2014 Polaris RZR – Blade Runner

This Polaris RZR is a Sharp Addition to Your Bug-Out Kit

Photos by: Yoshi Andrego

Since we know there's no one-size-fits-all tactical vehicle out there, this month we bring you another “category” to further jostle your imagination as to what exactly you might need. Whether you call it a UTV, ATV, or side-by-side, this type of four-wheeled off-roader is definitely gaining in popularity, and as described in previous articles, they can go places that a fully loaded four-wheel-drive truck just can't. In many states, these vehicles can be outfitted with horns, turn signals, mirrors, and other accessories to make them street legal — furthering their level of practicality. And since quite a few of them boast four-stroke motors, you can run straight off pump gas. How wild can you really get with these? Well, if you're Hans Luenger, putting limits on a build is not in your vocabulary.

As owner of HMF Racing, a builder of aftermarket race components for off-road vehicles, Hans is no stranger to the industry. He chose a 2014 Polaris RZR 1000 for its versatility, and because maintenance and component accessibility was comparatively easy. What initially began as a race-type vehicle eventually snowballed into a more tactical, apocalyptic theme. You can see by the pictures that this decked-out UTV should probably be using the acronym WTF instead. So if you've only thought something of the full-size pickup persuasion could be kitted out with some serious trimmings, think again.

Powering this nimble little ride is the factory 1,000cc engine that Hans upgraded with his proprietary HMF Dual Full exhaust package to lower weight and increase horsepower, as well as one of their Optimizer engine management systems to control the fuel curve. A UMP air filter was added to handle dusty conditions that could decrease aspiration. The stock CVT drivetrain, which can switch between 2WD and 4WD, was also given a racier TEAM clutch and Gates belts. Hans cut down the factory cage and redid it himself for a sleeker look and to add more room for roof racks, equipment, and the two solar panels that can charge both batteries in five hours with direct sunlight.

To carry additional gear, suspension duties were modified courtesy of HCR dual A-arms, Walker Evans 2.5-inch shocks, and PAC springs. What additional gear, you ask? For illumination there's not only two Baja Designs HID lights but also a 38-inch LED light bar up top. A 1,000-watt Yamaha generator in the rear and 4,500-pound Superwinch in the front with synthetic rope are also handy tools to have when needed. The Hi-Lift jackstand mounted on the side can help with extrication or any sudden repairs. Custom front and rear racks provide additional storage space, while the front rack doubles as a protective cage and the rear folds down for a table, perfect for your portable stove to sit on.

A rear-mounted camera gives the driver eyes in the back of his head and is viewed through a Pyle LCD screen inside the cockpit. Doors were converted from suicide style to standard and have integrated netting for protection. The factory center panel was replaced by a custom switch panel to operate the lights, auxiliary fan, and interior LEDs. Add to that a PCI helmet cam system so driver and passenger can hear each other, and you have one pretty dialed-in duo.+

Don't worry, we didn't forget about the guns. If you saw the RPG rocket sitting on top, we regret to inform you that it's a demilled unit — but at least it's a cool conversation piece and could work to bludgeon someone to death if you had nothing else for protection. Although not pictured, Hans has been known to keep a front-mounted Slide Fire BFR-556A, which will make short work of oncoming “traffic.” Behind the fireproof Mastercraft 3G seats resides a Mossberg 500 12-gauge, and the driver's door holds a .45 ACP 1911 for extra peace of mind. If you just so happen to run out of ammo on all those, you can always reach for the United Cutlery M48 tomahawk, spare machete, or one of the CRKT knives in the cab. Lastly, the Avery Dennison camo wrap will help keep you incognito. In other words, you have more safety measures than Ralph Nader could've dreamed up in his wildest hallucinations.

Hans estimates a range of about 180 miles with the stock tank and a couple spare cans of fuel. He's already had it out on some long treks, such as the Hatfield McCoy trails in West Virginia. As you can see, his Northern Ohio home sees some pretty heavy snowfall, and while your daily-driver hybrid might freeze up on the way out of town, it's just another day at the office for the RZR. Is this vehicle right for you? Only you can answer that, of course, by assessing what your surrounding area would allow in terms of a bug out. If something like this is up your alley, this is a prime example of what can be done to outfit an off-road vehicle with some hardcore kit that'd still keep it practical enough for a light, quick escape plan.

2014 Polaris
RZR
Four-stroke 1,000cc
Automatic PVT 2WD & 4WD

1. Seats
Make:
Mastercraft
Model:
3G
Url: www.hmfracing.com
2. Light Bar
Make:
Race Parts Online
Model:
38-inch
Url: www.rpopowersports.com
3. Camo Wrap
Make:
Avery Dennison
Url: www.averydennison.com
4. Nerf Bars
Make:
HMF/IQ
Url: www.hmfracing.com
5. HID Lights
Make:
Baja Designs
Model:
(1) Spot / (1) Pencil Beam
URL:
www.bajadesigns.com
6. Winch
Make:
Superwinch
Model:
4,500-pound w/synthetic ropebr>Url: www.superwinch.com

1. Springs
Make:
PAC Racing Springs
Url: www.racingsprings.com
2. Shocks
Make:
Walker Evans
Model:
2.5-inch
Url: www.walkerevansracing.com
3. Rear Storage Rack
Make:
HMF Racing
Model:
custom
Url: www.hmfracing.com
4. Exhaust
Make:
HMF Racing
Model:
Polaris RZR XP 1000 Dual Full System
Url: www.hmfracing.com
5. Trailing Arms
Make:
HCR Racing
Url: www.hcrracing.com
6. Tires
Make:
Maxxis
Model:
Bighorn 30-inch
Url: www.maxxis.com
7. Wheels
Make:
OMF
Model:
15×7-inch
Url: www.omfperformance.com

1. Solar Panels
Make:
Battery Tender
Model:
(2) 10-watt 16×24-inch
Url: www.batterytender.com
2. Cage / Front Storage
Make:
HMF Racing
Model:
custom
Url: www.hmfracing.com
3. A-arms
Make:
HCR Racing
Url: www.hcrracing.com
4. Pistol
Make:
Taurus
Model:
Custom ceramic-coated 1911 with G10 grips
5. Camera/monitor
Make:
Pyle
Url: www.pyleaudio.com
6. Rifle
Make:
Colt
Model:
AR-15 with EOTech 557 AR223 holographic sight and G33 magnifier
Url: www.colt.com
www.eotechinc.com

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