It’s been around 20 years since side-by-sides started taking off as a recreational endeavor. The expansion of the sport, available models, and technology during that time has been incredible.
With all that growth and the myriad of shiny new things to look at, it’s easy to let some models slip through the cracks of our brains. Let’s face it, many of us have the propensity to engage tunnel vision and only ask which one has the most horsepower, most suspension travel, best sounding exhaust, etc.
Recently I’ve been thinking about what machines really don’t get the respect they deserve. It’s not that they are disrespected, perhaps just underappreciated.
So here is our top-3 list of slept-on rides:
#3. Can-Am Commander 1000
Sharp, sporty, versatile. Starting with a base MSRP of $17,999 the Commander 1000 gives you 100 horsepower, dang good handling, a dump bed to help you justify the purchase, and pretty cool looks. You can bump the trim level up to the XT-P (Extreme Trail Performance) to get some extra goodies, or go with the XM-R (Extreme Mud Ready) version if you like to play in the soup.
Our only complaint with the Commander is that the slow-cranking v-twin is feeling dated. It’s dependable, but it’s a bit noisy and unrefined feeling compared to others.
#2. Honda Talon 1000
The Talon gets points for being unique and having the build quality you’d come to expect from a company like Honda. It is well put together, and the DCT transmission provides a driving experience unlike most others. The “4+” link rear suspension may not take the big hits as well as the longer trailing arm versions from other manufactures but the handling it provides is extremely confident and predictable. Not the fastest machine, however it’s a joy to drive and rarely lets you down. The Talon X (64” wide) and it’s big brother R (68”) are both excellent machines.
This thing really doesn’t leave much to complain about. We don't love the i-4wd system but it's a very minor grievance.
#1. Polaris General XP 1000
THE MOST UNDERRATED MACHINE EVER. The General XP in our fleet consistently punched above its weight class in any situation we ever put it in. I would be hard-pressed to name a truly more versatile rig. It’s quicker than you expect, handles better than you expect, rides better than you expect, and is easy to accessorize or add any creature comfort you please.
We repeatedly included our General XP in the fleet of extra machines we’d take on our riding adventures, and given the choice it was always the first one snagged when someone needed a ride.
