A bit disappointed with 2026 XD1500 Ultimate

[Kendall]

Hello All,
I took delivery of a new 2026 XD1500 Ultimate a couple of weeks ago. I decided to install a Corbin turn signal kit with horn, etc., and a two way radio. I was/am disappointed with the fit/finish of the machine. A number of the screws that screw into plastic were over torqued and thus stripped. I probably never would have been aware of this had I not decided to install some equipment myself. First off, hats off to Chris Corbin who when I called with a couple of questions, some not even related to the turn signal kit and he was phenomenal. He even gave me his cell phone number to call if I had questions after hours. I am extremely pleased with the kit and how it installed. The radio install required dropping the headliner and I added a couple of additional switches in the roof switch panel for an amber light and light bar.

Everything eventually went back together reasonably well.

The final issue I had was installing a headache rack. I have read many of the posts so it’s obvious I’m not the first one with an issue where three of the four bolts line up and the fourth does not. The dealer called Polaris, started a case, and informed me that their fix is to replace the ROPS. Not going to do that on a brand new machine. I find it hard to believe that Polaris would not have resolved this on a 2026 machine with all the folks having the same problem on the 25MY machines. I am also not convinced that it’s a problem with the ROPS and not the headache rack. I did match my rack to one the dealer had in stock and they matched perfectly. So I still don’t know if its two bad racks or a problem with the ROPS.
I am wondering if anyone with a bad Polaris rack has found another Polaris rack (same part number) that would fit? I understand there are other manufacturers that make the racks, just trying to understand if I have a potential issue with my machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Red]

Others make Headache racks for the 1500, maybe consider a Thumper Fab, Razor Back Offroad, or Ranch Armor. I would guess most of these have some play in the mounting locations

 

[Clubin]

Such small things. Take it out and drive it.

 

[Doc187]

I just opened up the hole in the rack with a drill.

 

[Belshawelk]

I have one of the first ( early) 2500. Made in '24. I have yet to experience the problems others have. I hope they didn't start to have quality issues when they were behind in production in 25 and they were rushing production.

 

[Rupp Collector]

I have one of the first ( early) 2500. Made in '24. I have yet to experience the problems others have. I hope they didn't start to have quality issues when they were behind in production in 25 and they were rushing production.

Our 2025 has been flawless, and I'm very fussy with things I worked hard to purchase. I've added a few things, but I think the only thing I did out of necessity was install a boosted FM antenna. We've put on approximately 75,000 miles on the prior units and all had issues. (2014 800 RZR, 2017 1000 General, 2018 XP1000 Northstar & 2021 XP1000 Northstar) Just a couple days ago was the one-year mark and 8,000 miles later I would buy another one without hesitation. It's almost embarrassing riding with others when they get out of ours to go back to theirs, instant depression on their faces.

 

[Kendall]

I just opened up the hole in the rack with a drill.

I thought about that, but I am trying to determine if this is a rack problem or machine problem before I make any adjustments to the rack.

 

[Kendall]

Others make Headache racks for the 1500, maybe consider a Thumper Fab, Razor Back Offroad, or Ranch Armor. I would guess most of these have some play in the mounting locations

Thank you.

 

[Big Red]

I have one of the first ( early) 2500. Made in '24. I have yet to experience the problems others have. I hope they didn't start to have quality issues when they were behind in production in 25 and they were rushing production.

Actually it was the early 2024 models they were way behind on. I ordered in August of 2023 and got it in January of 2024. By the middle of 2024 almost all dealers had inventory well before the 2025's even came out. Both of my brothers bought 2024's off the showroom floor before the 2025's were out.

 

[Big Red]

 

[Belshawelk]

Actually it was the early 2024 models they were way behind on. I ordered in August of 2023 and got it in January of 2024. By the middle of 2024 almost all dealers had inventory well before the 2025's even came out. Both of my brothers bought 2024's off the showroom floor before the 2025's were out.

Yes correct. My dates are wrong. I ordered mine June 23. I received mine Jan 8 2024.

 

[JHammer]

I owned one of the first 1500's in my area. it had its flaws but the dealer worked them out. I was pleased enough to purchase a new 2026 Mountaineer. I really love this machine and had the dealer add all the bells and whistles.

 

[Kennyd725]

Hello All,
I took delivery of a new 2026 XD1500 Ultimate a couple of weeks ago. I decided to install a Corbin turn signal kit with horn, etc., and a two way radio. I was/am disappointed with the fit/finish of the machine. A number of the screws that screw into plastic were over torqued and thus stripped. I probably never would have been aware of this had I not decided to install some equipment myself. First off, hats off to Chris Corbin who when I called with a couple of questions, some not even related to the turn signal kit and he was phenomenal. He even gave me his cell phone number to call if I had questions after hours. I am extremely pleased with the kit and how it installed. The radio install required dropping the headliner and I added a couple of additional switches in the roof switch panel for an amber light and light bar.

Everything eventually went back together reasonably well.

The final issue I had was installing a headache rack. I have read many of the posts so it’s obvious I’m not the first one with an issue where three of the four bolts line up and the fourth does not. The dealer called Polaris, started a case, and informed me that their fix is to replace the ROPS. Not going to do that on a brand new machine. I find it hard to believe that Polaris would not have resolved this on a 2026 machine with all the folks having the same problem on the 25MY machines. I am also not convinced that it’s a problem with the ROPS and not the headache rack. I did match my rack to one the dealer had in stock and they matched perfectly. So I still don’t know if its two bad racks or a problem with the ROPS.
I am wondering if anyone with a bad Polaris rack has found another Polaris rack (same part number) that would fit? I understand there are other manufacturers that make the racks, just trying to understand if I have a potential issue with my machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I bought the Polaris headache rack and I had to drill out one if the top holes to make the screw line up. Wasn’t to big of a deal, they ended up sending me a new one for free for no reason so I have a brand new one in the box if anyone wants it , I’m sure you will still have to drill out the top hole to make it fit.

 

[MSRanger]

Hello All,
I took delivery of a new 2026 XD1500 Ultimate a couple of weeks ago. I decided to install a Corbin turn signal kit with horn, etc., and a two way radio. I was/am disappointed with the fit/finish of the machine. A number of the screws that screw into plastic were over torqued and thus stripped. I probably never would have been aware of this had I not decided to install some equipment myself. First off, hats off to Chris Corbin who when I called with a couple of questions, some not even related to the turn signal kit and he was phenomenal. He even gave me his cell phone number to call if I had questions after hours. I am extremely pleased with the kit and how it installed. The radio install required dropping the headliner and I added a couple of additional switches in the roof switch panel for an amber light and light bar.

Everything eventually went back together reasonably well.

The final issue I had was installing a headache rack. I have read many of the posts so it’s obvious I’m not the first one with an issue where three of the four bolts line up and the fourth does not. The dealer called Polaris, started a case, and informed me that their fix is to replace the ROPS. Not going to do that on a brand new machine. I find it hard to believe that Polaris would not have resolved this on a 2026 machine with all the folks having the same problem on the 25MY machines. I am also not convinced that it’s a problem with the ROPS and not the headache rack. I did match my rack to one the dealer had in stock and they matched perfectly. So I still don’t know if its two bad racks or a problem with the ROPS.
I am wondering if anyone with a bad Polaris rack has found another Polaris rack (same part number) that would fit? I understand there are other manufacturers that make the racks, just trying to understand if I have a potential issue with my machine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My 24 has no issues other than the clunking and small leak at windshield wiper. Leak was resolved.
Clunk persists but I’m used to it, a little!
Headache guard fits great. I even remove it to was once in awhile. It is a Polaris product though I know they outsource these so QC on yours is a most likely vendor issue. Though i understand Polaris is still responsible.
I need one that fits on the bed so it’ll tilt up out of the way to wash behind it.

 

[Kendall]

I did receive a response from Polaris, who told me that I should contact the dealer. I did again ask the straight forward question "Is this a vehicle issue or a Headache rack issue". No response.

 

[LowlyOilBurner]

I just ordered the Polaris headache rack due to the “holiday” discount code and free shipping. I could care less if I have to drill, weld, whatever to make it fit. I have to tools to make stuff fit. Should be here tomorrow, so time will tell. $424.00 for the rack or $550 for the back glass. It’s kinda a toss up. I’ll prolly add the rear winch, it just makes it look cool, plus, it would be nice to haul logs into the bed if anything else.

Good luck on the new rig, I have a 2024 Ultimate (August 2024 build) and has been great. The “clunk” people talk about I’m pretty sure is the rear driveshaft play between the transmission and rear diff. I’ve learned to deal with it at this point.

 

[Big Red]

I need one that fits on the bed so it’ll tilt up out of the way to wash behind it.

Razor Back Off Road just released these not long ago. This would protect your glass and raise up with the bed to clean behind it. They also have 20% off right now for Christmas.

 

[Big Red]

Another pic on a Ranger XD, this one has only partial glass protection but you can see how it looks on the machine.

 

[Kendall]

I just ordered the Polaris headache rack due to the “holiday” discount code and free shipping. I could care less if I have to drill, weld, whatever to make it fit. I have to tools to make stuff fit. Should be here tomorrow, so time will tell. $424.00 for the rack or $550 for the back glass. It’s kinda a toss up. I’ll prolly add the rear winch, it just makes it look cool, plus, it would be nice to haul logs into the bed if anything else.

Good luck on the new rig, I have a 2024 Ultimate (August 2024 build) and has been great. The “clunk” people talk about I’m pretty sure is the rear driveshaft play between the transmission and rear diff. I’ve learned to deal with it at this point.

Thanks for the response. I would be very interested in how it fits once you get it.

 

[Kendall]

I just ordered the Polaris headache rack due to the “holiday” discount code and free shipping. I could care less if I have to drill, weld, whatever to make it fit. I have to tools to make stuff fit. Should be here tomorrow, so time will tell. $424.00 for the rack or $550 for the back glass. It’s kinda a toss up. I’ll prolly add the rear winch, it just makes it look cool, plus, it would be nice to haul logs into the bed if anything else.

Good luck on the new rig, I have a 2024 Ultimate (August 2024 build) and has been great. The “clunk” people talk about I’m pretty sure is the rear driveshaft play between the transmission and rear diff. I’ve learned to deal with it at this point.

FYI, I just measured both my rig and the rack. I put the four bolts in the UTV and measured diagonally and they were spot on. The rack on the other hand is off by @1/4”, also with the bolts in. There is some play in the rack but not enough to make up the difference. Unfortunately I am kind of anal about these things and prefer not to have to drill it out to make it fit. Really wondering if the new racks they are sending out have the problem resolved.