Sold the Ridge Runner

Posts: 3559

In the past few months I've been clearing out my garage and yard and have sold my Mustang, 2 pop-ups and 2 trailers. Last to go was my Ridge Runner. Not a desperation sale--just changing directions and moving out the stuff I no longer need. I just wanted to share a thought or 2 on the Ridge Runner.
At 56" wide I was limited to riding the wide truck routes in Michigan or taking my chances with the law to ride the 50" ATV trails. I want to ride legal so I bought the Rzr as it offers most of the speed and power of the RR and manages to be narrower.

IMO the RR is the all-around most capable minibuggy on the market. At full extension it has 19" under the belly and has 13.5" of spindle travel at all 4 corners. The Fox Racing air shocks provide a smooth ride with great articulation. Steering is quick & responsive and acceleration will pin you to the seat all the way to near 70mph. The CVT trans is smooth and effortless and makes it a great trail machine where your hands are busy with steering rather than shifting.
I loved the low seating position with my legs out straight but won't miss the little elbow room with a passenger along. 4WD is a non-issue on a RR--not needed. With a very light front end, great articulation and good power in a light frame (975# wet) it went anywhere and only got stuck once in a deep mud trench that simply swallowed it up Wink

If you ever get a chance to take one for a spin--do it. The only problem being you won't be happy with anything less afterwards. It was a very tough decision to sell it and I know I'll have regrets. I won't "out" the member who bought it--he's a very quiet guy here. I wish you miles of smiles! Enjoy it!

.

Posts: 4216

wow you did do some garage cleaning. I know you will be happier with the razor

Posts: 200

70 mph on cvt?
13" of travel?
Who makes this buggy?? everytime I heard ridge runner I kept thinking it was just another japanese SxS...
I have never seen an ad or heard from anyone who had one or seen any pictures untill now. and I have to agree that is one of the best looking minibuggy (especially in mid-air!). what engine does it have to get you to 70mph?

Posts: 890

Posts: 3559

They're built in Idaho as a sideline operation of a small aircraft company. They take an entire brand new Polaris Sportsman 800 and move the drivetrain (minus the front diff.) into a new jig-built DOM chassis then sell the leftovers off their website. Not a very efficient way to build a buggy and I'm sure this contributes to the high cost. They must really like the Polaris engine & trans to go this route--Polaris won't sell them just the engine in small quantities.

Posts: 172

Mark,
I've been away for too long, I knew you got a RZR, had no clue you have two. And now you sold your RR? That thing is a beast, Ryan loved it and was asking for one.
I started working on mine again, we must meet so I can return your spark plug socket ( I feel so bad ).
When is the next Mounds trip?

Posts: 200

yeah I found the ridge runner website... really nice ride but $20000?? idk about that.... is that what you paid for this one originally??

I guess thats why you can do airs like that...

but personally, for that kind of money I would buy a redline revolt... smaller, lighter, more hp, and single seater, and have $5000 left over for upgrades and a trailer. either that or a drakart..... or a RZR, like you just did Wink

but hey no offense by what I say, that ridge runner is a sick buggy and Im envious of the big air you got with it... definitely cannot do that with my $4000 roketa.... I guess you pay to play and you got to play really hard Very Happy

Posts: 2634

cool Mark!!! I knew that thing would go eventually!!! I just wish it made it to my garage!!! lol... I want an RZR sooooo bad, but I just cant justify the cost yet... In a couple years maybe... I hope....

Congrats on the sale!!!

John Very Happy

Posts: 1832

Hey Mark:
Dude you have the best toys! I would be grinning from ear to ear if I had one (and it was paid for) Laughing

Anyway, I hope this streamlining/downsizing is working for you and the RZR looks like alot of fun!
Van

Posts: 3559

The money I pulled out of all my toys paid 2/3 of my vacation cabin Shocked

That wasn't the purpose but it should be a nice buffer against this crummy economy we have right now.