With Age Comes Wisdom
Moose Racing’s Polaris RZR XP 1000 Is a Beauty in the Wild
Words: Matthew McNulty
Photos: Provided by Moose Racing
An industry staple for knowledge and experience in the world of UTVs, Moose Racing has been around since the mid-1980s. Eventually stepping into the off-road gear game in the 1990s, they have been producing and designing ways to improve your driving longer than I have been alive.
With all that time in the industry, the institutional knowledge acquired is something which just can’t be replicated without having time and experience in the field. And with all that time, they’ve witnessed the explosion in popularity of UTVs in recent years and expanded to providing a healthy lineup of products for the community. So, one might ask, what could they change about an already capable platform – a machine from my timeline – to make it truly special?
Starting off with the base vehicle, Polaris’ RZR XP 1000 already offers a great chassis as a foundation. With a respectable 110 Horsepower from the factory, and some great suspension travel and ground clearance, it makes for a fantastic platform on which to build. And just a quick look at results from the racetrack proves you don’t need a lot of modification for that car to compete (and win).
Moose Racing starts off the upgrade with their 416B 14X7 wheels, wrapped in their own rubber. With a bellicose tread for tackling sand, mud, dirt, or even snow, the INSURGENT tires look mean but sophisticated, especially when installed on a wheel as attractive as the 416 series. The intimidating design of the 416s, combined with their 700-lb load capacity, makes for a fantastic compliment to a vehicle such as the XP 1000.
In addition to having traction for all sorts of complex terrain, this custom RZR has the lighting to handle it at all times, day or night. With some pod lights and a 32” lightbar up top, ample illumination comes easily. 6,000 kilowatts of LED behind a scratch and impact-resistant lens then coupled with waterproof housing, there’s no doubt the XP 1000 can reach your destination and turn a journey into an adventure. It doesn’t hurt that in addition to their functionality, the light kit provides an attractive profile secured to the roof and built into the mirrors.
Keeping your attention at the front, the team went ahead and added a 4500-lb Aggro winch to add some peace of mind – even when you’re driving a vehicle as capable as this. Really pushing the limits of how far the XP 1000 can go. In the field, this 999cc engine provides astonishing power and torque at the low end. Forcing the issue with any obstacle it encountered.
The four Insurgents gripped the earth tightly, sure to stay planted while rocking ‘n’ rolling to an excellent soundtrack booming from both the 32” sound bar and the Trinity exhaust – which offers a symphonic throaty growl should you hit pause on the stereo. Better yet, slip-on adds a substantial gain of HPs and low-end muscle leading with a monstrous roar.
This RZR was ready to party, yet it somehow still sets the tone for how much faster, safer, and more luxurious UTVs have become since their birth. The experience provided by the Moose XP 1000 is one of refined aggression: smooth, steadfast and intense if you let it. And as good as it looks from the front, it’s giving so much good from the back.
At the rear, Moose added a full-size spare tire in a sleek, understated carrier, which sits nicely behind their aftermarket roof. But with a tight tail, you need to keep it tidy. So, tucked neatly to the side is the fire extinguisher and Moose Utility Division’s Universal Lift Jack. But it’s their lights at the stern and three-foot whip which really makes this package glow, ensuring that all eyes are on the RZR, especially in the dark.
Continuing the trend of high-visibility, Moose has installed their own folding windshield. With a thick and sturdy polycarbonate material and an easy folding mechanism which doesn’t require the use of any tools. It will keep you as clean (or not so clean) as you want during a ride. With the hinge at the center of the windshield, it also adds some sufficient room for ventilation when driving. With greater performance in mind for this build, the installation of M.U.D.’s Sway Bar End Links, Radius Rod Plates, Lug Nuts and Aluminum Wheel Spacers was a must. Plus the addition of Nerf Bars protects both the chassis and rear wheels (as tough as they are) while the car is running amok – not sacrificing any ground clearance in the meantime.
Moving to the interior, these folks have added their steel-tube, marine-grade vinyl RZR Seats and Four-Point Restraint System to keep driver, and riders, secure and comfortable when tackling challenges. More creature comforts include RZR Door Bags providing secure storage while also adding a bit of unexpected cushioning and a touch of class. Connecting to the factory door holes up front also means they are a relatively simple install so you can spend your precious time behind the wheel instead in the garage. Moose finished off the body with their Lower Doors for a pretty polished XP.
With all these additions, Moose Racing/Utility Division has turned the dial up to 11 with this RZR XP1000 build, creating a brand-new black & blue beast. With additional engine performance from the exhaust, as well as the wide variety of body parts focused on comfort, safety and durability, this RZR is ready to roll with whatever punches are thrown at it. A dangerous beauty, they might say. Bold, bright, nimble, and nuanced.
Everything about this Polaris XP 1000 was crafted to provide a premium experience for everyone, made by people in the know. Those same folks who have brought quality aftermarket pieces to the off-road industry since before I was born. Experts at upgrade, any look at the choices made throughout this renovation – which improvements were a must – were curated with the sort of touch only an experienced eye could catch. And those wise beady eyes were that of a Moose.
