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

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.

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.

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.