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BRP UNVEILS THE CAN-AM SPYDER F3

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BRP (TSX: DOO) presents the 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 roadster, a major evolution in riding – in both design and substance – for all open-air riders.

The new Spyder F3 introduces a muscular design, cruising-riding position and custom fit for a thrilling ride, representing the latest industry-leading innovation from BRP and the Can-Am Spyder roadster.

The Spyder F3 comes with the proven Rotax 1330 ACE engine, which offers an exciting blend of power and torque, underlined by a new signature exhaust note.

Additionally, the Spyder F3 features the exclusive UFit system, allowing riders to personalize their Spyder F3 with customized peg positions and handlebar options to express their own personality and riding style.

The personalization is enhanced further by a range of new parts, accessories, clothing and hero packages, including the Touring Escape, Muscle Attitude and Urban Nights packages.

The backbone of the Spyder F3 is the Can-Am Spyder signature Y-frame design and an advanced Vehicle Stability System, developed in partnership with Bosch, which includes traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The result is precise handling and stability.

Add the Spyder F3 low centre of gravity and cruising-riding position and the rider gets unprecedented control to enjoy the freedom of the open road. As with all Can-Am Spyder models, the Spyder F3 offers both manual and semi-automatic transmissions.

“The Spyder F3 represents the next era for the Can-Am Spyder line-up and for on-road riding as a whole,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager – Global Sales and Consumer Experience division. “The Spyder F3 truly delivers a soul-stirring riding experience, combining a muscular design, a custom-fit cruising-riding position, and an advanced stability system for one incredible ride. You have to ride it to believe it.”

Along with the Spyder F3, the entire Can-Am Spyder line-up is refreshed with striking new colors and introduces for the first time the Special Series available on 2015 Spyder RT, ST and RS models.

These stunning vehicles will be available only in limited quantities. The line-up comes with a wide offering of parts, accessories and clothing including the new Freedom trailer, the most advanced and stylish trailer on the market.

For more information on these models, please visit an authorized Can-Am Spyder dealer or CanAmSpyder.com. Anyone confirming a purchase in North America of a new Can-Am Spyder with their local dealer before January 31, 2015 will receive the standard 24-month BRP Limited warranty plus a 24-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract.*

Introduced in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder line-up now includes four models to meet the desired riding experience of multiple types of riders. In addition to the Spyder F3, the Spyder RT touring line delivers the ultimate in touring performance and comfort.

The Spyder RS sport line represents the machine for the rider who has a passion for a vehicle as stunning through the curves as it is to the eye. The Spyder ST sport-touring line represents the optimum combination of comfort and sportiness.

BRP (TSX: DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3 billion from 105 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide.

*Warranty offer is only available in North America.

www.brp.com

Polaris Opens Manufacturing Plant in Poland

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Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII) today announced the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Opole, Poland.

The 345,000-square-foot facility will be the first Polaris plant dedicated to manufacturing Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) outside of North America.

Employee training has already begun at the Opole facility which will employ 300 people in 2015 and should begin shipments to customers in the first quarter of 2015.

The plant will produce approximately 35 different ORV vehicle models in 2015 and ship them to six subsidiaries and over thirty distributors in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Opole will also house research and design for the Europe, Middle East and Africa markets allowing vehicles to be tailored to local needs.

“With a stated goal of a third of our total Company sales outside North America, the Opole facility is a cornerstone for our international growth plans, as it provides both a timely capacity increase and a localized manufacturing presence that allows us to provide the best possible experience for our customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Chairman and CEO. “We are incredibly excited to add the highly-skilled employees in Poland to our outstanding Polaris team and confident in their ability to spur ongoing growth in the EMEA region.”

“With our engineering and manufacturing assets in Poland, we will be able to develop and manufacture products specifically for this market. We will reduce the order lead time for our customers and will be able to provide better customer service. We also have opportunities to source more of our component parts locally from suppliers within the region. This will be a big benefit to this entire region” said Suresh Krishna, Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Allowing Polaris to manufacture products locally for the EMEA region, the Opole facility will improve the supply chain and help the company keep up with strong demand for its wide range of products. The facility will also focus on operational efficiency by incorporating LEAN manufacturing processes such as 5S implementation and visual management methodology.

“This project is the greatest example that dreams come true. We are very proud that Polaris has decided to choose Opole as a partner on the other side of the ocean,” said Opole President Ryszard Zembaczyński. “It was a big challenge to complete this project for the City, Opole institutions and Opole University of Technology. I do believe Polaris feels here at home.”

The Opole facility took just over a year to construct with only 15 months lapsed from the time the building contract was signed to production start. The Building features include a 2,500 meter product test track and energy saving paint systems. The plant has capacity for up to 500 employees to help Polaris meet future market demand.

This facility is built on nearly 30 acres, within the Walbrzych Special Economic Zone in Opole, Poland, an area dedicated to encouraging economic growth in the region.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at polaris.com.

POLARIS PARTNERS WITH COSTCO

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Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it will partner with the Costco Auto Program (CAP), an auto-buying program specifically for Costco members, as the exclusive promotional partner for its powersports division.

Starting today, Costco members will be able to access special pricing and promotional incentives on select Polaris products at participating dealers in the U.S.

“We are excited to announce our role in expanding the selection of powersport products offered through the Costco Auto Program,” said Tim Larson, vice president, global customer excellence, Polaris. “This program allows Costco members to experience industry-leading Polaris products at a great value while connecting members with our valued dealers to engage even more riders in our brands and lifestyle.”

“Polaris is an industry leader offering the breadth and depth of products that are a great fit for Costco members,” said Jeff Skeen, president and general manager of Affinity Auto Program, which operates the Costco Auto Program. “Costco members rely on us to recommend premium products while saving them time and money. This new partnership gives us the opportunity to offer an exceptional value on powersport products without the hassle of negotiating.”

As a partner in the Costco Auto Program, Polaris, Victory and GEM branded products will be on display inside select Costco warehouses. Costco members will be able to obtain special pricing and purchase these products through trained and certified Polaris dealer representatives at participating dealerships.

Costco members can locate a participating dealership by visiting CostcoAuto.com/powersports.

As part of this new partnership, the Costco Auto Program will feature different Polaris products on promotion throughout the year, beginning September 2014. Products will include snowmobiles, off-road vehicles (Sportsman, Ranger and RZR), Victory motorcycles and GEM electric vehicles. Specific Polaris brand participation will vary by store and dealer geography.

To learn more about the Costco Auto Program and the variety of powersport products available through the program visit CostcoAuto.com/powersports.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at polaris.com.

Inaugural Camp RZR East was Smashing Success

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Camp RZR rolled into Brimstone, in Huntsville, Tenn. last weekend and was met with an overwhelmingly positive response with more than 12,000 people attending, making it the largest event ever held at Brimstone.

“Polaris” Camp RZR exceeded our expectations for attendance and overall benefit for the town of Huntsville, Tenn.,” said Mayor George W. Potter.

Camp RZR East provided attendees with entertainment, giveaways, vendors, a kid’s zone and Polaris staff on hand to answer questions. Attendees experienced acoustic sets at the “RZR Oasis” with Josh Thompson and Lindsay Ell; and rocked out to nighttime entertainment including Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Josh Thompson, Borrowed Blue, Lindsay Ell, and Dierks Bentley.

To keep riders riding, the event featured a service area; and if attendees were interested in new Polaris vehicles, the Experience Tour was on hand and provided hundreds of demo rides on the latest and greatest RZR and ACE products.

Red Bull’s Motocross Freestyler Ronnie Renner captured the celebrity RZR 170 race and attendees appreciated the daily giveaways by giving the new Polaris RZR Prize Wheel a spin.

“RZR started in trail country, so we’re thrilled to bring Camp RZR to East Tennessee and pay respect to all the long-time RZR owners of the East,” said Jason DiFuccia, senior marketing manager of Off-Road Vehicles for Polaris. “The reception to the event was incredible and we can’t wait to come back and party again next year.”

Polaris RZR also will be hosting the original Camp RZR, in Glamis, Calif., from Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

More information about Camp RZR can be found at camprzr.com

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at polaris.com.

Diamondback truck Covers

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DirtTrax Television Co-Host Luke Lester takes a closer look at how useful Diamondback Truck Covers are for hauling your big boy toys.

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FIRST RIDE: 2015 Can-Am Outlander L 500 DPS

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With just about every post we make of big bore hyper power side-x-sides or ATVs, amongst the throngs of comments it is evident that a lot of offroad enthusiasts are put off by the escalating price of new units.

Let’s be serious here for a moment, we all know that as the horsepower grows and the option list gets longer and longer (all things a big portion of the market desires) the price will inevitably go up, but with that, there’s a very under-serviced segment of the market that wants all the benefits of a quality ATV, without perhaps everything but the kitchen sink and it is in this segment that Can-Am has parked its Outlander L.

Since the release of the 2015 Outlander L 500, we’ve been dying to get our hands on one. This value line looks a bit more stripped down than the XT with fewer premium features but the most important element is that it hasn’t sacrificed build quality nor has it affected ride quality.

Its feature list may not be premium, but it is still decent. There’s a smaller rear storage compartment, no DSS, instead opting for a standard key ignition, plus instead of composite racks, its steel racks adapt to BRP’s LINQ system and base shocks at all four corners provide supple plushness and soak up trail chatter. Combined with improved anti-dive geometry the L corners excellent even at speed.

Speaking of speed, under the seat the 499.6cc single overhead cam V-twin churns out a solid 46 horses. We found the L a bit soft off initial squeeze of the throttle, but it builds to a strong mid-range and carries that momentum to pleasingly ample power for aggressive trail roosts. Honestly, this could be the best 500cc engine in this class and was plenty to keep us entertained.

The Outlander L is available in its base trim with steel wheels and all the aforementioned goodness, throw down a few extra dollars and you can add Tri-Mode DPS and some very sweet looking wheels while still keeping your budget in line.

If you’re in the market for a fully jammed ATV and have the cash to throw down, our hats off to you. However, if you’re on a budget and still want a great ride, Can-Am’s Outlander L gives ATVers exactly what they’re looking for at a price that’s worth looking closer at.

Base Outlander L 500 = $6,999 US
Outlander L 500 DPS = $7,899 US

MB Quart to offer Audio Accessories Polaris

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MB Quart, a high-end audio brand of Maxxsonics USA today announced a new agreement with Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles to offer new audio accessories for select Polaris off-road vehicles.

MB Quart has been designing technologically advanced audio products for use in home, mobile and marine for more than 50 years. The entry into the Powersports market is a natural progression for the company.

Audio accessories such as a jointly-developed wireless, waterproof Bluetooth audio system will be available at nationwide Polaris dealerships for select vehicles starting this September.

“Polaris off-road vehicles are exciting, leading-edge, lifestyle vehicles,” said Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics. “MB Quart has designs to bring incredible music power into this lifestyle.”

“Partnering with Maxxsonics to create innovative audio solutions for our off-road vehicles provides our rider community an opportunity to further enhance their riding experience, and get the most out of their Polaris vehicle,” said Ron Inman, Director of Off Road Vehicle Accessories for Polaris. “Polaris and Maxxsonics are both built on a foundation of quality and innovation and that’s exactly what these products will deliver.”

Brian Sherman, Director of Business Development for Maxxsonics USA said, “Maxxsonics is excited about this new relationship with Polaris and we look forward to offering more unique audio and convenience solutions in the near future.”

See all MB Quart products at www.MBQuart.com

GM69 Crusader II Full Face Helmet

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If you ride a Spyder, two-wheeled motorcycle or have already put your order in for a new Slingshot, here’s a great option for head protection.

The GMAX GM69 Crusader II is a DOT certified lightweight full face helmet available in three slick looking styles featuring water decals and a clear coat finish.

The GM69 features plush, removable cheek pads that can be interchanged to the perfect fit for your face, a large eye port so you have a wider range of vision and an anti-scratch shield that removes easily without the use of tools.

Its venting system features shell/styro and comfort liner vents that allow airflow into the helmet to cool you down and let’s heat and moisture out. Controls for the vents are large enough that you can adjust even with your gloves on.

If you’re into on-road riding, the GMAX GM69 Crusader II is an excellent option for you to consider.

Visit GMAX online at G-MAX.com for more information.

THE LIFEBLOOD OF YOUR ATV OR SXS

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There’s a lot going on under the seat of your ATV. Most of the time, we get so focused on the experience; we neglect to ensure the vessel providing all the fun is properly cared for.

This goes a bit further than a post-ride power wash, too. Like your car or truck, your ATV needs its oil changed and regularly maintained to ensure its engine’s moving parts continue to do just that – move.

Two primary enemies of your ATV’s engine are friction and heat and there’s a long list of locations within its cast aluminum walls where friction produces considerably high temperatures: For example, piston rings rubbing against the cylinder walls every stroke, the bearings on the crankshaft and connecting rod, cam lobes, tappets… the list goes on. If these areas aren’t properly lubricated, you can measure your engine’s life span in minutes instead of years.

An engine’s internal parts are designed to expand as operating temperatures are reached, so at peek operation, piston rings are sealing most effectively, connecting rod ends have reduced their opening around the wrist and crank pins, all moving parts are efficiently performing their assigned tasks.

If not properly lubricated, these moving parts will heat up and expand beyond their design limits resulting in engine seizure. You could be left in the middle of nowhere with hungry mosquitoes eagerly feasting on your supple skin.

Along with lubrication, engine oil also does its part to cool moving parts as they expand by distributing the built-up heat as the oil moves over the engine’s internal parts.

Oil also helps seal the engine. Its presence inside the cylinder bore creates a light film between the piston rings and the cylinder walls that traps the compressed air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber so it doesn’t leak through the rings on the compression stroke. Furthermore, it prevents ignited gases from getting past the rings as the piston is forced down inside the cylinder following ignition.

Sludge in your engine can interfere with oil flow, hindering the effectiveness of much needed lubrication of moving parts. Sludge occurs as a result of oxidation during regular engine performance. Oxidation is the combination of water and byproducts of combustion forming into a dark, thick guck commonly referred to as, you guessed it, sludge.

If you’ve ever wondered why your oil goes from that nice golden color to black, here’s why. Following that wonderful explosion known as combustion, the byproduct of that reaction attempts to coat your engine with carbon. Oil flow throughout the engine helps wash down the components and keep them clean.

The carbon deposits, along with unburned fuel, benzene and other elements become suspended in the oil making it look darker than fresh, new oil. Consider the number of times per ride your ATV’s engine will fire and you’ll understand a bit more why engine oil needs to be changed regularly.

Engine oil does so much to keep your ATV running efficiently maybe it’s time you performed a bit of simple maintenance to ensure your ride stays healthy. Show it a bit of love and it will repay you with years of faithful service.

FIRST RIDE: 2015 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000

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Hog Canyon in Kanab, Utah was just about the perfect location to take our first and long-awaited spin aboard Polaris’ 2015 Sportsman XP 1000.

The red sand, rocky hillsides and mountainous passes got our hearts pumping at every twist and turn with a few hearty blips of the throttle thrown in for good measure.

We know you’ve been dying to hear if it is everything the Scrambler is and that answer’s simple – no and it isn’t supposed to be! While the Scrambler focuses solely on sport performance, the 2015 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 aims directly at recreational trail riding enthusiasts that crave the highest level of performance from their ATV while also being able to get the job done.

First off, it’s a beautiful ATV. Sounds biased? Maybe, but it’s true! As the company’s flagship sport utility model, The Sportsman XP 1000 is very similar in appearance to the 850 XP boasting glimmering black metallic painted plastic that’s proven durable even when the mercury dips. Fun fact: The Sportsman uses the same type of plastic that Polaris uses on its snowmobiles!

Composite racks look bold and stylish and provide a combined carrying capacity of 360 pounds. There’s plenty of rack there to load them up and still have considerable juice on tap to haul your cargo out of the bush.

If you’re like 65 percent of Sportsman owners though, you’re less concerned about rack capacity and more concerned with just how much juice the Sportsman XP 1000 actually has on tap when it gets loose. Rest easy. There’s plenty.

The Sportsman’s 952cc fuel-injected twin is the same engine as found in the Scrambler with modified clutching and mapping. The Sportsman’s mill churns out an impressive 88 horsepower, which is actually only one horsepower less than the Scrambler. So if you think you’re giving anything up on the top end, think again.

Off engagement, the Sportsman might not lift the front wheels off the ground, but it’s lower gearing has loads of torque for pulling and winching and at low speeds is more manageable than some competitors.

As the engine builds to mid-range, you can really start feeling its legs begin to stretch and once you’re at full jam, all 88 ponies are out of the stable and you’re really moving.

The Sportsman XP 1000 comes standard with Polaris’ Electronic Power Steering, which we felt at slower speeds provided too much input. Once the ATV increased in trail speed however, its EPS regresses to a comfortable level and left us feeling in full control to take corners at speed and ride as hard as our abilities would allow us. If there were one area we’d like to see Polaris fine-tune it would be the level of assist from its EPS at lower speeds.

Polaris knows what its customers want from their ATVs and whether you use yours for work or play or a bit of both, the 2015 Sportsman XP 1000 delivers the highest level of performance in the sexiest most capable package Polaris has put together to date.