title I am just waiting for one of u guys to lite it up 

just make sure u and machine are a good fit.

TBONE21 wrote:

I'm glad this thread didn't turn into a perverted thread again. Everytime I see this title I am just waiting for one of u guys to lite it up 

Yea, it stayed on topic longer (no pun intended) than most... until a moderator broke it up...  

Tbone is on here starting trouble again.

ElmoEOD wrote:

TBONE21 wrote:

I'm glad this thread didn't turn into a perverted thread again. Everytime I see this title I am just waiting for one of u guys to lite it up 

Yea, it stayed on topic longer (no pun intended) than most... until a moderator broke it up...  

No no no... I was trying to say in a nice way that I am so proud of u guys. Even Jimboob kept his tail half way straight in this thread.

Speaking from experience...I used to have a little one but I spent a little money and now I have a big one. 
So size does really matter. My wife loves the bigger one. 

50" to 64" that is.

RayRay ? did you get platform shoes? 

Well as far as the topic goes , I thought it (was pretty funny) would catch somebody eye to read the question and give some honest feed back . I really do appreciate everybody comments . There are so many models to pick and choose from it makes hard to make a good conscious decision to spend more money than I spent buying my first house .  And I know deep down in my heart coming form that gear head attitude buy the biggest motor and the best handling machine that I can afford .

I would not buy a machine that is below 60" wide. Power steering is a bonus. Also get something with great suspension, you will like it much better. Consider storage compartments or add ons for that as well if that matters.

As you know with 2 and 4 wheels, being the biggest is not always the best. If your the guy who likes take the trail less tamed then being wide does not do that. All of us started on ATV's of some kind. There is noting wrong with a 50" machine, it gets the job done if it fits your budget. Your riding style makes the difference of weather a small or big motor is for you. I used to love to crawl around creeks, the twin motors make that hard to do as they spin real easy, but I found that I really like to blister down trails in the 45 to 50 range in a power slide ( you know, how we all want to drive on the street). Buy the Best you can afford and plan for repairs/replacment/upgrade parts. Every ride I saw things that I wished I had but I purchased what I could afford and I had a blast with it. I never had power steering, but enjoyed a lot of miles with out it.

I already made up my mind that it would be a 60" or wider side by side for sure . Never really thought about storage . Do you guys carry extra gas ? As far as buying what I can afford I have been looking at used side by side as alternative to keep cost down .

John, as far as carrying extra gas it really depends on how many miles you plan on riding each trip and the machines tank size and MPG. 

I have Maverick which has a 10 gallon tank and I think it will go around 120 miles on a tank so I don't carry extra gas. I think the new RZR'S go a good distance also. 

As far a storage goes. There are plenty of different ways to go for each machine. I bought a storage box and mounted it. I keep 2 coolers, tool bag, extra belt, rags and other stuff in it and every thing stays dry. Box was $40.00.

Good shocks are more important than power steering

I ride with a friend that has an ace.  He is not the fastest rider but in the tight woods his 48" will leave my 64" XP 900.  Narrow does have some advantages.  I have to use a chainsaw -- the ace mostly does not.

Ride is generally better on the bigger machines.  That is the reason to go bigger.  I also always want power steering - you can ride all day with relaxed arms.