I'm in love with this thing. Got it on Saturday and I've taken it out 3 times since. My best friend and I bought it together and it's our first side-by-side, with the intention of eventually racing it. Who else has one? Any advice you wish you heard earlier?
I'm sure it's a regional thing but around here those are hated. We have a major trail system nearby (Hatfields and McCoy) that is several hundred miles long and designed for OHV 4Wheelers and side by sides. It seems like the standard owner profile goes like this:
You must be fat, like belly hanging over belt fat.
You must have scraggly beard
You must only use a bro dozer truck to haul them.
Your IQ must not exceed 100.
You must have no respect for any laws
You must only operate them while intoxicated.
You must think and fantasize you are a racer and put cool numbers and cool names on the side by side and trailers. Also the back window of your lifted Chevy running 24's and low profile off road tires.
I'm joking but we (locals) cringe when we see a side by side coming up the highway. Seriously it seems like most of these guys think they are Bo and Luke Duke and the highway is for them to show off. Not a week goes by that someone from Michigan or Georgia is either arrested or injured when they trailer them here to "ride."
I like them but after seeing what type of person these attract I wouldn't get one and neither would any of the locals. If I were going to buy another motorized plaything it would be two wheeled enduro. Those guys at least have to stay sober enough to keep it upright.
OP not busting on you but don't be surprised if the locals dislike you on your travels. I'm sure they are fun but they definitely attract some stupid people.