AJ gets a first-hand look at the completely overhauled 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 and talks with Chris Judson, Director of Product Planning about all the updates to this vehicle.
The Carlstar Group announces the launch of a new ITP® Tire and Wheel website that will showcase the brands elite performance products for the ATV / UTV / SXS market.
“We are excited to launch this new, improved and more user-friendly website for our ITP enthusiasts,” stated Rhett Turpin, Head of ITP Sales at The Carlstar Group. “The new website, ITPTires.com, will feature the entire ITP portfolio of products that help our riders conquer the world’s most challenging terrains.”
The new site features:
• A robust Product Finder that helps consumers quickly search and filter our product catalog to locate the exact products they are looking for.
• Quick access to local ITP Authorized Powersports Dealers and online retailers for the US and International consumers.
• Technical support information including vehicle fitment guides and general equipment details
In addition, the site will showcase photo and video galleries from racing and riding events as well as our #TeamITP section. As an industry leader, ITP has had a long and successful history in sponsoring some of the best riders on the racing circuit.
“We take pride in the fact that we stand behind several drivers and their teams with performance racing products and the #TeamITP section is where consumers can learn and connect with our professional sponsored riders and get insight into what keeps them on top of the podium each race,” said Turpin. “We make the same products available to our consumers so they too can perform like the pros using ITP tires and wheels.”
The launch of the ITP website is the final project that was part of a global company strategy to enhance its online presence with consumers. The Carlstar Group’s other brands, Carlisle® tires and wheels, Cragar® and Black Rock® Automotive Styled Wheels, have already launched and introduced to the marketplace.
Since 1982, ITP has been the world’s #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire and wheel source. The premier ITP products are developed utilizing an experienced staff of engineers, designers and technicians at its two American tire facilities in Clinton, Tennessee, and Jackson, Tennessee, to develop award-winning tire-and-wheel designs for virtually all ATVs and side-by-side vehicles. Numerous outlets distribute ITP tires across the United States and in more than 25 countries worldwide. ITP is a registered trademark of The Carlstar Group, LLC. For a free, full-color ITP catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-889-7367. Tech questions call: 1-909-390-1905.
At the Kimpex Buying Show for Motorcycle and ATV products in late August 2017, Kimpex unveiled its latest novelty for quad enthusiasts.
Kimpex again innovates with a new ATV trunk that is useful, flexible and ergonomic while remaining very affordable.
“The NOMAD trunk box offers much more than all other trunks in the same class. In terms of modularity, ergonomic profile, functionality, or compartmentalization capacity, the NOMAD trunk is beyond compare, especially for the price,” states Benoit Chapdelaine, Kimpex’s head of house product development.
To develop this trunk, Kimpex wanted to tackle 2 major problems that most quad enthusiasts encounter on their outings:
1. Allow for more items (of different sizes) to be transported on outings.
2. Allow the passenger to enjoy the drive while being just as comfortable as the driver.
To achieve that, the Kimpex team did much research and carried out many tests with users. After numerous prototypes, the NOMAD was born and presented to retailers as well as the industry’s media on August 22.
To meet the needs of different types of customers, the NOMAD will be available in 2 versions:
NOMAD (#458000): Basic NOMAD trunk box – Price: 299.99$
ELECTRIC NOMAD (#458005): NOMAD trunk box with heated handles - Price: 369.99$
Here are some features of Kimpex’s NOMAD trunk:
– Loading capacity of 115 litres (ex., 2 off-road helmets and many tools);
– Modular and easily removable side compartments to store bigger equipment or for direct access:
– Gas tank bracket at the rear of the trunk
– Several attachment points to easily secure the content with straps
– Secure and sturdy locking mechanism
– Superior comfort and ergonomics (angle of handles, back and seat)
– Access door to quickly reach inside the trunk box even when seated
– Quick and easy installation
– Airtight and watertight to prevent water and dust infiltration
– Compatible with all 1-seater ATV models
With its 2 distribution centres and over 86,000 products available, Kimpex is the Canadian leader in the distribution of parts and accessories for motorized sports. Based in Drummondville, Québec, the company has a network of more than 3500 retailers in Canada and the United States. This year, Kimpex is celebrating 50 years of experience in the distribution of the industrys most prestigious brands. Kimpex is the distributor of choice in Canada.
Already present in Canada through Motovan Corp. and Parts Canada distributors, and known as market leader of the very popular Scala Rider® Bluetooth line of communications devices, Cardo has reached an agreement with Kimpex Inc to expand their market share in Canada.
With a goal in mind to empower people who are on the move with the finest communication and entertainment devices offered in the market, Cardo stands out year after year with their innovations now available in over 80 countries.
In 2005, with the introduction of the Scala Rider® Bluetooth hands-free communication devices, Cardo has literally pioneered a new product category that was non-existent until then. Since then, with the help of participants and millions of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, the company has been improving, modifying, adapting and renewing its products to meet their demands.
Many of Cardo’s innovations have been taken up by the competition and are now a standard in the industry!
Today, the Scala Rider® line of products includes the most advanced devices available, ranging from solid-entry level products to the most feature-rich communication and entertainment systems.
The agreement with Kimpex is a major one, reaching more than 3,000 Canadian retailers. Cardo’s inventory is already available in Kimpex warehouses, which means that motorcycle enthusiasts can already purchase Scala Rider® products.
“We are really excited about distributing Cardo communication systems in Canada. This widely-known brand is a great addition to our product line and will undoubtedly improve our presence in the motorcycle world,” declares Alexandre Dubois, head of Kimpex motorcycle products.
About CARDO – Cardo Systems Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. (USA) is the worlds acknowledged market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcyclists. With the introduction in 2006 of the Scala Rider® Bluetooth line of helmets, Cardo had introduced a new product category to the market. Today, Cardo also develops Bluetooth solutions for leading manufacturers in the field of motorcycles and accessories, such as SHOEI, and Schuberth. Our corporate tagline, Communication in Motion™, reflects what the company does best: Empowering people who are on the move with the finest communication and entertainment devices available. Our typical customers are outdoors, in motion and committed to remain in touch. We are proud to offer them the tools to do so in a safe and intuitive manner.
About KIMPEX – With its 2 distribution centres and more than 86 000 products available, Kimpex is the Canadian leader in the distribution of parts and accessories for motorized sports. Located in Drummondville, Québec, the company has a network of over 3 500 retailers in Canada and the United States. This year, Kimpex is celebrating 50 its years of experience in the distribution of the most prestigious brands in the industry. Kimpex is Canadas distributor of choice.
AJ returns from MrRPM and ventures forward with our Mud Build project as he installs a brand new Mud N Wheels rear-differential as well as high-quality axles from TrakMotive.
FRANKLIN, Tenn., August 22, 2017 – Outfitted with ITP Ultra Cross R Spec tires, Tony Riggs piloted his Polaris RZR side-by-side vehicle to the UTV Unlimited class overall win at the 2017 Best In The Desert (BITD) Vegas To Reno race this past weekend in Nevada.
“The largest class in the Best In The Desert racing series is now UTVs, so selecting the right tires and wheels is critical for surviving these long endurance races over such difficult terrain and demanding conditions,” said Rhett Turpin, Head of ITP Sales at The Carlstar Group. “Whether it’s more serious UTV race teams, like Tony Riggs, or recreational customers looking to take on challenging environments with their off-road vehicles, ITP continues to prove it’s the brand to you can count on.”
Riggs, the driver of record, was coming off an eighth-place finish at the Baja 500 and was looking to continue his team’s recent success in his No. 2912 Polaris. Along with co-pilots Kyle Melville and Travis DeMeester, Riggs did just that at the Vegas To Reno event, which is known as the longest off-road race in the U.S. at roughly 540 miles. The team finished the race with a time of 13:41:32.992 to win the UTV Unlimited class. Riggs armed his vehicle with dependable 8-ply, 32-inch (32 x 10R-15) ITP Ultra Cross R Spec tires. This specific radial off-road tire features an openly spaced tread pattern and is a proven option for desert terrain.
The runner-up finisher in the UTV Unlimited class went to Renee Hudson, who ran ITP SD Series Beadlock wheels on the No. 2911 Polaris RZR. Hudson and co-pilots Ritchie Hudson and Mathew Goade put down a time of 14:15:10.245 to score a podium spot.
In the UTV Turbo class, which consisted of 50 total competitors, Logan Gastel drove his No. 969 Can-Am Maverick, dressed in 31-inch (31 x 9.50-14) ITP Ultra Cross R Spec tires, to a strong third-place finish. Co-pilots Adam McKinney and Steve Amrine helped navigate the vehicle through the dusty, rocky, and silt-filled course, which forced 97 other competitors to suffer a DNF within the B division of the race.
“Without the strength of reliability of the ITP Ultra Cross R Spec tires, it would not have been possible [to finish this demanding course],” stated Gastel. “We finished with the same four tires we started with.”
Can-Am X-Team and Maverick X3 Turbo R side-by-side vehicle racers Phil Blurton and Kyle Chaney each earned an impressive off-road endurance racing victory this past weekend. Blurton won the 2017 Best In The Desert UTV Turbo class in Nevada, while Chaney earned the win at the Pro Unlimited UTV race at the Heartland Challenge in Iowa.
BITD V2R: Blurton Puts Can-Am on top, again
Phil Blurton won the UTV Turbo class at the 2017 Best In The Desert Vegas To Reno race in Nevada, which is dubbed the longest off-road race in the U.S. Blurton, who has a deep knowledge and skill set from growing up in the off-road and desert-racing scene, has taken the BITD UTV Turbo ranks by storm with back-to-back wins in his rookie season and first year behind the wheel of the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R vehicle. Blurton and his team of Beau Judge, Ken Ruff and Eric Miramon, put the No. 944 Can-Am / No Limit R&D Maverick X3 vehicle in front of 49 other UTV Turbo class competitors as the end of a grueling 540-mile course. Blurton finish in a time of 11:38:49.205 to earn its second straight BITD victory, following up his UTV World Championship win earlier this season.
Maverick Turbo side-by-side vehicle racer Logan Gastel joined Blurton on the UTV Turbo box, earning an impressive third-place finish with his No. 969 Can-Am / Rugged Radios-backed vehicle. His time of 11:45:36.053 and podium placement was rather impressive considering he started the race 40th in the UTV Turbo class. “Monster” Matt Burroughs and his crew started 29th in Vegas, but were just five seconds off the adjusted time lead by pit three. However, at the finish line in Reno, the No. 948 Can-Am Maverick X3 race vehicle ended up with a time of 11:51:28.249, giving them a solid fourth-place finish.
Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R vehicles also tallied two other top-10 finishes in the UTV Turbo ranks, as Justin Elenburgs team (No. 977) finished ninth and Dan Fishers squad took 10th in their No. 910 Can-Am Lonestar Racing vehicle. Michael Isom also earned a podium in the UTV Unlimited division, taking third in his Maverick X3 Turbo R. The Maverick X3 has now won both Vegas To Reno UTV Turbo class events since its debut in 2016.
In ATV racing action, Can-Am Outlander 1000 4×4 ATV racers Don Higbe, Rick Cecco and Bryan Buckhannon team up to earn second place in the Pro Quad class filled with sport ATVs. The podium finish kept Higbes team in the running for BITD championship, where its currently second overall.
Heartland Challenge – Chaney
Can-Am / XPS Lubricants / CT Raceworx driver Kyle Chaney piloted his Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R side-by-side vehicle to a win in the Pro Unlimited UTV class at the 10th Anniversary Heartland Challenge endurance race near Carlisle, Iowa.
The Can-Am / XPS Lubricants / CT Raceworx-backed driver grabbed the holeshot during the land-rush-style start and took the lead into the woods. Due to heavy dust and a lighting issue, Chaney dropped back two spots after his first pit. However, within one lap, the two-time Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) UTV Pro champion regained the lead, one hed never relinquish. In fact, he beat out 70 other racers to notch his first four-hour race win since 2012. The five-mile course, which was covered in a dusty haze the entire race, consisted of a mix of specialty obstacles, wooded sections and rocks. Racers had to make as many laps as possible within the four-hour time limit.
Chaney will return to the track to defend his points lead in the TORC Off Road Championship, September 1-2 at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway in Wisconsin.
Available only on Dirt Trax Television, Motorhead Mark does a world exclusive Full Review of the 2018 Argo Xplorer XRT 1000 LE and gives you a taste of what is to come from the XTV manufacturer next year.
Aug 22, 2017 – TORRANCE, Calif.
In its final four-wheel powersports new-model announcement of the year, the leading manufacturer of multipurpose ATVs today unveiled four 2018 models, including the family of FourTrax® Ranchers®—America’s best-selling line of ATVs. At the same time, Honda announced the hard-working FourTrax Foreman®, the sporty TRX90X, and the Pioneer 500 side-by-side.
Honda’s commitment to the multipurpose segment continues, with the Rancher available with a wide variety of options. Only Honda offers three different ATV transmission technologies, including foot-shift manual, push-button Electric Shift Program™ (ESP®), and the industry-leading fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), a Honda exclusive in powersports.
“Customers have demonstrated that they continue to appreciate multipurpose ATVs, which are still the market’s most popular models,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Honda is obviously a believer as well, dominating the segment with a lineup of incredibly versatile models, and much of that success is thanks to the amazingly popular FourTrax Rancher, which is equally at home hunting, ranching, or hitting the trail.”
FourTrax Rancher
In an age of increasing specialization, versatility can be extremely refreshing, and its difficult to find a better example of do-it-all effectiveness than Hondas family of capable FourTrax Rancher ATVs. No matter the application—whether it’s accessing a favorite deer stand, repairing a fence on the back 40, or just exploring the local OHV area with friends—there’s a Rancher thats ideally suited. Available in six configurations, the FourTrax Rancher is offered with manual transmission, push-button Electric Shift Program ESP, or automatic DCT, and there are also choices between IRS and a solid rear axle, as well as 2WD and 4×4. The 420cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine offers the sort of unrivaled reliability that keeps Rancher owners using their vehicles for many years, and the spread of power is well suited for almost any situation.
Colors
– FourTrax Rancher 4×4 Automatic IRS EPS: Active Yellow, Honda Phantom Camo®
– FourTrax Rancher 4×4 Automatic IRS: Red, Olive
– FourTrax Rancher 4×4 Automatic EPS: Red, Vapor White, Honda Phantom Camo
– FourTrax Rancher 4×4 ES: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo
– FourTrax Rancher 4×4: Red, Olive, Orange
– FourTrax Rancher: Red, Olive
– Price: Starting at $5,349
– Availability: July-September (depending on model)
– Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/fourtrax-rancher.aspx
FourTrax Foreman
Like all Honda ATVs, the FourTrax Foreman knows how to have fun, but where it really shines is when theres work to be done. With a solid rear axle and swingarm rear suspension, along with a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder 500-class engine that is longitudinally mounted in the chassis (thereby placing the crankshaft inline with the drive system for a more efficient transfer of power), this midsize ATV is an absolute workaholic. TraxLok® is standard, enabling the rider to switch between 2WD and 4×4 with the push of a button, or to lock the front differential when traction is at a premium. Electric power steering is available, and cargo can be carried on the heavy-duty front and rear racks. With three headlights (two frame-mounted and one on the handlebar to increase visibility in corners), the work doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down.
Colors
– FourTrax Foreman 4×4 ES EPS: Red, Shale Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
– FourTrax Foreman 4×4: Red, Olive, Shale Blue
– Price: Starting at $7,299
– Availability: July-September (depending on model)
– Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/fourtrax-foreman-4×4.aspx
TRX90X
Honda’s proven TRX90X is one of the best first steps that a young rider can take on the journey toward a lifetime of off-road recreation. This air-cooled four-stroke has all the right ingredients to be the ultimate first machine: electric starting, manageable power, consistent handling, compliant suspension, and uncomplicated controls. The TRX90X brings unmatched durability to the market—every component is built to Honda’s high standards to withstand even the most demanding conditions. The TRX90X is routinely used as a first-time trainer, as a platform for sharpening skills on family trail rides, and for burning lap after lap with a dusty, grinning, energetic young rider behind the handlebar. It’s no wonder this model sets the gold standard for what a modern entry-level ATV should be.
– Colors: Red, Olive
– Price: $3,049
– Availability: August
– Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/trx90x.aspx
Pioneer 500
This no-nonsense side-by-side is both beginner-friendly and expertly tuned; it can be easily operated by a first-time side-by-side owner and still be enjoyed by an experienced pilot. In the dirt, its longitudinally mounted four-stroke engine allows for comfortable cruising, while the automatic five-speed (plus reverse) gearbox can be operated in both automatic and manual modes for superb ascending, skillful rock crawling, and dependable exploration. Although compact in design to fit easily in garages, full-size pickup-truck beds, and narrow trails, the Pioneer 500s 8.5-inch ground clearance and 450-pound payload capacity are nothing to scoff at. For those unsure where to begin the journey into the world of off-road recreation or work, the capable Pioneer 500 is a great place to start.
– Colors: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo®
– Price: TBA
– Availability: October
Honda TRX90X recommended for riders 10 years and older.
Honda FourTrax models and Pioneer recommended for riders 16 years and older.
Different jobs, terrain, and adventures mean it only makes sense to fine-tune your Honda ATV to your specific needs. An array of Honda accessories is available to make your ATV even better. For more information on Honda accessories, go to powersports.honda.com/accessories.aspx
Argo makes a splash with some exciting news as they go beyond offering six and eight-wheeled vehicles and announce a full lineup of ATVs that will be penetrating the market in 2018.
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