Off Road Xtreme is excited to present part two of our ultimate off-road gear guide for UTV and SxS accessories. We started out with UTV safety accessories, and now it is time to cover UTV performance accessories. In this UTV gear guide, we offer a few of the top performance upgrades that can take your side-by-side vehicle to the next level. Everything from high-performance UTV shocks, better cooling products, exhaust systems, lighting, powersports batteries, wheels, and tires are covered.

It must be noted, that everything on this list is a brief overview and not a step-by-step guide. For best recommendations, fitment, and installation, on any products, consult with the manufacturers, car builders, and experts. This is an unpaid and unbiased list we have curated specifically for the general UTV off-road enthusiast.

Off-Road Gear Guide For UTV And SxS Accessories: Performance

Modern-day UTVs are now super legit off-roaders right out of the box. But with the goal of making these recreational vehicles more affordable, certain liberties were taken by the manufacturers. Thankfully the aftermarket accessories available cure any shortcomings a factory-produced SxS might have.

If your off-road UTV cannot keep up with the rest of the souped-up machines in your group, consider a few performance upgrades.

UTV And SxS Accessories: Suspension Upgrade

Bilstein Shock Absorbers has been working long and hard to produce their new Black Hawk UTV Shocks. They have them dialed in now and are aiming for a 2023 spring launch. Bilstein Black Hawk Powersports features position-sensitive damping paired with a patented, externally adjustable two-stage Zone Control jounce cutoff system. Experience a unique “bottomless” ride feel that’s comfortable, controlled, and race-ready!

We are still waiting for the Bilstein Black Hawk UTV Shocks to become available for purchase, but we can estimate $2,500 – $3,000 for a pair.

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Bilstein Black Hawk UTV Shocks Features & Benefits:

• Position Sensitive Damping Zone Control CR includes 3 Compression Zones, 2 Rebound Zones, (JCO) Jounce Cut Off with Internal Hydraulic, Two-Stage Bump Stop, and (RCO) Rebound Cut Off with Internal Hydraulic Rebound Limiter
• 4-Way Adjustable Damping – Dual Speed Compression Adjustable Reservoir (High-Low Speed), Adjustable Internal Hydraulic Bump Stop (JCO), and Adjustable Rebound
• Direct Fit Motorsports Package for Can-Am X3
• All Aluminum construction 2.65-inch Front and 3.0-inch Rear
• Finned Aluminum Reservoir for improved cooling
• Threaded spring seat offers easy ride height adjustments
• Dual Rate Springs with crossover for bottom-out control
• Owner rebuildable and revalveable
• Repair parts readily available

UTV And SxS Accessories: Cooling

Keeping a UTV running cool should not be a struggle. Yes, off-road vehicles are often used in high-temperature environments such as high-desert plains or sea-level dunes. And yes, they are a lot of fun when the hammer is pressed to the floor. Are there any options to tame the heat? Moroso is a specialized manufacturer of high-end racing performance products and they have paid attention to the explosion of interest in UTVs.

Off Road Xtreme previously touched on the Moroso Coolant Tanks For Polaris RZR, RZR Turbo, And RZR Turbo S models. These coolant tank upgrades are crafted with the same care and quality Moroso is known for but made specifically for the 2016-plus RZR Turbo, and the Turbo S. The main reason for the upgrade is to improve on the factory cooling system’s puny plastic coolant tank.

Moroso’s 2016-plus Polaris RZR Turbo and Turbo S Coolant and Intercooler Tank Kits reduce the risk of overheating by separating the engine’s cooling system from the liquid-cooled intercooler and eliminating any chance of cross-contamination.

Moroso offers 43002 Coolant Expansion Tank Kits for both boosted versions of the RZR, which can be had in a brushed finish, or the 43003 Coolant Expansion Tank Kits sporting that slick black powder coat look.

Pricing starts at $167 for a N/A polished version but jumps up to just over $400 for the powder-coated version of the Turbo model.

Moroso Turbocharged RZR Coolant Tank Features:

• Ability to bolt into factory OEM tank mounting points, eliminating the need for fabrication
• 1-liter of increased overall cooling capacity
• The aluminum structure reduces the risk of premature failure from extreme heat, vibration, and sudden impacts
• Available in either raw aluminum or black powder coat finish
• The raw aluminum tank comes ready for chrome, paint, or powder coat if a bare metal look is not your cup of octane
• Billet aluminum radiator necks come equipped with Moroso racing radiator caps for additional performance

UTV And SxS Accessories: Exhaust

We all know the factory exhaust system leaves a lot to be desired for UTV sound, performance, and power. Thankfully the people at Flowmaster and B&M Racing, under the Holley Group of brands, have formed XDR. “Xtreme Dirt Racing” products, are specifically designed for the Can-Am Maverick X3, Polaris RZR and Yamaha YXZ1000R. They have developed a line-up that includes both “Forestry qualified” and “Competition only” slip-on exhaust systems, gated race shifters with lockout features, Delta Boost performance tuners, grab handles, and more.

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Simplicity and Performance all in one package!

Off Road Xtreme dived into their Competition Exhaust For Polaris RZRs for a few more details. With a complete and UTV vehicle-specific and bolt-on exhaust system starting at around $700, we think this is a fairly good value for a performance upgrade.

XDR High Performance Off-Road Competition Exhaust Features:

• Powder Coated Laser-cut XDR Heatshield
• Large 2.50-inch Mandrel-bent Tubing
• 304S Stainless Steel Construction
• XDR Competition Race Muffler
• Lifetime Limited Warranty
• Quick And Easy Installation

UTV And SxS Accessories: Lighting

Lighting upgrades for a UTV makes sense for those that are on the trail after the sun goes down. The modern light arrangement that come from the factory are light years better than what they used to be, but the aftermarket has practical innovations that are night and day different.

For a vehicle-specific bolt-on solution, we turn to KC HiLites. They have various high-performance lighting products universally compatible with Can-Am, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Yamaha. Our favorite pick would be the Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar System. This setup would be ideal for go-fast desert driving or cutting up sand dunes and has available configurations for Can-Am Maverick and Maverick X3, Polaris RZR, and Yamaha YXZ1000R. And there are other universal lighting options as well to fit other applications.

To get the KC HiLites Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar on your ride, be prepared to sink $1,400 or more depending on the application.

KC HiLites Pro6 Gravity LED Light Bar System Features:

• Powered by Gravity LED G6 optical inserts – efficient, powerful, patented
• Patented Infinity Ring system enables the conversion of the Pro6 from straight to radius format in seconds
• Extremely high output with very low amperage draw
• Combo Wide-40 and Driving Beam Patterns

Light Performance (per light)

• Raw Lumens: Spot- 2,300 lm
• Lux @ 10 Meters: Spot- 2,150 lx
• Candela: Spot- 215,000 cd
• Beam Distance (Meters): Spot- 972m

Specifications (per light)

• Wattage: 20W
• LED Source: CREE XPL HD
• Amp Draw: 1.63A
• Voltage: 9-32V
• IP Rating: IP68

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32-inch Pro6 Gravity 5-Light 100W Combo Beam LED Light Bar System for 14-18 Polaris RZR.

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45-inch Pro6 Gravity 7-Light 140W Combo Beam LED Light Bar System for 17-22 Can-Am Maverick X3.

Seeing in front of you is important and also a safety issue. As the old saying goes, you can only drive as fast as you can see. Being seen is just as important and that is why we are spotlighting the KC HiLites 28-inch Multi-Function Rear Facing Chase LED Light Bar. This functionally versatile lighting product is specifically designed as a LED tail light bar to improve safety in dark, low-light, and dusty low-visibility scenarios.

Enhanced features include red tail/brake lights with blinker capability, amber dust lights with solid or strobe capability, and white flood/work lights for area lighting. This is more of a safety product, rather than performance, and will cost $479 new, but the benefits are very high.

KC HiLites 28-inch Multi-Function Rear Facing Chase LED Light Bar Features:

• Multi Function Integration and Design
• Red LED Tail & Brake Lights with Blinker Capability
• Amber LED Dust Lights with Strobe Capability
• White LED Flood Lights
• Lightweight Extruded Aluminum Housing for Maximum Heat Dissipation and Durability
• Weather Resistant Enclosure and Shatter-Proof Polycarbonate Lens for Maximum Durability
• 40° Spread and 180° Flood Beam Optics

Specifications

• LED Source: 4W Cree LED
• Raw Lumens: 4,500 lm
• LED Color: Red, Amber, and Clear LEDs
• Amp Draw: 5.0A (max draw)
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Certifications: SAE J595, CT13, SAE J1119
• Product Dimensions: H – 1.22-inches x L – 28.14-inches x W- 2.25-inches

UTV And SxS Accessories: Power

With all the extra accessories added to your UTV, it may be stressing your factory power supply. OPTIMA Batteries new square Orange Top with Hypercore Lithium Technology is the answer. Designed specifically for powersport vehicles, this is a ready-to-use, vibration-resistant, lighter-weight, square-shaped lithium battery with power capacity levels offered in six sizes.

OPTIMA Lithium Orange Top Battery

The OPTIMA Orange Top Batteries are available in six sizes: QUAD7, QUAD12, QUAD14, QUAD16, QUAD20, and QUAD30, with cranking power ranging from 190-800 amps and capacities ranging from 3-15 ampere hours.

• 7: 3 Ah Capacity, 190A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 4.45 x 2.56 x 3.4-inches, 1.7 lbs.
• 12: 4.5 Ah Capacity, 380A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 5.4 x 2.72 x 5.12-inches, 2.2 lbs.
• 14: 7 Ah Capacity, 420A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 5.9 x 2.72 x 5.12-inches, 3.0 lbs.
• 16: 8 Ah Capacity, 480A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 5.9 x 3.43 x 5.7-inches, 3.6 lbs.
• 20: 9 Ah Capacity, 540A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 6.89 x 3.19 x 6.1-inches, 4.0 lbs.
• 30: 15 Ah Capacity, 800A PHCA, 12.8 Voltage, 6.54 x 4.92 x 6.69-inches, 7.1 lbs.

This really is a game-changing battery innovation with all of the deluxe features built-in to control, charge, monitor, and communicate with the battery. And the OPTIMA CPR automatically disconnects your battery from parasitic loads and reserves enough power to start your ride.

These OPTIMA Orange Top Batteries have yet to be released for sale, so prices are to be determined. If you want to get on the waiting list, sign up here.

OPTIMA Lithium Orange Top Battery Main Features:

• Powerful Long-Lasting HYPERCORE Lithium Iron Phosphate Technology.
• Thick Bus Connections Allow The Free Flow Of Power From Cells To Terminal.
• Vibration Resistant.
• Patented POWERLINK For Convenient Battery Control, Status, And Charging.
• The Microprocessor-Controlled Battery Management System (BMS) Monitors And Controls All Functions Automatically.
• The BMS Provides A Balanced Cell State Of Charge For Improved Performance And Extended Life Span.
• The POWERLINK System Controls OPTIMA CPR And Battery Storage Mode To Maximize Battery Health And Life.
• Quad Terminals For More Fitments And Easy Installation.
• Ip67-Rated Dust And Water Intrusion Protection.
• Optimized To Perform In Low Temperatures.
• Lighter Weight.
• Greater Efficiency.
• Improved Convenience.
• Backed By Optima’s Legendary Safety, Durability, And Performance Record.

UTV And SxS Accessories: Tires

Tires can make or break a vehicle experience. This is especially true for off-road vehicles. The same can be said for UTVs and side-by-sides. UTV owners might want to consider looking for a set of tires specifically designed around UTV applications.

Off-road tires made for traditional vehicle applications are often too wide, too heavy, and feature wheel sizes that are not compatible with UTVs. With the popularity of side-by-sides, the tire manufacturers took notice and we now have all sorts of options. Here are a few to consider.

Atturo Tires

In late 2022, Atturo Tires introduced their purpose-built side-by-side tires with the Trail Blade X/T SxS and Trail Blade BOSS SxS. These are two great options from a tire company heavily involved in off-road competition and is now applying its expertise to powersports. If you are looking for a good versatile all-around tire that performs well on mixed surfaces, or you need to step it up to a super aggressive tire for challenging terrains, Atturo has a package for UTV enthusiasts.

You can expect to pay as much as $259 to $300 for either of these tires.

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Trail Blade X/T SxS and Trail Blade BOSS SxS are highly tuned versions of their successful light truck tires.

Atturo Trail Blade X/T SxS Tire

Atturo Trail Blade BOSS SxS Tire

Atturo Tires UTV Powersports Tires Main Features:

• Trail Hazard Powersports Tire Protection Guarantee.
• Steel-Belted Construction.
• Made In Advanced Segmented Aluminum Molds For A Stronger Overall Tire.
• Uniform Tire With Superior Durability.
• Puncture Resistance.
• Better Grip Compared To Nylon Belted Competitors Using Two-Piece Mold Designs.

Maxxis Tires Roxxzilla UTV Tire

The Roxxzilla UTV Tire is Maxxis Tires’ solution to the demands of UTV rock-crawling enthusiasts. And if anyone knows about rock-crawling tires, it is Maxxis! They have won King Of The Hammers UTV competition for four years straight! The Roxxzilla delivers elite rock-crawling performance along with rugged, 8-ply radial construction and now comes in a tall 37-inch monster.

If size and performance matter then you need these monsters. Currently available in eight sizes, 30-inch up to 35-inch, and coming soon 37-inch, these Roxxzilla UTV Tires start at $250 and can fetch nearly $500 a pop.

Maxxis Roxxzilla UTV Tire Main Features:

• Tire Of Choice For King Of The Hammers UTV Champions; 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Designed For Extreme Rock Crawling And Off-Road Racing
• Select Sizes Available In Two Different Compounds.
• Available Competition “Sticky” And Standard Compound
• 8-Ply-Rated Radial Construction

UTV And SxS Accessories: Wheels

Wheels say a lot about a vehicle. They upgrade the looks and offer a bit of improved styling, but in the case of UTVs, they may offer more performance. These performance features could be beadlocks or perhaps, the term “lighter, stronger, faster” comes to mind when I think of aftermarket wheels.

Just like tire manufacturers producing UTV-specific tires, wheel companies are also heavily invested. Take a look at these offerings for your next UTV performance accessory.

Dirty Life UTV Wheels

From the world’s top wheel minds, Dirty Life Wheels designed, developed, and engineered purpose-built UTV wheels. Made for extreme off-road purposes, Dirty Life has five different series and multiple finish options. Now, they have the hard-to-find aftermarket option for the new Polaris RZR Pro R.

The 9309 R Canyon Pro SxS wheel is a UTV Beadlock wheel built specifically for the Polaris Pro R with a five-lug and plus-38 offset. It is offered in matte black and a machined raw finish. You will have to budget more than $260 a rim to run the Dirty Life setup.

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Method Race Wheels

A brand that has successfully captured the attention of UTV enthusiasts, is Method Race Wheels. They were so successful with UTV Wheel sales, they actually started a UTV tire company, Tensor Tire, to complement their offering.

For the ultimate high-performance UTV wheel, the 412 UTV Forged Beadlock Wheel punches the ticket. Made of premium materials, lightweight construction, and superior strength, this one can handle the most demanding off-road environments.

Forged 6061 construction with T6 heat treatment provides the highest strength and lowest weight for high-performance applications. Maximum tire security comes with a true Beadlock outer ring and Bead Grip® bead seats on the inner lip for unmatched confidence at low tire pressures.

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If you don’t need a $750 forged beadlock racing wheel, they have plenty of options. I would zero in on the 407 UTV Bead Grip Wheel as a perfectly capable $215 alternative. In fact, these wheels are also designed and made for competitive applications and are proven winners.

Method Race Wheels 407 UTV Bead Grip Wheel Main Features:

• Patented Bead Grip technology engages tire bead for increased grip at low tire pressures
• Solid A356 aluminum with T6 heat treatment construction
• Iconic rally-inspired multi-spoke design with debossed METHOD logo on outer lip
• Aggressive safety hump on bead seats further prevents de-beading
• Reinforced inner lip taken from MRW race wheel increases strength
• Super strong 1600-pound load rating

Ultimate Off-Road Gear Guide For UTV And SxS Accessories

How about that! We hope this UTV gear guide highlighting performance accessories will help take your off-road adventures to the next level. In case you missed it, this is a five-part UTV and SxS accessories gear guide. We covered UTV safety accessories already and just checked off performance. From here, you can look forward to communication and navigation, gizmos and gadgets, and finally tools and storage. 

We know there are a lot of items out there to choose from. There is no possible way to cover it all, but we did our best to select high-quality items that will offer value to your UTV experience.