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Team UXC Puts RZR on Top of Box at GNCC Mountaineer Run

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Minneapolis, Oct. 2, 2017- With three rounds left in the GNCC UTV series, Team UXC came into Mountaineer Run looking for their first win of the season. Team member Kevin Trantham wouldn’t disappoint taking the XC1 Pro win in a RZR XP 1000.

Trantham started on the third row and was able to make a sharp move early in the race to get closer to the front and out of the dust. He spent the race in the second spot but pushed his vehicle so hard that he ended up winning the class and overall on corrected time. Trantham also took second on his Scrambler XP 1000 in the 4×4 Pro class.

“Everything came together today: the chassis, motor, wheels, and tires all worked seamlessly and perfectly,” said Team Owner Michael Swift. “We knew it was going to be challenging this year, but we also knew we could put a Polaris RZR back in the center of the box.”

The next GNCC race is the Polaris ACE Powerline Park, on Oct. 7.

Team UXC is sponsored by Polaris, Airdam, Alco Cleaners, All Balls Racing, Bair’s Powersports, Big Gun Exhaust, Carbo Rocket, Carmichael Training Systems, Cool-It Thermo Tech, Custom Axis Shocks, Dirt Works Motorsports, DP Brakes, Evans Cooling, FPS Racing, Fasst Company, Fly Racing, Hilliard, K&N Filters, Leatt, Maxxis Tires, Motion Pro, Ogio, OMF Wheels, Polaris Engineered Lubricants, Polaris Power Generators, Quad Logic, Quad Logic, RCV Performance, RT Pro, Ricochet Off-Road Armor, Rigid Industries, Rox Speed FX, Securadyne Systems, Scott Goggles, Spider Grips, SSI Decals, STM Powersports, TEAM, Teixeira Technology, Tire Balls.

Yamaha Racings CJ Greaves Adds to Legacy in TORC Series with YXZ1000R

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KENNESAW, Ga. – October 2, 2017 – Yamaha Racing’s CJ Greaves captured the TORC Series’ Pro Stock class championship in his Johnny G Motorsports prepared Monster Energy / Yamaha Racing / Maxxis Tires / Yamalube #933 YXZ1000R with a near-perfect 12 of 13 first-place finishes. The series ended with a YXZ podium sweep for Yamaha, with drivers Zach Martin and Jake Lunderby taking second and third respectively in the final standings. For his TORC Series Pro Stock UTV victory in a YXZ1000R, Yamaha rewarded Greaves with the $15,000 bLU cRU Championship Bonus.

“We’re excited to have Greaves racing for Team Yamaha in the Pro Stock UTV class piloting his YXZ1000R,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s Amateur MX / ATV / Off-Road Coordinator. “Despite only being 22-years-old, he already has a decorated racing career and has proven he can dominate any class he races, not only finishing the year as the second Pro Stock UTV champion in TORC Series history, but also earning his third-straight Pro 4 truck series championship.”

Winning twelve rounds in a row and finishing a nearly impeccable season, Greaves dominated the Pro Stock UTV class with a 54 point lead over second-place driver Zach Martin, and 122 points ahead of Jake Lunderby in third. Both Martin and Lunderby raced the series in YXZ1000Rs, allowing Yamaha a podium sweep this year.

In the TORC Series’ Pro Mod UTV class driving his non-turbo YXZ1000R, Powersports 1 / Johnny G Motorsports / Yamalube #945 Rodney Van Eperen secured an overall second-place finish – only eight points behind the leader, and against a fleet of turbos. Van Eperen’s results, along with Greaves’ near-flawless run, a Yamaha podium sweep, and the second-straight year for the YXZ1000R winning the Pro Stock UTV Championship since the class was introduced last year, attests the Yamaha YXZ1000R is the dominant, Proven Off-Road Side-by-Side for short course racing.

2018 ARGO XPLORER ATV LINE

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The name Argo is synonymous with a couple of interesting and unequaled off road capabilities. Clearly, the utmost Argo distinctive is the amphibious nature of its traditional six and eight-wheeled Xtreme Terrain Vehicles.

Argo’s have rightly coined themselves XTV’s because for many decades the company has uniquely produced amphibious vehicles capable of maneuverability on both water and land.

Although it’s not widely known, Argo dealers are a pretty exclusive group. The company sells Argos through a well-established, relatively small worldwide dealer network. Here’s the interesting part: When recently surveyed by Argo’s head office, these dealers overwhelmingly reported a high level of satisfaction with the brand and the business model it reflects.

Think about it. Why wouldn’t Argo dealers be smiling? They have virtually no competition. Argo six and eight wheeled XTVs are one-of-a-kind off-road vehicles with a history of working and lasting exceptionally well. For dealers, the result is there’s no need for price cutting and that means smiling faces all-around.

For the record, these days the majority of powersport dealers of well known OEM brands are most likely to complain about too much competition from their own-branded dealers, especially as it relates to pricing.

As a result of its relatively healthy off-road marketplace, the appeal of Argo XTVs has expanded. While this sounds good, there are qualifiers. First, the Argo dealer network needs to grow to support this surge in XTV sales. That being said, in order to grow its network, Argo needs more products to entice more dealers.

As part of Argo’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the company has jumped into the ATV business with both feet. Under the leadership of powersport veteran, Argo’s insightful President, Brad Darling (a former Veep with Arctic Cat), the company has embarked on a whole new genre of Argos.

The new ATV line-up is exceptional, offering two of the most popular engine sizes, both one up and 2-up extended wheelbase models and two trim and feature levels.

XR 500 and 500 LE

The all-new Xplorer ATV line starts with the basic XR equipped with an EFI 500cc single cylinder OHC engine mounted in a full size (not mid-size) chassis equipped with single lever brakes, full floorboards, independent rear suspension (IRS), shiftable 4×4 with electric diff-lock, CVT transmission with a hi-low range sub-tranny and a class-leading 39-hp.

Buyers wanting more can order up the XR500LE. This one comes with14-inch black aluminum wheels and upgraded Innova tires. The LE comes with Argo’s own Tri-Mode, speed sensing Electronic Power Steering. This system is easy to adjust and in any pre-selected mode the assist throttles itself as you approach 30-mph (50 kph). The XR 500’s dual exhaust tips are not only cool looking, they are fully functional, producing a throaty yet legally quiet exhaust note.

XRT 500 and 500 LE

The “T” here means (Two) 2-up and this Xplorer hits the ground running with comfort for two adult riders. The XRT 500 comes in basic trim while offering a sumptuous king/queen saddle and comfortable adjustable handholds for the passenger. There‘s also nice high-mounted footrests for the rear passenger. This model has a safe and functional stretched wheelbase that positions the rear seat passenger ahead of the rear axle. This is the right way to carry two on a 2-up ATV.

The 500 XRT LE adds Tri-Mode EPS and 14-inch black aluminum wheels as an upgrade. All XRs come with a standard 2-inch hitch receiver with an anti-vibration feature. Lighting up front is from low-mount pencil beams and on LE’s a handlebar mounted headlight. Taillights are LED.

XRT 1000 LE

Here’s the beef of the new line-up. Maybe the most important ATV from an image standpoint in the new Xplorer line is the XRT 1000 LE. This 83-hp V-twin cannon uses a stretched chassis and expanded ergonomics to produce 2-up comfort rivaled only by the Polaris Sportsman Touring and the Can-Am Outlander Max. The seat is superb and offers tons of room for the pilot and passenger.

What’s better is premium calibrated suspension both front and rear. This 2-upper makes no apologies for ride quality. The 1000 LE is equipped with standard Tri-Mode EPS, active descent control and a selectable unlocking rear diff producing true turf mode differential action. Black aluminum rims are standard. The 1000’s 12 inches of ground clearance ensures go anywhere performance and the digital cluster will track tons of info for the rider while going anywhere. If you’re shopping for a big bore ATV, another stop just got added to your list.

The XR and XRT line-ups all use CVT transmissions from one for the world’s preeminent manufacturers of continuously variable transmissions. We were immediately impressed with the smooth and easy shifting all the Xplorers we rode displayed. The ability to ride fast, high-speed trails and tail out the rear end was excellent. When it came to picking our way through tight, twisty, off-camber sections, the Xplorer’s CVT backshifted and delivered seamless, easy-to-modulate power to the wheels in both 2×4 and 4WD.

It’s pretty clear Argo is serious about its new Xplorer ATV line. These are well-priced ATVs that are exceptionally competitive in a very competitive industry. The performance, features, quality and, perhaps most importantly, the assurance of established Argo dealers being there to support these products, puts Argo in an enviable position in the ATV biz in MY 2018.

Dirt Trax Television 2017 – Episode 15 Sneak Peek

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If you work hard, you deserve to play hard as Luke finishes up a multitude of chores around the yard utilizing the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. Utility Edition, then demonstrates how this ATV is still fully capable for a fun day on the trail.

AJ gives us an in-depth look at the recently announced 2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4 SE and discusses why this vehicle should be on your radar next year. Full Test Ride to come on Dirt Trax Television later this season.

In the Trail Tech shop, Luke gets help from ITP Tires as he gives you the low-down on what you should consider when choosing tires for your ride.

And in our second Test Ride of the episode, Luke coasts around in the incredibly refined and smooth riding 2017 Can-Am Defender HD8 DPS.

All this and more on a new and exciting episode of Dirt Trax Television!

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TigerTail Self Tensioning Tow System

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Having fun on your ATV and Side x Side unfortunately goes hand-in-hand with getting stuck and the inevitable scenario of breaking down in the middle of no-where.

The term “Winching-out” has become a common phrase, but really doesn’t offer the ideal solution for scenarios when you need to tow.

Having to lug around a tow strap also takes up storage space and you’re always dealing with a tangled mess.

TigerTail is an innovative retractable and constant tensioning two strap that is housed in a fully sealed and lubricate spool container.

Tested up to 14,000 cycles, the TigerTail system can be best described as a dynamic winch without electrical wires.

The self-storing line is always ready when needed and allows for easy and clean use for towing or as an anchor-line during poor underfoot winch operations.

The durable line is offered in configurations and strengths for ATVs and UTVs you can choose from a broad selection of hitch receiver and frame mounts for most late model vehicles.

When purchased online TigerTail also comes with a one year warranty.

For more information visit tigertail.us

2017 POLARIS SPORTSMAN 570 SP

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We’ve been riding so many side-x-sides lately sometimes it feels like they’ve completely stolen the spotlight away from ATVs. That’s why when it’s time for us to review an ATV we get pretty excited. After all, ATVs are our roots.

Don’t get us wrong, taking friends and family along for a ride on a SxS is a blast, but there’s something special about swinging a leg over the seat of an ATV and tackling challenging terrain – especially when there’s a stable full of horses available at the flick of your thumb.

The 570 Sportsman SP sits right in the meatiest part of the market, and for good reason. The leap from a 450 or a 500 to a 570 isn’t a bank-breaker for shoppers in this class at an MSRP of $8,699 USD.

Besides, there’s enough power being churned out of its 44-horsepower OHC single to give its rider a sense of self-respect. In fact there’s enough jam to lift the front tires off the ground at full squeeze from a dead stop, something that will send a tickle to your nether-regions every single time.

This engine is capable of tackling steep slopes with ease and its velvety driveline will inject a shot of excitement into your everyday trail ride.

The other plus for the 570 is its full-sized Sportsman chassis delivering the same durability as its bigger bore siblings.

A dual A-arm front end and independent rear suspension complimented by decent shocks make for not just a silky smooth ride, but provide a gi-normous 11.5-inches of ground clearance – more than enough to save your ATV from wince-producing rock hits while navigating gnarly terrain.

Shift to low-range, flick your right thumb to initiate Polaris’ True On-Demand All Wheel Drive and then stab the throttle to confidently navigate through soupy mud-holes without fear of getting hung up or high-centered.

Circling back to the Sportsman’s suspension, we need to comment on how smooth and balanced the 570 feels. Blasting through stutters with the throttle taped left our test pilots feeling fully in control of the ATV with no bucking sensation up through the chassis at all, mogul after giant mogul.

Personally, this writer doesn’t feel Polaris has the industry’s best EPS system, but Polaris’ Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering does provide adequate input when engaging big hits and significantly reduces bar whip so you’re always in control of the vehicle and focused on the trail.

The Sportsman boasts a single lever hand-operated brake that modulates 4-wheel hydraulic disc brake force to the front and rear wheels and then there’s a foot-actuated rear brake pedal.

When climbing or going back downhill, the EBS Engine Braking System along with Active Descent Control work hand in hand to provide four wheel braking and deceleration when descending steep slopes. You can navigate confidently without fear of freewheeling when rolling down intimidating switchbacks or hillsides.

One thing not all manufacturers prioritize on ATVs is storage. Polaris has it covered. There’s a latching trunk to store tools or extra water bottles and a high capacity clamshell front rack for carrying an extra layer of clothing, spare goggles, your Skippy and jam on Wonder Bread or just about anything else you think you might need.

The additional storage is particularly welcome as temperatures change through the day and you sometimes need to add or remove warmer garments and require a place to stow them. You can also keep a spare garbage bag for trail clean up, or have a towrope handy in case you need to help a buddy.

The general consensus around our shop is that even the biggest cynics seemed pleased with the overall performance and presentation of the Sportsman 570 SP.

One thing everybody agrees on, however, is that this trim package needs better quality tires to compliment its beautiful paint and blacked-out aluminum wheels.

Something like Maxxis Bighorn 2.0’s or ITP Terra Cross tires would add some showroom sizzle and would definitely put the 570 SP at an advantage over its competition.

We can go on and on about useable power and although there’s ego-boosting appeal to having the biggest Big Bore on the market, most of us are aiming for an ATV that will excite us, keep up with our friends and take the abuse we put it through all at a price that’s not going to break us.

You’ve got options in this engine class and we think the Sportsman 570 SP is high on the list of ones you need to consider.

Can-Am Mud Build: Part 7

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AJ puts the finishing touches on our Can-Am Mud Build racer project by installing a new handlebar, a set of handlebar grips and custom handguards all from Rox Speed FX as well as new foot wells from Full Throttle Powersports. With the build officially complete, stay tuned as AJ puts the mud racer ATV to the test at a mud racing event in an upcoming episode of Dirt Trax!

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Full REVIEW: 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450

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Motorhead Mark is back with the 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450 for a hands-on impression on this returning and redesigned all-purpose ATV.

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Can-Am Off-Road Racers Win Two Championships

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Can-Am X-Team racers Kyle Chaney and Kevin Cunningham added to their racing resumes this past recording two more championships with their Can-Am off-road vehicles. Chaney secured the Pro Mod UTV class championship in The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series with a round 13 win at the series finale held at ERX Motor Park in Minnesota. Can-Am ATV racer Kevin Cunningham wrapped up his second consecutive Pro 4×4 ATV championship in the GNCC series with another class win at round 11 in West Virginia.

TORC CHAMPION

Kyle Chaney (Can-Am / XPS / Chaney Racing) came into the final weekend of the 2017 TORC series owning a nine-point advantage in the Pro Mod UTV division. The final race at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minn., hosted three rounds (including making up round four on Friday), putting adding pressure to perform, but a cool, calm and collected Chaney was up for the challenge. The Ohio racer finished on the podium at all three rounds with his Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle, winning on Friday and, then again, on Sunday to capture his first career TORC series championship and first for Can-Am.

“The Can-Am X3 is a solid platform for any type of racing. It’s just built to perform, built to last and to withstand the elements,” stated Chaney. “You have to start with a reliable machine and we proved it this season. Consistency is what wins championships, and being on the podium 12 out of 13 rounds was key to bringing this championship to Can-Am.”

Chaney’s victory on Friday evening extended his points lead, but his third-place finish at round 12 essentially cut it in half with only the series finale remaining. All he had to do was win the final round to capture the crown. And the experienced Can-Am side-by-side pilot did just that, winning the 12-lap feature by more than 2 seconds. Chaney’s final victory pushed his points total to 299 on the year, giving him an eight-point cushion to end the season. Chaney had to miss round 11 of the GNCC series to wrap up this title, but says it was all worth it because his TORC championship sheds light on the driving abilities of woods racers, whom Chaney says don’t get enough recognition.

Can-Am driver Tim Farr (Can-Am / JB Racing) finished the season third overall in his Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle, giving Can-Am two of the top three finishers in a very challenging, growing series with talented drivers.

GNCC CHAMPION

Kevin Cunningham came into round 11 of the GNCC racing series with a shot a repeating as the 4×4 Pro class champion. With a sizeable points lead, the Can-Am Renegade 4×4 pilot could have put in a conservative race, but instead he was his normal self, capturing yet another class podium and victory to earn back-to-back titles. The win on the difficult Mountaineer Run track in Masontown, W.Va., gave Cunningham eight wins and 10 total podiums on the season, further speaking to his dominance as well as the Can-Am brand, which has won every 4×4 Pro class championship since its introduction in 2014.

The Indiana pro, who made his 4×4 Pro class debut the latter half of the 2015 season, has now posted 12 wins and 21 podiums over the last two years as a Can-Am team member. He joins fellow Can-Am racer Bryan Buckhannon (currently third in the class points standings) as the only two-time GNCC 4×4 Pro class champions.

“I knew there was added pressure to win this year, because repeating as champion is never easy — no matter the sport — but I was up for the challenge,” said Cunningham. “With a fabulous platform like the Can-Am Renegade, I knew I had the reliability and performance to get it done, but my team and sponsors stepped up to help make my dream a reality. To get eight wins already and capture this championship before the end of the season is just amazing and rewards me, my team and sponsors for our hard work and consistency.”

In other GNCC racing action, Can-Am Maverick X xc side-by-side racer Hunter Miller (Miller Brothers Racing / Can-Am) recorded his third straight podium finish in the XC1 Pro UTV class, taking third place with Kevin Cunningham as co-pilot, to maintain his class points lead heading into the final two rounds of action. Fellow Can-Am pilot Jason Watt (DR Powersports / Can-Am) earned his first GNCC class win behind the wheel of his Maverick side-by-side in the XC2 Pro Sport UTV class, which features a Can-Am sweep. Can-Am ATV racers also won the 4×4 A, 4×4 B, 4×4 C and 4×4 Senior (40+) classes in West Virginia.

DESERT WINNERS

Marc Burnett (Monster / Can-Am), with co-pilot Fernando Flores, won the Pro UTV FI class at the Tijuana 21st SCORE Desert Challenge in his Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R side-by-side vehicle, held Sept. 23-24 outside of Tijuana, Mexico. The California racer and Can-Am X-Team member completed the six-lap, 23-mile course in a time of 3:47:17, averaging 36.43 mph, to beat 12 other drivers to the finish line and get his first win since resigning with Can-Am for 2017.

S3 Powersports CEO Malcom “Mr. Mal” Sneed, along with co-dawg Quinton Daniels, won the UTV Unlimited class in his No. 2918 S3 Powersports-prepped Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle at the Best In The Desert Silver State 150 outside of Caliente, Nevada.

Phil Blurton (No Limit / Can-Am) completed all 150 miles in a time of 3:22:13.984, to earn a very respectable second-place finish in the UTV Turbo class with his No. 944 Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R vehicle. Lonestar Racing front man Dan Fisher also competed in the UTV Pro ranks in Nevada and came away with a solid fourth-place run in his No. 910 LSR-prepped Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX vehicle.

500-Class Shootout: Honda VS Polaris

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Dirt Trax’ Shootout returns as Luke compares two highly popular ATVs in the 500-class: the 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 SP VS the 2017 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500. Find out which ATV we would recommend to you in this highly competitive segment.

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