Rzr 1000 belt issues....fixed?

[Bigbore500r]

Been kicking the idea around over picking up a 4 seat xp1000, but im not liking what i'm reading about the belt shredding issue. I see Polaris came out with a 2015 redesign on the clutch helix and cover, but results seem mixed. Some guys report eating a belt every 30-50 miles when running @ glamis.
Figured I'd check in with the RDP braintrust - what say ye?

 

[Uncle Dave]

Got about 100 miles on my first one, but it wasnt broken in properly and it was getting beaten on.

Put another 120 on after this weekend - everything ok running 4 people duning hard.

I'd say its still a weak spot- get an IR belt gauge, break it in - and you should be ok...

If you get the RZR cheap enough you can always put in an STM clutch that will help - the Z1 clutch upgrade will make the problem go away but its bucks.




UD

 

[Bigbore500r]

Got about 100 miles on my first one, but it wasnt broken in properly and it was getting beaten on.

Put another 120 on after this weekend - everything ok running 4 people duning hard.

I'd say its still a weak spot- get an IR belt gauge, break it in - and you should be ok...

If you get the RZR cheap enough you can always put in an STM clutch that will help - the Z1 clutch upgrade will make the problem go away but its bucks.




UD

Man thats a bad ass looking rzr!

 

[Big B Hova]

Do the belts last longer running them in dirt instead of sand?

 

[Uncle Dave]

Do the belts last longer running them in dirt instead of sand?

Typically yes - as the tires slip more than in sand with paddles.

Big hills (dunes) heat them up fast.

UD

 

[boataholic]

I have a 2014 xp4 1000 and I have went through 3 belts 2 in glamis and 1 at vail lake. Definitely a weak spot on those units, I have upgraded to the 2015 clutch setup which should keep things cooler. Did that upgrade late last season and have not had a chance to put many miles on it since. The verdict is still out on the belt issues, but love the machine.

 

[idk]

I have a 15' xp4 with 850 miles and just under 50 hours on it and I'm still on the original belt. I only have run it in the desert , I haven't taken it in the sand yet and I don't pussy foot around in it. I've whipped out the rollers in the secondary clutch other than that it's been great, it has a lot to do with how you throttle it.

 

[throttle]

Break in is key!

I have a '14 model. Did the helix upgrade and the '15 clutch cover and vent system. Have not had any problems... I been runnin the Glamis dunes for the past couple weeks. A few of the guys I been riding with have 900's and have had some belt issues. Last week I finally shredded one. I got 1500 miles out of stock belt.



An hour later after changing it and doing some breaking in, we were right back in business.



Don't hate on it, I strongly believe lots of belt failures are driver error and again proper break in makes a difference! It designed to fail before other major parts do that would be more catastrophic.

Trying to run straight up a dune at low speed with high torque is going to equate to burning up a belt. Drive it and let her go, all good.

 

[TheKeysLife]

I ha have 700 miles with 40 hrs on my 15 1k xp4 still on the original belt! Break in is key can't really speak for the sand dunes but I know the 15s belts last longer due to new design! Just have a extra belt takes 10 min to change if u do shred one and your back having fun!

 

[crzy2bealive]

What kind of break in do you have to do?

 

[Uncle Dave]

What kind of break in do you have to do?

About 30 miles of easy driving to allow the sides of the belt to settle into the sheave so when it grabs - it grabs the whole side rather than a section of it.

You are basically insuring a V belt settles completely into a V groove.

When you put all that power to a portion of the V belt - only that portion gets hot then disproportionally expands and......

UD

 

[G. Faulk]

Not to get off subject, but any opinions on the new turbo? Waiting for the 4 seater.

Also anyone get a new Yamaha yet? If so what do you think and whats a guess on when the 4 seaters available.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Not to get off subject, but any opinions on the new turbo? Waiting for the 4 seater.

Also anyone get a new Yamaha yet? If so what do you think and whats a guess on when the 4 seaters available.

Drove the Yammie this weekend - fun, quick. Feels like a mini rail with an MD5S.

Its setup great for hardpack- not so much for sand- in the sand whoops I ended up staring down at the ground pretty quick, it also feels narrow I almost tipped it twice in a 20 minute ride sliding around on hills.

Looking forward to watching to evolve. Probably get one of those too. Probably make a 4 seat version next season

UD

 

[Bigbore500r]

Drove the Yammie this weekend - fun, quick. Feels like a mini rail with an MD5S.

Its setup great for hardpack- not so much for sand- in the sand whoops I ended up staring down at the ground pretty quick, it also feels narrow I almost tipped it twice in a 20 minute ride sliding around on hills.

Looking forward to watching to evolve. Probably get one of those too. Probably make a 4 seat version next season

UD

Is it narrower than a RZR 1000, or taller with a higher CG ?
I wonder why it feels tippy compared to a rzr

 

[Uncle Dave]

Not to get off subject, but any opinions on the new turbo? Waiting for the 4 seater.

Also anyone get a new Yamaha yet? If so what do you think and whats a guess on when the 4 seaters available.

Oh- yeah the turbos. They are nice cars - and the 4 seats is out.

Jury is out....

So far they have lots of overheat issues and the suspension can't really handle the speed of the car- lots of broken turbo cars jumping and landing on one wheel this weekend.

I'm thinking I'd rather have a built NA car than a turbo personally- but thats me.
I want to see what happens when guys leave the gas in a turbo car over the summer 6 and go out the next season.



Uncle Dave

 

[Uncle Dave]

Is it narrower than a RZR 1000, or taller with a higher CG ?
I wonder why it feels tippy compared to a rzr

didn't bring my tape- but it sure feels both.

Not scary- but not planted either.

Most of the ones I saw were running stock tires which are dinky and help it recover - you hook that in a sideways slide with paddles -and you are going over...

UD

 

[JRS1939]

Drove a Yamaha for an hour Friday to olds and around the baby dunes between the vendors and olds. It was fun to bang gears. I think once you drove it for a while you would get used to it. But I found myself between gears in some of the dunes and it made it difficult to dune. You really have to keep to motor above 8k rpm to keep moving.

 

[throttle]

What kind of break in do you have to do?

Proper break in also includes driving in low gear at slower speeds as well.

Before putting a new belt on, it is also critical to spread clutches open and get all of the debris out, it also helps to put new belt on. There is a vent located at the top of clutch housing that lots of debris goes into when the bad belt goes to shit. If that vent is not cleaned out properly, the remaining debris falls right into the housing and will cause the new belt to fail.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Drove a Yamaha for an hour Friday to olds and around the baby dunes between the vendors and olds. It was fun to bang gears. I think once you drove it for a while you would get used to it. But I found myself between gears in some of the dunes and it made it difficult to dune. You really have to keep to motor above 8k rpm to keep moving.

yup -

The 2-3-4 issue exists just like a bike or quad-it doesn't have enough power to grunt a dune trip like say a raptor 700 does.

Head around a corner and your looking at a wall of sand - head up- cant quite pull 3rd- gotta row back to 2nd and as son as you touch that clutch your momentum vanishes..

Hit a patch of soft sand same thing - bogs until you row the box- paddles are going to make it worse as you cant rev and slip your way into the powerband.

One cant give that car to a newby or a chick- (well my wife can ride and drive but most cant) and go duning- you gotta row that box...

The strength of the RZR is that anyone can jump in and have a good time...and sometimes its more fun just to jump in a drive and row row row your box...

UD

 

[throttle]

Not to get off subject, but any opinions on the new turbo? Waiting for the 4 seater.

Also anyone get a new Yamaha yet? If so what do you think and whats a guess on when the 4 seaters available.

I drove the Yamaha last week, was pretty nice but I didn't like it over the whoops. I'm pretty happy with my xp4-1k but wanted to see the difference with all the hype.

As for the xp4 turbo 4 seater... Like UD said, wait no more. It's $27k. You go first. I'm waiting.

 

[Devious_Chris]

Here is my take on belts with the XP1 based on experience and what has come through my shop.

Break in with a couple easy rides and let cool in between.

In sand be firm on the throttle when taking off so you get full engagement and don't slip and heat the belt.
Use low when cruising slow and doing technical driving.

We take the clutch covers off when tuning the dunes to let heat escape and also to allow the belt to fall if it does come apart. Getting a belt wrapped around the clutch is a PIA and can push out the seal and end your weekend.

We have seen very few issues with belts in the dessert and hard pack. The sand is much harder on the belt......

Be sure to clean up the clutches after burning up a belt. I personally look at my belts after 3-4 rides to ensure all is good. I replace them before they break and keep the one I took out as a spare for myself or others who may break and need one.

Chris
Devious PowerSports
503-512-7390

 

[G. Faulk]

I don't want to be the Ginne then have my Yamaha buddies tell me I told ya so, LOL...

I'm also hearing the motor in the Yamaha is easier to make more reliable power then the Polaris, non turbo, but don't know for a fact. Maybe buy both.

 

[Boatracer36]

I have the xp4 1000 2015. I have about 600 miles desert riding still on the original belt!!!

 

[Uncle Dave]

I don't want to be the Ginne then have my Yamaha buddies tell me I told ya so, LOL...

I'm also hearing the motor in the Yamaha is easier to make more reliable power then the Polaris, non turbo, but don't know for a fact. Maybe buy both.

The sled guys will know how good the core is.

UD

 

[TPC]

Problem is cured on the new XPK4's.
The new turbo 4 seat clutch and belt (and trans) system is way improved.

 

[cb5505]

I think with all belts everything is based off temperature. I have a can am maverick and installed a belt gauage and cvt fan. Now my belt runs between 160 and 180 in glamis. Also another problem with belts is after people run their machines they just shut them off. It's best to let the machine to run in park for 3 to 5 minutes because the clutches still need to cool down. If you just shut it off the clutches are basically cooking the belts. Just my opinion

 

[NicPaus]

Problem is cured on the new XPK4's.
The new turbo 4 seat clutch and belt (and trans) system is way improved.

Do the 2015 2 seater non turbo 1000 have the same clutch setup as the turbo?

 

[Patyacht]

900+ miles, 68 hours & no belt issues. Had to give up my spare last weekend but he said he had cooked his belt the day before..... Now I'm Jinxed!!!!!!!
Any one know if there is a difference between the Polaris and Gates belts for the 2015 1k models? Which is best & why? I know there is a big $$$$ difference.

 

[throttle]

900+ miles, 68 hours & no belt issues. Had to give up my spare last weekend but he said he had cooked his belt the day before..... Now I'm Jinxed!!!!!!!
Any one know if there is a difference between the Polaris and Gates belts for the 2015 1k models? Which is best & why? I know there is a big $$$$ difference.

Is the "gates" belt the one that comes with a 1 year warranty?

 

[JRS1939]

Do the 2015 2 seater non turbo 1000 have the same clutch setup as the turbo?

No. All new clutches on the turbo.

 

[TCHB]

Just picked up a 2016 2 seat RZR XP 1000 and took it out to the dunes. I hope they have fixed the belt problem.

I never had a belt problem with my 900!

 

[Ultra28]

We run the shit out of ours, in the dunes with paddles. Put on the upgraded clutch/vent last year at Camp RZR, haven't changed a belt since. We usually have about 15-20 RZRs running with us, full throttle for 30-45 minutes straight. Only stop when a turbo overheats or someone shreds a belt. Here is a short clip from our last run on Sunday.
[video=youtube_https;P2u1OKiK6dE]https://youtu.be/P2u1OKiK6dE[/video]

 

[Devious_Chris]

900+ miles, 68 hours & no belt issues. Had to give up my spare last weekend but he said he had cooked his belt the day before..... Now I'm Jinxed!!!!!!!
Any one know if there is a difference between the Polaris and Gates belts for the 2015 1k models? Which is best & why? I know there is a big $$$$ difference.

Pat get the Gates belt, they work great and cost half as much. I could sell you one, but honestly Amazon has them for less than I can sell them for......

Chris
Devious PowerSports

 

[TPC]

Just picked up a 2016 2 seat RZR XP 1000 and took it out to the dunes. I hope they have fixed the belt problem.

I never had a belt problem with my 900!

You won't have any but always carry a spare belt anyway.
Ran the hell outta my 1000 and sold it with the orig belt.

Big Guns has a 2016 XP4 no issues at all and a very cool running belt.
Outstanding Dune runner.

 

[TPC]

Pat get the Gates belt, they work great and cost half as much. I could sell you one, but honestly Amazon has them for less than I can sell them for......

Chris
Devious PowerSports

Dealer asking $200 for the turbo belt.
It's stouter, haven't found a cross referenced aftermarket belt yet.

 

[TPC]

I don't want to be the Ginne then have my Yamaha buddies tell me I told ya so, LOL...

I'm also hearing the motor in the Yamaha is easier to make more reliable power then the Polaris, non turbo, but don't know for a fact. Maybe buy both.

Several YXZ guys at the dunes this weekend all with "flashed" controllers.
They either ran bad or lost top end with a great improvement on the hole shot.
Not perfected yet and they all spent near $600 to find that out.

Complaints on the YXZ is the harsh suspension.
Either brutal ride or it bottoms out if it's adjusted for a smoother ride.
Figure $2500 to $5000 to fix that issue.

Terrific machines but a steering wheel paddle shifter would be more practical on the dunes IMHO.
Someone will probably come up with it.
Already talk owners want an auto trans.

High speed runs and climbs along the lip of killer razorbacks and witch eyes, one really needs both hands on the wheel is the consensus. It's hairy.
The shifting novelty is wearing off fast.
Not knocking the Yamaha, I'll eventually buy one but the Polaris belt and clutch issues are solved.

The new Polaris trans / clutch / belt drive in the turbos is fantastic and the dyno tests show drive train losses equal or less than the Yamaha. That's if you can trust the dyno tests that I've found posted online.
Posted by the same people selling the bogus re-flashes for the controllers so factor that in.

I ain't peeing on the YXZ, I love those machines, just my two cents worth.

 

[JRS1939]

Several YXZ guys at the dunes this weekend all with "flashed" controllers.
They either ran bad or lost top end with a great improvement on the hole shot.
Not perfected yet and they all spent near $600 to find that out.

Complaints on the YXZ is the harsh suspension.
Either brutal ride or it bottoms out if it's adjusted for a smoother ride.
Figure $2500 to $5000 to fix that issue.

Terrific machines but a steering wheel paddle shifter would be more practical on the dunes IMHO.
Someone will probably come up with it.
Already talk owners want an auto trans.

High speed runs and climbs along the lip of killer razorbacks and witch eyes, one really needs both hands on the wheel is the consensus. It's hairy.
The shifting novelty is wearing off fast.
Not knocking the Yamaha, I'll eventually buy one but the Polaris belt and clutch issues are solved.

The new Polaris trans / clutch / belt drive in the turbos is fantastic and the dyno tests show drive train losses equal or less than the Yamaha. That's if you can trust the dyno tests that I've found posted online.
Posted by the same people selling the bogus re-flashes for the controllers so factor that in.

I ain't peeing on the YXZ, I love those machines, just my two cents worth.

We've ran a built 1000 for two seasons now, about 5000 race miles, and had no true engine failures. Our Sparks Racing built motor safely makes about 20% more power than a stock motor with bolt ons....

 

[Meaney77]

We run the shit out of ours, in the dunes with paddles. Put on the upgraded clutch/vent last year at Camp RZR, haven't changed a belt since. We usually have about 15-20 RZRs running with us, full throttle for 30-45 minutes straight. Only stop when a turbo overheats or someone shreds a belt. Here is a short clip from our last run on Sunday.
[video=youtube_https;P2u1OKiK6dE]https://youtu.be/P2u1OKiK6dE[/video]

Nice video! Some big jumps in those cars!

 

[G. Faulk]

Several YXZ guys at the dunes this weekend all with "flashed" controllers.
They either ran bad or lost top end with a great improvement on the hole shot.
Not perfected yet and they all spent near $600 to find that out.

Complaints on the YXZ is the harsh suspension.
Either brutal ride or it bottoms out if it's adjusted for a smoother ride.
Figure $2500 to $5000 to fix that issue.

Terrific machines but a steering wheel paddle shifter would be more practical on the dunes IMHO.
Someone will probably come up with it.
Already talk owners want an auto trans.

High speed runs and climbs along the lip of killer razorbacks and witch eyes, one really needs both hands on the wheel is the consensus. It's hairy.
The shifting novelty is wearing off fast.
Not knocking the Yamaha, I'll eventually buy one but the Polaris belt and clutch issues are solved.

The new Polaris trans / clutch / belt drive in the turbos is fantastic and the dyno tests show drive train losses equal or less than the Yamaha. That's if you can trust the dyno tests that I've found posted online.
Posted by the same people selling the bogus re-flashes for the controllers so factor that in.

I ain't peeing on the YXZ, I love those machines, just my two cents worth.

Thanks for the info, think I'll grab the new 4 Polaris turbo and wait a bit on the Yamaha. Does the turbo Polaris need any bolt on motor mods your hearing of?

 

[G. Faulk]

Nice video! Some big jumps in those cars!

Loved the arm out and back on the wheel. Could do without the country though.

 

[TPC]

Thanks for the info, think I'll grab the new 4 Polaris turbo and wait a bit on the Yamaha. Does the turbo Polaris need any bolt on motor mods your hearing of?

No.
We have the two seat turbo and it screams.
Just touch the gas and the power is there.
The 4 seater should be a gem.
Excellent ride, peppy motor we'll be checking out the 4 seat too.

Big Guns put the three person rear seat in his and it's excellent BTW.

 

[throttle]

Just picked up a 2016 2 seat RZR XP 1000 and took it out to the dunes. I hope they have fixed the belt problem.

I never had a belt problem with my 900!

nice! congrats, you are gonna love it.

 

[Patyacht]

Pat get the Gates belt, they work great and cost half as much. I could sell you one, but honestly Amazon has them for less than I can sell them for......

Chris
Devious PowerSports

Chris;
I had the Gates belt for my spare which I had to help a fellow rider out when he burned his belt. I'm waiting for him to get me another belt and was just wondering which is the best belt.