Polaris is not the least bit shy of publishing specific output numbers for their powersport’s vehicles.

The magic number for the new Sportsman XP 1000 in all it’s variants is ninety-one. Ninety-one horsepower. That’s a formidable number which stands at the top of the ATV marketplace virtually unequalled in any modern ATV including Pure Sport models.

If you think you’ve pulled the trigger on some quick 4-wheelers let me clear something up for you. Most corn fed ATV’ers will only dream of the sensation generated from cracking the loud handle on this powerhouse.

When you open the throttles on the 1K Sportsman gasoline begins turning into adrenaline at an alarming rate. Might be time to tighten up your adult diaper.

This ATV plain honks, rocks, jams and flies.

Gunsite Academy, near Paulden, Arizona, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and DirtTrax was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take part in another defensive firearms training course thanks to Yamaha’s generous invitation.

The collaborative group of companies who helped make this week possible included Yamaha, Ruger Firearms, Galco Gun Leather, Garmin, Prime Ammo, BLACKHAWK! and others.

Gunsite offers firearms training to elite military personnel, law enforcement officers and citizens of verifiable character.

Gunsite’s expert instruction sets this training facility apart as you get individual, professional guidance from highly qualified, supportive instructors in a friendly yet challenging atmosphere every step of the way.

Each instructor has countless of high-level training in law enforcement and/or military, so to say they are “qualified” is really an understatement.

Responsible use is something you’ll hear from the moment you step foot in the class room and every time you visit one of Gunsite’s ranges. “With each right comes an equal responsibility to discharge that right effectively, legally, safely and within the bounds of morality. Rights demand responsibility.”

When we had a break from the intensive firearm training, Yamaha allowed us to ride (guided, for obvious reasons) the seats off two of its hottest products, the 2016 Grizzly and Wolverine.

A full report of our Gunsite experience, as well as more opinions on the Grizz and Wolverine are coming up in the October issue of DirtTrax Magazine.

We will also be sprinkling related stories here and there on ATVmag.com so keep checking in.

We recently had the opportunity to travel to California’s central coast to ride Kawasaki’s MULE SX and get a better feel for its target market.

Seriously, if you’re expecting wheel spinning, high-speed action, you’re going to be disappointed. The MULE SX simply isn’t that type of vehicle… not at all. However, Kawasaki stands firmly behind the MULE SX’s intended user and feels strongly it’s a market Kawasaki dominates.

Lets take a look at what it offers: Supplying power to the ground is a 401cc air-cooled single churning out a mind-bending 13.5-horsepower. This carbureted engine provides smooth and easy-going conveyance – perfect for ranch owners with relatively light duties or families with younger, less experienced riders that still want to get out for a drive.

This decidedly mellow engine chugs along and does what’s expected of it capably, navigating hilly countryside and smooth, even pathways exactly like we experienced surrounding the beautiful Ancient Peaks Winery.

The cab features an adjustable tilt steering with a comfortable thick grip steering wheel plus a plush bench seat with a lap belt. The durable textured floor can handle abuse from muddy boots and hoses out nicely.

Load up the steel cargo bed with up to 400 pounds of cargo – anything from plants for gardening to hunting gear and hitch up 1,100-pounds of gear to haul wherever you feel your MULE SX can take you. It may not get you there bullet fast, but it’ll do the trick. It also features selectable 2/4WD and a dual mode rear differential for added traction when required.

The MULE SX has a McPherson strut front suspension and a one-piece swing axle rear suspension. With only 6.7-inches of ground clearance you’re pretty much forced to remember this vehicle is not made for aggressive trail riding.

However, this set-up does do an admirable job of providing a decent ride experience and fits perfectly into the expectations of a buyer looking for a light-duty UTV in this horsepower range. It’s really ideal for getting you and a friend out to a watering hole for a day of fishing, lugging gear out to your hunt camp or loading up the cargo bed with a sprayer implement.

The MULE SX is capable and we give Kawasaki credit for recognizing the needs of this segment and providing a vehicle that fits it so well. Another bonus is the MULE SX’s ridiculously enticing Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Limited Warranty.

For more information on the Kawasaki MULE SX, visit kawasaki.com