How Much Does a Polaris General Weigh?

If you’re lucky enough to own a Polaris General, then you already know just how solid of a UTV it is. Riders use it for all kinds of tasks and activities, from tearing up trails to hauling gear around large properties or worksites. It’s one of the most powerful and versatile UTVs on the market today.

But what you might not know about the Polaris General is one of the most basic pieces of info—the spec sheet. And on that spec sheet, you’ll find how much this UTV weighs.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why does weight matter?”

Well, it affects everything from how your UTV handles on turns to how much gear you can load up for an outing while still being mobile. Plus, the more you know about your ride in general (no pun intended), the better you can keep it in top shape.

Here at StarknightMT, we make it our goal to provide UTV owners and enthusiasts with all the info they could possibly need about the most popular makes and models on the market. We also offer high-quality aftermarket Polaris General accessories that can help you take full advantage of your ride.

However, in this guide, we’re going to look at a quick breakdown of the Polaris General model lineup to see how much they weigh and how that weight can affect performance.

Weight of Polaris General 1000/1000 XP/4

Polaris General 1000

First up, we have what is arguably the most popular of the bunch, the Polaris General 1000.

This workhorse of a UTV offers rock-solid performance at around 1,425 pounds dry weight. Onboard, you’ll find a 999cc engine, which handles beautifully and has tons of power, though it uses a rugged steel design for tough terrain. Of course, steel, is nowhere near the lightest material out there. Add to that the large tires and suspension system, and you’ve got an ultra-durable that wasn’t built for lightweight needs.

Polaris General 1000 XP

The General 1000 XP is the next step up from the General 1000, made more for heavy-duty performance. You get more muscle at around 1,650 pounds, which is a pretty noticeable increase from the standard 1000. This is partly due to the beefier 100-horsepower engine, though it also takes into account the added suspension and frame reinforcements.

So, while you get tons of power, you also have more weight to lug around, which can impact your fuel efficiency and how it handles in certain conditions.

Polaris General 4

If you’ve got a crew to bring along for the ride, the Polaris General 4 is where it’s at.

This 4-seater model comes in at about 1,950 pounds, and that added weight comes primarily from the extra seating and the longer frame needed to accommodate more passengers. This model was made with families or groups in mind, so it sacrifices a bit of nimbleness in exchange for more space.

Model	Curb Weight	Engine	Seats
Polaris General 1000	~1,425 lbs	999cc, 100 hp	2
Polaris General 1000 XP	~1,650 lbs	999cc, 100 hp	2
Polaris General 4	~1,950 lbs	999cc, 100 hp	4

Factors That Affect Weight

There are several variables that come into play in terms of weight, some of the most important of which include:

Frame Material: Steel vs. Aluminum

One of the major things that will affect the weight of any UTV is the frame material.

The General’s frame is made of steel, and though it’s incredibly durable, it’s also very heavy. On the other hand, some UTV models might opt for aluminum frames, which are lighter but tend to cost more and aren’t as “indestructible.”

Engine Size & Power

The engine is another big factor in your overall weight. The Polaris General 1000 series has a 999cc engine, which offers more than enough power for how large it is. However, some of the other models, like the 1000 XP, which, even though they have the same displacement, are tuned for more output, weigh more.

Suspension and Tires

While it might sound obvious, the larger your tires and suspension system, the more your UTV will weigh.

Bigger tires are great for off-road traction, but they also increase the overall mass. The same thing can be said if you decide to get an aggressive lift or opt for bigger shocks. Sure, you might have better performance on rougher trails, but you might notice the added weight during sharp turns or at higher speeds.

Accessories & Mods

While we’re big fans of accessories and mods for adding personality, they can also add quite a bit of weight depending on what you get. And though winches, bumpers, cargo racks, and light bars might not be super bulky on their own, they all add up to and contribute to the larger bulk of your vehicle.

Luckily for you, StarknightMT offers a range of lightweight aftermarket parts, including windshields, gun racks, cargo boxes, and more.

Fuel Capacity

The bigger your tank, the more your UTV will weigh, as you’ll likely have more fuel in it. Of course, the trade-off is obvious—you’ll have more range for extended rides.

It’s also worth noting that Polaris Generals have pretty generous fuel tanks that can hold anywhere from 9 to 10 gallons.

Cabin Configuration

Lastly, the cabin configuration can play a big role in the overall weight of your UTV.

A 4-seater, for example, will weigh a lot more than a 2-seater because of the extra seats, frame reinforcements, and larger cabin space.

More space equals more weight, but it also means you can bring along a full crew.

Impact of Weight on Performance

Like we said earlier, the weight of your Polaris General can have a direct impact on how it handles and performs. Here are a few of the main ways weight can influence your ride.

Handling & Agility

The heavier your UTV, the more challenging it can be to steer, especially in tight spots.

Weight has a big impact on handling, particularly when riding on rough terrain or through tighter trails. Lighter UTVs are typically more nimble and responsive, which is why we’d recommend a 1000 XP over the General 4-seater if you don’t want a sluggish feel when offroading.

Speed & Acceleration

Weight is a double-edged sword when it comes to speed.

While the Polaris General 1000 and 1000 XP pack plenty of power, having extra weight from added mods and accessories can make them feel a little slower off the line. We notice this more so during rapid acceleration or when climbing steep inclines, especially when we’re carrying cargo.

Fuel Economy

The heavier your UTV, the more fuel it’ll have to consume to keep up.

Luckily, there are many ways to optimize your General’s fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. For example, you can keep your tires properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance or make it a point to buy lightweight accessories instead.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, no matter what UTV model you have, General or not, it’s important to know the specs of your vehicle. They play every role in how well your UTV handles, accelerates, tows, and sips fuel. 

The heavier your UTV (all other things equal), the harder it will feel to get solid acceleration, climb steep inclines, or maneuver around tight trails. 

That said, modifying your General with the right aftermarket parts can help you balance weight and performance to suit your riding style. Head over to StarknightMT and check out our top-quality Polaris General accessories.

FAQs

Q1: Can I add a lift kit without significantly increasing weight?

A1: It depends on the kit. There are lightweight lift options available, which are made out of aluminum or composite materials.

Q2: Will adding aftermarket accessories make my General slower?

A2: Not necessarily! Many aftermarket accessories, like performance suspension or lightweight wheels, can actually optimize performance. Just be mindful of weight-heavy parts, like a larger bumper or extra racks.

Q3: How do I know if my Polaris General is overweight for towing?

A3: Always refer to your owner’s manual for your specific towing capacity and stay within those limits.

 

 

Image source of the cover: https://www.polarisaustralia.com/general/general-xp-1000.html