MXU 500i & 500i LE return completely redesigned, UXV side-by-side family offers special model

KYMCO USA is going big in 2013, introducing the largest displacement off-road vehicles it has ever offered – the MXU 700i and MXU 700i LE.

MXU 700i / MXU 700i LE

Designed and built to meet the high standards demanded by ATV users, the MXU 700i (MSRP: $8,599) and MXU 700i LE ($9,399) models are motivated by a fuel-injected 695cc SOHC 4-stroke 4-valve water-cooled engine producing 45hp.

Power is transferred via shaft drive with push-button on-demand 2WD/4WD, transmission duties are handled by a tough automatic CVT (H-L-N-R-P) with differential lock, the front suspension receives an independent dual A-arm set-up with five-position adjustable pre-load oil damped shocks, the rear suspension receives the same treatment plus the addition of a sway bar, a 25×8-12 front and 25×10-12 rear tire/wheel package aids in achieving a log-crossing 10.4 inches of ground clearance, the 4.42-gallon fuel tank will keep you on trail, and a hydraulic dual-disc front and shaft-mounted hydraulic disc rear brake system safely reels the entire package down from speed.

The MXU 700i, available in black, green or red, comes outfitted with left and right topside (locking) fender storage, right rear under-fender storage, a 12v accessory outlet, a pre-wired winch mounting plate and steel wheels.

The MXU 700i LE, available in painted metallic silver, is further equipped from the factory with aluminum alloy wheels, a 3,000-lb winch, and Kenda Bounty Hunter tires (26×9-14 front, 26×11-14 rear).

Other highlights in KYMCO USA’s 2013 off-road product line include the completely redesigned MXU 500i and MXU 500i LE, as well as the specially equipped UXV 500i SP side-by-side vehicle.

MXU 500i / MXU 500i LE

The all-new MXU 500i ($7,499) and MXU 500i LE ($8,299) received a variety of updates and improvements, both in style and function. Powered by a fuel-injected 499cc DOHC 4-stroke 4-valve liquid-cooled engine developing 36hp, the two 500cc models feature the same new chassis and running gear components as the newly introduced 700cc models.

The MXU 500i, available in black, green or red, comes outfitted with left and right topside (locking) fender storage, right rear under-fender storage, a 12v accessory outlet, pre-wired winch mounting plate and steel wheels.

The MXU 500i LE, like its larger sibling, also comes in painted metallic silver and with aluminum alloy wheels, a 3,000-lb. winch, and Kenda Bounty Hunter tires (26×9-14 front, 26×11-14 rear).

UXV 500i SP

A new addition to KYMCO’s side-by-side family of vehicles, the UXV 500i SP ($10,499) was designed to offer increased amenities to customers apt to use their UXV for recreational opportunities rather than utility purposes.

Powered by KYMCO’s fuel-injected 499cc DOHC 4-stroke 4-valve liquid-cooled engine, the nimble UXV 500i SP further features push-button on-demand 2WD/4WD, an automatic CVT (H-L-N-R-P) with differential lock, an independent dual A-arm suspension fore and aft featuring high-performance fully adjustable oil-damped KAIFA shocks, hydraulic dual-disc front and shaft-mounted hydraulic disc rear brakes, and 26×9-14 front and 26×11-14 rear Kenda Bounty Hunter tires on aluminum alloy wheels.

Like all of KYMCO’s UXV models, the 500i SP comes standard with a 420-lb capacity cargo bed, 1,200-lb. towing capacity, 2-inch receiver hitch, locking glove box, underseat and under hood storage, multi-function digital instrument display and 12V accessory outlet.

However, special amenities added to this particular model include a soft top, half windshield, rear cab net, rear cargo net, light bar with four KYMCO-designed LED lights, a spare tire rack with extra 26-inch tire and aluminum wheel, two-tone (black & red) washable seat covers, dual beverage holders and a protective rear bumper.

Learn more at www.KYMCOUSA.com

Coastal Racing takes checkered flag with Jagged X’s Parks in Second

Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno race is the longest and toughest, off-road desert race in the U.S., and Polaris RZRs continued to have success despite the many challenges the course threw at them.

In the starting field of more than 20 side-by-sides for the 534-mile race, was Jagged X’s Brandon Schueler with co-pilot Cody Muir in the No. 1919 RZR XP 4 900, Jagged X’s Matt Parks, Jason Spiess and Landon Kobruck and the No. 1932 RZR XP 4 900, Jagged X’s Bill Schueler and Polaris Marketing and Sales Director Craig Scanlon in the almost-stock 1991 RZR XP 4 900, and Scott Kiger’s Holz Coastal Racing No. 1934 RZRXP driven by Kiger, Mark Holz and William Yokley.

When the dust settled, Coastal Racing would take their first Vegas to Reno win with the fastest time ever for a side-by-side in under 12 hours and ahead of the trucks and cars.

Thirty minutes later, Parks crossed the finish line second with the fastest second place finish for a side-by-side.

Finishing fourth and driving the entire race himself, was Bill Schueler, with co-pilot Scanlon, and the almost-stock RZR XP 4.

The No. 1991 has raced successfully all season and its fourth place finish in such a challenging race is a true testament to the ability of the RZR side-by-side vehicles. Unfortunately, five-time Vegas to Reno winner, Brandon Schueler, encountered a freak incident with the No. 1919 where a rock knocked off the oil sending unit for the oil pressure gauge and pumped oil out of the car leaving it unable to continue.

The next Best in the Desert Race is the Bluewater Desert Challenge, October 12-14, in Parker, AZ.

Jagged X is sponsored by Polaris, Falken Tire, Walker Evans Shocks, Team Industries, CR Designs, Simpson, OMF, Affordable Powdercoating, Mountain States Contracting, Muzzy’s, Pure Polaris Lubricants, UTV Underground, Vision X Lighting, Bar-T Equipment and Kroyer Racing Engines.

Coastal Racing is sponsored by Costal Drilling, Holz Racing, Walker Evans Racing, Kroyer Racing Engines, Polaris Ind. Utendorfer Design, Race Prep Sevices.

About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

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 vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.

As part of its annual summer sales meeting and its presence at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), Victory Motorcycles and the Company’s dealers donated $154,125 to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

The donation was part of Polaris’ continuing relationship with the WWP, an organization that raises awareness and aids injured servicemen and women. Earlier this year, Polaris also gave away three special, blacked-out RANGER RZR XP 4 900 Side-by-Side vehicles to WWP veterans.

“Our relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project allows Polaris and our dealers to support the men and women who selflessly sacrifice for our nation through their military service,” said Scott Wine, Polaris Industries CEO. “We consider it an honor and a privilege to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that lends a hand to those who merit it most. We hope this donation helps these brave men and women return to the rich, active lives they truly deserve.”

On the opening night of the Company’s summer sales meetings, Polaris announced it would donate $25 to WWP for each rider that rode an all-terrain vehicle or Side-by-Side at the Polaris demo track, a winding set of man-made dirt trails intended to provide dealers with a chance to experience riding the latest Polaris products. That promise led to $44,500 in donations, powered by more than 1,700 demo rides.

The following week, at the 72nd edition of the legendary motorcycle rally at Sturgis, a year-long effort from Polaris-owned Victory Motorcycles and its dealers culminated when Steve Menneto, Polaris’ vice president of motorcycles, announced that Victory would contribute an additional $100,000 to WWP.

The money represented an incredible number of demo rides conducted throughout the year at Victory dealerships as the brand challenged consumers with the phrase “Ride One and You’ll Own One,” then backed it up with the promise of donations to WWP for each ride.

In addition to donations made by Polaris and Victory, the Company offered dealers the opportunity to contribute to WWP as well. More than 100 Polaris dealers combined to generously add $9,625 of their own money, bringing the donation total to $154,125.

About the Wounded Warrior Project – The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

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 vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced the company has donated a total of 28 Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and safety gear to the Boy Scouts of America’s Northern Star Council’s Tomahawk Scout Reservation, the second largest Boy Scout camp in the nation, and the Northwoods Camp, run by The Salvation Army, the world-wide leader of social, youth and rehabilitative services.

The donation, valued at $100,000, is part of Polaris’ long-term partnerships with the two organizations, focused on youth ATV safety practices and outdoor sports.

“Our partnerships with Boy Scouts of America and The Salvation Army offer outstanding opportunities to demonstrate how ATVs can be a positive educational tool for youth,” said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. “By introducing young people to the sport in a manner that emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible ATV ownership, Polaris can entice a new generation into the powersports community while providing a great experience for thousands of young people.”

The Boy Scouts of America’s Northern Star Council’s Tomahawk Scout Reservation, located in Birchwood, Wis., is the destination for approximately 6,500 Boy Scouts, Webelos and adult leaders every summer.

The new ATV program at the camp encompasses all aspects of safe ATV operation and ATV maintenance. Boy Scouts enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to earn merit badges for their participation.

The Salvation Army’s Northwoods Camp, located on Elbow Lake, in Finlayson, Minn., accommodates more than 3,000 youth campers each summer.

The camp offers various activities including swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, arts and crafts, archery, music, boating, ropes course, and the opportunity for spiritual enrichment.

The core intention of the ATV program is to teach camp visitors new life skills such as changing oil, repairing flat tires, and other learning experiences that will help youth broaden their skills and build their confidence.

Polaris vehicles available to camp visitors at both camps include the easy-to-use Phoenix 200; the best-selling utility ATV of all time, the Sportsman 500 H.O.; and the award-winning Sportsman 550.

The Salvation Army’s Northwoods Camp also will have the most-popular youth ATVs, the Outlaw 50 and Outlaw 90, available to camp visitors. As part of both donations, Polaris will adjust models as needed and replace older units over time to ensure the camp always has safe, age-appropriate vehicles available.

About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

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 vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PBR AND NASCAR TEAM OWNER RICHARD CHILDRESS

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC), the “Official ATV and Side x Side” sponsor of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS), will be providing fans with an opportunity to win one of three rugged Kawasaki off-road vehicles!

Kawasaki has announced a Win-My-Ride promotion that features the give-away of a Kawasaki Mule side x side and two Brute Force all terrain vehicles.

The three winners will be selected at random and announced after the PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Finals in November, 2012.

PBR fans can participate for the opportunity to win one of the Kawasaki vehicles by texting WINMYRIDE to 868727.

The Grand Prize Mule 4010 Trans4x4 side x side is paired with the unique chance to tour the Richard Childress Racing facility in Welcome, North Carolina, plus lunch with Richard Childress, at his vineyard in Lexington, North Carolina.

The runner-up in the drawing will receive a Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS sport utility ATV, and third place will take home a Brute Force 300 sport utility ATV.

According to Chris Brull, Kawasaki marketing director, “This promotion directly appeals to the PBR audience and underscores our interest in reaching out to this community with exciting opportunities. PBR is one of the toughest sports on earth and Kawasaki’s off-road vehicles are among the toughest in America…a perfect match!”

About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) – The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the PBR. In just two decades, the dream of 20 bull riders has become a global sports phenomenon that is televised worldwide. More than 100 million viewers annually watch primetime PBR programming on networks around the world including CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC, NBC Sports Network, and YouTube. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money and 24 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million – the most of any western sports athlete in history. Nearly two million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year.

About Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal 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. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become 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.

Brown’s Fifth Place Finish Helps Secure AMA Pro ATV Manufacturer’s Title for Yamaha

Yamaha’s Chad Wienen secured his first AMA Pro ATV championship aboard his YFZ450R this past weekend at the 2012 season finale in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Thomas Brown, who finished an impressive fifth overall for the season, helped Yamaha secure the AMA Pro ATV Manufacturer’s title.

Racing a Yamaha YFZ450R for his Wienen Motorsports team this year, Wienen put together a smart pair of 3-4 moto finishes on August 11 to claim the historic championship with a 31-point advantage over his nearest rival. In all, Wienen took six wins and 10 straight podiums in his first season racing for Yamaha.

“After my injury last season, I was determined to make some major changes to my program and come back stronger than ever,” Wienen said. “With the support of Yamaha and the YFZ450R, Wienen Motorsports had the complete package to take the 2012 championship. The YFZ450R was bullet proof, and this was my first pro season with zero DNFs. We never missed the podium taking six wins, three second places and one third on our way to the Championship!”

“Chad and his Ryan Cox-prepared YFZ450R have added their names to the Yamaha history books by winning the most prestigious championship in ATV MX racing,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s ATV racing coordinator. “This is a great championship for Chad, the entire Wienen Motorsports team and Yamaha Racing.”

Brown, a five-year Yamaha rider, grabbed 5-3 moto results on the weekend to claim fifth in the 2012 overall season standings.

Brown and Wienen have secured their place as a threatening pair in AMA ATV racing through countless hours of team training and winning performances on their YFZ450Rs.

“Yamaha congratulates Thomas Brown on another great season,” Luce said. “Brown has been a solid competitor consistently riding his YFZ450R to podium finishes in 2012 and was a key reason Yamaha captured the AMA ATV Manufacturer’s title.”

Yamaha Racing increased its presence in the AMA series this season adding Wienen and ramping up its trackside support for all ATV racers at each stop.

Layne Barnes and Pro Motorsports from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, supported all AMA ATV national 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 (WORCS) and Yamaha Quad-X Series.

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.

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.