You’ve got your eye on a Polaris General, or maybe you just rolled one into the garage. Now the real-world questions start flooding in. Will it fit on my trailer? Can I legally take it down that tight, tree-lined trail I love? How much space do I really need to clear in the shed?
You’re not alone. Figuring out the true dimensions of your side-by-side is one of the first, and most important, hurdles to clear before you can hit the dirt with confidence. Get it wrong, and you could be facing a denied trail entry, a damaged machine, or a frustrating loading experience.
We promise this guide will put those worries to rest. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about how wide is a polaris general. We’ll cover the exact factory specs for different models, explain how popular mods like wheels and tires can drastically change your width, and give you a simple, pro-level method for measuring your rig’s true footprint. Let’s get you ready to ride.
The Official Specs: Polaris General Stock Widths by Model
First things first, let’s get the factory numbers straight from the source. It’s critical to know that not all Polaris Generals are created equal. The width can vary based on the model and trim package, primarily due to differences in suspension components and stock tire sizes.
Think of these numbers as your starting point. This is the width of a bone-stock machine sitting on the showroom floor.
Standard Polaris General 1000 Models (2-Seat & 4-Seat)
The workhorse of the General lineup, including trims like the Sport, Premium, and Deluxe, comes in at a specific width designed for a balance of stability and agility.
- Stock Width: 62.5 inches (158.7 cm)
This width makes it a very capable and comfortable machine on wider trails and fire roads. However, it’s important to note that this is already wider than many designated 60-inch trail systems, a crucial detail we’ll cover later.
Polaris General XP 1000 Models (2-Seat & 4-Seat)
The “XP” in the name stands for Xtreme Performance, and that includes a wider, more aggressive stance right from the factory. This added width is a direct result of a more advanced, long-travel suspension system.
- Stock Width: 64 inches (162.5 cm)
This wider footprint gives the XP models enhanced stability when cornering at high speeds and crawling over off-camber obstacles. The trade-off, of course, is that it further limits access to width-restricted trails.
Why Your UTV’s Width is More Than Just a Number
Understanding the measurement is one thing, but knowing why it matters is what separates a rookie from a seasoned rider. The width of your General directly impacts three key areas of your off-road life. This section serves as a practical how wide is a polaris general guide for real-world application.
Trail Access & Legal Restrictions
This is the big one. Many state, federal, and private OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) parks use width restrictions to manage trails, protect the environment, and ensure safety. The most common restrictions you’ll see are 50-inch and 60-inch gates.
As you can see from the stock specs, no Polaris General model will fit on a 50-inch restricted trail. These trails are designed for ATVs and narrow “trail” model UTVs. Even the narrower 62.5-inch General is too wide for 60-inch gates. Always check the regulations of the park you’re heading to before you load up.
Stability and On-Trail Performance
Here we see the primary benefits of how wide is a polaris general. A wider track width (the distance between the center of the tires on each side) creates a lower center of gravity. This makes your machine significantly more stable and less prone to tipping over, especially in three common scenarios:
- Off-Camber Situations: When you’re driving across a slope, a wider stance keeps the machine planted.
- High-Speed Cornering: The extra width helps fight body roll and allows you to hold your line with more confidence.
- Rock Crawling: When a tire climbs an obstacle, a wider base provides a more stable platform.
Hauling and Storage Logistics
Your General’s width has practical implications before you even get to the trail. You need to be sure it will fit on your trailer, in your toy hauler, or through your garage door. A common mistake is buying a trailer that is technically wide enough, but leaves no room for error, making loading and strapping it down a nightmare.
How Mods Change Everything: Measuring Your TRUE Width
The moment you change your wheels, tires, or suspension, the factory spec sheet goes out the window. This is where many riders get into trouble, assuming their machine is still its stock width. Let’s look at the common culprits that add inches and how to measure your rig properly.
The Big Three Width-Adding Modifications
Almost any change can affect your dimensions, but these three have the most dramatic impact. Understanding them is key to following how wide is a polaris general best practices.
- Wheels (Offset): This is the most misunderstood factor. Wheel offset is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its centerline. A “negative” offset pushes the wheel further out from the hub, instantly increasing your track width. Many aftermarket wheels have a lower offset than stock to create a more aggressive look and improve stability, but they can easily add 2-4 inches to your total width.
- Tires: Moving to a wider tire will, naturally, make you wider. Even if the wheel offset remains the same, the tire’s sidewall will bulge out further. This “tire bulge” is your true widest point.
- Suspension: Installing a long-travel suspension kit, which includes longer A-arms, is designed specifically to increase track width and suspension travel. These kits can add anywhere from 4 to 8 inches or more to your overall width.
How To Measure Your Polaris General’s Width The Right Way
Don’t guess, measure! This simple process takes two minutes and gives you the exact number you need. This is the core of our “how to” tips for how wide is a polaris general.
- Find a Level Surface: Park your General on a flat, level piece of concrete, like your garage floor.
- Straighten the Wheels: Make sure your steering wheel is centered and the front tires are pointing straight ahead.
- Use a Straight Edge: Grab two straight objects, like a pair of large framing squares or even two sturdy, straight pieces of wood. Place one against the outermost tire bulge on the driver’s side front tire, ensuring it’s perfectly vertical. Do the same on the passenger side.
- Measure the Gap: Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the two inner faces of your straight edges. That number is your true, trail-ready width.
Always measure from the widest point of the tires, as this is what will make contact with trail gates or obstacles first.
Common Problems and Best Practices With Your General’s Width
Knowing your width is half the battle. Applying that knowledge is the other half. Here are some common problems and tips to keep you out of trouble.
The “Too Wide for the Trailhead” Problem
It’s a heartbreaking scenario: you drive for hours, unload your rig, and discover you’re two inches too wide for the trail system’s entry gate. This is a common problems with how wide is a polaris general for new owners. The only solution is prevention. Always check regulations online or call the park ranger’s office before you go.
Choosing the Right Trailer
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 inches of clearance on each side of your UTV when it’s on the trailer. For a 64-inch General XP, this means you want a trailer with a deck width of at least 76 inches (64 + 6 + 6). A 7-foot (84-inch) wide trailer is an excellent and common choice, giving you plenty of room to maneuver and secure your machine without scraping your knuckles.
Navigating Tight Trails
When you’re on a trail that’s close to your machine’s width, slow down. Be mindful of where your passenger-side tires are. It’s easy to focus on your side and forget about the other, leading to scraped wheels or damaged plastics on rocks and trees. If you have a passenger, ask them to be a spotter in tricky sections.
Sustainable Riding: How Width Affects Trail Preservation
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but understanding your machine’s width is a big part of being a responsible, eco-friendly how wide is a polaris general owner. Off-road trails are a precious resource, and protecting them is on all of us.
When a wide machine tries to force its way through a narrow section, it often chews up the trail edges. This widens the trail, damages plant life, and accelerates erosion. Over time, this damage can lead to trail closures.
By following sustainable how wide is a polaris general practices—knowing your width, respecting trail restrictions, and staying on the designated path—you help ensure these trails remain open and healthy for everyone to enjoy for years to come. It’s about leaving the trail better than you found it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Width
What is the narrowest Polaris General model?
The narrowest stock models are the non-XP versions of the General 1000, which come in at 62.5 inches. There is no 50-inch “trail” version of the Polaris General.
Can I make my Polaris General narrower for 50-inch trails?
Unfortunately, no. The fundamental chassis, suspension, and drivetrain design of the General platform make it impossible to reduce its width to 50 inches. If you need to access 50-inch trails, you would need to look at a different machine, such as a Polaris RZR Trail model.
How much width do aftermarket wheels and tires typically add?
This varies wildly, but a common setup of aftermarket wheels with a more aggressive offset and slightly wider tires can easily add 3-5 inches to your total width. It’s crucial to measure after making any changes.
Does a suspension lift kit always make a UTV wider?
Not always, but often it does. Standard bracket lift kits that relocate the shock mounting points can sometimes slightly increase the width due to changes in suspension angles. However, true long-travel suspension kits, which replace the A-arms, are specifically designed to increase width for better performance and will add several inches.
Knowing your Polaris General’s width isn’t just about reciting a number; it’s about understanding what that number means for your safety, your access to adventure, and your role as a responsible rider. The factory specs of 62.5 and 64 inches are just the beginning. Once you start personalizing your ride, your tape measure becomes your most important tool.
Measure your machine after every change, research your destinations before you haul out, and choose your lines carefully on the trail. By keeping these simple principles in mind, you’ll be ready for any adventure the trail throws your way.
Now get out there, ride smart, and have a blast!
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