In 2008, Polaris changed the game forever with their introduction of the RZR. This started a period of dominance for Polaris that has lasted 14 years. However, recently their lead has begun to diminish. Polaris will always look to innovate, so we ask, what’s next for the Polaris RZR Pro XP?
To look into the future, first we must look at the past.
Polaris has led the way in the evolution of SxS machines. It makes sense, their name literally means North Star – the skymarker that generations of people have used to determine direction and plot their course. If Polaris is going to continue their dominant ways, they may need another big shake up, something to get them back ahead of the competition.
Before 2008, their Ranger utility vehicle had been a huge success, but they wanted to offer more. This was the catalyst that ignited a firestorm of change that created the RZR and eventually led to the innovations in the Polaris line-up of the XP1K, the Turbo S and recently the Pro XP.
Lately, Polaris has been losing market share. Other OEMs have machines that are becoming more popular with certain rider segments. The Can-Am X3 is considered one of the hottest machines on the market today. The RZR used to dominate the podium at races, now Can-Am is making their mark.
Side x sides have traditionally fallen easily into the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) classification. The ROHVA has defined an ROV as a vehicle designed for off-highway use, less than 80” wide, with an engine displacement less than 1000cc, among other guidelines. In recent years we’ve seen the specs being pushed closer and closer to ROV classification limits with riders demanding more power and versatility from their machines. OEMs are finding themselves in a position where they either reinvent the wheel or push for ROV classifications to change if they want to keep innovating.
OEMs have been flirting with the 1000cc limitation for a few years now so it’s not a stretch to bet someday soon we’re going to see these machines hitting the market with bigger engines, giving birth to a new generation, or new class of ROVs. And we’re willing to put our money on Polaris leading the way.
We know Polaris loves to push boundaries. They’ve revolutionized the industry time and time again and we’re willing to bet they’re not done yet. With the playing field leveling off and a possible performance peak realized we thought it might be fun to speculate on what we are going to see next.
The question is, will they create a new class of ROVs and use their influence to lobby for changes to ROV classifications, or do they look to the streets and design something new and road worthy?
It could be either, or both.
Our Spidey senses are tingling, telling us that Polaris is going to release the first ever Road Legal UTV. Many US States, and some regions here in Canada, already allow UTVs on their roads as long as they’ve done the mods to meet the street legal requirements. But we think Polaris might just release a machine that meets all street legal requirements with no mods necessary.
Making a street legal machine would open the market up to a broader clientele base for them. All those people who were deterred from riding because they didn’t own a truck & trailer, could now have unhindered access to the trails. Losing the hassle of loading and unloading your UTV at the trailhead won’t hurt either. The past few years have seen machines coming standard with what were once required mods to street legalize your machine.
In order to ride your machine on the streets in the States & regions that allow it, you need to meet certain requirements. And it’s important to note that street legalization is not standardized – it is up to each state or region to determine what makes a ROV street legal. Things like installing headlights, taillights and brake lights; a turn signal kit; mirrors; license plate mount and light; DOT tires; or a windshield have made it a pricey investment for the majority of riders, especially in Canada where we don’t have a lot of places that allow modified ROVs on roads.
We’re seeing way more street legal activity, especially in the States. In Canada, Quebec has a great system of trails that cross through towns, allowing riders to stop for lunch or gas up before continuing on their way. It would be great to see this balance of riding and supporting local industry growth in this country.
So what have we seen that hints at street legalization?
Polaris UTV’s are already becoming more like what’s on the road with their built in Ride Command. Just like you might find in a brand new F150, the new Polaris RZR Pro XP comes with a backup camera, a GPS, bluetooth music streaming and so much more. Polaris has been marketing the safety aspects of the ride command, with features such as the “follow the leader” feature which allows you to stay closer together and route planning abilities.
The Polaris RZR Pro R has already hit the market 5-bolt pattern, and rumours indicate that the next generation of the RZR Pro XP might be going down the same path. These machines chassis’ are also getting bigger and stronger. It makes us think they’re doing something that hasn’t been done before – like a new class of machine. If Polaris came to the table with a street legal machine we’d see a new firestorm of change erupt.
Time’s up for Polaris to make a move. They’ve never been one to follow, and with head-to-head competition and the risk of losing more market share to innovative OEMs like Can-Am and Yamaha, we see a big shakedown coming for 2022.
So what are your Spidey senses telling you? What big changes do you see coming to the powersports industry in the future?
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