Mike Martinez, vice president – recreation vehicle operations at Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was elected as the new chair of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America board of trustees at the most recent board meeting in Irvine, Calif.

Ken Bush, regulations manager at Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., will serve as vice chair, and Russ Brenan, senior advisor, government relations and public affairs at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., will serve as secretary/treasurer.

“It’s an honor to be elected as chair of the SVIA and have the opportunity to lead an esteemed organization that supports the ATV industry,” Martinez said. “Top initiatives include maintaining standards for ATV equipment, configuration and performance, preserving land access rights, addressing government legislation and guiding public policy, all of which are paramount if our industry is to flourish and grow.”

Martinez thanked the outgoing chair of the SVIA board of trustees, Gary Higgins, senior manager product planning, motorcycle division, at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., who served in the role during 2013.

“SVIA is the parent company of the ATV Safety Institute, an association that helps ensure that riders can enjoy their ATVs safely and responsibly,” Bush said. “ASI’s ATV E-Course and hands-on ATV RiderCourse are great resources for people of all experience levels who seek to gain a better understanding of ATV riding strategies and handling characteristics, and I am proud of the results that ASI has achieved in promoting safety since its establishment in 1988.”

The 2014 SVIA board of trustees is composed of representatives from the eight major ATV manufacturers and distributors.

Continuing to serve on the board for 2014 are Gary Higgins, Isabelle Bouchard, senior advisor, public affairs and government relations at BRP; Ron Solberg, product manager at Arctic Cat ATV and ROV / Arctic Cat Inc.; and Joe Wofford, vice president, product support at Kymco USA. A newly added trustee is Paul Vitrano, vice president of global government relations, Polaris Industries Inc. The SVIA Board of Trustees is responsible for the review and approval of SVIA policies, positions, programs and fiscal operations.

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles through rider training, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. Additionally, the SVIA works to preserve access to off-road lands and expand riding opportunities. The SVIA is a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standards. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ATVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at svia.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., announces a new utility Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle: the all-new 2015 Viking VI EPS six-person SxS.

The extended cab Viking VI combines Yamaha performance and durability with the comfort and convenience of a Viking – now with maximum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants. Every Yamaha Viking and Viking VI is being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Similar to the three-seat Viking introduced last summer, the new Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty boasting Yamaha’s industry-leading UltramaticTM fully automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Yamaha’s proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600-pounds hauling and 1,500 pounds towing, Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable six-person SxS ever.

“Yamaha’s latest all-new Side-by-Side, the Viking VI, is a comfortable, convenient, tough and off-road capable vehicle, and we expect to see it working ranches and hauling hunters from Texas to California, Oregon to Pennsylvania and everywhere in between,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “The Viking VI is the natural evolution of a platform and concept that has captured awards, praise and market share since we launched the initial Viking last summer. Yamaha customers are excited and dealers are primed – we’re on the gas and expanding our SxS line today and for years to come.”

Yamaha performance and durability makes the Viking VI an immediate category leader, and Viking configuration makes it the most comfortable and convenient six-person SxS in the industry. The Viking VI was designed with more cab room for all occupants than any competing vehicle.

CLASS-LEADING CAB COMFORT and CONVENIENCE

Built on a new frame, the Viking VI chassis features six comfortable and secure bucket seats – each with 3-point seat belts and headrests – set within a walk-through cab design. Similar to the original Viking, the middle seats are purposefully reclined five degrees providing more shoulder room for all occupants. Dedicated passenger handholds and foot rests add to the comfort and long list of features that set this vehicle apart from other vehicles in the multi-passenger, multi-purpose segment.

Viking operators will appreciate the automotive-style driver position with simple and intuitive access to dash- mounted controls, an adjustable driver seat, and a full digital display panel with speedometer, odometer, trip meters and fuel level. Conveniences for all occupants include eight cup holders throughout the cab, a sealed storage container under the center front seat, additional storage under the remaining front seats, a large glove box on the front panel, and two DC power outlets – one in front and another in back. The cab is all wrapped within a ROPS US OSHA/ISO3471 certified enclosure.

Complementing cab comfort is the ride itself, which is smooth and predictable with an extended wheelbase that helps smooth out bumps, optimized all-wheel independent suspension with 8.1 inches of travel to absorb rough terrain, and strong and natural feeling hydraulic disc brakes all around that provide solid and secure stopping power.

OFF-ROAD TERRAINABILITY and CLASS-LEADING HANDLING

Yamaha gets consistently high marks for its 4×4 vehicles’ off-road capabilities and handling in large part to industry-exclusive and leading technologies like UltramaticTM transmission, On-Command® four-wheel drive and Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Yamaha’s Ultramatic fully-automatic transmission incorporates a CVT system with centrifugal clutch that has been proven to be the industry’s most durable by maintaining constant belt tension (no slamming belts or jerky transitions). If maintaining the industry’s best belt life wasn’t enough, the Ultramatic system also features a sprag clutch that engages natural-feeling engine braking, which is a key component when navigating tight turns and steep hills – especially with passengers and cargo.

The On-Command system puts the driver in control of engaging one of three settings: 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with a fully locked front differential, simply by turning the rotary dial on the left side of the dash. Compared to other systems in the industry, there is no guessing, waiting or slipping before all four wheels grab terrain with On- Command.

Precise steering no matter the occupancy or load comes from a number of design and performance features, and one of the most significant is Yamaha’s industry-leading Electric Power Steering. Steering assist from EPS helps lighten the effort and reduce fatigue especially over long periods of operation, with heavy loads and in rough terrain. But Yamaha’s system also provides the most natural feeling assist with just the right amount of feedback – no floating or inconsistent steering feel – due to its specially designed rack and pinion layout and overall EPS setting.

Reaching down to the ground are all-new Maxxis Big Horn tires that were designed exclusively for Yamaha and optimized specifically for the Viking VI. Their aggressive tread patterns and reputation for durability are similar to the original Viking, but the construction and pressure setting have been optimized for the VI. In short, the new tires contribute to the vehicles overall comfort, handling and durability.

POWERFUL and PROVEN ENGINE

The Viking VI pulls power from a 686cc 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine proven on Viking and optimized for the Viking VI. The engine gets a redesigned intake system, fuel injection and ignition advance mapping, plus changes in the clutch specification to power up for the larger platform and achieve strong, smooth power and acceleration from extremely low speeds up through to the high- speed range. Ultimately, it is the most powerful 4×4 engine Yamaha has ever produced, and it makes plenty of power to handle the Viking VI at maximum capacity.

REAL WORLD TOUGH & UTILITY

The Viking VI engine is positioned under the vehicle’s rear cargo bed allowing for easy access and simple maintenance. Its large capacity air intake system, which contributes to the engine’s strong power delivery, is also easy to access and maintain incorporating a reusable, large-capacity foam air filter positioned under the middle rear seat. It is easily accessible from the cabin without tools to clean or change in the field or shop.

The large flat rear cargo bed is made of steel, designed for excellent load capacity, and is rated to carry up to 600 pounds of cargo. At 14-cubic-feet of cargo space with no wheel wells, a full pallet fits flush and the bed has standard tie down hooks and one-touch tilt assist. A standard two-inch receiver hitch out back tows an additional 1,500 pounds.

Unique to the category, the Viking VI incorporates steel skid plates across the entire undercarriage: front-to-back and side-to-side, and the chassis is swept up on each side to reduce potential for friction in rough terrain. Also unique to the Viking line is row crop friendly track width.

The all-new Viking VI comes in Hunter Green, Red, and Realtree AP® HD camo. MSRP for standard versions starts at 12,799 for non-EPS and $13,799 for EPS models. A Viking VI EPS Special Edition in Matte Silver with Soft Suntop comes with an MSRP of $14,999 and incorporates aluminum wheels, overfenders, mud flaps, a soft sun top, a sealed storage compartment under the left rear seat and Yamaha’s bed rail accessory mounts.

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.

More information is at YamahaViking.com

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced a 13 percent increase in power to its flagship RANGER vehicle, the RANGER XP 900.

The power upgrade along with RANGER XP 900’s other class-leading features such as payload, towing, ground clearance, suspension travel and torque ensures the vehicle stays the hardest working, smoothest riding side-by-side in the marketplace.

“The RANGER XP 900 is one of the most sought after vehicles in the line due to its wide range of capabilities that benefit recreational riders, hunters and farmers,” said Craig Scanlon, general manager for Polaris Side-by-Side Vehicles. “Adding more power to the 2015 RANGER XP 900 increases the vehicle’s versatility so it can not only play harder but work harder.”

Introduced for Model Year 2013, the original RANGER XP 900 defined an all-new class of Hardest Working, Smoothest Riding with innovations such as a new ProStar 900 engine, all-new chassis, newly restyled cockpit, more suspension, new flip-up seat storage, industry-exclusive Pro-Fit cab system, larger gas tank, easier serviceability and a quieter ride due to engine repositioning. The RANGER XP 900 became one of the most popular side-by-sides for both recreational and work applications.

Hard-working vehicles need power and the original RANGER XP 900 delivered a new class of power with its purpose-built ProStar 900 engine producing 60 horsepower. The engine was built, tuned and designed alongside the vehicle resulting in an optimal balance of smooth, reliable power. The combination of high power density, excellent fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance made the RANGER XP 900 a top choice for a wide variety of tasks.

To ensure the RANGER XP 900 works even harder, Polaris took learnings from developing the high-powered ProStar engines found on the various RZR models and translated it to the power needed for a vehicle that can easily handle even the most challenging applications.

For 2015, the RANGER XP 900 will feature a recalibrated, high output ProStar 900 engine that churns out 68 horsepower, a 13 percent increase, and keeps the vehicle as the class-leader in torque. New, intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allow for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems. For a new look, the vehicles also feature edgier headrests, and new graphics packages and colors.

Polaris also is announcing improvements to the RANGER CREW 900 as part of its early launch for Model Year 2015. The RANGER CREW 900 continues to be the leader in multi-passenger side-by-sides with its class-leading 60 horsepower ProStar 900 engine, highest towing and payload, monstrous storage, comfortable ergonomics and state-of-the-art accessory integration with the industry-exclusive Pro-Fit™ cab system. New features for 2015 include the improved air intake openings, edgier headrests and new graphics packages and colors.

The RANGER XP 900 and RANGER CREW 900 will be available in Sage Green and Solar Red, with a RANGER XP 900 also available in Polaris Pursuit Camo. The RANGER XP 900 EPS will be available in Sage Green, Solar Red, Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning, Black Pearl and Hunter Edition. The RANGER CREW 900 EPS will be available in Sunset Red, Super Steel Gray, White Lightning and Polaris Pursuit Camo. All vehicles will be in dealerships in June.

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.

After taking third last round at Loretta Lynn’s, Team UXC Racing’s Michael Swift took his second podium of the year with a second place finish at GNCC’s Mountaineer Run.

Swift had a great start and by the second lap, had the No. 209 Polaris Scrambler XP 850 had moved into second position. He climbed his way into first and led most of the last two laps but a low fuel level made him lose power a few times costing him the lead by six seconds. Swift’s second-place finish also was the fourth fastest overall time for the race.

“I am very pleased with my Polaris Scrambler 850XP and how it handled on the rough track. I feel we are making great progress with the Polaris and are proving that it is a contender for the top spot in the Pro 4×4 class here at GNCC,” said Swift. “My Maxxis tires performed with perfection in the rocks and the Custom Axis shocks were amazing.”

Polaris Factory Racer, Rick Cecco had a great start as well. Unfortunately, into the first lap, a stick wedged itself under Cecco’s Polaris Scrambler XP 850 and unplugged a spark plug wire resulting in a loss of power.

Cecco had to pit and lost time repairing the issue. Once back on the track, Cecco did his best to make up time to salvage as many points as possible and ended the race in fifth.

The next GNCC race is the John Penton, in Millfield, Ohio on June 7.

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.