What Parts Can Improve Your SXS Ride Quality?
Side-by-sides (SXS) are ready for fun, adrenaline, and the thrill of off-road adventure. While manufacturers intend for them to handle rugged trails, every off-road enthusiast knows that the right modifications can transform the ride quality of your SXS.
There are numerous ways to improve your SXS ride, from suspension upgrades to comfort-focused adjustments. Let’s look into the top parts that can improve your SXS ride quality and make a noticeable difference on the trail.
1. Upgrading Your Suspension for a Smoother Ride
Upgrading the suspension is a fantastic way to enhance your SXS ride quality. Stock suspensions perform decently on various terrains but may lack the finesse and control that avid off-roaders seek. Upgrading to a high-performance suspension kit can absorb shocks better, giving you a smoother and more controlled ride.
Investing in a long-travel suspension kit also improves wheel articulation, reducing the chance of bottoming out on rougher terrain. Your SXS can maintain smoother contact with the ground, even on deep ruts or jagged rocks, offering a more controlled and stable ride.
New shocks and springs tailored to your driving style can minimize jarring impacts from rough terrains, rocks, and bumps. Don’t forget to check the spring rates to match your weight and preferred riding style, which can make a huge difference in performance.
Adjustable suspensions allow you to tweak settings based on whether you’re on a technical trail or a flat dirt path, giving you complete control over your ride comfort and performance.
2. Larger and Better Tires
Tires play a major role in the quality of your SXS ride, affecting your vehicle’s traction and comfort. Stock tires can’t always tackle mud, sand, and rocky terrains effectively, so investing in larger, specialized off-road tires can prove beneficial. Off-road tires come in various treads designed specifically for mud, sand, rocks, or all-purpose use, allowing you to adapt to any conditions.
Consider your usual riding conditions when deciding on the tire that suits your future rides. A pro tip is to choose tires with self-cleaning treads to prevent buildup in mud or snow, which can reduce traction over time.
When pairing larger tires with upgraded rims, you’ll get a higher ground clearance, which reduces the chances of scraping the underside on obstacles. You’ll also gain more traction, reducing the need to slide or slip through rough patches and offering a more stable ride.
Also, upgrading to beadlock rims is essential because they securely clamp the tire’s bead to the rim, preventing the tire from slipping off the wheel, even at lower air pressures. Lower tire pressure is often more suitable for traction on rough or muddy terrains, as it allows more of the tire to contact the ground.
Yet, without beadlock rims, there’s a risk of the tire becoming unseated, especially when navigating through challenging obstacles or sharp turns. Beadlock rims eliminate this concern by providing a stronger, more stable hold on the tire, allowing you to safely run lower pressures for maximum grip and control.
3. Adding a Steering Dampener for Better Control
A steering dampener is an often-overlooked upgrade that significantly affects ride quality. It works to reduce the intensity of feedback that reaches the steering wheel when you hit rocks, ruts, or bumps.
This dampening effect prevents the wheel from jerking, giving you more control over your vehicle and making for a more comfortable experience. By reducing steering oscillation, it improves high-speed stability, especially in sandy or muddy conditions.
Steering dampeners are essential for rough terrains and high-speed trails. They also reduce fatigue by minimizing the force needed to keep your SXS on course, letting you ride longer without feeling worn out.
4. Improved Seats for Comfort
Comfort becomes a priority when spending hours on the trails. Stock SXS seats are often basic and may not provide ergonomic support for long, bumpy rides. You should look for options that feature adjustable dampening for personalized comfort settings.
This feature can greatly affect your ride, allowing you to adjust the seat’s firmness or cushioning based on your ride’s intensity or the terrain you’re tackling. Softer settings provide a cushioned feel for rough trails, while firmer settings offer better support for faster, smoother rides.
Upgrading to high-quality, cushioned seats makes a significant difference. Many aftermarket seats come with extra padding, improved lumbar support, and high backrests, helping you maintain good posture and reduce fatigue. Go for seats with adjustable bolsters to help you stay in place, especially during aggressive rides.
Adjustable seat bases and recliners are also great additions, enabling you to customize your seating position for optimal comfort during long rides. There are also seat covers that add comfort and grip, keeping you in place on wild rides.
Some seats have heating options and are a lifesaver in colder weather, enhancing your comfort regardless of the season.
5. High-Quality Suspension Seats
Suspension seats, designed with built-in shock absorption, are the ultimate upgrade if you’re serious about ride quality. These seats come with suspension components that work alongside your vehicle’s main suspension, absorbing impacts and reducing the shock the driver and passenger feel. This dual suspension setup enhances the smoothness of your ride.
Suspension seats also help cut down on rider fatigue by soaking up the bumps that would normally jar your body, so you can ride longer without feeling sore or burnt out.
Many suspension seats are customizable to match your SXS’s aesthetic, meaning you don’t have to compromise on style for comfort. You should look for seats that offer adjustable recline and height settings to ensure optimal posture, which can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing muscle strain.
With a good pair of suspension seats, every trail, rock, or rut feels more manageable, and the ride remains enjoyable no matter the terrain.
6. Upgrading to a Performance Exhaust System
A performance exhaust system doesn’t just boost your SXS’s power and sound; it also helps optimize its engine performance. High-quality exhaust systems improve airflow, allowing your engine to work more efficiently. This enhancement leads to better throttle response and, in some cases, a smoother ride experience.
If your SXS could talk, it’d probably want a bit more bass in its voice! An aftermarket exhaust boosts horsepower and gives your ride that deep, rumbling sound. Your friends will hear you before they see you, adding an extra thrill factor to every ride.
Many aftermarket exhaust systems offer adjustable or dual-mode options so that you can switch between a powerful roar and a quieter mode as needed. These options are perfect for riding around wildlife or in noise-restricted areas where minimizing sound pollution is important. Quieter settings also make it easier to chat with passengers or fellow riders.
7. Adding a Roof and Windshield for All-Weather Comfort
A roof and windshield combo can transform your SXS ride by protecting you from harsh weather conditions and reducing wind fatigue. A windshield shields you from dust, debris, and wind, especially when driving at high speeds, while a roof provides shade and protects against rain.
Windshields come in several types: full, half, and folding. Full windshields offer the best protection, while half windshields allow better airflow. If you ride in varying weather, a windshield with quick-release features will allow you to swap out or adjust based on changing conditions.
Foldable options let you switch between the two, depending on the conditions. These upgrades enhance comfort and allow for longer rides in various weather without discomfort. For extra protection, consider tinted or UV-blocking windshields to reduce glare and keep the sun off your face, especially on long, sunny trails.
8. Installing a Rearview Mirror and LED Lighting
Safety upgrades, like rearview mirrors and LED lights, contribute to a better riding experience. Mirrors enhance visibility, making it easier to see behind you, especially when navigating tight trails or backing up in a crowded off-road setting.
You can go for wide-angle rearview mirrors with convex glass for a broad field of view. Some mirrors come with anti-glare coatings for clearer vision in bright sunlight. For rugged trails, shatterproof or breakaway mirrors are ideal, as they can withstand rough impacts, or adjustable mirrors offer flexibility with visibility at any angle.
Adding LED light bars or auxiliary lights not only soups up your ride but also improves visibility on evening rides or through dense forests. LEDs produce bright, clear light and draw less power than traditional bulbs, making them ideal for off-roaders riding in low-light conditions.
A high-quality LED light bar or a few spotlights can light your way on a night ride. Whether you’re tearing through forests or hitting desert dunes, you won’t miss a single rock on the trail. And the best part is these lights make you look like a real off-road pro, giving you style and safety points.
9. Essential Storage Solutions
For those of us who bring just-in-case snacks, tools, and, well, everything you might need, storage upgrades are a must. Cargo boxes and roof racks mean you can stash all your essentials and maybe a few luxuries too. And if you’re really extra, why not throw in a cooler?
With limited storage on SXS models, adding cargo racks, door bags, and other storage options makes your adventures that much more convenient. Door bags and under-seat storage provide quick access to tools, snacks, and other essentials, while cargo racks expand the SXS’s capacity to carry gear, fuel, and other supplies.
You might want to consider waterproof storage solutions for electronics or sensitive gear to keep everything safe and dry, no matter the weather conditions. Options like cargo boxes or cooler-cargo combos are incredibly useful.
These boxes typically feature multiple compartments—one designed to keep beverages cold and the other providing secure storage for your equipment. Adding a cooler box allows you to bring refreshments for long rides, and specialized storage compartments keep your valuable items safe.
The bottom line is that you never know what you’re going to hit on the trails. With the right storage setup, you can bring everything you need for a full trail day without sacrificing comfort or safety.
10. Upgrading to High-Quality Brake Pads
A smoother, more controlled ride isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about safety. Upgrading to high-quality brake pads ensures your SXS can handle the braking demands of rough terrain. Better brakes provide quicker response times and enhanced stopping power, which is especially important on steep hills and rocky paths. A responsive braking system also helps maintain control during fast descents, reducing the risk of skidding or rolling.
Aftermarket brake pads often feature more durable materials than stock pads, resulting in a longer lifespan and better performance in harsh conditions. You should check out pads with heat resistance and advanced friction materials that can handle extreme temperatures without fading, ensuring consistent stopping power, even on long, tough rides. High-quality brakes give you the confidence to tackle challenging trails and provide peace of mind when it’s time to stop.
Pairing upgraded pads with braided steel brake lines can further improve braking performance by reducing expansion, providing a firmer pedal feel and faster response.
Improving your SXS ride quality involves a combination of comfort and performance upgrades. While every off-roader has unique needs, investing in these key parts can improve your SXS ride quality. The right modifications allow you to push your SXS further, whether cruising down smooth trails or tackling rocky terrain.
When considering upgrades, RZR Turbo R accessories from DRT Motorsports can provide additional customization options tailored to your specific off-road style. With the right parts, your SXS can become the ultimate off-road machine, ready to handle whatever the trail throws at you.