I have been a trail rider for the last 3 years, I know firsthand the importance of having the right equipment for a successful and safe ride. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for any trail rider is ideal the side by side.
These versatile vehicles are designed to handle rough terrain and are ideal for off-road adventures. However, with so many different side-by-sides available on the market, one might be wondering what is the best side by side for trail riding.
That’s why I’ve put together this review to provide guidance on choosing the best side by side for trail riding. In this post, I will cover the key factors to consider when selecting a side by side, as well as provide an overview of some of the top options available today.
Importance of Choosing the Right Side by Side For Trail Riding
Choosing the right side by side for trail riding is essential for several reasons. First, the wrong vehicle can make for a frustrating and uncomfortable ride.
If your side by side is not designed to handle the type of terrain you’ll encounter on the trails, you’re likely to experience a bumpy and unpleasant ride. Additionally, choosing the wrong vehicle could put your safety at risk.
You need a side by side with adequate safety features to ensure that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident.
With this in mind, I’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the essential factors to consider when choosing a side by side for trail riding. By understanding these critical elements, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the best side by side for your specific needs.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Side By Side For Trail Riding
The factors below will help you narrow down your options and select the right vehicle for your needs. I will discuss the most important factors to consider when choosing a side by side for trail riding.
Terrain
The type of terrain you’ll be riding on is one of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a side by side for trail riding. The terrain will determine the type of vehicle you need, as well as the size and weight of the vehicle.
If you’ll be riding on rocky terrain, you’ll need a side by side with good suspension and ground clearance. A vehicle with high ground clearance will help you avoid getting hung up on rocks and other obstacles. Additionally, a side by side with excellent suspension will provide a smoother ride, making it easier to navigate over rocks and rough terrain.
If you’ll be riding on hilly terrain, you’ll need a side by side with adequate power and torque. Hilly terrain can be challenging to navigate, especially if you’re carrying a lot of weight.
A side by side with a powerful engine will help you climb hills more easily, while a vehicle with good torque will help you maintain traction on steep inclines.
If you’ll be riding on wet terrain, you’ll need a side by side with excellent traction. Wet terrain can be slick and treacherous, so you need a vehicle that can maintain traction in these conditions. Look for a side by side with aggressive tires and a locking differential to provide maximum traction in wet conditions.
Size and weight of the vehicle
The size and weight of your side by side are essential considerations when choosing a vehicle for trail riding. You want a vehicle that’s large enough to accommodate your passengers and gear, but not so large that it’s difficult to maneuver on narrow trails.
Additionally, the weight of the vehicle is critical. A heavy side by side will be more challenging to navigate, especially on hilly terrain.
Look for a vehicle with a reasonable weight that’s easy to handle, but still sturdy enough to handle rough terrain.
Suspension and ground clearance
The suspension and ground clearance of your side by side are critical factors that will determine how well the vehicle can handle rough terrain. Look for a side by side with excellent suspension that can handle bumps and dips in the road without causing discomfort for the passengers.
Additionally, the ground clearance is important, as it will determine how high off the ground the vehicle sits. A side by side with a high ground clearance will be able to navigate rough terrain more easily, as it won’t get hung up on rocks or other obstacles.
Power and torque
The power and torque of your side by side are important considerations when choosing a vehicle for trail riding. Look for a side by side with a powerful engine that can handle the demands of off-road riding.
Additionally, the torque is critical, as it will determine how well the vehicle can climb hills and maintain traction on steep inclines.
Safety features
Finally, when choosing a side by side for trail riding, you need to consider the safety features of the vehicle. Look for a vehicle with a roll cage to protect passengers in the event of an accident. Additionally, a side by side with seat belts and other safety features, such as airbags, will provide added protection for the passengers.
Top Side By Sides For Trail Riding
If you are wondering what is the best side by side for trail riding I have covered several models which performs very well on the trails from a personal experience and research.
1. Can-Am Maverick X3
The Can-Am Maverick X3 is a high-performance side by side that’s built for trail riding.I have been riding this side by side for the last 2 years and am very impressed.
It features a turbocharged engine with up to 195 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 80 mph.
The vehicle also has excellent suspension and ground clearance, making it ideal for rocky and uneven terrain. Additionally, the Can-Am Maverick X3 has a roll cage and other safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
One downside of the Maverick X3 is that it is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
2. Polaris RZR XP Turbo
The Polaris RZR XP Turbo is another high-performance side by side that’s designed for off-road adventures. It features a turbocharged engine with up to 168 horsepower and can attain a top speed of 85 mph.
The vehicle has a very good suspension and ground clearance, making it ideal for rocky and uneven terrain. The Polaris RZR XP Turbo is also equipped with a roll cage and other safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
One of the standout features of the RZR XP Turbo is its stability, which makes it easy to handle in tight turns.
3. Yamaha YXZ1000R
The Yamaha YXZ1000R is a powerful UTV that can take almost any terrain. It features a naturally aspirated engine with up to 110 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 80 mph which is higher than the top speed of Yamaha Grizzly 700.
I have used this side by side for 7 months on the trails and it was always outdoing itself. The vehicle has excellent suspension and ground clearance, making it ideal for rocky and uneven terrain.
Additionally, the Yamaha YXZ1000R has a roll cage and other safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
One disadvantage of the YXZ1000R is that it only has two seats, which may not be suitable for transporting more people on the trails.
4. Honda Talon 1000R
The Honda Talon 1000R is a rugged and versatile side by side that craws like an eagle on the trails. It comes with a naturally aspirated engine with up to 104 horsepower and can run as fast as 70 mph.
The suspension and ground clearance on this UTV , making it ideal for rocky and uneven terrain. Additionally, the Honda Talon 1000R has a roll cage and other safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
One of the unique features of the Talon 1000R is its comfortable and spacious cabin, which makes it ideal for longer trips.
5. Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition
The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition is a versatile and very dynamic UTV that does fairly well on the trails.
It comes packed with a naturally aspirated engine which delivers up to 112 horsepower and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph. The vehicle has great suspension and ground clearance, that craws almost any type of rocky and rough terrain.
Additionally, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Trail Edition has a roll cage and other safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
The Teryx KRX 1000 is very durabile, which makes it ideal for the rugged and challenging terrain.
Comparison of Top Side By Sides for Trail Riding
In terms of performance, all of these side by sides offer impressive power and speed, as well as excellent suspension and ground clearance. However, each vehicle has its own unique features and strengths, which should be taken into consideration when selecting the best side by side for trail riding.
Overall, the Can-Am Maverick X3 and Polaris RZR XP Turbo are the top contenders in terms of performance and features, as they both offer high horsepower, excellent suspension, and safety features.The best side for trail riding can also be used for hunting.
The Yamaha YXZ1000R is a solid option for those looking for a powerful side by side with a more compact design, but it may not be suitable for larger groups due to its two-seat capacity.
The Honda Talon 1000R is a comfortable and spacious option for longer trips, but it may not have the same level of power as some of the other vehicles on this list. Finally, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is a reliable and durable option for those looking for a vehicle that can handle rugged and challenging terrain.
When it comes to features, the Can-Am Maverick X3 stands out with its advanced technology and features, including a digital display and smart-shox technology that adjusts to the terrain. The Polaris RZR XP Turbo also offers advanced technology features, including a touchscreen display and a ride command system that allows you to navigate and plan routes.
The Yamaha YXZ1000R and Honda Talon 1000R both offer comfortable cabins with adjustable seats and easy-to-use controls, while the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 features a spacious cargo area and a locking differential for added traction.
It’s important to consider not only the performance and features of these side by sides but also your own specific needs and preferences. Factors such as the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, the size of your group, and your budget should all be taken into consideration when selecting a side by side for trail riding.
You may also read: Can AM vs Polaris
Generally, there is no one “best” side by side for trail riding as each vehicle has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to evaluate your needs and preferences and consider the key factors such as power, suspension, safety features, and technology before making a decision.
The Can-Am Maverick X3 and Polaris RZR XP Turbo are the top UTV performers in terms of power and features, while the Yamaha YXZ1000R, Honda Talon 1000R, and Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 each offer their own unique advantages.
Ultimately, the best side by side for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Closing Remarks
Choosing the best side by side for trail riding requires careful consideration of various factors. Some of the factors outlined above include; the vehicle’s performance, suspension, safety features, technology, and more which help determine what is the best side by side for trail riding.
Remember that the type of terrain you’ll be riding on and the size of your group will also play a role in your decision. Some side-by-sides may be better suited for rocky, challenging terrain, while others may be more comfortable for longer trips with larger groups.
Finally, it’s important to set a budget for your side by side and stick to it. With so many options on the market, it can be tempting to splurge on the latest and greatest features, but it’s important to make sure you’re getting the features and performance you need at a price you can afford.
Based on various factors, the best side by sides for trail riding were found to be Can-Am Maverick X3, Polaris RZR XP Turbo, Yamaha YXZ1000R, Honda Talon 1000R, and Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 because of their good performance and reliability.
In summary, the best side by side for trail riding will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. With the right side by side for trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors and tackle any terrain with confidence and ease.