| Polaris Sportsman ACE Review
By Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net After some serious market research, Polaris determined that there was a hole in the off-road market that was not currently filled by any manufacturer of ATVs or UTVs. The new machine would have to be a trail capable machine that a beginner could drive, was fun, comfortable and competitively priced with utility ATVs. The result of this research and development is the all-new Polaris Sportsman ACE. The introduction of the Sportsman ACE is part of our strategy to remain the leader in the powersports marketplace by introducing innovative products that define their categories, said David Longren, vice president of Polaris Off-Road Division. In creating the Sportsman ACE, we wanted to not only appeal to current off-road enthusiasts, but develop a vehicle that brings new customers to off-road recreation. Now there are many enthusiasts out there that have been dreaming of a single-seat UTV that had the powerful Polaris ProStar 1000 and incredible suspension found in the RZR XP 1000. Well, that dream machine could still be in the works at Polaris Research & Development, but the Sportsman ACE is geared towards the novice rider that may be intimidated by the riding position of a utility ATV, or just wants the comfort of a normal seating position, steering wheel and familiar brake/gas pedals. The Sportsman ACE is powered by an all-new ProStar 32 engine that produces 32 horsepower. The new engine is small and compact, but Polaris engineers would not spill the beans on the engine size. Instead they wanted us to focus on the power it produced. While the ACE did not set me back in my seat, it wasn’t a slouch either. The rear suspension is straight off of a RZR 570, including a-arms, axles, brakes and uprights. The rear features 9.5 in/24.1 cm of wheel travel. The front features a MacPherson strut suspension that allowed engineers to move foot wells forward and keep the price point lower. The Sportsman ACE may come in a very small package with a 90″ x 48″ footprint, but the cab is incredibly roomy for the size. The centralized seating has a very low center of gravity that makes for a sporty and confidence-inspiring ride. Tilting steering wheel and adjustable seat allow the ACE to be comfortable for a variety of people.
Comparing a few key specifications of the Sportsman ACE against the RZR 570 and the Sportsman 570 ATV really tells the story of the ACE being a hybrid – RZR 570 + Sportsman 570 = ACE.
The ACE, RZR and Sportsman are all about the same width, but the ACE is closer to the Sportsman ATV when it comes to weight, wheelbase and length. The ACE is even small enough to fit in the back of a Ford F150 pickup truck!
The cockpits flow-through design also makes ingress and egress easy, and new side nets feature a metal rod to easily secure them both for clipping and positioning the nets to the back of the vehicle while exiting. The ACE has a good amount of semi-dry storage up front, and a decent size bed that could fit a cooler or even camping gear. The bed features tie-down rails, that also accepts Lock & Ride accessories. Plus the ACE comes with a 1.25″ receiver and a 1,500 lb towing capacity.
Lastly, the ACE was designed with price in mind. With a MSRP of $7,499, the ACE is priced much closer to a base level utility ATV than the RZR. Polaris really did their homework when they designed the Sportsman ACE. While it isn’t the 999cc dune shredding single seater many hard core enthusiasts were looking for, it fills a big hole in the off-road market place, and I believe Polaris will sell a bunch of them.
Sportsman ACE Specifications:
ABOUT POLARIS® Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and small vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index. Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com |
Polaris ACEVehicle Review
Knowing the weight of a UTV can be an important factor in deciding which UTV to buy. Can you haul the UTV with your SUV or small truck or do you need a bigger vehicle? Can your old trailer support the weight of a UTV? These questions may depend on the weight of your UTV.
How much does a UTV weigh? Most 2-seat UTVs are going to weigh between 1,200 and 1,600 pounds. Utility UTVs can weigh a bit more, up to 2,000 pounds. 4-seat UTVs also a little more, at 1,400-2,000 pounds. Youth UTVs typically weigh 400-700 pounds.
Unless noted otherwise, the weight given below is the dry weight. This is the measurement used by most manufacturers. Dry weight is the weight of the UTV as you would see it on the showroom floor, with no oil, gasoline or other fluids in it.
Other manufacturers, such as Honda, use what is usually called wet weight, but can also be called curb weight or ready to ride. This refers to the weight of the UTV with all standard equipment, all fluids and a full tank of gasoline. On an UTV, this won’t add a ton of weight and likely is not enough that it would impact your decision on buying an UTV.
Finally, you may come across a UTV listing for Gross Weight. This refers to the UTV and the total load it can carry including optional equipment and riders. This can add up a bit, especially with 4-person UTVs.
Sport, or high-performance, UTVs are designed for use on the trails or in racing. They go fast and maneuver better, without worrying so much about storage space and hauling capabilities. Due to these designs, it is no surprise they weigh a bit less than utility models that don’t need to accelerate as quickly or reach the top speeds of the sport models.
You are going to find three main variations in the size of the sport UTVs. The smaller models are designed for more trail use, coming in around 48 inches wide for most models.
The wider sport models are usually 60-64 inches wide. Surprisingly, there is not much weight difference with the wider models. Finally, there are four-seat sport models that are, unsurprisingly, heavier than their two-seat counterparts.
The 976cc Can-Am Maverick Turbo weighs 1,399 pounds.
The 925cc Polaris RZR XP Turbo weighs 1,495 pounds.
The 951cc Arctic Cat (pre-Textron) Wildcat weighs 1,305 pounds.
The 998cc Yamaha YXZ1000R weighs 1,510 pounds.
The 700cc Arctic Cat (pre-Textron) Wildcat Sport weighs 1,074 pounds.
The 875cc Polaris RZR S 900 weighs 1,204 pounds.
The 976cc Can-Am Maverick X xc weighs 1,297 pounds.
The 999cc Polaris RZR S 1000 weighs 1,235 pounds.
The 925cc Polaris RZR XP Turbo weighs 1,500 pounds.
The 976cc Can-Am Maverick DPS weighs 1,324 pounds.
The 783cc Kawasaki Teryx weighs 1,543 pounds.
The 951cc Textron Wildcat X weighs 1,305 pounds.
The 976 cc Can-Am Maverick Max weighs 1,585 pounds.
The 875cc Polaris RZR XP 4 900 weighs 1,390 pounds.
The 999cc Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 weighs 1,596 pounds.
The 999cc Polaris General 4 1000 weighs 1,857 pounds.
The 951 cc Arctic Cat (pre-Textron) Wildcat 4 weighs 1,534 pounds.
The 951cc Textron Wildcat 4X LTD weighs 1,536 pounds.
Utility model UTVs are designed for hauling equipment or towing for the most part. They aren’t usually very fast and don’t have great acceleration or handling. Because of this, keeping them light isn’t the main concern. While you can certainly find lighter and faster utility ATVs, most tend to be a bit heavier than their high-performance counterparts.
The 976cc Can-Am Commander 1000X weighs 1,287 pounds.
The 800cc Can-Am Defender Max (four-seater) weighs 1,710 pounds.
The 708cc Yamaha Wolverine weighs 1,311 pounds.
The 686cc Yamaha Viking EPS weighs 1,431 pounds (wet weight).
The 875cc Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS weighs 1,342 pounds.
The 1000cc Polaris General weighs 1,544 pounds.
The 475cc Honda Pioneer 500 weighs 1,010 pounds.
The 999cc Honda Pioneer 1000 weighs 1,709 pounds.
The 570-839cc John Deere XUV weighs 1,430 pounds.
The 812cc Kawasaki Mule Pro-FX weighs 1,832 pounds.
The 957cc Textron Havoc X weighs 1,755 pounds.
The 846cc Textron Stampede weighs 1,690 pounds.
The 846 Textron Stampede 4 (four seater) weighs 1,905 pounds.
As you would expect, youth UTVs are a bit smaller and lighter than regular UTVs. This is important because the lighter side by sides are easier for kids to maneuver, are less dangerous if they roll, and are easier to push out of difficult situations.
The Polaris RZR 170 weighs 532 pounds.
The Polaris Ace 150 (single seater) weighs 556 pounds.
Transmission
| Transmission | Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H;shaft |
| Drive system | AWD/2WD |
Suspension
| Front suspension | Double lever, stroke 22. |
| Rear suspension | Double lever, 24.1 cm travel |
Brakes
| Front/Rear brakes | Hydraulic, disc, on all wheels |
| Parking brake | Park gear |
Wheels and tires
| Front tires | 25x8-12; Carlisle |
| Rear tires | 25 x 10-12; Carlisle |
| Discs | Cast aluminum |
Dimensions and volumes
| Wheel base | 156.2 cm |
| Dry weight | 418 kg |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 229 cm x 122 cm x 171 cm |
| Clearance | 26 cm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 19.9 l |
| Body dimensions (LxWxH) | 43 cm x 89 cm x 10 cm |
| Front / rear trunk or compartment volume | 136. |
| Traction force | 680 kg |
| Tow hitch / Type | Standard/1.25” retainer |
Features
| Accessory mounting system | Lock & Ride® |
| Lighting | Double low beam 50 W in bumper, high beam 50 W, double brake light |
| Equipment | Digital Gauges, Analog Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Gear Indicator, Fuel Level, Drive Type Indicator, Low/High Beam, DC Outlet |
| Colors | Titanium Matte Metallic |
1+1 Warranty
| Warranty | Any buyer receives a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer and can carry out warranty repairs and service from an authorized dealer. The second year of warranty service is possible in case of careful use of equipment for recreational purposes, which should be evidenced by its appearance and condition, while the dealer must have all maintenance, conservation and pre-season maintenance registered. |
What about those who want to learn ATV, but are afraid? When there is a desire, but fear does not allow you to jump into the saddle and, firmly holding the steering wheel, drown the “gas” trigger? A way out for such people has been found, and its name is Polaris ATVs of the Ace
family We have already said more than once that the American manufacturer of outdoor equipment from Minnesota Polaris Industries is definitely one of the leaders in this market segment today. Our publication is another confirmation of how vigorously the company is developing in the field of development and production of all kinds of motor vehicles.
Now the ATVs of this company are already divided into five classes! In addition to the usual ATV ATVs with motorcycle seating and controls (Sportsman and Scrambler) and utilitarian UTVs with car seating and controls (Ranger), the Polaris team singled out purely sporty side-by-side models (RZR), ambitious General and, finally, standing apart from all other single "as if side-by-side" under the name Ace.
The last trinity (as in the UTV) has car seating and controls. However, Asya still cannot be called a side-by-side model. After all, this English expression means "side by side" or "shoulder to shoulder", and sitting on a single ATV, which is the Ace, is impossible.
Yes, the main difference between this car and all other car-landing all-terrain vehicles is that it is a single-seat vehicle. In fact, this is an alternative to a quad bike - for those who prefer a quieter and safer ride. Knowing that it is the high probability of the ATV to roll over that stops such people, the Minnesota designers proposed to protect the driver's living space with a roll cage. After all, numerous studies have shown that beginners are much more willing to sit in various types of "sides" precisely because there they are protected by a frame and fastened with car belts to comfortable seats. And no matter how simple these security structures are, they are quite functional and effective. In particular, they allow not only to save life and health when tipping over on their side to everyone inside the frame, but even with a complete and repeated rollover and falling onto the roof, they won’t get any injuries at all!
And these are not empty words from an advertising booklet, as I have seen for myself more than once. The most important thing before starting a trip is to properly buckle up and put on a helmet, and in a coup, keep your hands within the roll cage, firmly holding on to the steering wheel (driver) or specially designed handles and arcs (passenger). Then any somersault will become for you a maximum entertainment attraction, which will then be fun to remember among friends.
Actually, Polaris Sportsman Ace was created with this philosophy - unique in its kind. After all, other manufacturers do not offer anything like this.
The double name - Sportsman Ace - is explained by the fact that a conventional ATV type ATV under the name Sportsman is taken as the basis. They seriously worked on it, changing the landing to an automobile, motorcycle steering wheel - to a round steering wheel and installing the gas and brake pedals. As a result, due to the transfer of the driver's seat (and with it the shift of the center of mass down), the stability of the car has increased. Skeptics may argue that a very protruding safety cage (on which, if desired, you can even install a hard roof to protect against rain or, for example, from falling stones in the mountains) does not add stability, but the weight of the frame frame is so small compared to the weight of a person, that they can safely be neglected.
At the same time, getting behind the wheel of such a “sports ace” (one of the meanings of the English word ace in Russian is “ace”), you need to remember that the structure that has risen above your head has the other side of the coin: it reduces the geometric patency. If an ordinary ATV with a motorized steering wheel has a height of about 130 cm, then Asya rises above the ground by 173 cm. And this is the height of an adult! So, when choosing a forest for skiing or mountain crevices with protruding canopies, you need to remember the dimensions. As well as when traveling under low bridges and on drainage ditches under railway embankments.
At the same time, everything listed on the other side of the coin fully applies to full-fledged side-by-side models RZR, Ranger and General. Ace in this regard does not lose to them in anything. But it wins in such a parameter of geometric cross-country ability as width: it has no more than a conventional ATV - 122 cm (Sportsman - 124, Scrambler - 123). The largest version of the Sportsman Ace 900, however, is somewhat wider - exactly one and a half meters, but it is far from two-seat side-by-sides.
So, we have come to such a concept as “assortment”, which Polaris has in full width. Despite the fact that this class itself is new, however, it already has several modifications. So, in the USA, the “youngest” in the line is the 150 cc Asya, definitely for children. But in our country it is not for sale, dealers believe that the demand for it is unlikely to happen. Nevertheless, in Russia, any dealer of the brand can offer a choice of five "aces" - more than in a deck of cards!
They differ mainly in the motors and, of course, the possibilities associated with it. We have the smallest engine on the market, the Sportsman Ace 325 version, which will fit both an adult and a teenager. It was from him, very carefully, that Polaris began to conquer a new segment: the model is fundamentally new, designed for beginners, so it is dangerous to immediately put a lot of power into it. Therefore, it was decided to start with a 325 cc "single-barrel". Later, modifications appeared with 500 (as well as the SP option) and 570 cc. see The latest novelty was supplied by 900-cc "double-barrel" with a capacity of 78 hp! This is already clearly a sporty version designed for experienced riders.
Here we must take into account a phenomenon that has not yet been named by psychologists, but is inherent in almost all motorcycle drivers who take their first steps. As soon as they feel that it has begun to turn out with control, they suddenly forget about caution, which is fraught. Therefore, it is very important, starting with a small engine, gradually acquiring skills, to increase power. And only when the experience appears, and the fear of the ATV is completely gone, you can switch to the classic ATV.
The entire Sportsman Ace line has liquid-cooled injection engines, as well as Polaris' proprietary AWD all-wheel drive, in which the front axle does not work constantly, but only during the slipping of the rear. There is also a downshift. Energy-intensive long-stroke independent suspensions perfectly hold the car on uneven surfaces, absorbing various obstacles almost without a trace. The Sportsman Ace 325 version doesn't have power steering, but it doesn't need one. But the "900-ki" has an amplifier - electric, with an inverse dependence on speed. The 325 also lacks an engine braking system. But all modifications have a towbar, and even the “small” Ace 325 is able to tow quite adult 680 kg!
Despite their small size, all versions of Sportsman Ace have a place for luggage: the driver has a small box behind his back (similar to a backpack on his shoulders). And, of course, like all Polaris all-terrain vehicles, the Ace family is equipped with a Lock & Ride accessory attachment system, which allows you to equip the model with almost any branded options.
Finally, we should say about the doors: all Sportsman Ace have them, but everywhere they are different. Ace 325 has mesh, Ace 900 has plastic. It's hard to say which is better. For example, I see the advantage of mesh doors in that they can be unfastened on the go and hung out, correcting the position of the ATV on a strongly inclined surface with their weight (to avoid tipping over). With a rigid door, this is more difficult, and it will not work everywhere.
In general, while the Sportsman Ace may be smaller than a traditional ATV, it is much safer for beginners. In principle, the Polaris Ace family are excellent ATVs, designed to cover long distances over rough terrain with maximum comfort for drivers, because fatigue here comes much later than driving a traditional ATV.
| Specifications Polaris Sportsman Ace | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | ACE 325 | ASE 900 CHC | ||
| Dimensions and mass | 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 | |||
| 238/150/183 | ||||
| Wheelbase, cm0005 |
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| Engine type | gasoline | gasoline | ||
| n.a. | ||||
| Benzobaka capacity, l | 19.9 | 19.9 | ||
| Type of transmission/ regimes | Variator (RVT)/ P-R-N-L-H 2222 P-R-N-L-H | |||
| Drive modes | AWD/2WD | AWD/2WD |
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| Front suspension | Independent, MCPHERSON, TOG 20.8 cm | Independent, double lever with transverse 9055 91.21.21.21.21 | ||
| Rear suspension | independent, double wishbone, 24 cm travel | independent, double wishbone with transverse Did you like this article? Tell friends: or Comment We also recommend reading:November 22, 2018 "Future"9000 9000October 10, 2018 "Heart of the North"20 December 2017 "Challenge stereotypes"08 November 2017 "Long live the king!"October 12, 2017 "Titanium alloys"July 13, 2017 "Extreme, more extreme!"June 27, 2017 "Beginner Athlete"Interesting news on the topicCar and ATV A small company Engler from Slovakia presented an extreme vehicle F.  | ||
We were able to obtain speeds of about 50 mph and the throttle response in tight, technical conditions was good. Once again, the ACE is intended for more of a beginner so keep that in mind.
Doors that are similar in design to the RZR XP 1000 are available as a Polaris accessory, and would be the first thing I changed on the ACE.
5″ (24 cm) Travel
25″ Receiver
Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris accessories and parts.
