It’s been a LOOOOOONG time since we’ve reviewed a Brute Force and Luke gets his first ride aboard the NEWLY UPDATED 2024 Brute Force 750 featuring Kawasaki’s powerful 749cc V-twin engine, ALL-NEW bodywork and instrumentation, plus a new handlebar-mounted light pod.
The pure sport ATV that revolutionized the four-wheeled off-road racing industry recently turned twenty years old! Dirt Trax was there when the original YFZ450 was launched in 2004 and we were honored to be a part of its 20th anniversary celebration.
Yamaha celebrated this milestone of its prized YFZ450R in style bringing in past and present racing champions to its impressive, state of the art Newnan, Georgia factory for a birthday party aptly suited for the undisputed King of the Pure Sport Quads.
Ever since the YFZ450 first stormed onto the sport quad scene in 2004 it has dominated not only in visibility but on ATV racing tracks, trails and podiums around the world. As with everything Yamaha does, considerable and extensive research and background planning went into the development process to create a product truly worthy of its future track and trail racing success and dominance.
In conjunction with original prototype testing at YMC Japan well before the 2004 launch, YMUSA test-pilots, along with factory racing pros and Yamaha ambassadors, Dustin Nelson and Kory Ellis, were brought in to test the higher engine-power spec, providing first-hand real-life racing experienced feedback that would ensure this iconic vehicle met and exceeded customers’ expectations.
Ultimately, the result was an ultra-light, trail-capable racing sport ATV like nothing the industry had seen to this point. Over the coming years and decades, Yamaha would make regular customer-focused tweaks and enhancements to the YFZ450R platform, making it next to impossible for any other OEM to compete with.
YFZ Podium-Proven Performance Over the Years
43 Overall Pro Class Championships in GNCC, ATVMX and Quadcross
Over 280 Pro/WXC class overall wins in GNCC, ATV MX and Quadcross
Over 240 podium sweeps in GNCC, ATV MX and Quadcross
12-time champ, Traci Pickens, was GNCC’s first WXC Champion on a YZZ (2005)
9-time Champion, Bill Ballance, was GNCC’s first XC1 Pro Champion on a YFZ (2004)
8-time Champion, Chad Wienen, was ATV MX’s first ATV Champion on a YFZ (2012)
The People and the Passion
DirtTrax has worked with several of Yamaha’s ATV and SxS front end staff, such as Steve Nessl, Patrick Biolsi and Travis Hollins for the better part of 25 years and their passion for the Yamaha brand and products still remains as strong, if not stronger, than ever before.
As we toured the massive 1,350,000 square foot YMMC manufacturing facility where nearly 4.5 million Yamaha ATVs, SxS vehicles, Golf Cars and PWCs have been made over the years, we got the opportunity to see first-hand that the passion amongst Yamaha employees runs deep on the factory front lines as well.
During a mid-day autograph session with Yamaha past and present racing champions, YMMC factory workers were invited to meet the racers and collect autographs on a commemorative poster and the line went on for over two hours.
We learned that of the 2,400+ employees at the YMMC manufacturing facility, more than 500 of them have been Yamaha employees for over 10 years further emphasizing the passion Yamaha has been able to create from the ground up. When a company is able to inspire a culture of real passion, dedication and care, the end result delivered to the consumer will almost always be superior.
Congratulations Yamaha on twenty successful years of the YFZ450. Here’s to the next 20 years of racing podium dominance.
Luke provides a detailed overview of Kawasaki’s all-new RIDGE side-x-side and summarizes some initial ride impressions and thoughts on how the new RIDGE stacks up against the competition.
We kick things off with a special overview of CFMOTO’s ever-expanding MY24 model line-up including the special edition Carey Price signature series UFORCE 600 EPS.
Then in TEST RIDE, Mike gets some seat time aboard Yamaha’s new-for-2024 Wolverine X2 1000 SE featuring a 999cc twin cylinder engine and experiences first-hand whether this lighter, more compact addition to Yamaha’s side-x-side line is ready to turn up your adventure.
Then Luke heads to the legendary dunes in Glamis, California and gets his hands on the new reign of power from Can-Am; the all new 240 horsepower turbocharged triple-cylinder Maverick R which sets a whole new standard for unrivalled suspension travel.
We seek out the ultimate Can Am offroad adventure in beautiful British Columbia through one of BRP’s exclusive Uncharted Society providers – Toby Creek Adventures.
Then AJ outfits our Can Am Outlander Pro HD7 with all the essential accessories necessary for a successful hunt.
AJ sits down with Polaris Ambassador and professional rodeo cowboy Kaycee Feild to learn how he uses his Polaris Sportsman and Ranger for work around his ranch, hear about how he and his wife enjoy their RZR to reconnect and put their family and life back into perspective and also find out what it takes to be a six time world champion.
Then in TEST RIDE, after some trail time inside the XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar, Luke provides his review of this very unique, yet very pricey addition to the Polaris lineup.
Give the workday 100 percent with zero emissions, zero fuel costs and zero compromises. The all-new, all-electric Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic utility vehicle (UTV) from Polaris Commercial, a division of Polaris (NYSE:PII), is engineered from the inside out to withstand tough jobsite duty cycles and enable all-day operation with zero exhaust – taking operational efficiency and sustainability to the next level.
The Pro XD Kinetic further expands the industry-leading line-up of commercial work UTVs that boast durability, serviceability and safety features while increasing the environments and areas these all-electric UTVs can operate.
Polaris has been a leader in the electric UTV space with the class-leading and award-winning RANGER XP Kinetic. The all-electric RANGER has been called game changing and the gold standard for battery EV UTVs. Polaris Commercial has leveraged that industry-leading innovation for its Commercial customers with the introduction of the Pro XD Kinetic, rounding out the Pro XD family that also includes gas and diesel, full-size and mid-size, standard and crew models.
“Going all-electric with the professional-grade Pro XD UTV empowers customers to meet sustainability obligations without sacrificing capabilities,” said Aaron Stegemann, vice president, Polaris Commercial. “In everything we do, Polaris Commercial is committed to providing the greatest value for our customers. That means genuinely listening to their pain points, understanding the use-cases and applications for our work UTVs and solving unmet demands where we can. With the introduction of the Pro XD Kinetic, we’re keeping the features our customers love and rely on from the Pro XD family – superior durability, serviceability and safety features – while addressing the ever-growing environmental, operational and government requirements for EVs.
The Pro XD Kinetic utilizes purpose-built features that rental, construction and other industrial customers value from Polaris Commercial and delivers them in a sustainable, reliable and high-performing work UTV. Featuring an all-electric powertrain through Polaris’ exclusive 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the powerful Pro XD Kinetic offers the same 1,250 lbs cargo and 2,500 lbs towing capacity as a full-size gas or diesel Pro XD UTV, while its all-electric powertrain delivers instantaneous torque and precise handling. An electric powertrain also requires less maintenance, which means more vehicle uptime, while its quieter operations enable access to restricted areas where heavy-duty gas and diesel UTVs were previously excluded.
Minimal Maintenance
Downtime destroys productivity resulting in costly delays – with minimal maintenance requirements, the Pro XD Kinetic optimizes operations and increases customer ROI. Scheduled maintenance costs are roughly 60 percent less than average maintenance costs for similar gas-powered vehicles like the full-size MY24 Pro XD* meaning fewer replacements and less waste.
The all-electric powertrain makes oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs and clutch maintenance a thing of the past. The Lithium-Ion battery in the Pro XD is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime and is backed by a five-year warranty from Polaris Commercial – providing more time to focus on getting the job done.
Standard Safety Features
Safety is a founding pillar of the Pro XD, and the Pro XD Kinetic is engineered with the same features to meet and exceed jobsite compliance, improve worker safety and provide peace of mind for crews and fleet managers. Orange seatbelts, vehicle decals, and optional lighting accessories improve visibility of the vehicle and surrounding workers, while a standard horn and backup alarm provide audible alerts for the operator and surrounding crew. Furthermore, the top speed of the Pro XD Kinetic can be calibrated between 5-40 mph, with many customers selecting a top speed of 25 mph for jobsite compliance. The electric drivetrain also provides reduced sound levels that improve the operator’s situational awareness, allow easier communications between crew members and enables quiet-zone usage.
Dependability Customers Value
The Pro XD Kinetic delivers jobsite must-haves in a work-ready platform and an all-new electric powertrain. Heavy-duty boots, bearings and bushings, Kevlar-backed seats, thick 8-ply tires and a rust- and dent-free poly bed ensure the electric model is built to last from the headlights to the tailgate – just like its gas and diesel counterparts. A rugged, long-lasting 14.9 kWh Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) battery and a powerful electric motor make the Pro XD Kinetic as tough on the inside as it is on the outside. And 140lb-ft of instant torque provide the power operators need to effortlessly tow up to 2,500 lbs and haul up to 1,250 lbs. Additionally, a range of up to 45-miles** ensures crews can go the distance, all day, every day while providing an estimated five-year savings of $2,800 in fuel savings alone compared to the MY24 gas Pro XD.
No Infrastructure Needed
The Pro XD Kinetic from Polaris Commercial is equipped with convenient charging options designed to fit any electrification infrastructure, or lack thereof. The vehicle’s battery can be charged by a standard wall outlet or even a similarly powered generator for remote jobsites or until power is established. This ability to charge using 110V power means no new infrastructure is required, however, the Pro XD Kinetic is also compatible with 220V to enable fast charging options.
The complete Pro XD lineup also provides unmatched versatility and customizability with accessories that enhance productivity in all climates, while also supporting jobsite compliance and safety requirements. The expansive accessories catalog is available to view on the Polaris Commercial website, where customers can also experience the vehicle virtually. Additional information and tools let customers build and quote the different all-wheel drive Pro XD models and accessories, view each in 3D and request a quote.
Manufacturer estimate based on average scheduled maintenance costs over the course of a 5-year timeframe.
Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage.
About Polaris Commercial – Backed by 70 years of Polaris innovation, Polaris Commercial offers durable, versatile and customizable work vehicle solutions for transporting people and hauling equipment. Pro XD and RANGER vehicles are engineered with the customer’s needs in mind to be dependable, safe, sustainable and to increase productivity. The dedicated and specialized employees of Polaris Commercial provide end customers with simple purchasing processes based on individual needs, dedicated customer support and a worldwide network of dealers for localized service.
KV Capital’s Private Equity team is excited to announce the acquisition of UTV Canada Inc. (UTV Canada)—one of Canada’s top distributors and retailers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) parts and accessories. The deal will see UTV Canada merge with Mountain Sports Distribution (MSD), the full-service powersports distributor that joined the KV Capital Fund II portfolio in 2023.
“UTV Canada and MSD have a complementary relationship,” says Jonathan Herman, President of Private Equity at KV Capital. “In the powersports industry, we see three main pillars: snowmobiles, motorcycles, and UTVs. MSD has built a strong presence in snowmobiles and motorcycles, while UTV Canada specializes in UTVs. Both businesses have great talent and a strong desire to grow. Together, their strengths will let them bring a new level of service excellence to the entire powersports industry.”
The deal originated when UTV Canada’s CEO, Stacy Nehring, reached out to the MSD team after learning about the KV-MSD partnership.
“In the past, our team had discussed the possibility of a sale,” says Nehring, who retains equity and will join MSD as part of the partnership. “It is a tight knit industry, and when we heard about MSD working with KV, we wanted to ask MSD’s owners about their experience and the opportunity. What we heard from Chuck Gorton, MSD’s CEO, was very exciting and led us to today. This deal means my team and I can do more of what we love—helping off-road enthusiasts experience more—and less on administrative work and managing back-office systems.”
MSD CEO Chuck Gorton also welcomes the partnership. “We’re very excited to partner with the UTV Canada team, grow our dealer network and brand portfolio, and offer our customers even more,” he says. “Partnerships like this one are why we were eager to join KV.”
The acquisition will optimize strategic and operational excellence for both MSD and UTV Canada. The two teams will merge to share expertise and create efficiencies while retaining their individual brand identities in the market.
“Both MSD and UTV Canada’s dealers can expect improved access to more products with the same helpful staff and retail experience they know—but with more horsepower behind it,” says Herman. “This is a significant milestone in our journey to build Canada’s leading powersports platform through partnerships with strong powersports distributors and brands.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. For KV Capital, Bryan & Company LLP provided legal counsel. For UTV Canada, Swainson, Miki, Peskett LLP delivered legal services. KV Capital Private Equity continues to actively seek new investment opportunities to expand its powersports platform by partnering with distributors and brands. The team expects to have more news to share soon.
About KV Capital – Founded in 2006 and based in Edmonton, Alberta, KV Capital is a Canadian, alternative investment fund manager with approximately $400 million in committed assets under management. KV Capital’s funds are split into a diverse range of asset classes including private operating businesses, real estate, and mortgages. KV Capital has been on the Profit 500 ranking of Canada’s fastest-growing companies for six consecutive years and has funded over $1 billion in investments across several different asset classes.
About MSD, Inc. – Established in 2009, Mountain Sports Distribution is one of Canada’s leading powersports parts and accessories distributors. Located in Golden, British Columbia, a recreation mecca, MSD distributes winter snowmobiling equipment and summer motorcycle equipment in Canada and USA. In 2020, 2021 and 2022 Mountain Sports Distribution was named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies and in 2019 was recognized on Canada’s Growth 500 list.
About UTV Canada – UTV Canada is a family-run company that was built out of passion and commitment to the powersports lifestyle. It has served Canadian riders and motorsports dealerships for over 15 years. From a humble start in a family garage in Edmonton, UTV Canada has grown into one of Canada’s most reputable distributors and online retailers of aftermarket UTV parts and accessories. Today it is the choice brand for hundreds of dealers across Canada.
We’ve had our Can-Am Renegade X mr 1000R for over a year now and thought it would be a great idea to provide a report on this ATV outlining some of the things we like and don’t about it.
AJ outfits a pair of our Polaris RZR’s with The COM S4S Stereo Intercom system and tests out its handsfree in-car communication, music entertainment along with its push to talk system between other vehicles.
