Polaris RZR 800-S or L/E?

BarFury · 10-25-2011, 08:15 PM

OK, going completely off-topic (this IS the Fury Lounge, isn't it?), I've recently done especially well with my investments and, consequently, have developed the "hots" for a new toy (hey, you can't take it with you, right?). Since I live out in the Nevada desert, with access to thousands of square miles of riding area, I've got the hots for a new sport 4-wheel vehicle. I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a 2012 Polaris RZR 800-S or a 2012 RZR 800-S L/E. So my question to you, my esteemed fellow Forum Members, is this: Do any of you personally own or have experience with either of these particular vehicles and, if so, which one? In particular, I'm looking for dependability assessments and any known (and verified) failure modes, problems, and reports. A review of your direct, first-hand, experience/s with either vehicle will be much appreciated. Please keep it specific to one or the other (or both) of these two vehicles, as I've already firmly decided that I'm not interested in any of the other brands or models out there. Thanks, in advance, for your input...............

Cheers

BigJohn141 · 10-25-2011, 09:57 PM

I know what you said but I would seriously suggest a 900 if you can afford it, better suspension and loads more power and has more leg room. My friend owns a polaris dealership and built a turbo 900 that was crazy fast.

But... If you are dead set on a 800-s then it just comes down to how much you want to spend and what color you like. I believe the only difference is the color between the two. I know one model, dont remember which, had a probelm with the lower A-arm socket being torn off the frame if you hit something just right with the front wheel. I think they have since fixed the problem so all new ones should be good.

BarFury · 10-25-2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJohn141

..........but I would seriously suggest a 900 if you can afford it, better suspension and loads more power and has more leg room..............

Thanks for your quick response, BigJohn. Ya, I initially had my heart set on the 900 XP, but after going online to the 900 XP Forum and reading about all the "new-model teething problems" the guys are having and tales of un-fixable break-downs out in the middle of nowhere, I decided against it. The 800-S, by comparison, has been around a coupla' years and they've pretty much got the bugs sorted out; again, according to the RZR Forum.

But... If you are dead set on a 800-s then it just comes down to how much you want to spend and what color you like. I believe the only difference is the color between the two.

Price difference, in my case, is really not the controlling issue; performance and function is. Aside from the fancy graphics that are featured on the L/E models (which I, being an old-fart, couldn't possibly care less about) the L/E's come with the time-proven, superior FOX Shocks (which I DO care very much about), but are significantly more expensive if I have to purchase them as an after-market add-on ($1500.00). The difference in base-price between the straight 800-S and the L/E is $1300.00. I'm hoping to persuade the dealer to swap the L/E shocks for the -S shocks, plus, of course, a certain reasonable (less than $1500.00) cost. Other than that, I really prefer the straight 800-S model.

I know one model, don't remember which, had a problem with the lower A-arm socket being torn off the frame if you hit something just right with the front wheel. I think they have since fixed the problem so all new ones should be good.

Ya, this problem is shared by all three models and, especially, the 900 XP. They, apparently, make an after-market guard and bracket that bolt to the A-Arm and Frame, respectively, that effectively solves the problem. Other than this, the 800-S is, according to the Forum, proving to be a VERY dependable model, given proper maintenance.

Again, BigJohn, thanks for your input; I appreciate it.

Cheers

FlorenceFury · 10-26-2011, 03:39 AM

My wife and I rode a 800-s in Jamaica on our honeymoon. We went through the mountains (rainforest) in my opinion, and enjoyed it greatly. Only time I was able to experience one. Handled well, had plenty of power and took rocks, mud and water with ease. Just wanted to share the excitement with ya

Good luck to ya I'm sure you will enjoy it.

MyFury · 10-26-2011, 06:26 AM

I own the 2011 RZR S Limited and it has been great. the 12" travel of the Fox shocks make for a very smooth ride over rough terrain and lands soft over jumps. It tops out at about 55 mph so i'm not sure if you want to go faster than that to jusify the cost for the 900. The Fourm's have great info about issues but the only things I found was the factory did not pre grease the bushings and the fuel line rests to close to the engine and gets hot. I greased the bushings and put a heat shield over the fuel line to solve that problem. Also, because of the 60.5" wheel base, mud and water will come into the cab from the tires so you will get very dirty on wet days but that's all part of the fun. Enjpy!