Side-by-Sides

[Dune Dude]

Side-by-Sides or UTV's seem to be all the rage at DuneFest this year.  It seemed that everyone else had one to navigate the sand with family and friends on board.  When Yamaha introduced the Rhino a few years ago, I was skeptical of its appeal.  I had seem them used for farm work and on ranches, but who would want to try a drive the slow lumbering beasts down trails or in the sand.  Here is where my vision was cloudy and market sense ignorant.  The dune areas of Southern California had been one study ground for this machine.  Many manufactures were making modified golf carts to cruise the sand and camping areas.  They allowed for more than one person and a quick way to cruise over to see the action around the camping sites.  Plus, people were spending tons of money on the modifications to make them faster, better handling and cooler looking.
Fast forward to today.  Not only is Yamaha still the dominate player with their Rhino, Arctic Cat makes one, Polaris now offers two models, Kawasaki has just released their version (they already made the Mule a single purpose work UTV) and Honda is getting close to releasing its own. 
They are starting to race these vehicles and magazines are featuring articles on them or totally dedicated to them like Side X Side.  The future looks very bright for these new fangled machines.  I just wish I had thought about it.

[DuneJunkie]

I am a big Yamaha fan.............

However, from what I have been able to find out, if I was given the $ to purchase one, I would go with the Polariz Rzr. They seem to be returning the best all around feedback out of all the machines..........

[Sandflicker]

I am a big Yamaha fan.............

However, from what I have been able to find out, if I was given the $ to purchase one, I would go with the Polariz Rzr. They seem to be returning the best all around feedback out of all the machines..........

I agree, Unfortunately I don't have the money to think about it.

[DuneJunkie]

neither do I...............

[Sandflicker]

By the time I can afford one - the ones on market today will be old hat.  In fact, they'll probably have a street legal utility by then.  I hope!

[Joe Llamahead]

It's funny,
 I was originally looking for a utility unit after seeing a new mule on a trailer i thought now that's cool and something i could use.

I spent some time on the Internet comparing and shopping, this quest and My addiction to fun...... well  l settled on the rhino thinking it could do some work around the place and be fun for trail rides and some back rides.
 I went to the dunes one time and  WAS hooked! over 80% of the hrs/miles logged on my rhino are in the dunes at horsefall My wife go out and ride with other couples, sometimes we camp so we don't have to travel for another day of dunning. 

Now I'm thinking work is for tractors

[Dune Dude]

I bought one of the older UTV's.  It has a 6600cc motor with a turbo and is fully automatic.  It has a cargo capacity of 2750 lbs and a towing rate of over 10,000 lbs.  It is selectable 4 wheel drive with high and low range and came with a heater and air conditioning.  It even has a FM stereo and CD player.  It is configured like a sideXside but, it is more like a sideXsideXsideXbackXsideXside.  I also, use it around the home stead and on the job site.  It is quite the all purpose machine.  It is speed limited at 95mph and has two cup holders.  It needs some after market A-arms and suspension to really pound through the whoops and be able to catch some major air.  Unfortunately, the 7300 lbs dry weight puts a damper on sand shredding fun. 

What I need is a nice sand rail.  Are you listening Rob, from Smith's Sand Cars?  You can make mine pink with a twin turbo LS7.

[PDP Shane]

Are you kidding me ? I've seen some of you guys ! I don't think there's very many of us that could fit side by side in a rzr . They are pretty narrow , that's why I didn't get one. I'm 6'2" @ 230 lbs. , you put another guy my size in a rzr , we'll be rubbin' shoulders .