Home Blog Page 134

Mud’N Wheels – XMR Torque Series Rear Diff

If you’re a Cam-Am owner and love to play in the mud then you need to check out Mud’N Wheels. The company’s extensive history building tried and tested products to tackle the toughest of mud conditions has resulted in some of the most bullet proof mods on the market today.

Knowing the rear differential can be the weak point in any serious mud racer we turned to the boys and Mud’N Wheels who hooked us up with their XMR Torque Series rear differential.

Available in custom power coated colors (at an additional charge) this rear differential features the best design features of the stock but has been dialed in, with the closely guarded process, to take the maximum amount of abuse.

Mud’N Wheels claims the XMR Torque Series Rear Diff will take almost anything you can thrown at it and that’s a good thing…because that’s just what we plan to do with our completed Outlander mud build.

Go to mudnwheels.com to check out the full line of mud related products for Can-Am ATVs and Side-x-Sides.

PRACTICAL DISPLACEMENT

0

It’s not that long ago the only thing I wanted to buckle into or swing a leg over was a 1000cc monster quad or pure sport SxS.

However, as time rolls by, I’m becoming aware of what my real off-road vehicle needs are – and guess what: I’m discovering it’s not the biggest displacement, fiercest big bore I really need!

I’m surprising even myself by saying these words but reality can be shocking. I don’t need 1000cc’s to have fun. In fact I don’t even need 800cc’s to have fun and get the work around the house and property done. The fact is, even a 500-class SxS has proven itself to be invaluable to me on more than one occasion.

I’m certainly not saying there isn’t a place for big bore SxS’s. Sure there is, and in those targeted disciplines they’re great. What I’m talking about is a reality check, or maybe more truthfully, an ego check, where we look at what we’re doing and what we need to get it done and start being honest with ourselves about how much power we actually need.

Vehicles like the Polaris General and what I can only imagine will be the next generation Can-Am Commander are proving to be hugely practical, loads of fun and a very solid blend of work and play.

Sure right now you can’t get a 570 General but I can only imagine one’s coming very soon.

I’m not sure what your household looks like but in mine it’s a lot easier to sell the Significant Other on a vehicle that’s practical. Don’t get me wrong, my wife loves taking out the Maverick X3 and drifting a good corner, but when it comes to laying down our money for a “Multi-purpose” Side x Side – and that includes fun, too – we’re always going to need to tick more than just the “fun” box on the list.

This is why I see vehicles like the General taking off so quickly and building such a following. I mean lets face it, we don’t ride just for fun all the time, and if I’m being honest, those weekend ride getaways with the buddies are fewer and farther between than they used to be now with a growing family. When those times come, though, I need my dual purpose ride to be more than just a workhorse.

Practicality doesn’t have to be boring and I believe a vehicle like the General proves that – its sporty prowess just waiting to be let out from under the rugged and workmanlike exterior.

Really, at the end of the day I can sell that at home. My wife understands the need for fun, but she also knows it makes no sense whatsoever for me to pull a trailer around the yard with a turbocharged SxS, while raking leaves.

A tilting box, low range and even turf mode have more value to me than ever before, and I’m guessing if we lay aside what we’ve been told we need and take a good hard look at what we actually do with our Side x Sides, the work/play ratio would be a lot closer together than we initially thought it was.

I don’t blame any of us for loving the highest powered, most hyper performing stuff. Heck, they had me at “turbo” too. Sure, we in the media are partially to blame for getting so excited about big displacement engines, trick shocks with incredible travel and pricy electronics.

However, when we peel back the layers and reveal the actual usage our Side x Sides see, I’m willing to bet a look at a lower displacement 50/50 work and play unit makes more sense for the greater majority of owners who are now only riding the ultra performance stuff.

Dirt Trax 2017 – Episode 2 Sneak Peek

Coming up this week on an all new episode of DIRT TRAX TELEVISION…

We continue our adventure at the 2017 Liwa Motorsport Festival, where we check out all the high horsepower racing action, take one on the legendary Moreeb Dune and ride into the Empty Quarter of the worlds largest desert with Can-Am’s Maverick X3 X-rs Turbo.

In TRAIL TECH, AJ is joined by Jared Heshka from MBRP Powersports to talk about their latest high performance PowerTech 4 slip-on Side x Side exhaust

And in TEST RIDE, Mark tests to see if you really can tackle all of your work chores in comfort and style with Polaris’ Ranger 1000 Northstar HVAC edition

You won’t want to miss it!

Honda Announces 2018 Pioneer 1000 and 700 Side-by-Sides

Jun 29, 2017 – TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda today confirmed the return of two popular side-by-sides and four ATV models to the 2018 lineup. Headlining the announcement is the Pioneer 1000, which received major updates in 2017. The flagship 2018 Pioneer 1000 Limited Edition remains the most technologically advanced side-by-side on the market, touting the category’s only I-4WD brake traction-control system and automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Meanwhile, the adaptable Pioneer 700 remains a great value, with the Deluxe version offering a fully automatic transmission with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters that enable the option of manual shifting.

Also returning for 2018 are three popular FourTrax multipurpose ATV models—the versatile Foreman Rubicon family, the sophisticated Rincon, and the agile Recon—as well as the exhilarating TRX250X sport ATV.

“The four-wheel segment remains a vital part of Honda’s powersports business, so we’re pleased to continue offering our customers such a capable and fun lineup of products,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Whether it be side-by-sides or ATVs, Honda is sure to have a model for everyone.”

The remainder of Honda’s four-wheel powersports lineup will be announced in August.

Pioneer 1000

Entering its third year in Honda’s lineup, the Pioneer 1000 is powered by a purpose-built 999cc parallel-twin engine and is still the only side-by-side on the market with an advanced DCT, a durable beltless transmission that can be shifted through its six speeds either automatically or manually (via steering-column-mounted paddles). Customers can also switch between standard and sport transmission modes depending on the conditions, while drive-system modes include 2WD, 4WD, 4WD Diff Lock, and Turf. In addition, the Limited Edition versions of the Pioneer 1000 come with Fox QS3 shocks and the industry’s first I-4WD brake-traction-control system, which also allows hill-start assist and electronic brake-force distribution. All five-seater Pioneer 1000 models have Honda’s unique QuickFlip® seating, which allows owners to switch between rear seating and a cargo bed, and non-LE five-seat models have self-leveling rear suspension. In all, the Pioneer 1000 is available in six different configurations, and all can be personalized via a wide array of Honda Accessories, including packages for hunting and work.

Colors
Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo®
Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Active Yellow, Honda Phantom Camo
Pioneer 1000 LE: Matte Gray Metallic
Pioneer 1000-5 LE: Matte Gray Metallic
Starting at $14,499
Availability: August 2017
Info

Pioneer 700

Striking an ideal balance in terms of size and power, the affordably priced Pioneer 700 has a 675cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected power plant and a low-maintenance, beltless automatic transmission. Ready to tow and haul for work, or to hit the trails on weekend adventures, Honda’s midsize multipurpose side-by-side is available in two- and four-person configurations, the latter offering the capability of folding down the rear seats to create more cargo space in the rear tilt-bed. Deluxe versions come standard with electric power steering, painted plastic, aluminum wheels, and a manual shifting mode with steering-column-mounted paddles. Long-travel, double-wishbone suspension at both ends delivers a smooth ride, and owners can customize their units via a large catalog of Honda Accessories.

Colors
Pioneer 700: Red, Olive
Pioneer 700-4: Red
Pioneer 700 Deluxe: Matte Gray Metallic
Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe: Pearl Orange, Honda Phantom Camo
Starting at $10,599
Availability: August 2017
Info

FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

The four-member, 500-class family of premium Foreman Rubicons is packed with powersports-category exclusives. For example, the Rubicon 4×4 EPS is the only ATV offered with a combination of a tough 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 DCT gearbox, a durable, beltless geared system that has dual ranges and can execute shifts seamlessly. The IRS contributes to an impressively comfortable ride, even when spending long days in the saddle, along with excellent handling over rough terrain. The 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 Differential Lock.

Colors
Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT: Red, Olive
Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS: Red, Olive, Orange
Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS: Red, Olive
Foreman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe: Matte Gray Metallic, Honda Phantom Camo
Starting at $8,599
Availability: July 2017
Info

FourTrax Rincon

Not only does the refined Rincon boast Honda’s biggest ATV engine (a liquid-cooled 675cc single with a twin-plug cylinder head), it makes more efficient use of that power plant by mounting it longitudinally in the chassis, so that the crankshaft is aligned with the vehicle’s direction of travel. This achieves a number of benefits, including a more direct link to the rear axle. The Rincon is a premium model, with independent rear suspension and a three-speed automatic transmission, proving that a luxurious user experience is possible even in the rough world of ATVs.

Colors: Red, Honda Phantom Camo
Starting at $9,399
Availability: August 2017
Info

FourTrax Recon

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Rincon is Honda’s 229cc Recon, an ATV that’s relatively small in size but big on fun and value. Recognizing the importance of easy maneuverability for some users, engineers gave this model a small footprint and a light overall weight, resulting in nimble handling. As is the case with their larger models, Honda offers Recon customers options when it comes to the transmission, with a manual, foot-shift gearbox and electric, push-button ESP shifting both available. The Recon is now available in Vapor White, as well as Olive.

Colors
Recon, Recon ES: Olive, Vapor White
Starting at $4,099
Availability: July 2017
Info

TRX250X

Now available in a new Active Yellow color (as well as Red), Honda’s TRX250X has rightfully earned its reputation as the most approachable sport ATV on the market. Merging tried-and-true off-road capabilities with commonsense Honda technology, the TRX250X is sporty, fun, reliable, and user-friendly, all while remaining remarkably affordable. Just engage the SportClutch™—essentially an anti-stall setup with manual override capabilities—and the TRX250X provides smooth torque, pulling steadily into a broad offering of midrange power before settling into the lengthy top end. Meanwhile, the TRX250X has an agile cornering character, giving the rider predictable handling over a wide variety of terrain types. Out front, the independent double-wishbone suspension tackles off-road obstacles with confidence, providing a smooth ride, and the single-shock rear suspension ensures that the ATV tracks straight and level. Up-and-coming riders will love the TRX250X’s usable nature, but make no mistake—this machine is still a ripper.

Colors: Red, Active Yellow
Price: $4,749
Availability: July 2017
Info

Team UXC Puts Scrambler on Top of Box at GNCC Snowshoe

Minneapolis, June 28, 2017 – Team UXC has historically done well at the GNCC Snowshoe, WV race, and this year the team took home two wins for the Polaris Scrambler.

Kevin Trantham, on his No. 206 Scrambler XP 1000, took the top spot in the 4×4 Pro class for his first win of the season. Trantham and a fellow racer swapped the lead throughout the race until the last lap where Trantham had an opportunity to take the lead for the win.

Graham Widdicombe, also part of Team UXC, won the Senior 4×4 class for his first-ever win. He is the first British racer to win a GNCC race on a 4×4 ATV.

The next GNCC race is the John Penton in Millfield, Ohio, on July 8.

KAWASAKI MULE SIDE X SIDES CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF HARD WORK

Evolved from a simple napkin sketch to a purpose built two-seat utility vehicle, Kawasaki revolutionized the side x side utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the MULE™1000, 30 years ago. Kawasaki saw a need in the market that was being underserved by the ATV segment, which generated the idea for a two-seat, four wheel utility vehicle.

It took nearly seven years of development by Kawasaki’s Research and Development team to bring the first MULE 1000 side x side to production in 1988. The design team worked through a variety of engines and designs, to meet the needs of the ranchers and farmers eventually incorporating a 454cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, which was a proven platform in Kawasaki’s cruiser lineup. The engine was large enough to support the 500lb carrying capacity and two riders, and quiet enough not to scare animals out on the farm.

Codenamed “Pony” by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, LTD in Japan, a production name was needed for the new utility vehicle. The advertising agency for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. at the time, Bozell Advertising, pitched using the acronym Multi-Use Light Equipment or MULE for the new side x side line—and so the MULE was born.

Over the last 30 years the MULE has evolved with the inclusion of four-wheel drive, locking differentials and the TransCab™ seating system, but at the heart of every MULE side x side, which are assembled with foreign and domestic parts in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the strength of the 30-year old MULE 1000 side x side utility vehicles, which are still in use today.

Yamaha Launches 2017 National Hunting and Fishing Day Sweepstakes

Kennesaw, Ga. – June 28, 2017 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, the Proven Off-Road leader in powersports and supporting outdoorsmen and women, is celebrating 10 years of teaming up with National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day). This year’s partnership features an all-new, built in the USA Kodiak 450 ATV sweepstakes at http://YamahaSweepstakes.com/NHFday.

For a decade, Yamaha has sponsored NHF Day, working to raise funds and awareness for their mission. This year, Yamaha is again working to support NHF Day through the sweepstakes, as well as its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grant program, aiding NHF Day’s Live It! grants.

“Yamaha has been, and continues to be, committed to public land access and safe, responsible use while giving back to the outdoors community in significant, impactful ways,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV / SxS group. “Yamaha’s partnership with National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great example of the work we can do together to support the outdoor, adventure, and family recreation lifestyle.”

NHF Day serves as the most effective grassroots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, Tread Lightly!, National Wild Turkey Federation and NHF Day, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. For 45 years, NHF Day has been scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September. This year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 23rd.

“We’re honored to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary partnering with Yamaha in support of outdoor recreation across the country,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs for Wonders of Wildlife National Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. — the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “It’s exciting for NHF Day entrants to have a chance to win an all-new vehicle that outdoorsmen and women will love, and we’re anticipating a record turnout on the online sweepstakes and at our events in September thanks to Yamaha’s support.”

One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2018 Kodiak 450, the highest value mid-class 4×4 ATV providing the best off-road capability, comfort and confidence for all-day riding. No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes ends 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2017. Winner will be determined by random drawing.

For more information on NHF Day, visit their website at NHFday.org. Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting http://YamahaSweepstakes.com/NHFday.

MBRP PowerTech 4 Maverick X3 Exhaust Muffler and Race Pipe

Can-Am X3 Owners look no further; MBRP has developed one serious exhaust system.

Firing up the X3, it makes a bold MBRP statement – delivering an enhanced exhaust note, crisp throttle response and ride-ability.

The 304 Stainless Steel constructed PowerTech4 slip-on systems reduces weight, bumps up horsepower by 2hp and is engineered to meet 96 DB at 4000 RPM.

In addition, MBRP offers a race pipe (AT-9208RP) that bolts directly to the turbo – it works with either the stock muffler or our dual slip-on.

Increasing flow by 23% and comes with an O2 bung welded in place to accept the factory sensor and the race pipe also accommodates the factory heat shield.

No programmer is recommend with either setup, after extensive dyno testing we were seeing AFR at the 11.6 – 11.8 range.

For more information on the full line MBRP Exhausts visit MBRP.com

Dirt Trax 2017 – Episode 1 Sneak Peek

0

The long awaited start to the new season of Dirt Trax Television is finally here!

Coming up in the first episode of the season, we make the trek with Can-Am to the United Arab of Emirates to take part in the Liwa Motorsport Festival to see first hand the huge impression the new Maverick X3 is making on the Middle East market.

In TRAIL TECH, AJ reveals the bones of our latest project build that is sure to churn up a lot of mud and challenge the most competitive racers on the circuit.

Then in TEST RIDE Luke turns to one of our Jr. Test Pilots to help him evaluate the hottest little buggy on the market today…the Polaris ACE 150.

All this and more in the first episode of Dirt Trax Television!

Yamaha Factory-Supported and bLU cRU ATV & SxS Racers Topping Podiums

KENNESAW, Ga. – June 23, 2017 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, factory-supported and bLU cRU racers are dominating the 2017 season piloting Yamaha’s pure-sport YXZ1000R Side-by-Side (SxS) and unrivaled YFZ450R ATV. Both built in the USA vehicles are frequenting the podium and topping point-standings in multiple major off- road racing series across the nation.

Yamaha continues to be the preeminent SxS manufacturer competing in The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series, currently sweeping the podium in the industry’s only pure-sport SxS, the YXZ1000R, featuring a Yamaha- exclusive manual-transmission. Undefeated so far in the 2017 TORC series, Yamaha factory-supported racer CJ Greaves leads the Pro Stock UTV class with 76 points after going three-for-three in his #933 Monster Energy / Maxxis / Greaves Motorsports / Yamaha YXZ1000R. Additional Yamaha bLU cRU racers Kenny Masch and Zachary Martin round out the pack in second and third overall, respectively, each driving the YXZ1000R.

Following Yamaha’s domination during the 2016 season, the Lucas Oil Regional Off-Road Racing Series’ (LORORS) field of vehicles in both Southern California (So Cal) and Arizona has predominantly shifted, with the majority of racers in the Pro Production 1000 class now driving the unmatched YXZ1000R, offering a vehicle-to- driver direct-connection only available from Yamaha. In the So Cal series, bLU cRU racer Brandon Arthur stands second overall with 246 points, thanks to four of five podium finishes in his #906 Toyo Tires / MAVTV / Yamaha YXZ1000R. He also has back-to-back first place finishes in the LORORS of Arizona. Third overall in the So Cal Series is bLU cRU racer Keith Brooks with his #942 Chaparral Motorsports / Kartek Off-Road / Yamaha YXZ1000R. In five rounds, Brooks secured three podium finishes, including one so far in the top spot.

Leading the LORORS Arizona circuit for the 2017 season is 2016 LORORS AZ runner-up, Pro Stock UTV TORC champion and bLU cRU racer Corry Weller in her #948 Dragonfire Racing / Lucas Oil Racing TV / Yamaha YXZ1000R. So far, Weller landed on the podium in five of six Production 1000 UTV class races in Arizona – three of which were first place finishes.

In the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), bLU cRU racer Nic Granlund captured back-to-back victories over the weekend, winning the SxS Pro Production and Pro Stock classes in round nine while driving his #68 STV Motorsports / Fox / DWT / Weller Racing / Yamaha YXZ1000R. Granlund is currently fourth in the SxS Pro Stock class standings with five podium finishes, and has three podium finishes in the Pro Production class.

For yet another year, Yamaha ATV racers continue to lead aboard the Proven Off-Road YFZ450R, the best-selling 450-class sport ATV in America*. Currently leading the AMA ATV MX National Championship series Pro class for the sixth year in a row is long-time ATV MX champion Chad Wienen with his #1 Wienen Motorsports / Yamaha YFZ450R. Wienen finished on the podium in all six rounds of the 2017 season so far, with four overall wins to date. He is also the only racer in the series to podium in every race, making it 56 consecutively since joining Yamaha, along with securing a total of 34 overall wins.

Furthering Yamaha as the best-selling Sport ATV brand in America** and dominating the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) XC1 Pro ATV class for his third year in a row is reigning champion Walker Fowler onboard his Walker Fowler Racing / Maxxis / Moto-Xperts / Yamaha YFZ450R. In seven races, Fowler has earned 205 points, with a 56 point lead over the competition thanks to six first place wins, placing no lower than second throughout the series.

The Yamaha YXZ1000R and YFZ450R, along with every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV, are proudly Assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Yamaha’s newly launched ATV / SxS bLU cRU Racing Support Program for 2017 offers a potential total payout of $100,000 in championship bonuses for ATV and SxS racers competing in select classes and series aboard Yamaha’s 2016 or newer YXZ1000R and YFZ450R models. To register or view more information on Yamaha’s bLU cRU program, including all guidelines and requirements, visit www.YamahabLUcRU.com.

Follow Yamaha racing at www.facebook.com/YamahaMotorUSA,

www.twitter.com/YamahaMotorUSA

and www.Instagram.com/YamahaMotorUSA #Yamaha #YamahaRacing #bLUcRU #YXZ1000R #YFZ450R #AssembledinUSA #ProvenOffRoad