Why are we covering the Slingshot? The innovative Polaris Slingshot is not an off road vehicle. It isn’t a car either. It’s the coolest, wildest, craziest three wheeled motorcycle we’ve ever ridden.
DirtTrax Television Co-Host Luke Lester evaluates the highly anticipated and insanely potent Scrambler XP 1000.
Also check out: QUICK TAKE: 2014 SCRAMBLER XP 1000 EPS
Although this Gator isn’t necessarily the newest fork in the drawer, to be honest, we had been ignoring it thinking it was just another utility model best suited for repairing divots and raking sand traps at the golf course. We had no inkling how our preconceptions were going to be erased.
We’re not kidding – to a man, our core of racing, jumping power-sliding maniacs who write this mag and produce DirtTrax TV were impressed. And yes, the 825i is a very good handler and has an extremely plush and controllable ride over rough terrain.
Better than that is the 825i’s smoothness. We have never experienced an off-road vehicle with this kind of velvety power delivery, slick power steering and overall user-friendly operation.
The competition could learn encyclopedias about how good a SxS can feel to its driver by checking out the 825i. If ever a vehicle deserved copying, it’s this one.
Frankly, we’re not sure if some of this handling joy is because of the high quality of the hydraulic power steering on the 825i (because it is nothing short of perfect) or whether it’s just because this rigid frame design and dialed-in front end geometry is so good. As you can guess, we strongly advise buyers to go for the power steering option on the 825i.
The inline 3-cylinder DOHC Chery-built mill (Chery is an automotive manufacturing conglomerate in China) sets a new standard for power and silkiness. Some of this is due to its 3-cylinder’s 120-degree power pulses but a lot of it has to do with the engine’s ability to deliver smooth bottom end and build power up through the mid-range.
Admittedly, this is a heavy vehicle. Its immensely strong truck-like frame and heavy (although strong) suspension parts pack on the weight. It goes without saying that a 3-cylinder mill is heavier than a twin or a single and we hate that doggone governor. Please, just get rid of it.
DirtTrax Television Co-Host AJ Lester evaluates the 800cc 50-inch wide side-x-side that started the trend!
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Motorhead Mark reviews Yamaha’s 686cc, 6-seater UTV in camo trim.
Lets get a couple things out of the way real quick. The innovative Polaris Slingshot is not an offroad vehicle and yes, we are an off-road media outlet. So why are we covering the Slingshot?
First, it is incredibly cool. Second, Polaris is a huge player in the offroad market. Third, the Slingshot is a legitimate side by side and fourth, we’re nuts.
Wait, there’s more. The Slingshot isn’t a car, it’s a motorcycle. We really don’t care what anyone thinks the Slingshot is or should be. We know this for sure – it is the coolest, wildest, craziest three wheeled motorcycle we’ve ever ridden.
There’s a full-on all-aluminum, twin cam, 2.4 litre, EFI 24 valve, 173 HP engine up front driving through a sweet shifting Aisin 5 speed cog box into a single sided swingarm via belt drive hooked to a ji-normous rear meat.
Is it fast? Yes, it is very quick. In fact it lays rubber all the way through first and second, squawks in third and lays a patch into fourth. Nice.
The Slingshot weighs 1700 pounds using a monocoque space tube frame and an all plastic body. The chassis is sophisticated using many race-car cues including forged suspension A-arms.
There’s electronic power steering, a yaw sensor for stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control. The riding – er – driving experience is amplified exponentially by the fact you’re sitting 5-inches off the road.
There’s no roof and won’t be one in the future. There are no doors and Polaris doesn’t plan to offer any. This is an open air vehicle similar to a motorcycle in many ways.
The entire cockpit including gauges, switchgear and seats are all marine-spec waterproof and there are two lockable storage bins behind each seat.
From a handling perspective we never felt like the Slingshot had one rear wheel. The inherent stability in the low CG chassis produces a super-car-ish 1.1 G’s on the skid pad.
We don’t doubt the claim after experiencing a skid pad demo in the hands of a talented Polaris test rider with traction and stability control shut off.
You’re probably wonder like we did before our first ride: What exactly is the Slingshot? Our answer: It’s the coolest, most attention grabbing, fun to drive, high performance on road SXS vehicle you’ll see in MY 2015.
Oh and one more thing – how does an MSRP of $19,999 US sound?
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announced its annual scholarships for National Ag Communicators of Tomorrow (NACT) students at the Ag Media Summit (AMS) in Indianapolis last week.
Three chapters including the University of Missouri, University of Florida and University of Nebraska-Lincoln were awarded a combined $4,000 to help with travel costs associated with students attending AMS.
Yamaha also awarded a $1,500 individual scholarship to Valerie Kesterson, a student from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “The Yamaha scholarships were pivotal in our chapters decision to attend Ag Media Summit this year,” Kesterson said.
“AMS is an important networking and professional development event, and Yamaha’s scholarship program helps more students attend each year,” said Dwayne Cartmell, Ph.D., NACT national faculty advisor. “Yamaha’s application process also provides students with an opportunity to build their portfolios while learning about industry recommendations for safe, responsible use of equipment in an ag setting.”
This year, Yamaha presented custom painted, school-themed helmets to each chapter that applied for one of the scholarships. Five schools total, including this year’s recipients plus Texas Tech and University of Illinois, both of which are previous Yamaha scholarship recipients, received the one-of-a-kind designed helmets.
The purpose of the helmets was to encourage ACT students to continue participating in the program and get them talking about off-road safety in a fun and positive way through a photo gallery posted on the Yamaha Outdoors Facebook page.
The scholarship program has awarded more than $25,000 in its six years in support of the ACT’s mission of fostering professional development. The Ag Media Summit is one of two yearly meetings for ACT chapters and serves as students’ primary career networking event.
Giving ACT members an opportunity to expand their portfolios and improve their professional development skills, applicants are asked to create communication pieces for Yamaha that focused on the safe use of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles in an ag settling. Yamaha expects to announce its 2014-15 year ACT scholarship program this fall.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.
For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
Can-Am ATV and side-by-side racers competed at the 2014 Heartland Challenge endurance race, the Vegas To Reno Best In The Desert series and round eight of the New England ATV Motocross series, earning podiums in all three events.
“Our team of Can-Am ATV and side-by-side racers had a busy-but-successful weekend across the US. The Murrays earned a hard-fought third-place finish in a very difficult Vegas-to-Reno race while our other sibling teams, in the Pratts and Millers, notched big wins in Iowa,” said Jeff Leclerc, Racing Project Leader, Can-Am. “From endurance racing in Iowa and the Nevada desert to motocross in Maine, our racers again proved Can-Am is an excellent choice for serious competitors.”
Heartland Challenge
The 2014 Heartland Challenge endurance race in Carlisle, Iowa, featured classes for side-by-sides and both 4×4 and sport ATVs. Three classes (800cc, 900cc and Open) of side-by-sides competed during a four-hour format, while the ATVs, which included Pro, Series Challenge, 4×4, Ironman, Womens and age classes ran for 10 hours.
Marcus and Mouse Pratt of Team Jacks Excavating / Can-Am won the UTV Open class in their Maverick. The Pratt brothers excelled during the four-hour side-by-side portion of the Heartland Challenge, winning their class and taking the overall victory as well.
The team didn’t get the best start and ended up taking a wrong line, which ultimately forced them to make up time. However, they stayed focused, remained patient and meticulously picked off competitors one at a time on their way to the front.
“We had a hiccup at the beginning, but we just took our time and started picking them off one at a time and conserving our vehicle. The Maverick was unbelievable today, and between Mouse and it, they were a force to be reckoned with today,” said Marcus Pratt.
Hunter Miller and Cody Miller (Louis Powersports / Can-Am) competed In the ATV Series Challenge class, representing Team Texas Quad Racing Association (TQRA). The two-man team won their class and ended up second overall, logging 36 laps in a time of 10:11.01.
“We had an awesome race. Our Can-Am DS 450s ran great with Elka shocks. We just tried to keep it consistent, because it got a little rough at the end. We got the lead after about eight laps and just ran a good race and took the win,” said Cody Miller.
Team Trantham (Kevin Trantham and Mike Edwards) claimed the 4×4 Pro class win for Can-Am and took fourth overall out of 70 teams. The team led the 4×4 pro class from start to finish, and ran so well that they used the same Outlander for all 10 hours. The Hicklin Elite team claimed second in the 4×4 Pro class on a Renegade 4×4.
BITD Vegas To Reno
The No.1917 Murray Racing / Can-Am Maverick piloted by brothers Derek and Jason Murray, claimed third in the 1900 P class at the 2014 General Tire BITD Vegas-To-Reno race. The Murrays compiled a time 25 minutes faster than their winning time of a year ago, but the 2014 V2R course was more challenging and competition more fierce.
Derek Murray started in 18th and covered the first 200 miles rather easily, picking off roughly 10 other teams along the way. Jason took control from there and, over the course of 200 miles, put the team into third place. With Derek back behind the wheel, the team held onto the No. 3 spot all the way to the finish. It was the Murrays best BITD finish of the year.
“The Can-Am Maverick ran great out there, especially with all the elevation changes,” said Jason Murray. “It feels great to get a third-place finish with this race counting for double points. It really gives our team a good boost of motivation for the rest of the racing season.”
NEATV-MX 8
The NEATV-MX series stopped at MX207 in Lyman, Maine, for round eight, a rain make-up date. Can-Am racers Travis Moore, the defending Pro class champion, and Mike Troiano both scored podiums. Travis Moore tallied 4-3 moto finishes for third place in the Pro class, allowing him to keep his points lead. Troiano returned to the NEATV-MX series after taking a personal break. He notched his first Pro-Am overall victory with a 2-1 scorecard.
“It’s super exciting to be able to get my first overall win and especially on the Can-Am, which I love racing. This year has been super hard on me. I just needed some personal time to take off from racing and recoup, and it showed here today,” said Troiano.
For more information on 2014 Can-Am racing, the contingency program and all amateur racer support programs, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
John Deere is offering two new special edition Gator utility vehicles bound to turn some heads. The Midnight Black XUV825i and Midnight Black RSX850i are designed for those customers yearning for a John Deere Gator like no other.
Their special status is highlighted by a custom matte black paint scheme with charcoal gray graphics. The vehicles are available now in limited quantities at select dealers.
“More and more outdoor enthusiasts are on the lookout for limited build custom vehicles,” said David Gigandet, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “These new models provide customers the durability and productivity theyve come to expect with Gators, but in a unique and stylish theme that will capture the attention of John Deere fans and the utility vehicle market.”
The highlight of the 50 hp., 812 cc XUV825i Midnight Black Special Edition Gator is the custom matte black paint scheme with charcoal gray decals. The heavy-duty model is outfitted with a sport steering wheel, power steering, high performance exhaust, a long-range light kit, and poly half doors.
The vehicle is also equipped with matte black alloy rims and Maxxis® 2.0 Bighorn tires. A deluxe cargo box with spray-on liner ensures hard-working performance and longevity. To customize the Gator further, a power and front protection package is available for customers who prefer power lift, a heavy-duty front brushguard and fender guard, as well as floor mats. The XUV model is available with either sport bucket seats or a bench seat.
The recreational, 62 hp., 839 cc RSX850i Midnight Black Special Edition Gator also includes custom matte black paint scheme with charcoal gray decals, but with black and silver alloy rims rigged out with Maxxis® 2.0 Bighorn tires.
The trail-sport package boasts a special edition door closeout panel with Gator image, PreRunner bumper, and a Warn 3,500 lb. winch. In addition, enthusiasts will also enjoy a full underbody aluminum skid plate, mounted HELLA HID Sport lights, FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks, 2-inch front receiver hitch, side nerf bars, and cargo box rails. The RSX850i model comes installed with high-performance sports seats.
Product quantities are limited, so visit your local John Deere dealer orwww.JohnDeere.com/Gator to learn more.
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the worlds dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity.
For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced the company has donated a customized pink RZR XP 1000 to the American Cancer Society as part of their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.
“Too many of us have been affected by cancer, whether through a personal battle or an afflicted neighbor, co-worker or family member,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The American Cancer Society works tirelessly toward the eradication of this dreaded disease, and we hope that, through this donation, we can help them raise the funds needed to continue this noble fight.”
Unveiled at the 2015 Polaris Summer Dealer Show in Minneapolis, Minn., the one-of-a-kind RZR XP 1000, valued at approximately $32,000, is customized with Polaris Engineered Accessories such as brush guards, Polaris Pro HD 4500 LB Winch, MTX Audio Kit, 35-inch LED Light Bar, performance seats, HEXLR 15″ Titanium rims with Kanati Mongrel tires, a custom pink graphics package and several other custom accessories. The vehicle will be raffled off at the American Cancer Society’s Legacy Ball, at the Minneapolis Depot, on October 25.
Interested parties can view the vehicle and purchase raffle tickets $20 each at several events throughout the state of Minnesota including:
– Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick-off, DoubleTree – Bloomington, Aug.13
– Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 21-Sept. 1
– Hay Days, North Branch, Sept. 6-7
– Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Duluth, Sept. 27
– Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Lake Nokomis, in Minneapolis, Oct. 11
– Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, St. Cloud, Oct. 18
– Legacy Ball, The Depot in Minneapolis, Oct. 25
“The American Cancer Society sincerely thanks Polaris Industries for their generous donation. The funds raised through the raffle of this Polaris RZR will help the American Cancer Society get one step closer to finishing the fight against cancer,” said the American Cancer Societys Executive Vice President – Midwest Division, Dave Benson. “We are excited to continue this partnership with a company that shares our commitment to the community.”
Last year nearly 2,000 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants raised more than $250,000 in Minneapolis alone for the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research, offer free patient/caregiver services, provide in-depth cancer information, and support legislative advocacy to make sure all women have access to the care they need.
This year, more than 3,800 women in Minnesota will be diagnosed with breast cancer. An estimated 232,670 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2014, and approximately 40,000 will die from the disease.
Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to build awareness and generate funds to fight breast cancer. In that time, 10 million walkers in nearly 300 communities across the nation have collected more than $594 million.
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 www.polaris.com.
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