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2014 KAWASAKI TERYX

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The all-new 2014 Kawasaki Teryx shatters the two-seat Side x Side mould with a new larger chassis, a significant overall power boost, and premium FOX Podium high-performance shocks.

Add-in an all-new new larger cockpit and an enhanced cargo bed and you get a bigger, bolder package that pushes the Teryx’s performance, handling, comfort and utility to new levels. Whether tackling a tough job or a rough trail, the new Teryx delivers like no other Side x Side in its class.

Teryx’s character-filled, purpose-built 90-degree V-twin is revered for its fantastic sound, stump-pulling power and amazing flexibility. For 2014, it packs more power than ever thanks to a substantial displacement bump from 749cc to 783cc. Those extra cubes generate a whopping 26% more power and 12% more torque right where you need it, in the low- to mid-range, which makes short work of scrambling up steep hills, stomping through mud bogs and crawling over rocks. The 2014 Teryx does all this while delivering better fuel efficiency than the old engine for even more driving time between fuel stops!

Kawasaki’s engineers achieved these goals via optimized camshaft profiles and revised exhaust headers that allow the Teryx’s new engine to consistently deliver exciting power when driving solo, with a passenger, or when carrying heavy loads. Yet the added torque hasn’t upset the Teryx’s super smooth character in the least, as its 90-degree V-twin design retains perfect primary balance to help keep things comfortable for the driver and passenger during long off-road treks.

Routing all that torque and power to the ground is a proven Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), centrifugal clutch assembly and a three-mode electronically selectable 4WD system that features instant access to 2WD, 4WD and 4WD+Front Differential Lock modes for optimum gearing and traction simply by rotating a dash-mounted switch.

The CVT is well-known for its quick response and direct engine “feel” in sportier riding situations, and its unique engine braking capability can increase driver confidence on descents, while turning and in rough conditions. So whether it’s climbing a rocky uphill trail, negotiating a wet stream bed, hauling lumber for fixing fences on the farm, or just plain hauling down a wide-open two-track trail, the Teryx has an ideal drivetrain mode to handle it.

The Teryx’s all-new Double-X chassis takes on rough and technical terrain. Its highly rigid square tube frame effectively combats flex to provide superior handling over rough ground, and its extremely tight 16.7′ turning radius makes maneuvering in close quarters a cinch – a real benefit over the competition that is often forced to make multi-point turns in the same space.

This stout frame was designed by Kawasaki engineers using detailed computer analysis and loads of off-road testing to create its super-strong Double-X design, which features two X-shaped cross members that bridge the frame’s box structures from corner-to-corner for maximum strength and optimum durability.

The frame is also significantly reinforced by the 2014 Teryx’s upgraded and certified Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), which extends all the way out to the edges of the bodywork to maximize cockpit space and help shield the chassis and bodywork from damage. The Teryx’s underbody engine guards offer an added measure of protection by shielding vital components; their smooth surfaces act as a skid plate when grinding over the occasional obstacle becomes necessary.

This impressive chassis package is further enhanced with a wide-track/wide-body design that contributes to superb cornering characteristics. The wide track helps resist body roll during cornering and boosts its ability to cope with rough terrain at speed. Mid-ship engine placement, also new for the Teryx model, helps by centralizing the vehicle’s center of mass to reduce turning inertia and promote easy direction changes.

Easy, low-effort and precise steering are hallmarks of the Teryx’s clever Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. EPS offers additional damping on straights, especially on rough surfaces, as well as reduced steering kickback and bump-steer. The Showa-built system eliminates the traditional power-steering pump found on most of the competition, so steering inputs don’t rob engine power, and it is only active when the engine is running, so there’s also no battery drain. Input from vehicle speed and torque sensors determine the amount of steering assistance – more during slow-speed use, and less as speeds increase, just like a state-of-the-art sports car.

Teryx’s independent suspension was already legendary, but the 2014 Teryx adds to the legacy by incorporating one of the best names in the high-performance suspension business, FOX. Stout steel A-arms at all four corners are mated to all-new, adjustable FOX Podium piggyback reservoir shocks with 8.0” of high-quality travel up front and 8.3” out back, to give the Teryx more trail-taming comfort than ever before.

Kawasaki engineers collaborated with FOX to fit the Teryx with the ultimate high-performance FOX Podium shocks, which are adjustable for spring preload and 24-way compression damping, to tailor the ride to the terrain. As always, Kawasaki and FOX incorporated a dual-mode design ideology so the adjustable FOX Podium coil-over shocks provide everything from cruising comfort with two passengers and a full cargo bed to sport-style bump absorption when driven solo. It’s a difficult combination to get right, but the FOX Podium shocks get the job done by maintaining consistent fade-free damping in all driving conditions.

With the Teryx’s substantially increased performance and improved handling potential, consistent brake performance is also essential and the Teryx delivers with high-performance hydraulic discs up front using 200mm rotors gripped by dual-piston calipers for exceptional feel and stopping power. The brakes are recessed within the wheels to help keep them away from dirt, rocks, water and debris, while sturdy steel-braided lines help keep pedal feel crisp and progressive.

In back is Kawasaki’s unique sealed internal wet brake, which features internal components that are completely sealed from mud, water, dust and debris. The result is powerful and ultra-reliable braking performance whether descending steep hills or running wide open on fast trails, wet to dry.

Large 26″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires offer the type of ride comfort, control and traction you’d expect from a Teryx side x side. Their construction and tread design helps maximize forward traction while optimizing response for aggressive cornering.

The Teryx’s 85.8″ wheelbase affords it a surprisingly small turning radius, yet its substantial 11.0″ of ground clearance helps keep it from bottoming when cresting an obstacle or ridge, while high approach and departure angles (79 and 65 degrees, respectively), reduce the possibility of smacking the front bumper when approaching a steep slope or scraping the tail when exiting one.

Teryx also excels at all sorts of workday tasks, from crew hauling to towing. Its sizable 28″ by 43″, tilting cargo bed is 10.4″ deep and boasts a new, heavy-duty 600-lb. payload capacity with a flat bottom that is big enough for a large cooler, several spare fuel cans or other large objects. The bed also features the capability to add Kawasaki’s optional new tool snap-mount system that allows for snap-mounting of Kawasaki accessories and/or tools to the bed rails.

Four tie-down loops help secure the cargo and two new water-resistant rear storage compartments offer 182 liters of total capacity – the largest in its class. The Teryx also features a latching tailgate that can be removed without requiring tools, and the tailgate features molded-in drink holders for added convenience. A 2″ hitch receiver is standard as the Teryx’s towing capacity is a substantial 1,300 pounds.

Convenience features include two DC power outlets providing up to 120 watts of peak electrical power, while nearly 8 gallons of fuel capacity and improved fuel economy for 2014 offer substantial range, enough for a long day on the trail. There’s also a conveniently located beverage holder for each occupant.

The Teryx’s attractive styling matches its powerful image. It starts with an aggressive looking hood that opens for ease of maintenance up-front. The headlamp and fender designs give the Teryx a no-nonsense look that says “sporty” and “functional” at the same time. Accessing the front suspension, coolant reservoir, air filter and electrical equipment is easy, thanks to an easy-open front hood, which is part of a tough, sporty looking body package.

Unlike many of its competitors, the Teryx features factory-designed secure latching doors that are easy to use, look good and offer a high level of mud protection. Scratch-resistant Vibrant Blue bodywork and textured paint on the sturdy front guard and ROPS cage, help keep the Teryx looking sharp for a good long time.

Both the driver and passenger will enjoy riding in the Teryx during a long day, because it’s the most comfortable Side x Side in its class, by far. Its roomy interior gives the driver and passenger ample room to spread-out, with plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom, and its all-new high-backed bucket seats feature high-quality cushioning and cold-resistant seat material for all-day plushness.

The adjustable seats eliminate the need for a headrest and feature wraparound ergonomics to hold driver and passenger firmly in place. They also offer three positions in 1″ increments to tailor the Teryx’s comfort to fit a wide range of body types. When the going gets rough, three-point seatbelts offer a high degree of security to keep the driver and passengers in place. Shock-absorbing comfort mounts and an anti-cinch feature on the seatbelts also help prevent over-tightening when the belts lock during sudden deceleration (or when the tilt sensor is activated).

Teryx’s instrumentation is top-notch, and includes a multi-function electronic display that provides a ton of useful information: speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and hour meter, clock, dual trip meters, 2WD/4WD indicator, front-differential indicator light, parking-brake indicator, water-temp and fuel-injection warning indicators, reverse indicator light, etc.

When you consider everything that has gone into the new 2014 Teryx, it’s clear there is really no competition for its overall excellence. But Kawasaki didn’t stop with simply building the best Side x Side in the world; they backed it up with the new Kawasaki Strong 3 Year Limited Warranty! It’s well known that the Teryx’s premium engineering makes it a long-lasting and dependable product. Now, that peace of mind is enhanced with factory-backed support for a full three years on every 2014 Teryx and Teryx4 side x side!

Strength. Power. Comfort. Convenience. Hauling and towing ability. Reliability. The Teryx model line has been a pinnacle of off-road fun and function since its inception, and the 2014 Teryx ushers in a new era in Kawasaki Side x Side performance, reliability and comfort!

A large selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available through authorized Kawasaki dealers. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages Side x Side drivers to drive responsibly and to respect the environment.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and Jet Ski watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers, with an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

STI DEBUTS ALL-NEW OUTBACK TIRE

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It’s always something with STI Tire & Wheel. This relatively young brand is rapidly building a reputation for rapid-fire release of innovative and effective new ATV/UTV products, and the Outback tire line is no exception.

The STI Outback is a true “all conditions” performer. Job one for STI’s hardworking design and production team was to create the most versatile tire on the market.

That goal was scored with a model that provides the comfort and control of dedicated hardpack trail rubber, while still delivering the grip and cleanout capabilities of a deep, open-lugged bogger.

Now add in a few things we learned about durability while earlier developing the bulletproof Roctane XD. The result is a tire that lives up to its name – if you’re going way out and want to get back, get outfitted with Outback. Its 6-ply bias carcass and robust rim guard provides exceptional reliability while remaining surprisingly light.

The Outback’s tread design is responsible for many of this tire’s capabilities. The tread pattern’s center “V” design provides OEM-like ride on hard surfaces, while deep, dimpled lugs aggressively dig into loose, soft terrain. Wraparound shoulder lugs supply controlled side bite.

The unique, stepped lug profile sheds mud like nothing else.

The Outback comes in two models: the AT features 3/4-in. deep lugs, and the XT model uses 1 1/8-in. deep lugs. Initial sizing is ideal for a wide range of current ATV and UTVs, with more sizes to come. Currently, the AT is available in 25×8-12 and 25×10-12. The XT rolls out in 26×9-12 and 26×11-12. Many more sizes are coming soon.

STI’s advanced manufacturing methods result not only in bar-raising performance and durability, but also highly attractive pricing. Shop and compare: the Outback is a do-it-all tire that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.

STI Outback tires are available at finer ATV/UTV dealers everywhere.

For more information, visit www.stitireandwheel.com.

FIRST LOOK: 2014 Yamaha YFZ 450R

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The YFZ 450R is an exceptional piece of technology. Check the stats and you’ll see that after any given weekend, Yamaha racers dominate the various circuits. It’s a combination of well-rounded talent channeled through an amazing vehicle.

Some manufacturers feel fine just letting the assembly lines churn out the previous season’s model with few if any improvements besides some new stickers.

After all, the pure sport market is very small and was the hardest hit during the recession so it could be argued that just having a unit available is enough. However, Yamaha isn’t content with just being present in this segment – they want to own it and they want to win.

That’s why year to year we see improvements to the YFZ 450R. That’s why Yamaha’s racers continue to bring home trophies and for 2014; we see some significant updates that will keep this model at the top of the segment.

Yamaha claims the broadest appeal of use with the YFZ 450R with its nearly 49-inch wide stance and 20-inch tires. Load it in your pick-up and head out to the local track or sign up for a race or two and see what you’re made of.

Its all-new clutch delivers reduced engine braking effect on deceleration and lightens the feel at the clutch lever, which reduces fatigue while shifting. More power has been mined out of the 449cc fuel injected mill and better fuel mapping has been added.

Rider ergos have also improved as the front fenders have been repositioned to accommodate the rider’s knees and provide more space for legs as the rider leans off the ATV in the corners. The foot well has also been moved back to provide more room. Plus its handlebars are 4-way adjustable and can be customized to suit your riding style and comfort.

Another big improvement is the no tool bodywork. Quick release fasteners replace any bolts to hold on the plastics, so you can quickly remove the body panels to get access for cleaning and maintenance.

The Yamaha YFZ 450R is excellent for riders that want to hit the track and enjoy riding in competition or just for fun, but when you’re ready to get serious, a nearly endless product list of GYTR accessories are available to convert your ATV from a track junkie’s dream to a serious competitor.

The 2014 YFZ 450R is bred to win and it can be yours for a measly $8799 USD. Visit yamaha-motor.com for more info.

JETTING FRUSTRATIONS

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Does anyone else get really stressed out when it comes to jetting a sport quad lately?

The carburetor on most ATVs born close to the advent of fuel injection seem to be a huge a pain in the rear to work on.

Getting the factory FCR carb set to factory calculations is no problem at all, but when you add a pipe, cut the top off the air box and then add in ethanol fuel causing fuel gelling and corrosion you can chase your tail for days. Not to mention the use of a few good spark plugs wasted for the sake of testing, which aren’t exactly cheap these days either!

It just drives me nuts when there’s the primary jet, leak jet, starter jet, main jet, needle jet and even an accelerator pump to take into consideration.

Why is the stock needle non-adjustable and why if your quad sits for a few months does the ethanol gas erode the accelerator pump diaphragm so it appears flat off idle or like it isn’t getting enough primary jetting?!

The fact that most manufacturers are moving to fuel injection makes me feel good that I won’t have to fool around with jetting anymore, but I know there will be a few stragglers in the shop that will cause me to lose sleep.

I’m just glad to have finally figured out the issue and I’m also glad to be done with that project.

TEST RIDE: 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI

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DirtTrax Television Co-Host Luke Lester evaluates Yamaha’s flagship ATV the fuel injected 700 Grizzly with EPS.

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Diamondback Bedslide

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The convenience and ease of use that a Diamondback cover provides in transporting your ATV is often times priceless.

Convenience and ease of use are also two words that also describe Diamondback’s Bedslide; which is a perfect compliment to transporting all your ATV gear and accessories.

Constructed using a strong powder coated steel under frame along with an aluminum bed slide that integrates marine grade plywood and durable rubber mat overlay the bedslides easily slide out to a full extension beyond your tailgate.

With load capacity of 1200 lbs and a contractor version rated up to 1800 lbs the only question that remains is not what you can bring, but what stuff do you want to leave behind.

For more information on Diamondback’s full line of truck accessories visit diamondbackcovers.com

Do You Have A Back-Up ATV?

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How many of us have a spare ATV sitting around just in case we have problems with our main one?

Many will say, “I wish I could afford one good ATV, much less a second!”, but if you have the chance, getting a fill-in could be handy if you’re willing to work on it.

I recently bought a run down Polaris Trail blazer for $100 and it might have just barely been worth that.

It had a broken belt, broken air filter box and the brakes were completely seized. The CVT cover also has a huge gash in it so water crossings are a no go and the engine had been sucking in just about anything so it’s possible the cylinder may need some fresh sleeving as well.

I bought the belt and cover as well as some carb cleaner to try and get it moving on its own. Altogether I have about $350 in the quad so far and I’m looking at an additional $250 to get it running and able to stop.

Normally I wouldn’t spend so much time on anything like this, but I have several buddies who like to ride and don’t own an ATV. So if I loan this beast out I’m not out too much money if something happens to it.

It may not look like much, but it’s a four-wheeler for those times when you want to just ride and don’t really care what. Plus, that one friend who never has anything to ride can finally come hang with the crew.

First Look at The 2014 Polaris RZR XP1K

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After much anticipation and too many sleepless nights, DirtTrax Television gets its first ride aboard the all-new and insanely potent 2014 RZR XP1K boasting a claimed 107 horsepower, which puts it at the top of the pile in the HP battle.

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2014 Can-Am Offroad Line-Up Introduction

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DirtTrax Television Co-Host AJ Lester is just outside Albany New York at the 2014 Can-Am offroad line-up introduction featuring the 101 horsepower 2014 Maverick X rs, Maverick X xc and Maverick Max 4-seater side-x-side.

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HOW FAR WILL YOU GO TO GET A DEAL?

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A close friend thought it would be a great idea to head to a dealer one state away because the machine he wanted there was $575 lower than the price at any dealership in Georgia.

He spent $100 in fuel and bragged about using a vacation day worth $200 in his current pay scale at his daily job. When he got to the dealer he was given the paperwork only to find out that he had to purchase a few extra items including a dealer prep fee, which was an extra $125.

If you don’t have enough fingers to add all that up and just want the simple answer, it cost him $425 dollars to save $575. So could he have used that vacation day a little better? Absolutely!

Getting a great deal on an ATV or side-x-side is great, but not if it means forfeiting any savings due to additional expenses to get it.

If you have to drive your truck towing a trailer over two hours just so you can save two hundred bucks, you’ve already lost your tail on the deal.

Think carefully about the deal you think you’re getting and just how important your support could be to your local dealer instead.