Suggestions for first SXS

Hello All,
I am new to the forum, and new to the world of side-by-sides (see previous post).

As such, I plan to buy my first SXS in the next few weeks and would appreciate recommendations from you, the experts (pros, cons, things to consider, be careful about, etc., etc.).

At present, I'm looking at Rhinos, Rangers, & RAZRs....but, am open to other suggestions.

My family and I have been dirt bikers and ridden a few 4-wheelers (back in the day I even rode 3-wheelers).

During a trip to Windrock, TN, last fall, the other family we traveled with brought along their newly purchased Rhino. Not only was it a lot of fun, but it proved to be very useful; it carried all the extra gear, and when my daughter's XR70 (dirt bike) broke down, we were able to load it in the bed of the Rhino and get back to camp!
Most of our riding will probably be hills & trails (no desert-type riding expected).
In addition, in the community where we live, one may be granted permission to operate "utility vehicles" on the roadways for "work related activities like hauling brush,....." only; no joy-riding or leisure trips.

Therefore, I'm looking for what can best fulfill both roles equally well--riding trails in the mountains while hauling camping/hiking gear AND to be used for utility purposes like hauling brush & equipment (and even pulling small trailers).

Granted, I recognize choosing a SXS'd is an individual decision, but, I'd appreciate some lessons learned from those who've been there, done that!

Thank you

if u r riding more trails then doing work with it the rzr is a great machine if u r riding the family u might want to get a 4 seater rzr or a teryx i read up on the teryx seems to b a great machine and u can get it in power steering the only draw back on that one is it has a short bed the rzr 4 everybody that has got one loves it

i've only been doing this for a year now and i'm on my 2nd sxs. a rzr and now a rzr s model. if i was going to buy anything other than a rzr it would be the rhino.

Can am commander for what u are saying. It's the best for what u are saying.

If only fun then get a rzr. Just beware of the issues the pooplaris has.

Also take time to see them all. Get what u really like and what you really want.
Good luck!

well everyone has their own preference on machines i have a kawasaki teryx and love it around 750 miles only problem i had was the oil seals on the drive shafts but easy replace any way it has a faily good size bed to haul the stuff you need but like i said every one has their own prference

They all have there issues, Teryx best bang for the $. Seen a new one on E-bay 8900.

i agree with pit dog and it is alot of bang!!!

if your going to invest the money then check them all out. i have a teryx bc i needed the bed room for hauling but still wanted to have fun on the trails. in which the bottom ends power is a blast. but if i was straight up trail riding and all play i would invest in the rzr. there is alot more options then these two on the market. just keep investigating what suits you personally

If you want to have one for multiple uses I don't recommend the RZR.I would go Rhino,Teryx or Ranger or even a Big Red.I agree the Teryx is a great value for what you can buy one for.

Thank you for all the replies so far; I really appreciate the feedback!

I hadn't even considered the Teryx before - looks good on the computer!
And, the four-seater has potential. Any known issues w/ Kawasaki?
Seems to be competitively priced--but does that mean they build a less
substantial product???

TBone, the only Polaris issues I could find were related to the belt--any others I should be aware of?
I'll look into the Can-Am too - nice storage area

Thanks again

They all have some issues which are minor.

I just bought an xp rzr Polaris and it's already in the shop. It sprung an oil leak with one hour on the odometer. Sometimes I question polaris's quality.

There all ok in reality. Just go look at them all. When you find what u like then we will tell u info on it.
I will say I have 65 hours and 700 miles on my commander and not one problem. Plus there really nice. I think the rhinos are built well and the Kawasaki. The commander does have the power and ability to do fun and work all in one. It also feels like your driving a race car.

To pull double duty like you are saying, I would go with the canned ham or teryx if you need storage/dump bed, and want to go fast. If the dump bed is not needed, look at the rzr line up.

If speed is not a big issue, but you need some utility, and you're after a great built machine, go with a rhino.

It's a big investment, so be true to yourself about what you need it to do utility wise, and what you want it to do on the trail. Trail performance is most important if you like to ride.

I am very partial to the Polaris. It is 20% utility 80% Sport. I have hauled as much as 400lbs in the bed, 8 50lb bags of cement. It did well. Only problem I have had out of mine is when I first bought it the vent lines melted and the dealer fixed it under recall. Only regret I have is that I bought the wrong one, I am currently selling my 2011 LE and getting a RZR4.

I doubt if there is 1 bike with 7600 miles & more orig parts than mine. Diff's have never been rebuilt, never had a drive shaft, a-arm bushings or axels go bad (broke one jumpin it though lol). I'm just sayin!!!!! Best bike built in America! LOL

Remember if you plan on riding in Ohio on any trails you must stay 50 inch or smaller. with that said your options just got limiyed to a stock regular RZR or the 570 rzr

Sounds like you are after a more utility machine than sport riding. With than said, the RZR would be out in my opinion. That still would leave several in the market for you to chose from. I would line them up & pick what you like the best. Like some of the other guys have said, they all have there pros & cons. It will become a preference call. You can add extra's to all of them that will help personalize it to your liking. Just get what fits your needs.

I would get the 800 polaris ranger with power steering...they are awesome for the farm and trail and they cost less then a rzr s....

Thank you ALL again for the suggestions!

'Spent a number of evenings after work visiting dealerships & looking over many of the current SxS's. Tried to be honest about intended uses - trail vs work - not easy -- really like a lot of the trail ride specific models.

Although I now have about a half-dozen models on my Wish List, 'narrowed the first Side-by-Side to a...(drum roll):
2012 Rhino, Sport Edition.
Ordered a rear grab bar (bumper) & 2" receiver for the front.

Next will be looking for suggestions as to what to add-- I'll follow the Rhino posts.
See you on the trails

OK first things first! Call Hot Rod and order a set of Radiator Shields! This is a must for a Rhino!! Next after you find out that it want run over 42mph order a CDI box and call Hot Rod back and order a machined sheave!

Windshield,Full Doors,ETC,ETC ETC......Come to the spring ride and you will get alot of ideas!!! Good Luck!!!

Shredder wrote:

Thank you ALL again for the suggestions!

'Spent a number of evenings after work visiting dealerships & looking over many of the current SxS's. Tried to be honest about intended uses - trail vs work - not easy -- really like a lot of the trail ride specific models.

Although I now have about a half-dozen models on my Wish List, 'narrowed the first Side-by-Side to a...(drum roll):
2012 Rhino, Sport Edition.
Ordered a rear grab bar (bumper) & 2" receiver for the front.

Next will be looking for suggestions as to what to add-- I'll follow the Rhino posts.
See you on the trails

Ok shredder. on the new ride. Now make plans to come ride with us in April...... And yes we will get you in touch with Hot Rod Rhino to make your new ride walk the walk............

Hey Hot Rod, Can I contact you at: 304-673-2602 or 304-877-3419 or is there a better way?



Thanks, GETERDUN! I'll be pickin' your brain once I'm back to work--just had knee surgery yesterday.

Shredder wrote:

Hey Hot Rod, Can I contact you at: 304-673-2602 or 304-877-3419 or is there a better way?



Thanks, GETERDUN! I'll be pickin' your brain once I'm back to work--just had knee surgery yesterday.

Call his cell! Thats the best way I have found to reach him. I will warn you....Once you start adding accessories you can't stop!

Shredder wrote:

Hey Hot Rod, Can I contact you at: 304-673-2602 or 304-877-3419 or is there a better way?



Thanks, GETERDUN! I'll be pickin' your brain once I'm back to work--just had knee surgery yesterday.

Ok Shredder I'm gonna go out on a limb here and ask my good friend Hot Rod to HOOK a Brother up to the SXS world and give you the GETERDUN Rhino discount!!!!!!!!! You are the MAN James!!! Sorry Nick you are really what holds things together.....I got you some fresh jerky.....

Shredder wrote:

Good luck with the knee......Hopefully we will have you hooked up for your first WVSXS ride.......

Carolinarhino wrote:

Shredder wrote:

Hey Hot Rod, Can I contact you at: 304-673-2602 or 304-877-3419 or is there a better way?



Thanks, GETERDUN! I'll be pickin' your brain once I'm back to work--just had knee surgery yesterday.

Call his cell! Thats the best way I have found to reach him. I will warn you....Once you start adding accessories you can't stop!

AMEN to that Carolina....