The Polaris RZR 900 is a popular off-road vehicle known for its versatility and performance capabilities. It is part of the RZR lineup, which includes a range of off-road recreational and utility vehicles. The RZR 900 outshines its predecessor, the RZR 800, by offering greater horsepower, enhanced suspension, improved ergonomic design, and upgraded aesthetics.
One question that often fuels the curiosity of riders and potential buyers alike is, just how fast this machine can go. For those seeking an exciting escape from the ordinary, a high top speed signifies the potential for heart-pounding experiences. In this guide, we’ll highlight the impressive capabilities of the Polaris RZR 900 and its top speed performance.
Polaris RZR 900 Trail Specs
Engine and Drivetrain
- Engine Type- The RZR 900 Trail is equipped with a liquid-cooled 875cc, 4-stroke DOHC twin-cylinder engine. This engine provides robust power for off-road adventures.
- Drive System- This machine features a True On-Demand AWD/2WD system, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive as needed for traction and terrain.
- Engine Braking System (EBS) – The presence of EBS enhances control and safety by providing engine-assisted braking.
- Fuel System- The vehicle utilizes electronic fuel injection (EFI) to ensure efficient and reliable fuel delivery.
- Horsepower- With approximately 75 horsepower, the RZR 900 HP offers ample power for traversing a variety of terrains.
- Transmission- The vehicle comes with an automatic PVT (Pulley Variable Transmission) with multiple gears (P/R/N/L/H) for ease of use.
Dimensions
- Bed Box- The cargo bed measures 20.7 x 37 x 7.9 inches, which provides enough space for hauling gear and equipment. The bed has a capacity of approximately 300 lbs.
- Weight- The estimated dry weight is 1238 lbs. This weight impacts its overall handling and maneuverability.
- Fuel Capacity- The RZR 900 Trail can accommodate up to 9.5 gallons of fuel, allowing for extended adventures.
- Ground Clearance- The RZR 900 offers 11 inches of ground clearance, meaning it can easily navigate over rough terrain and obstacles.
- Towing Capacity- The vehicle has a hitch towing rating of 1500 lbs., making it capable of towing additional equipment or trailers.
- Overall Size – The vehicle’s dimensions are 110.9 x 50 x 67.9 inches, which offers a balance between compactness and spaciousness.
- Payload Capacity- The RZR 900 has a payload capacity of 740 lbs., which allows it to accommodate passengers and cargo alike.
- Wheelbase- With a 79-inch wheelbase, this machine provides stability and control on uneven surfaces.
Brakes
- Braking System- . The Polaris RZR 900 features a 4-wheel hydraulic disc brake system with dual-bore front and rear calipers for reliable stopping power.
- Parking Brake- It also includes a parking brake, which is conveniently located in the transmission.
Tires / Wheels
- Tires- The RZR 900 Trail comes with 26-inch PXT tires on the front (26 X 8 X 12) and (26 X 9 X 12) on the rear. These tires are suitable for diverse terrain.
- Wheels- The design includes stamped steel wheels for extended durability and stability.
Suspension
- Front Suspension- This UTV features a dual A-arm front suspension with a stabilizer bar and 10 inches of wheel travel, which facilitate a smooth ride and stability.
- Rear Suspension- The dual A-arm rear suspension with a stabilizer bar and 10 inches of wheel travel complements the front suspension for balanced off-road performance
- Suspension Control- While it doesn’t have electronic suspension control, the vehicle’s suspension system includes ZF Twin Tube shocks for added control.
Additional Specs
- Cargo System- This machine comes with a lock-and-ride cargo system to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of accessories and equipment.
- Doors- The UTV comes with full doors for added safety.
- Hitch Type- It also includes a standard 1.25-inch receiver to allow for the attachment of various towing and accessory options.
- Electronic Power Steering- The RZR 900 incorporates electronic power steering to enhance maneuverability and reduce steering effort.
Polaris RZR 900 Top Speed
The Polaris RZR 900 Trail isn’t engineered with high-speed capabilities in mind. Its design prioritizes ruggedness and durability, evident in the inclusion of full doors and other robust components. This construction contributes to the vehicle’s overall weight, which, in turn, plays a significant role in limiting its top speed.
That said, the top speed of the Polaris RZR 900 typically falls in the range of 65 to 70 mph, depending on factors such as terrain, vehicle condition, and any aftermarket modifications. This top speed makes it a capable and thrilling off-road vehicle for those seeking high-speed adventures and performance on various terrains.
Due to factory-imposed restrictions, the ECU of a stock Polaris RZR 900 typically limits the top speed to 70 MPH. However, under certain conditions, such as when riding downhill, it’s possible to achieve speeds of up to 75 MPH in a stock Polaris RZR 900. It’s also worth noting that older models may have different governing limits compared to newer ones, so the top speed of your stock machine may vary depending on its model year.
How to Increase the Top Speed of a Polaris RZR 900
If you ride in locations with wide-open stretches of level ground, achieving the top speed can be relatively straightforward. However, if you occasionally venture onto dense and winding trails, you may find that surpassing the top speed becomes a bit more challenging.
Luckily, you can make minor adjustments and incorporate minor upgrades to surpass the factory-configured speed of a Polaris RZR 900. In this section, we will explore the accessories and modifications that can help enhance the speed of your Polaris UTV.
Installing Aftermarket Clutch Kit
When it comes to enhancing the performance of your Polaris RZR 900, one of the key modifications you can consider is installing an aftermarket clutch kit. This upgrade involves replacing the stock clutch components with aftermarket parts, such as improved clutch plates and enhanced clamping mechanisms.
An aftermarket clutch kit is engineered to improve the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. This means that a greater percentage of the engine’s power is effectively transmitted to the ground, resulting in increased overall performance. The clutch is also designed to optimize engagement, resulting in smoother acceleration and increased top speed limit.
ECU Tuning
After upgrading your clutch kit, you can further enhance your Polaris RZR’s performance by tuning the ECU. Reprogramming the ECU allows you to unleash additional power and efficiency from the engine. The tuning may entail eliminating factory-imposed speed limiters and optimizing fuel delivery and ignition timing to achieve higher levels of performance.
Exhaust Tune
Upgrading the exhaust system of your Polaris RZR 900 can also yield notable improvements in engine efficiency and overall performance. This includes improvements to exhaust gas flow, which allows the engine to expel burnt gases more efficiently, leading to enhanced overall performance.
One of the primary goals of an exhaust tune is to reduce backpressure in the exhaust system. Backpressure occurs when exhaust gases encounter resistance as they exit the engine. High levels of backpressure can impede the engine’s ability to expel gases, resulting in reduced power and efficiency. Reducing this backpressure helps the engine operate more smoothly and efficiently.
The combination of improved exhaust gas flow and reduced backpressure typically results in power gains for your Polaris RZR 900. You can expect to see an increase in horsepower and torque, which translates into better acceleration and overall performance.
Installing a Charge Pipe
Another step you can take to enhance the performance of your Polaris RZR 900 is installing a charge pipe. The charge pipe is designed to minimize restrictions and eliminate turbulence in the airflow path. This results in a more consistent and steady delivery of compressed air to the engine.
With a charge pipe in place, your UTV is likely to experience improved throttle response. The consistent airflow ensures that the engine receives the necessary air supply promptly when you accelerate, leading to quicker throttle response and reduced lag.
As a direct consequence of improved turbocharger efficiency and airflow, your Polaris RZR 900 is expected to benefit from increased power delivery. This means more horsepower and torque, resulting in enhanced overall performance, especially during acceleration and when tackling challenging terrain.
Reducing Overall Weight
Another effective strategy to boost the top speed of your Polaris RZR is to reduce its overall weight. Generally, shedding excess pounds by removing unnecessary accessories and components can enhance both acceleration and top speed.
Additionally, replacing heavy stock parts with lightweight aftermarket alternatives can help shed some pounds. This includes reducing unsprung (components that are not supported by the suspension system) weight by using lightweight wheels and tires to help improve the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio. This can, in turn, have a positive impact on top speed performance.
The Parting Shot!
Some riders seek to uncover the top speed of their Polaris RZR 900 to understand their machine’s limits and avoid pushing it too hard. Others are motivated by the challenge of surpassing those limits. Both scenarios can be exciting, but ensuring your safety is equally important. Without the right safety gear, attempting to reach the top speed of your Polaris RZR can be a risky endeavor. As such, it’s essential to strike a balance between speed and safety to ensure a safe and thrilling ride.
