Let’s be honest. After a few hours bouncing down a rocky trail, the stock seats in your Polaris RZR can feel less like a comfortable perch and more like a thinly padded piece of plastic. We’ve all been there—that lower back ache and leg fatigue that cuts a great day of riding short. You start looking at pricey aftermarket suspension seats, but your wallet quickly protests.
What if I told you there’s a fantastic OEM+ solution that offers a massive comfort upgrade without the massive price tag? We promise to show you exactly how to tackle one of the most popular RZR mods out there. The question on every rider’s mind is, will polaris general seats fit in a rzr? The short answer is yes, but it’s not a simple bolt-in affair.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything. We’ll cover the incredible benefits, what models are compatible, the exact modifications you’ll need to make, and a step-by-step installation process. By the end, you’ll have all the expert knowledge needed to transform your ride’s comfort level.
Why Swap? The Key Benefits of Putting General Seats in Your RZR
Before we grab the tools, let’s talk about why this is such a sought-after upgrade. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about fundamentally changing your experience on the trail. Understanding the benefits of will polaris general seats fit in a rzr helps justify the little bit of DIY work required.
Superior All-Day Comfort and Padding
The number one reason for this swap is comfort. Polaris General seats are designed for a utility-recreation crossover machine, meaning they are built for long hours of work and play. They feature significantly thicker foam padding and a more ergonomic shape than most stock RZR seats.
This translates to less fatigue, fewer pressure points, and the ability to ride longer without feeling beat up. It’s the kind of difference you feel immediately on your first ride.
Enhanced Bolstering and Support
Compared to the often-flat RZR seats, General seats have much more aggressive side bolsters on both the bottom cushion and the seat back. This added support is a game-changer in off-camber situations and aggressive cornering.
Instead of sliding around, you feel planted and secure in the machine. This boosts your confidence and control, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead rather than holding yourself in place.
A Cost-Effective OEM+ Upgrade
A new set of aftermarket suspension seats can easily run you $1,000 or more. In contrast, you can often find a great set of used Polaris General take-off seats on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or UTV forums for a fraction of that cost.
You get a genuine Polaris product with proven durability and a significant comfort boost, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck mods you can do.
The Eco-Friendly Choice: Reusing Quality Parts
Opting for a used set of General seats is also a great example of a sustainable will polaris general seats fit in a rzr approach. Instead of a perfectly good set of seats ending up in a landfill, you’re giving them a new life in your machine.
This eco-friendly practice reduces waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new parts, all while saving you money. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
The Big Question: Is It a Direct Bolt-In?
Here’s the most critical piece of information: No, General seats are NOT a direct bolt-in for any RZR model. While they look similar, the mounting system is different. But don’t let that scare you off—the modification is straightforward for any DIYer with basic tools.
Understanding the Seat Base Difference
The key difference lies in the plastic seat base. Your RZR seat has a specific base with a latch mechanism that clicks securely into your machine’s frame. The General seat has a different base designed for the General’s chassis.
The solution? You’ll be performing a little “surgery.” The most common method involves separating the foam and vinyl from your RZR’s plastic base and the General’s plastic base, and then mounting the much more comfortable General foam and vinyl onto your original RZR plastic base.
Model-by-Model Compatibility (A Quick Overview)
This swap is most popular and well-documented for the Polaris RZR XP 1000, XP Turbo, RZR 900S, and RZR 1000S platforms. The process is very similar across these models because their seat bases are largely the same.
- RZR XP 1000 / Turbo: The most common platform for this swap. The process is well-established.
- RZR 900S / 1000S: Also a great candidate. The seat bases are compatible for the modification.
- RZR Pro XP / Turbo R: This is less common. The seat bases and mounting are significantly different, making the swap much more complex and often requiring custom fabrication. We recommend sticking to aftermarket seats designed for this platform.
The Height Factor: A Pro and a Con
Because the General seat foam is thicker, you will sit slightly higher after the swap—typically 1 to 2 inches higher than stock. For many average-height riders, this is a huge plus, offering a better line of sight over the hood.
However, for very tall riders (over 6’2″), this can be a problem, potentially reducing helmet clearance with the roll cage. If you are tall, it’s a critical factor to consider before you start.
Your Complete Will Polaris General Seats Fit in a RZR Guide: Tools & Step-by-Step Installation
Ready to get to work? This section provides the “how to will polaris general seats fit in a rzr” steps. Read through everything first, gather your tools, and set aside a couple of hours. These tips and best practices will ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Parts List
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses and gloves are a must.
- Ratchet and Socket Set: You’ll likely need a T-40 Torx bit and a 1/2″ or 13mm socket.
- Drill and Drill Bits: A sharp set of bits is crucial for one of the mounting methods.
- Pliers: Needle-nose pliers are helpful for removing the seat cover staples/clips.
- Staple Gun: A heavy-duty or pneumatic staple gun makes re-attaching the seat cover much easier.
- Parts: Your stock RZR seats and your “new” Polaris General seats.
Step 1: Removing Your Stock RZR Seats
This is the easy part. Simply pull up on the seat latch located at the front or rear of the seat base (depending on your model) and lift the entire seat assembly out of the vehicle. Set it aside on a clean workbench.
Step 2: Preparing the General Seats and RZR Seat Bases
This is where the magic happens. You need to separate the cushion and cover from the plastic base on both the RZR seat and the General seat. Flip a seat over. You will see the vinyl cover is attached to the plastic base with a series of staples or plastic clips.
Carefully use your pliers to remove all of them, freeing the cover. Once the cover is loose, you can lift the entire foam cushion and vinyl cover off the plastic base as one piece. Repeat this for all four pieces (RZR base, RZR cushion/cover, General base, General cushion/cover).
Step 3: Mounting the General Cushion to the RZR Base
Now you’ll combine your parts. Take the comfortable General foam cushion and cover and place it onto your original RZR plastic base. You’ll notice the mounting holes don’t line up perfectly—this is expected.
Align the cushion so it sits centered and looks right. Pull the vinyl cover taut around the base. Using your heavy-duty staple gun, carefully begin re-stapling the vinyl to the underside of the RZR plastic base, just like it was originally. Pro-tip: Start with one staple on each of the four sides to hold it in place, then work your way around, pulling the material tight as you go to avoid wrinkles.
Step 4: Final Installation and Safety Checks
With your new hybrid seat assembled, it’s time for the final fitment. Place the seat back into your RZR. Push down firmly until you hear and feel a solid “CLICK” from the latch mechanism.
This is the most important safety check. Grab the seat and pull up on it aggressively. It should not move or pop out. If it does, the latch is not fully engaged. Re-check your work and ensure nothing is obstructing the mechanism. Do not ride the vehicle until the seat is 100% secure.
Common Problems with Will Polaris General Seats Fit in a RZR Swaps (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with a guide, you can run into a few snags. Here are some common problems with will polaris general seats fit in a rzr swaps and how to tackle them head-on.
The Seat Sits Too High
As mentioned, the added height can be an issue for tall riders. If you find your helmet is uncomfortably close to the cage, you may need to invest in an aftermarket seat base lowering kit. These kits can drop the seat height by 1-2 inches, restoring proper clearance.
Wrinkles in the Seat Cover
If your final product has wrinkles, it means the vinyl wasn’t pulled tight enough during the stapling process. It’s tedious, but the only fix is to remove the staples in the wrinkled area, pull the material tighter, and re-staple it.
Seat Latch Engagement Issues
If your seat won’t click in securely, flip it over and inspect the latch area on the base. It’s possible a staple or a fold of vinyl is blocking the mechanism. Clear any obstructions and try again. A secure latch is non-negotiable for safety.
Post-Swap Care: The Will Polaris General Seats Fit in a RZR Care Guide
You’ve done the work, now enjoy the comfort! A little care will keep your new seats looking great for years. Follow this simple will polaris general seats fit in a rzr care guide.
- Clean Regularly: Use a quality vinyl cleaner and a microfiber towel to wipe down mud and dust after rides. Avoid harsh chemicals that can dry out the material.
- Check Your Work: After your first long, bumpy ride, remove the seats and inspect your staples to ensure everything is still holding tight.
- UV Protection: If your RZR lives outside, consider using a UV protectant spray for vinyl (like 303 Aerospace Protectant) to prevent sun fading and cracking over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swapping General Seats into a RZR
Which Polaris General model years have the best seats for a swap?
The seats from 2018 and newer Polaris General models are generally considered the most comfortable and desirable. They feature the best foam and bolstering. However, any year General seat will be a significant upgrade over a stock RZR seat.
Will my stock RZR seat belts or harnesses still work?
Yes. Because you are reusing your original RZR seat base, the mounting points for the seat belt receptacle remain in their factory location. Your stock belts and any aftermarket harnesses will work exactly as they did before the swap.
Is this modification reversible?
Absolutely. Since you haven’t modified the vehicle’s frame at all, you can always re-staple your original RZR foam and covers back onto your RZR seat bases to return the vehicle to 100% stock condition.
How much more do General seats weigh?
The weight difference is negligible. The General seats are slightly heavier due to the extra foam, but the difference is only a couple of pounds per seat and will not impact your vehicle’s performance or handling in any noticeable way.
This seat swap is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle on your RZR. It delivers a massive improvement in ride quality and comfort for a minimal investment of time and money. By following this guide, you can confidently transform your machine into a more comfortable and capable trail rig.
Now, get those tools out and give your back a break. Stay safe, check your work, and get ready to enjoy those long rides again!
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