DirtTrax Television Co-Host Luke Lester evaluates Polaris’ most anticipated ATV of the 2013 season – the Scrambler XP 850 H.O. EPS LE
Can-Am ATV and side-by-side vehicle racers earned overall racing victories across America over the past two weekends.
Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side pilots posted wins in several different racing series and disciplines, including Stadium TT, motocross and cross-country formats. ATV racers also posted victories in both cross-country and motocross.
“Can-Am racers have had a busy and successful two weekends of racing in late July and early August. JB Off-Road / Can-Am team members Tim Farr and Kyle Chaney earned wins with their Maverick 1000R X rs vehicles proving the sporty Can-Am side-by-side vehicle is tough to beat,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “On the ATV racing side, Josh Creamer dominated two classes at round seven of the New England ATV Motocross series and earned another top-five finish at round nine of the AMA ATV MX series to maintain his third-place position in the Pro class points race. We wrap up that motocross series this weekend and have a very busy and successful August planned.”
AMA ATV MX
At round nine of the 2013 AMA ATV MX series, Can-Am DS 450 racers won four classes and recorded nine class podiums at Red Bud in Buchanan, Mich. Pro Josh Creamer (BCS Performance / Can-Am DS 450) took fifth in the Pro class to retain his third place points spot.
Fellow Can-Am Pro Jeffrey Rastrelli was eighth and is currently eighth in points. Rastrelli also raced the Pro-Am class and finished second at Red Bud. Can-Am racer Nick Gennusa, who won the Open A class at round nine, finished fifth in the Pro-Am class.
Mathieu Deroy (4-Stroke A) and Travis Spader (Junior 25+, Senior 40+), who also earned second in the Vet 30+ class, were the other two Can-Am racers to earn victories.
Can-Am DS 450 racers also earned podiums in the 450A, 16-24 and Open C classes. The AMA ATV MX series finale is this weekend at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
NEATV-MX
Can-Am DS 450 racers won four classes and earned a total of 13 podiums at round seven at MX101 in Epping, N.H. Creamer, the reigning 2012 Pro and Pro-Am class champion, returned to the NEATV-MX series and won two classes aboard his Can-Am DS 450.
He won both the Pro and Pro-Am classes with 1-1 moto scores to earn his first overall wins since 2012. In terms of points, this was only the fifth round of racing because rounds five and six were canceled due to poor weather and track conditions.
GORS
Round five of the Georgia Offroad Racing Series was held Saturday, July 27, at Palmetto Motocross Facility in Gaston, S.C. JB Off-Road / Can-Am racer Kyle Chaney, despite two poor starts, took the overall motocross win in his Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs.
He then paired that victory with a fourth overall in the two-hour afternoon endurance race in the sandy, rough woods to earn his first win in the series. Round six of GORS will run Sept. 28.
Pine Lake TT
Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs pilot Tim Farr (JB Off-Road / Can-Am) won an XC event and a stadium-style TT event at the legendary Pine Lake TT track outside of Ashtabula, Ohio. Pine Lake also hosted round six of the AMA Extreme Dirt Track ATV series.
PURE
Can-Am racers finished second and third at the PURE 350 in the PURE SxS Off-Road Desert Race Series held in California City, Calif. Logan Gastel earned second in his Can-Am Maverick 1000R and Aaron Juarez was third in the Murray Racing / Can-Am Commander.
ISCS
Zac Zakowski (ZMS / Can-Am) won three classes in two rounds of the new Iowa Short Course Series. He won the Utility 4×4 class on his Can-Am Outlander ATV at both rounds and also won the Open UTV class in his Commander 1000 at round two.
This past weekend at round five of the Iowa ATV Hare Scramble Series, Zakowski finished fourth in his Maverick 1000R X rs but won in Utility Open class on is Outlander 4×4.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the 2013 schedule, the ’13 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
What’s the best way to improve your engine’s performance without altering your motors reliability? The answer is a clutch kit.
Since many ATVs and side-x-sides use CVT transmissions you can change the performance through the use of clutch weights, springs and ramps and we’ve found the best company to turn to is Dalton Industries and its patented Quick Adjust flyweight system.
Dalton’s Quick Adjust flyweight system allows you to add or subtract weight from the flyweights without even removing the flyweights from the drive clutch.
Instead of using generic flyweights or designs from O.E.M snowmobiles or regular ATV models, Dalton’s extensive testing led to development of a new custom base flyweight specific to the RZR 570.
The new Quick Adjust RZR flyweight in this kit in particular has a different curvature and location of mass which allows superior belt grip, improved RPM control and way quicker acceleration.
For more information on Dalton clutch kits visit them at: www.daltonindustries.com
It’s the one you’ve been waiting for
We’ve been posting photos to our Facebook and Twitter pages from the set of the shootout between the three kings of the sport side-x-side market for 2013 and the response is rabid and fervent.
If there was an instrument for measuring anticipation, I think it’d probably be running hot and the needle wouldÂ’ve broken off by now.
We’ve been working our butts off to deliver a fair and thorough report on Can-Am’s Maverick, Arctic Cat’s Wildcat X and Polaris’ RZR XP 900 and our report is coming up on DirtTrax Television and in the pages of DirtTrax Magazine
We’ve ridden the wheels off these three side-x-sides, piled on the miles, jumped them until every shot was perfect and spent countless hours around the table debating the pros and cons of each.
There are varying opinions about a few aspects and some agreement about others. Bottom line is we know our findings will be met with some praise, some displeasure and maybe even some hurt feelings, but we wouldnÂ’t have it any other way.
Our results go way beyond advertising budgets or brand loyalty and get right down to good ‘ol fashioned saddle time. We have the unique advantage of jumping from vehicle to vehicle within seconds of completing a ride and then doing it all over again to reinforce our opinions, which allows us to confirm our impressions with more than just a quick spin around the track.
Not a lot of riders are able to do that and if you’re reading the YouTube comments lately, you can pretty much guess a lot of opinion from viewers is based purely on brand favoritism with very little if any saddle time aboard competing products to offer any true frame of reference. Hey, we welcome the comments though – good or bad as long as you say something weÂ’re happy.
This shootout was fun to undertake and really gave us the opportunity to compare the strengths and weaknesses of these powerhouses.
Of course with what we’ve seen from Can-Am already and having the horsepower bar raised once again by Polaris with the introduction of the RZR XP 1000, all the rules change once again for 2014.
Personally, we don’t expect Arctic Cat to sit idle for too long either. It’s an exciting time for side-x-sides.
Half the battle with transporting your ATV or Side-x-Side is always fastening it securely onto your trailer or truck deck.
Messing around with tie-downs that sometimes never line up with the correct securement points can lead to disaster if they’re not fastened down tight enough.
Superclamp who has been a long established and trusted Securement Company in the snowmobile industry is also making waves in the off-road segment with their ATV and SxS Tie Down System.
The system doesn’t get any easier to use. Once you’ve mounted the high strength rear aluminum clamps and front wheel chocks you simply roll your ATV or Side-x-Side on and lever down the two rear locking clamps into place.
With the added benefit of adding a pad-lock your ATV and SxS is also secure from any chance of theft.
For more information on Superclamp and their complete line of securement and trailer accessories visit them on the web at www.superclamp.net
One day after Polaris Industries unveiled the 107 horsepower RZR XP 1000 to Polaris dealers, consumers attending DuneFest in Winchester Bay, Oregon were able to catch a glimpse of the biggest and baddest Side-by-Side of the RZR family.
“This is the fastest we’ve ever brought a RZR product to consumers,” said Jason DiFuccia, marketing manager for RZR. “We are extremely excited to be part of DuneFest and show off the new king of sport side-by-sides.”
DuneFest attendees will be the first to experience the new RZR XP 1000 starting on August 1, when the vehicles are available for test rides. On August 2, at 6 p.m. PT, DuneFest attendees will duke it out to own the first RZR XP 1000 ever sold when a fully-accessorized vehicle rolls onto the auction block. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the local charities of Reedsport and Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Polaris’ attendance at DuneFest kicks off the company’s RZR Experience, which will travel to different off-road events around the country. The next stop will be the Fourth Annual RZR Forum Ride in Taylor Park, Colorado, Aug. 22-25.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 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 small 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 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 and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris accessories and parts. 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
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our NationÂ’s Trails (GRANTs), today announces the recipients of the second quarter GRANT awards from its OHV Access Initiative.
This funding cycle contributed more than $62,000 to projects supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable OHV access to trails and riding areas.
The Q2 funding cycle of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative included a continuing GRANT supporting the Off Road Business Association (ORBA). Yamaha’s support will assist ORBA in its ongoing efforts to secure OHV access rights in Johnson Valley as well as U.S. National Forest Service properties throughout California. Other 2013 Q2 Yamaha GRANT recipients include:
– Itasca County Land Department, Minn.
– Racers Under The Son, Ore.
– Rock Run Recreation, Pa.
– Valley ATV Riders, Maine
“The Johnson Valley OHV Area is the largest of its kind in the country, and Yamaha strongly supports ORBA’s work with the disparate interests to ensure OHV enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this remarkable riding opportunity,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS marketing manager. “ORBA’s effort to protect OHV access is a terrific example of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative in action, and we encourage other OHV communities to find the opportunities in their areas and consider applying for a GRANT.”
Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels. The current OHV Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at www.yamahaohvaccess.com. The next deadline to submit a GRANT application is Monday, September 30, 2013.
The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our NationÂ’s Trails (GRANTs). Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies and other members of the OHV community in the United States. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects. Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:
– Trail development, restoration and maintenance
– Trail signage and map production
– Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
– Land stewardship, trail safety and education
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. – 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 companyÂ’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.
There are many riders preparing for a race right now that will either change their status in the world of ATV racing or spend a lot of money for a two-week vacation.
The mighty Baja 1000 starts in Ensenada Mexico and returns there many hours later. This race is all about finishing and not worrying about how you finish until the last hundred miles or so.
The Baja and its brutal terrain steals the hopes and dreams of many racers year after year before they even get a chance to pit for the first time along the course.
One racer from Shelbyville Tennessee will try to do the entire race alone! Michael Swift is on a mission to set up his race plans to “Ironman” The entire event.
Not only will he need physical support from as many people as he can get to follow him across the border but he will also need a few extra dollars to make it happen.
Some say a team of ATV guys can go into the unknown vast deserts of Mexico and race for under ten thousand dollars but I have personally been a part of teams who have spent twice that amount and more.
Michael Swift won’t be alone in this quest to finish the legendary race because he has his current team member from Team UXC racing Don Higbee coming along to try the same thing aboard their Can-Ams.
I wish them the best and if it works out I’ll be there helping and cheering them on at the side of a dirt road in the middle of nowhere!
We’ve grown to know and appreciate the model lines from Kymco and with a new MXU700i introduced not long ago it was no surprise that the company’s side-x-side line would see a boost in power not long after.
So lets get to the engine as this is the biggest news for Kymco in 2014 so far. The single cylinder single over head cam four stroke motor pumps out a claimed 45hp and being fuel injected it will acclimate to any riding area with the twist of the key. The Synerjet throttle body fills the 695cc displaced machine with accurate fueling to keep the UXV rolling along.
The twisting ranch roads up the mountain pass became treacherous and narrow at times, but luckily the machine was capable of handling it. The elevation sucked away at the power of our new mill, which can be expected with any machine. Even with the elevation changes, the machine performed fairly well.
The difference in power from the UXV 500 to the UXV 700i is immediately noticeable as it moves the SXS down the trail. Most of our time was spent crawling up steep rocky trails in the Gateway Canyons area of Colorado, which is where the machine seemed to excel.
Getting into the framework of the new UXV700i you’ll find many similarities to the UXV500. Quite literally, the frame is the same throughout the UXV line with the big difference being the displacement of the engine.
The UXV700i boasts independent front and rear suspension with the base model using preload adjustable gas charged shocks, which are good for general trail riding. It’s not until you step into the sport or SP models that you’ll find the higher performance KAIFA shocks for a better ride under fast or rough conditions.
The ground clearance of the UXV700i is the exact same as the lower displaced machines using 12.2 inches down the center of the machine where the Sport model gives up an additional inch of ground clearance. This is most likely due to the KAIFA performance shocks preload or length as well as the 26-inch Kenda tires over the 25-inch spec that comes on most every other model of the UXV. Keep in mind, the machine still offers only 7.5 inches of travel both front and rear.
Its driveline features a CVT automatic transmission, which includes high and low range. With shaft driven on-demand 2WD-4WD you can select all four wheels when the terrain demands it.
As far as comfort is concerned the passenger compartment will fit the general consumer well. The seats are removable for campsite use, which seems to be a feature most manufacturers are adopting.
Sitting in the cockpit you’ll notice the digital dash and 12v power supply port located right in the center of the dash for any additional electronics you may have. The 4WD twist knob differential locker is just to the right of the machine’s steering wheel and the centrally located shift selection knob is right between the seats. There is a large dash storage compartment just in reach of your passenger as well as under the drivers seat.
The higher speeds seemed to reveal steering wander that kept us on our toes for those segments of the ride, but being pre-production machines, we should expect some more refined tuning before this model reaches the consumer.
Yamaha Racing congratulates Chad Wienen for clinching his second consecutive AMA Pro ATV championship this past weekend aboard his Yamaha YFZ450R.
“Consistency was key starting from my YFZ450R running amazing all year long helping me get great starts and having zero mechanical failures to secure back-to-back Championships,” Wienen said. “Working hard and never giving up helped me get where I am at today. I never would have thought two years ago I would come back from a season-ending back injury and win back-to-back titles. It feels surreal right now but will sink in someday. Now to the season finale and on to working towards a three-peat!”
“Chad’s back-to-back championships are a true reflection of the passion, talent and effort he puts into ATV racing,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager. “The Yamaha Race team congratulates Chad and the entire Wienen Motorsports team for their accomplishments and for putting the YFZ450R on top of the podium all year.”
Saturday’s race was held at the Red Bud MX facility in Buchanan, Mich. Wienen secured his season championship with a first place overall finish on the day, while team member Thomas Brown raced hard to 2-2 moto finishes and second overall. The podium finish helped Thomas extend his second place series lead by 22 points going into the final round of the 2013 Mountain Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series.
Wienen and his YFZ450R go into the final round with eight first place finishes and nine straight podiums for a total of 410 points. Yamaha’s Thomas Brown has been a strong contender all year with an impressive seven podium finishes that have helped him hold a steady second place overall.
“Yamaha is extremely proud and excited about Thomas” success,” Nessl said. “Thomas has been with Yamaha Racing for many years, and he’s always been a fierce competitor. He’s putting together a great season, and it’s exciting to watch him and Chad battle it out and come out on top of the entire field.”
Yamaha Racing continues to lead the sport ATV market in sales, championships and support. This year has seen extended trackside support for all ATV racers at each stop of the AMA ATV nationals. Layne Barnes and Pro Motorsports from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, have been supporting all of the events on behalf of Yamaha stocking replacement parts and providing technical assistance to riders on race days.
Yamaha, the number one brand in sport ATVs, also supports racers in the Grand National Cross Country series, World Off-Road Championship Series and Yamaha Quad-X Series.
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 yamaha-motor.com.
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