Polaris Ace 900
Polaris was founded in 1954 in Minnesota. It is a popular American automotive company that manufactures snowmobiles, motorcycles, neighborhood electric vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, etc. Polaris is known for its high-quality technology, components, and off-road vehicles.
Polaris Ace 900 was released in 2016 and became an overnight success. It is a hybrid model with a four-wheel-drive and single-seat design for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Ace 900 might look like a cute little buggy but comes with a kickass engine. It can really hit the dirt and take you on a ride of a lifetime.
Sounds exciting? Continue reading to know more about Polaris Ace 900 and its two popular models.
What You Need to Know About Polaris Ace 900
Polaris Ace pretty much rules the one-seat UTV in the off-road market. While it looks big enough to resemble the side x side models, it is strictly designed for a single person. What sets Ace 900 apart from other brands is its high-end performance. No wonder people don’t mind spending the extra money to own a Polaris Ace.
The first Ace by Polaris was released in 2014. The initial variants have 325 and 570 displacements. The manufacturer made other upgrades and launched Ace 900 two years later. As they say, the rest is history.
Ace 900 has a four-stroke, DOHC twin-cylinder ProStar™ with a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The engine used in Ace 900 SP is the one found in Ranger 900 XP. The 60 HP engine gives you a top speed between 50 and 70 mph.
Step on the gas pedal and you’re good to go. The buggy will shoot ahead with great power. Users love the purr of the engine when they start the ignition. It’s a clear indication of its ability and strength.
If you wish to switch between 2WD and 4WD, you can do so. The automatic CVT transmission ensures a smooth drive even in rough conditions. Polaris Ace 900 has two main models- 900 SP and 900 XC. They compete with each other to deliver high performance.
Difference Between Ace 900 SP and Ace 900 XC
Polaris Ace 900 SP and XC have a few common features like engine, displacement, compression ratio, wet-sump lubrication, etc. Let’s know about the similarities and differences between the popular Polaris Ace variants.
Engine
Both have the brand’s ProStar® four-stroke DOHC engine with twin cylinders. While SP has four-valve cylinders, XC has eight-valve cylinders.
Liquid cooling is the primary technique in both variants. But Ace 900 XC also has an automated fan to keep the engine cool. This is necessary since the heat radiates into the cab as you use the buggy for extended periods.
Ace 900 SP and XC have a fuel capacity of 5.25 gallons. Unfortunately, the models are not known for their mileage count. They have poor fuel mileage and require regular refilling.
Horsepower and Speed
Ace 900 XC wins this round with greater horsepower and maximum speed. SP has a 60HP engine, while XC has a 78HP engine. Your top speed doesn’t cross 70mph in Ace 900 SP. But you can touch 74mph in the XC variant. Furthermore, XC has a 150mph towing speed as opposed to 10mph by 900 SP.
That said, the maximum speed with load is the same for both variants. You have around 335 lbs load in the buggy (including your weight), and it can hit a maximum speed of only 43mph.
Don’t forget that the engine is already powerful and doesn’t require full throttling. Go easy on the gas pedal, and you’ll still notice the buggy racing ahead. A full-throttle might just shoot you off with the buggy and tires in the air.
Suspension
Polaris Ace 900 XC has a ground clearance of 13 inches. The SP variant has only up to 10.25 inches but is much more than a few other models on the market. The Ace buggies have been designed to ride through any terrain in all weather conditions.
- Ace 900 SP has MacPherson struts in the front and dual A-arm rear suspension (with anti-stray bars).
- Ace 900 XC has Dual A-arms with a stabilizer bar as front and rear suspensions.
To sum up, the suspension in Ace 900 is great. It works like a charm and makes bumpy rides smoother.
On-Demand™ Drive System
Polaris Ace 900 has an exclusive drive system that controls the wheels and increases safety. The system will automatically activate 4WD if the wheels start to spin. This gives you more grip on the surface and keeps the vehicle in your control.
Similarly, the 2WD is activated when you shift to reverse gear. You aren’t required to worry about manually switching from 4WD to 2WD before reversing the buggy.
The electronic power steering is another bonus feature. Though this feature is limited only to certain models, it is highly useful when driving on rocky terrains. However, it can lead to a false front movement, so be careful when you use the power steering on uneven surfaces.
Buggy Dimensions and Capacity
The Ace 900 buggy comes in different sizes, depending on the model and trims you choose. We can put the dimensions between 90.34868.1 inches and 97.65972 inches. The bed box dimensions are the same in both variants- 17354 inches.
Ace 900 SP and XC have a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs, even though XC is slightly bigger and heavier. The maximum towing capacity is 1500 lbs, but XC can tow faster than SP. Both are single-seater vehicles with half doors and roll cages. Some users like the roll cage for the additional protection they offer.
Brake System
Remember that driving uphill is an easier task in either vehicle. The journey downhill can be risky if you are not in control. The buggy tends to trip sideways or topple due to the excess momentum.
Don’t fret, though. The four hydraulic disc brakes will do their job to keep the pace down and help you retain control of the buggy. Ease the brakes slowly instead of abruptly flooring them. You won’t want to damage the brake system and replace it before the due date.
Ignition
Ace 900 SP and XC have an electric starter system (digital CDI). But there’s no backup recoil starter in case you need to start the engine another way. From the type of spark plug used to a battery (12V YB30L-B format), fuse, and rated output, everything is the same in both variants.
Tires
Both variants have cast-aluminum wheels with a tread depth of 3mm. But Ace 900 SP has slightly smaller tires on the front and rear.
- Ace 900 SP comes with AT25 x 8-12 front tires and AT25 x 10-12 rear tires.
- Ace 900 XC comes with GBC Dirt Commander AT27 x 9-12 front tires and GBC Dirt Commander AT27 x 11-12 rear tires.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Aggressive design and appearance
- Comfortable single seat
- Spacious enough to carry an extra load
- Switch between 2WD and 4WD
- Good exhaust sound
- Power steering
- The half-doors are secure and convenient
Cons
- Radiator heat is felt in the cab
- Low fuel mileage
- Front wheels splash mud onto the body
Final Words
Polaris Ace 900 buggies are designed for people who love to go on solo, exhilarating drives into the wild. The seat belt will help you stay in place but make sure to stay in control of the vehicle, especially during downhill drives. Fill up the fuel tank when planning long drives in unknown lands. Happy adventuring!