Cavi-not true about rzr going in and out of 4wd as it sees fit.  It is in 4wd after you put it in 4wd assuming you've slowed enough to allow it to engage.

I'm like you....a desert/trail DB rider but wanted something else for the gf and I.  I lOVE my RZR.

My opinion is:  If you need rear seats, get the rhino or ranger (both outstanding).
                      If you don't need rear seats, I believe the rzr is the better  choice.

I'll expand on that if you need me to......

Forgot to mention.................

My local Polaris Dealer said the first sign of dirt getting past the filter is obviousy dirt in the intake tract.

But you should ALL be paying close attention to your oil level according to him.  Dirt in the motor will most quickly start wearing away the piston rings which would obviously eat oil alive!!!

So, watch you oil not only because you normally should, but because if you are eating oil, take in your RZR and have the extended warranty work started.

Mine was the FMF offered by Pure Polaris.  Listen to Ranger Dale when he says to keep all your old stuff....you never know when you might want to put it back on.

My FMF did not require removing the bed.  If yours does, though, you are in luck.  The bed aint that tought to remove.

Also, listen to Dale regarding the fuel controller.  I used an upgraded filter and exhaust but at the time, have not added a fueler or clutch kit (both of which you should do).  It was running too lean and there was NO performance gain that I could tell.  SOOOOOOOO, I put the original exhaust back on and have decided to start using the new generation stock air filter with an outerwear on it (for now).  I have been having good results (and believe me, I drive that thing faster than I should!)

Good work!  Way to stay in the game!!!

Stopped by my local Polaris dealer today (AZ WEST in Lake Havasu, AZ) to talk with them about the ongoing dirt in the intake saga.

Service dept. states the new filter will solve the problem.  Adding an outer wera will help more.  The new "stock" filter is a much more fine filtration media (even though it looks like a bigger version of the original).  They state the boot sealing is not the problem (they've done experiments with silicone and there was no improvement of dirt contamination).

Also, the black ring solves over and under tightening problems.  They did recommend a thin film of grease around the lip of the filter.

They also stated the 18 month extended warranty is only for engine failure due to dir ingestion.  They said usually loss of power is their most common customer complaint, then they get new pistons and rings.  (might be a good idea to run it til it dies).

They stated discontinue use of the original filter and the Pure Polaris Uni-Filters.  They said to only use in a bind.

They also stated Polaris came out here (Havasu has vry fine dust) and put 400 miles on a RZR following a Ranger.  With the new air filter and 400 miles, no dirt in the tract.

Not sure how reliable this info is, but at least my local dealer has a clue and some answers!

I would say "stock" and any of the "Pure Polaris Accessories" are okay (ie: stereo, rock sliders, any of the Polaris add-ons).

It doesn't matter if it's better.  ANY non-Polaris mod will void the warranty.  I'd bet my wife on it