Home Blog Page 106

Honda Reveals 2019 Side-by-Side/ATV Models

0

Aug 16, 2018 – TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today announced the return of its venerable side-by-side and ATV lineup for the 2019 model year, featuring a mix of entertaining and capable machines sporting a wide range of new colors. The Pioneer® and FourTrax® lines are renowned for being fun, rugged, and reliable, and the two sport ATV models—the TRX®250X and TRX90X—continue their legacy as great vehicles for enjoying the outdoors.

The announcement comes shortly after Honda’s manufacturing plant, Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC), celebrated its 20th anniversary of producing Honda powersports products. Located in Timmonsville, South Carolina, and driven by the widespread success of Honda’s side-by-side and ATV lines, HSC has twice been named S.C. Large Manufacturer of the Year and, together with Honda, remains committed to the principles upon which the company was founded: to be a leader in the industry and improve people’s lives through mobility and by having a positive impact on the local economy.

“It’s exciting to announce the return of Honda’s rugged and fun side-by-sides and ATVs as we celebrate 20 years of producing Honda Powersports products at Honda of South Carolina,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Together with HSC, Honda is proud to bring so many capable and versatile machines to the market, and we look forward to doing so for years to come.”

Side-by-Sides

Pioneer 1000

The industry’s benchmark multipurpose side-by-side boasts the market’s only six-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. Two limited-edition versions come with I-4WD, featuring brake traction control combined with a torque biasing limited-slip front differential, which provides the tractive force of a locking differential but with reduced steering effort and kickback, delivering excellent traction on a wide range of challenging surfaces, along with a more relaxed driving experience. Alongside the I-4WD system, the LE models offer hill-start assist, electronic brake force distribution, and many additional upgrades to improve suspension performance, protection, convenience, and style.

Colors

Pioneer 1000-5 LE: Matte Silver
Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Honda Phantom Camo®, Red, Black Metallic
Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000 LE: Matte Silver
Pioneer 1000 EPS: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Active Yellow
Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive, Active Yellow
Price: Starting at $14,699
Availability: October 2018
Info: https://powersports.honda.com/pioneer/1000/home.aspx

Pioneer 700

The popular, midsize Pioneer 700 lineup includes two Deluxe models that boast aluminum wheels, electric power steering, and color-matched suspension springs, as well as a fully automatic transmission with a manual mode and painted plastic for a bright, durable finish. The two four-seater Pioneer 700 models boast QuickFlip™ seating, allowing the two rear seats to fold into the bed.

Colors
Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe: Honda Phantom Camo, Diver Blue
Pioneer 700-4: Red
Pioneer 700 Deluxe: Honda Phantom Camo, Pearl Orange
Pioneer 700: Olive
Price: Starting at $10,799
Availability: October 2018
Info: https://powersports.honda.com/pioneer/700/home.aspx

Pioneer 500

The industry’s top-selling entry side-by-side is suitable for both beginners and experts. It boasts a longitudinally mounted four-stroke engine allows for efficient power transfer, an automatic five-speed gearbox with manual mode. Compact in design to fit easily in garages, full-size pick-up-truck beds, and narrow trails, the Pioneer 500 nonetheless has an ample 8.5-inch ground clearance and 450-pound payload capacity.

Colors: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Olive, Active Yellow, White
Price: TBD
Availability: October 2018
Info: https://powersports.honda.com/pioneer/500/home.aspx

ATVs

FourTrax Rincon

Boasting Honda’s biggest ATV engine (a liquid-cooled 675cc single with a twin-plug cylinder head), the FourTrax Rincon® proves that a luxurious user experience is possible even in the rough world of ATVs. Standout features include independent rear suspension and a smooth three-speed automatic transmission.

Colors: Honda Phantom Camo, Red
Price: Starting at $9,399
Availability: August 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/fourtrax-rincon.aspx

FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

The four-member, 500-class family of Foreman® Rubicon® ATVs combines premium performance and premium comfort for the ultimate user experience. Making it easier than ever to pick the appropriate model through standout packages, the Rubicon 4×4 EPS is the only ATV offered with a combination of manual-shift transmission and independent rear suspension, and for those who’d rather not do all the shifting themselves, the other three variations come with Honda’s revolutionary automatic DCT technology. Meanwhile, the IRS contributes to an impressively comfortable ride, even when spending long days in the saddle, along with excellent handling over rough terrain. A long list of available features includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), and all models can be switched between three drivetrain settings: 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD with front differential lock. New for this year, the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT EPS Deluxe is even available in Matte Gray Metallic with a fully blacked-out design.

Colors
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT EPS Deluxe: Honda Phantom Camo, Matte Gray Metallic (Black Out Edition)
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT EPS, FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT: Red, Olive
FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Olive, Shale Blue
Price: Starting at $8,599
Availability: July 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/fourtrax-foreman-rubicon-4×4.aspx

FourTrax Foreman 4×4

Strong, rugged, and reliable, Honda’s Foreman 4×4 is as dedicated to the job (and having fun) as you are. Both variations of this durable ATV are equipped with swingarm rear suspension and an enclosed axle, the Foreman 4×4 ES EPS adding Electronic Power Steering and Electric Shift Program for that little bit of electronic assist during a long work day. Packaged around a proven, fuel-injected 500-class engine, strong chassis, and long suspension stroke, both versions are the ultimate tools for a long day of work or play.

Colors
FourTrax Foreman 4×4 ES EPS: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Zest Orange
FourTrax Foreman 4×4: Red, Olive, Active Yellow
Price: Starting at $7,299
Availability: June 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/fourtrax-foreman-4×4.aspx

FourTrax Rancher

Combining innovation and performance, the Honda Rancher® is all about getting owners wherever they want to go—whether it’s a hard-to-access deer stand, a favorite fishing spot, or a trail in one of the local OHV areas. Available in six configurations, the 420cc, liquid-cooled Rancher is offered with manual transmission, push-button Electric Shift Program (ESP), or automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and there are also choices between IRS and a solid rear axle, as well as 2WD and 4WD.

Colors
FourTrax Rancher 4×4 AT IRS EPS: Honda Phantom Camo, Vapor White
FourTrax Rancher 4×4 AT IRS: Red, Olive
FourTrax Rancher 4×4 AT EPS: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Olive
FourTrax Rancher 4×4 ES: Honda Phantom Camo, Red, Olive
FourTrax Rancher 4×4: Red, Olive, Blue
FourTrax Rancher: Red, Olive
Price: Starting at $5,349
Availability: June – August 2018 (Varies by model)
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/fourtrax-rancher.aspx

FourTrax Recon

The FourTrax Recon® packs big ATV benefits like durability, power, and build quality into a package with a smaller footprint and lighter overall weight—great for tighter trails or frequent loading and unloading. Featuring a 250-class engine tuned for low-rpm torque and power, the Recon is the workhorse that’s sized right and engineered to last. There are even options when it comes to transmission, with a manual, foot-shift gearbox and electric, push-button ESP shifting both available.

Colors: Red, Olive
Price: Starting $4,199
Availability: July 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/fourtrax-recon.aspx

TRX250X

Honda’s TRX250X is designed for enjoying the great outdoors, its 250-class four-stroke engine offering a broad, user-friendly powerband and its capable chassis welcoming everyone from beginner riders to longtime ATV enthusiasts through its confidence-inspiring trail performance. Out front, the independent double-wishbone suspension tackles off-road obstacles with ease, providing a smooth ride, and the single-shock rear suspension ensures that the ATV tracks straight and level. Add in low-maintenance features like the shaft final drive, plus user-friendly technology like SportClutchTM, which can be fun for experienced riders but also enables new riders to learn clutch control without worrying about stalling, and the result is a machine that urges owners to get out and have fun.

Colors: Red, Metallic Blue
Price: $4,849
Availability: July 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/trx250x.aspx

TRX90X

Going riding has never been easier than with Honda’s proven TRX90X, now available in white with a pink stripe to give customers even more options. With beginner-friendly features like an 86cc engine providing smooth power delivery, plus a no-clutch transmission and compliant suspension, the TRX90X simplifies getting outdoors and riding with loved ones. And because it’s a Honda, every component of the TRX90X is built to high quality standards, meaning less time in the garage and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Colors: Red, Olive, White
Price: $3,099
Availability: September 2018
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2019/trx90x.aspx

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

Bulloch Wins Big in Wildcat XX

0

Textron Off Road Factory Race Team’s Ray Bulloch and his co-pilot Kaleb Myers slayed Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno race this past weekend taking the Pro UTV NA class win by almost 18 minutes!

Bulloch piloted the nearly-stock, naturally aspirated No. 1835 Wildcat XX to the win – beating out custom-built and turbocharged vehicles – and only stopping for a belt and tire change. The win was a true testament to the durability of the Wildcat XX and its racers, who “ironmanned” the 531-mile long race in 11 hours 26 minutes and 30 seconds.

Can-Am Mud Build: Mud Race Part II

0

The long-awaited successor to our most popular build in Dirt Trax Television has arrived…

Following the disappointment of a mechanical DNF at last years Smoke ’n Spurs event; AJ and Graham return to a local mud bog race to shake-down and prove the reliability of our 2008 Can-Am Outlander Mud Build. This event only marks the start on their road to redemption. Stay tuned and follow their journey as they pursue their place atop the podium.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Full REVIEW: 2018 CFMOTO ZFORCE 1000

0

CFMOTO goes all-in making a big impact to the sport side-x-side market as we review the 2018 ZFORCE 1000 EPS LX.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Dirt Trax Television 2018 – Episode 7 Sneak Peek

0

Coming up on Dirt Trax Television:

Luke reviews the evolution and influence of the Polaris RZR pure sport side-x-side lineup over the past ten years, starting with the 2008 RZR 800 all the way to the latest 2018 RZR XP Turbo S.

In the TRAIL TECH shop, AJ compares MBRP POWERSPORTS PowerTech 4 exhaust with the competition while upgrading the exhaust on our 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo DYNAMIX.

Then in TEST RIDE Motorhead Mark reviews the 2018 Textron Stampede X to see how it stacks up against the competition in the UTV-arena.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

ITP COYOTE TIRES

0

We’ve been using ITP Tires on our TRAIL TECH projects for years now and love how the company seems to constantly innovate with new products to meet the demands of the off-road marketplace. One tire we’re particularly impressed by is its new 8-ply Coyote radial tire.

We had the opportunity to experience this tire first-hand while evaluating the all-new RZR Turbo S upon which the Coyotes come stock and can speak to their durability in the harsh desert terrain surrounding Las Vegas.

Featuring unmatched traction and side bite, these 32-inch monsters (32x10x15) stood up to our abuse over the course of our ride day and while other brands experienced punctures and pinch flats, the 8-ply durability and radial construction of the Coyote tires took to the challenge without any failures on over a dozen Coyote equipped RZRs.

ITP developed the Coyote specifically for high-horsepower side-x-sides used in an unforgiving desert environment. Their aggressive tread pattern is perfect for gravely surfaces and sandy terrain providing the optimal footprint for even pressure distribution.

ITP Coyote tires are compliant with DOT standards and proudly made in the USA.

For more information visitors ITPtires.com

HONDA TALON FACT OR FICTION?

0

If you’re a Honda SxS and ATV nut, you’ve likely seen the “leaked” pictures of what most certainly appears to be a Honda Pure Sport SxS.

Truth is, we don’t know if it’s true. Having been in the middle of top secret releases my entire life and having signed more embargo agreements than 10 people have over the last 30 years, I would say there likely is such a vehicle and more importantly, the pictures on the web were intentionally leaked.

Here’s what we suspect is going on. Honda is among the last to enter the Pure Sport SxS segment and is likely sweating the late release of its entry.

Remember, myriads of Yamaha YXZ100R’s are present at popular riding areas across North America. Essentially, by leaking these pics Honda will cause some buyers to cool on their intended purchase of a YXZ – instead waiting to see what the Big H is up to. In the Marketing Department they call this “stemming the tide” and it’s a smart move on Honda’s part.

So why am I comparing the Talon to the YXZ100R? Pretty much everyone who knows anything about this biz knows Honda won’t intro a CVT equipped Pure Sport. They don’t make an ATV or SxS with one so they have no real expertise in the design and execution of this type of tranny.

On top of this, Yamaha is Honda’s arch Japanese rival in all things motorized from ATVs to generators to outboards. The Talon will, IMO, be purpose-built to compete head-on with the YXZ and will mostly ignore Pure Sport models from Polaris and Can-Am.

This is where it gets tricky: Polaris slays the Pure Sport segment in the sales department. Like it or not, the RZR product line-up captures the lion’s share of all Pure Sport SxS sales hands down, running away.

This means if Honda’s predisposition to focus on Yamaha is where the Talon is going, Honda will be severely limiting its sales potential. Yamaha is happy with sales of the YXZ, but make no mistake about it, the RZR and Can-Am together are what Pure Sport buyers are consuming.

There’s another element of risk for Honda in the launch of the Talon. Horsepower. Honda has not been adept at identifying the SxS market’s desire for power and as a result we don’t expect the Talon to deliver much more than 100-HP going in.

Take a look at the market: Currently the YXZ makes the lowest HP claim in the Pure Sport segment at around 115-118 ponies. The new Textron Wildcat XX uses the YXZ’s triple cylinder engine with a CVT and claims 125-HP. Both Polaris and Can-Am claim horsepower in the 175-plus dimension and appear to have no reason to stop, at least until they eclipse the 200-HP threshold – maybe.

You can make an argument the gear-on-gear, dual clutch tranny in the YXZ and the semi-auto version in the YXZ SS actually deliver more power to the rear wheels than a CVT does.

Okay, maybe there’s some truth to that assertion but I’ll tell you what – there ain’t enough of a difference to claw back a 50 to 75-HP deficit compared to the Polaris and Can-am Pure Sports with CVTs.

So here’s my point: If Honda doesn’t do what they often do – underwhelm the market’s expectation for HP and come in at the 100-HP level but instead come out with a 125-HP (plus) Talon with a dual clutch tranny, they might mow some of Yamaha’s grass.

If they intro the Talon with 150-plus HP – either normally aspirated or turbocharged – they’ll then get the full attention of Polaris and Can-Am shoppers.

The real issue here isn’t whether or not the new Talon uses a DCT gear-on-gear tranny like the YX-Z. The issue is plain and simple: It takes copious HP to win the drag race up Horsepower Hill – and that is precisely what the success of the new Talon will rise or fall on.

Riding Through Hatfield-McCoy Trails in Mercer County

0

We make a return trip to Mercer County in West Virginia to ride the iconic Hatfield-McCoy trail systems. While there, AJ resides at The Mud Pit ATV Resort where they deliver a one-stop-shop for off-roaders; providing guests with riverfront cabins, RV sites and garages fully equipped for emergency repairs. Watch as AJ gets a little muddy in a Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec and then visits the abandoned and haunted Lake Shawnee Amusement Park.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

DiamondBack HD ATV & SxS Carrier Install

0

AJ is back at our home base installing a DiamondBack HD ATV & SxS Carrier on our brand new GMC 3500. If you’re looking for the easiest way to haul your ride – a DiamondBack carrier is it!

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Full REVIEW: 2018 Polaris RZR 900

0

Luke reminds us on just how incredibly well the RZR lineup has aged over the past ten years with his review of the 2018 Polaris RZR 900.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!