Is there anything hotter in off-road powersports than side-by-sides?
Nope. In fact, there's nothing really even close.
There's good reason the side-by-sides are so popular. Not only are they fun vehicles, you can take a friend along for the fun, too. Or for the work, depending on your motivation for buying a side-by-side.
Because this segment is still fairly new and thanks to its popularity, there are new vehicles rolling out often enough to keep everyone's eyes on the side-by-sides waiting to see what's next.
We've spotlighted three of the newest side-by-sides-the Can-Am Commander and John Deere Gator XUV, as well as the Polaris RZR 4 800-elsewhere in this issue, but certainly don't want to overlook what else is out there.
We'll hit the highlights of the side-by-side market in this issue and then tackle ATVs in the next issue of Dirt Toys.
Let's dig in.
Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700
This is an all-new vehicle for 2011 with several features riders will want to take a look at. First is the new chassis with an 85-inch wheelbase, making it 10 inches longer than the XTX 700. The added length is designed to help improve the ride for the HDX 700 while helping haul a bit more weight-1,000-pound box payload capacity compared to the XTX capacity of 600 lbs. A cool feature of the rear box is that the bed sides are detachable, meaning it can be a flatbed in a matter of minutes.
The second feature (and long overdue) is electronic power steering. Cat's Variable Assist EPS provides steering assistance to the vehicle before it even starts to move at idle. One major benefit of this, Cat claims, is decreasing driver steering input when the HDX is in 4WD, even when the diff lock is engaged.
The Basics
Engine 695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve w/EFI
Transmission Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse
Drive System 2/4 WD plus electric diff lock
Front Suspension Double A-arm
Front Travel 10 inches
Rear Suspension Double A-arm
Rear Travel 10 inches
Ground Clearance 10 inches
Cargo Capacity 1000 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
Dry Weight 1363 lbs.
Fuel 8.2 gallons
MSRP $13,499
What else does Cat offer?
In addition to the HDX 700, there are three other Prowlers to choose from: the XT 550, XTX 700 and XTZ 1000.
To learn more-www.arctic-cat.com
Can-Am Commander
We covered the new, much-anticipated Commander lineup so we'll just get right to the basic specs. We should note first though, that the Commander comes in two engine sizes and five different models: Commander 800R, Commander 800R XT, Commander 1000, Commander 1000 X and Commander 1000 XT. The differences in the X and XT packages versus the basic model include features such as wheel upgrades, analog/digital gauges, custom steering wheel and more.
The Basics
Engine (800) 799.9cc, V-twin, SOHC, 8-valve (4-valve/cylinder), EFI; (1000) 
976cc, V-twin, SOHC, 8-valve (4-valve/cylinder), EFI
Transmission CVT, sub-transmission with high, low, park, neutral and reverse Drive System Selectable 2WD/4WD shaft driven with Visco-Lok front differential
Front Suspension Double A-arm withdive-control geometry
Front Travel 10 inches
Rear Suspension Torsional Trailing arm Independent with external sway bar
Rear Travel 10 inches
Ground Clearance 11 inches
Cargo Capacity 600 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
Dry Weight (800) 1,287 lbs.; (1000) 1,295 lbs.
Fuel 10 gallons
MSRP (800R) $11,699; (800R XT) $13,199; (1000) $12,799; (1000 XT) $14,299; (1000 X) $14,699
What else does Can-Am offer?
What more could you want besides the Commanders?
To learn more-www.can-am.brp.com
Honda Big Red
If the likes of the Can-Am Commander or the RZR are going after the off-roader who likes to play with his vehicle, then the Big Red is equally as appealing to the guy who wants a workhorse of a side-by-side. That's not to say you can't take this Honda to your favorite fishing hole or into the backcountry to go hunting. It can do all that, too.
The Basics
Engine 675cc, OHV, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, EFI
Transmission Automotive-style with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears, one reverse
Drive System 2/4 WD plus 4WD with all-wheel differential lock
Front Suspension Independent double wishbone
Front Travel 5.9 inches
Rear Suspension Independent double wishbone
Rear Travel 7.1 inches
Ground Clearance 10.3 inches
Cargo Capacity 500 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,200 lbs.
Curb Weight 1,431 lbs.
Fuel 7.9 gallons
MSRP $11,699
What else does Honda offer?
Nothing in the side-by-side segment.
To learn more-www.honda.com
John Deere XUV 825i
Of the three new Gators in Deere's XUV lineup, the 825i leads the pack with an impressive 50 hp. We gave you many of the details on this new line of side-by-sides from John Deere so we'll just skip to the meat-the specs. DX is in 4WD, even when the diff lock is engaged.
The Basics
Engine 812cc, DOHC, 4-cycle, 4-valve/cylinder, EFI
Transmission CVT with full clutch enclosure, two-speed (hi/lo) Drive System On-demand 4WD with autolocking front diff and positive-locking, mechanically actuated rear diff
Front Suspension Independent dual control arm
Front Travel 8 inches
Rear Suspension Independent dual control arm
Rear Travel 9 inches
Ground Clearance 11 inches
Cargo Capacity 1000 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
Dry Weight 1,630 lbs.
Fuel 5.3 gallons
MSRP $11,199
What else does John Deere offer?
In addition to the Gator XUV 625i and XUV 855D "crossover" models, Deere still offers a complete line of utility side-by-sides, which includes four different models.
To learn more-www.deere.com
Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4x4 Sport
The Sport definitely has the nicest shock package (which explains why it's the priciest of the four Teryx models) in the Teryx lineup.
Exclusive to the Sport model are high performance cast aluminum wheels that remove about 2 lbs. of unsprung weight from each corner of the vehicle. There are also high performance, aluminum bodied, fully adjustable, piggyback reservoir, gas-charged Kayaba shocks on all four wheels which offer a slew of options including fully adjustable spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping.
We'll admit, the Teryx Camo is sweet looking with its Realtree APG HD camouflaged bodywork, dash, roof, wheels and bumper.
The Basics
Engine 749cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, V-twin, 4-valve/cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable belt-drive with high, low and reverse
Drive System Selectable 4WD with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Front Suspension Adjustable dual A-arm
Front Travel 7.5 inches
Rear Suspension Adjustable Independent Rear Suspension
Rear Travel 7.5 inches
Ground Clearance 11.6 inches
Cargo Capacity 500 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,300 lbs.
Curb Weight 1,388.5 lbs.
Fuel 7.4 gallons
MSRP $12,899
What else does Kawasaki offer?
The other three Teryx models are: 750 FI 4x4; 750 FI 4x4 LE; and 750 FI 4x4 LE Camo. And Kawasaki offers one of the most extensive pure utility side-by-sides in its Mule lineup, which boasts nine models.
To learn more-www.kawasaki.com
Kymco UXV 500
Kymco, headquartered in Taiwan with U.S. offices in South Carolina, has just one side-by-side but it is one torque monster of a vehicle. At 12.2 inches, the UXV 500 also offers one of the highest ground clearances of any side-by-side, which is a must when riding in places like Moab, UT.
Some might think of the UXV as more of work vehicle, but it is versatile enough to be not only a workhorse but also a playmobile.
The Basics
Engine 498.5cc, DOHC, 4-stroke
Transmission Automatic CVT with low/high gear, shaft drive
Drive System 2/4 WD with diff lock
Front Suspension Independent dual A-arm
Front Travel 7.5 inches
Rear Suspension Independent dual A-arm
Rear Travel 7.5 inches
Ground Clearance 12.2 inches
Cargo Capacity 420 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,212 lbs.
Dry Weight 1,157 lbs.
Fuel 8.45 gallons
MSRP $8,099
What Else Does Kymco offer?
One other model-the UXV 500 LE, which comes with a factory-installed 3,000-pound winch, full soft enclosure, windshield, aluminum alloy wheels, Kolpin gear rail and gas pack.
To learn more-www.kymcousa.com
Polaris RZR 4 800 EPS Robby Gordon Edition
Polaris changed the game with this vehicle. We covered this model extensively in this issue and while we love to talk about this side-by-side, we'll just skip to the specs.
The Basics
Engine 760cc, H.O. 4-stroke, EFI
Transmission Automatic PVT with park, reverse, neutral, low and high, shaft
Drive System On demand AWD/2WD
Front Suspension Dual A-arm
Front Travel 12 inches
Rear Suspension Dual A-arm, rolled with anti-sway bar
Rear Travel 12 inches
Ground Clearance 11.5 inches
Cargo Capacity 300 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
Dry Weight 1255 lbs.
Fuel 7.25 gallons
MSRP $15,799
What else does Polaris offer?
With all the hype surrounding the RZR 4 you wouldn't think Polaris made any other side-by-sides. Wrong. The Minnesota-based company has a whole stable of them. There are two other RZR models plus another 11 Ranger models.
To learn more-www.polarisindustries.com
Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Automatic 4x4 Sport Edition
If you want Yamaha's best ride in a side-by-side, then the Sport Edition of the Rhino 700 is your ticket. Yamaha has installed aluminum, fully adjustable piggyback gas shocks compared to the base model oil-filled, steel bodied shocks.
Also standard on the Sport Edition are one-piece cast aluminum wheels, an injection-molded sun top, over fenders and a Baja-inspired front carry bar. Additionally, there are dealer-installed LED tail lights, a brushed aluminum shift knob and cargo bed rails, none of which are on the base Rhino 700.
The Basics
Engine 686cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, YFI (Yamaha Fuel Injection), 4 valves
Transmission Yamaha Ultramatic V-belt, hi/lo, neutral, reverse
Drive System Yamaha On-Demand 2WD/4WD, 3-way locking differential, locked 4WD, shaft drive
Front Suspension Independent double wishbone
Front Travel 7.3 inches
Rear Suspension Independent double wishbone
Rear Travel 7.3 inches
Ground Clearance 12.1 inches
Cargo Capacity 400 lbs.
Towing Capacity 1,212 lbs.
Wet Weight 1,199 lbs.
Fuel 7.9 gallons
MSRP $13,099
What else does Yamaha offer?
In addition to the Rhino 700 Sport Edition and base model, there is a Rhino 700 SE as well as a special Ducks Unlimited Edition (also a 700) and finally the Rhino 450.
To learn more-www.yamaha-motor.com
