Dirt Trax TV Co-Host Luke Lester looks at Arctic Cat’s highly anticipated Wildcat 1000 HO walking you through its finer points and getting a little air under the tires.
Check out more videos on our YouTube page!
I was recently approached by a young man in a country store who was in need of directions to a local trailhead.
This particular local OHV area wasn’t hard to find but being in a remote area cell service wasn’t great and at at times was non-existent.
When I asked him why he didn’t just buy himself a county map he shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Well, I’ve never used one of those.” WHAT?
How can we survive as an off-road community and not know how to read a map or use a compass? How is it that as a society we’ve forgotten many learned skills like reading a map or remembering a phone number? Do smart devices make us lazy or are we just blaming laziness on the computer in our pocket?
There’s a place for basic orienteering skills. If you travel out onto the trail without a GPS or phone service and get lost, simply knowing how to read a map could help you get back to camp safely.
Here’s a challenge for you. Next time you head out onto a trail system, grab a local trail map and try to plan out your route using the map ONLY. Find check points so you know where you’re going and do your best not to use your electronic device to guide you.
You never know, developing this basic skill could save your life one day.
Can-Am DS 450 ATV Pro class racer Josh Creamer finished second overall at round eight in Unadilla, N.Y., in a successful return to the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series.
He was joined on the Pro class podium by defending AMA ATV MX champion John Natalie, who finished third overall. Natalie’s Motoworks / Can-Am teammate Joel Hetrick finished fourth while Canadian Can-Am X-Team racer Richard Pelchat took seventh on his DS 450.
“It was another great weekend of racing, as our Can-Am riders battled hard to earn two spots on the Pro podium in Unadilla, N.Y. Josh Creamer had a memorable return to the AMA ATV MX National series convincingly winning the first moto and ending up second overall. Motoworks / Can-Am pilot John Natalie earned a hard-fought third-place finish and kept himself in the championship points race with only two rounds remaining,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Joel Hetrick just missed the podium, finishing fourth, but gained some valuable points in his pursuit to remain in the top three in the Pro class points race.”
Holeshots were critical in New York as the famed Unadilla Valley Sports Center played hard and fast with limited lines to pass. Creamer, BCS Performance / Can-Am racer and current New England ATV Motocross series Pro class points leader, proved he could still run with the top ATV pros as he grabbed the holeshot and immediately pulled to a three-second lead.
Creamer held the lead the entire moto on his way to earning his first moto victory in almost two years. Creamer was fourth at the start of moto two, but moved up to second – passing Natalie – at one point before settling for third.
His 1-3 finishes were good for second overall and his first AMA series Pro class podium since 2010, the year he won the pro title.
“BCS Performance did a great job on the DS 450. I got the holeshot and checked out from there. I didn’t get tired and I just stayed focused,” said Creamer. “I really felt good out there. I’ve spent the last six weeks training and it really helped me to be ready for this round. I am really happy to have finished on the podium and now I am really excited for Red Bud. I want to thank all the fans out there for all of their support. It was great to hear everyone when I was out there battling it out. I wanted to come out here and get on the box this weekend and I did that so I canÂ’t complain.”
Natalie put in a spirited ride in New York. After battling back from a horrible start in the first moto, Natalie picked off several racers until he moved into third place at the finish.
He paired his third-place run with a hard-fought second-place ride in moto two to earn third overall and keep alive his shot at another national championship.
“There was some great racing today. I had to spend a lot of energy in the first moto trying to work up. And for moto two, I just gave it everything I had,” said Natalie. “I always want to win, but I still finished on the podium and salvaged some points. There’s still four motos left in the season and anything can happen so things could get real interesting at Loretta’s.”
Hetrick, who posted the quickest time in the second timed qualifying session, was in third at the start of moto one, but got bumped back to sixth on the first lap.
Hetrick recovered to eventually retake third place. However, he lost one more spot at the end of the moto when his teammate Natalie got by in the closing laps of the moto. Hetrick would finish in fourth. Hetrick also finished fourth in moto two to finish fourth overall.
However, his fourth-place ride cushioned his lead for third place in the overall Pro class point standings. The fourth Can-Am racer in the top 10 was Pelchat, who usually competes in the Courses VTT series in Canada. He posted 7-6 finishes in the motos to earn seventh overall aboard his DS 450.
Two rounds of the AMA ATV MX series remain. Red Bud Raceway in Buchannon, Mich., will host round nine on July 28. The series finale is slated for August 11, at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
Getting your Utility ATV to the ride area may be as easy as loading it into the bed of your truck and hauling off down to the trail head.
Most of the ATV’s wight will rest inside the bed of the average truck, but in some cases the the rear tires may be sitting on your truck’s tailgate. Considering the weight of your ATV, how strong are the cables that hold your truck’s tailgate in position?
After getting my ATV ready for a long ride I had headed out in my trusty Chevy to ride in the North Georgia mountains with the rear wheels resting firmly on the tailgate.
As I turned off the pavement and onto a dirt road I realized I had a serious problem. When the road got rough I noticed a few hard bumps had loosened the ATV up in the bed of the truck so I pulled over to get a better look.
Upon inspection I discovered the cables on the bed had stretched creating slack in the ATV’s tie-down straps!
During a recent visit to Merchant Automotive in Zeeland, MI for a transmission fix I found a replacement tailgate strap made of high strength steel plate.
This system not only replaces the cables, but bolts right into the stock bolt holes on my truck and folds up to allow the closing of the tailgate.
If you have a truck with tailgate cables I encourage you to look closely at your current cables and consider the replacement of them with the steel plate type from Merchant Automotive.
If your tailgate cables stretch or break you could lose your ATV from the back of your truck while driving, which could result in severe damage to your ATV or serious injury to a fellow motorist.
Its worth a closer look for the security of your ATV.
An ATV engine for Honda’s TRX500 Foreman Rubicon model recently rolled off the dyno at the Honda of South Carolina (HSC) manufacturing plant, and marked a milestone: It was the two millionth engine produced at HondaÂ’s Timmonsville, SC, factory.
HSC is a 536,150-square-foot facility that sits on 625 acres, and it is dedicated solely to the production of Honda ATVs.
Opened in 1998, the assembly plant added engine production in the year 2000. HSC is one of 9 major plants in the U.S., and has the ability to produce 266,000 ATVs and 310,000 engines annually. Since 1998, HSC has manufactured more than two million Honda ATVs.
“I would like to thank all of our associates for helping us achieve this major milestone,” said Brian Newman, President HSC. “This facility is unique among all Honda plants in the U.S. as it is dedicated solely to the production of Honda ATVs that are sold not only here in the U.S. but also around the world. This is American manufacturing at the highest Honda quality level, and we take great pride in this milestone.”
About Honda – American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers.
For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.
Rugged Ozark 250 Utility ATV Delivers Versatile Performance and Class-Leading Features
Suzuki is pleased to introduce the addition of the Ozark 250 utility ATV to the 2013 Suzuki lineup. The Ozark 250 joins the previously introduced 2013 KingQuad utility ATV models.
The Ozark 250 offers everything riders are looking for in an entry-level utility ATV. Its sleek styling and entry-level size reflect its versatile capabilities.
When it comes to value, the Ozark’s performance and list of standard features launch it to the head of the class.
Powering the Ozark is a 246cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine designed to produce abundant mid-range torque.
It features a convenient electric start, a semi-automatic clutch mated with a smooth-shifting, wide-ratio 5-speed transmission with super-low first gear and convenient reverse gear that allows the rider to select the best gear position for maximum traction and fuel efficiency.
The engine utilizes rubber engine mounts to reduce vibration and specific design features reduce mechanical noise for a quiet and comfortable ride.
The Ozark 250 offers a low 30.9-inch seat height for a comfortable, ergonomic riding position for a wide variety of riders.
Together with an impressive 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a towing capacity of 728lbs and lightweight maneuverability, the Ozark 250 delivers it all with class-leading features and a proven, low-maintenance design.
“The Ozark 250 is a versatile entry-level utility ATV,” said Suzuki Senior Communications Manager Steve Bortolamedi, “Whether it’s tackling tough chores on the farm, ranch or job site or riding a rugged trail, the Ozark 250 is the perfect lightweight entry level utility ATV thatÂ’s always ready for fun when the work is done.”
The 2013 Ozark 250 will be available in Terra Green and Flame Red and will be available at Suzuki dealerships in fall 2012.
More information about the 2013 Ozark 250 can be found at: suzukicycles.com
Ever think about those gnarly rocks that grind along the bottom of your brand new side-x-side and the damage they do to the underbelly of your ride?
Lets say you get a brand new 2013 Pearl White Can-Am Commander for Christmas this year. Do you really want its underside to get all bashed up on your first run through a rough trail?
Most OEMs manufacture their very own skidplate accessories and aftermarket protection. Some are included stock and others are packaged together in the purchase price when you pick your ride up from the dealer.
Can-Am has really tough all aluminum aftermarket skid plates for every section on the Commander. If you are financing the purchase anyways, why not outfit yours to the extreme? The difference in your monthly payment would be minimal and your ride would definitely be more protected and look cooler than your buddy’s.
For the owner without a garage to park his machine in, a roof is probably as smart a purchase as buying a winch.
Keeping the elements out of the cockpit will greatly reduce the weathering of the seats and components. The sun can be more damaging than the rain in some cases, plus a roof keeps these elements off you and your riding partner when you get caught in a a storm or the sun is blazing down on you.
If you’re making a new purchase or looking to bring some life to your aging ride, visit your brand’s website and check out some of the aftermarket accessories available to you. Sometimes a few extra bucks can add years to your ride so you can get the most out of your off-road experience.
Team Travalena won the XC2 UTV class in its Can-Am Commander 1000 X and Motoworks / Can-Am Commander racer Kyle Chaney finished a close second in the XC1 UTV class at round nine of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series held in Millfield, Ohio.
Can-Am 4×4 ATV racers Bryan Buchannon (4×4 Open), Clifton Beasley (U2), Kevin Trantham (4×4 Lites) and Forest Whorton (4×4 Senior) also won their class at The John Penton GNCC race.
“All of our the riders and teams fought hard and overcame the excessive heat in Ohio. Motoworks / Can-Am Commander 1000 X driver Kyle Chaney led most of the XC1 UTV race. Unfortunately, a lapped racer caused Chaney to crash on the final lap. Thankfully, he recovered to finish a very close second and reach the class podium,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Team Travalena also had great ride, winning the XC2 UTV class. I was proud of the way all our guys raced in the brutally humid conditions, especially our Can-Am 4×4 racers, who earned four class overalls.”
In side-by-side racing action, pilot Kyle Chaney put his Motoworks-backed Can-Am Commander in the top five at the start of the XC1 UTV class race. By the second lap, he grabbed the lead and held it until the final loop.
While overtaking a lapped vehicle, Chaney lost control of his vehicle and lost the lead. The team recovered quickly and ended up with a hard-fought second-place finish.
In the UTV XC2 class, Team Travelena worked its way up from a top five start and took the class win by over 30 seconds. The team’s impressive charge in their Commander 1000 X also allowed them to finish in ninth overall for the day.
In the XC1 Pro class, Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer Chris Bithell made a great come-from-behind ride to claim a top five finish. A roosted rock thrown by another ATV at the start of the XC1 class, derailed the chain on Bithell’s ATV and put him 40-seconds behind the race leaders. However, by lap two, Bithell had moved into fourth place. He ended the day in fifth place.
Defending 4×4 Open class champion and current points leader Bryan Buckhannon and Michael Swift again had a fantastic duel aboard their Can-Am Outlander 800R ATVs.
Buckhannon came off the starting line in third, while Swift got hung up with another racer. However, by the midpoint of the lap two, Swift had caught Buckhannon and the two diced for the lead for the next couple laps.
Buckhannon eventually found some breathing room and notched his seventh overall of the year, while Swift took second.
“I had a good race but the heat got to me after it was all over, so I am just really glad everything went well,” said Buckhannon, who also competed in the UTV racing in Ohio. “I’m going to be doing a few local races over the break and doing some fine tuning on my Commander, so when we come back I can hopefully be on the podium.”
Kevin Trantham led the 4×4 Lites class from start to finish aboard is 2012 Outlander 500, winning by more than 13 minutes. He also finished second overall for the morning race. UXC Racing / Can-Am Renegade racer Cliff Beasley got back to his winning ways in the U2 class after missing the podium at the previous round.
Beasley finished with a time of 01:40:08, putting him in third overall for the morning classes. Defending 4×4 Senior class champion, Forrest Whorton notched another win aboard his Outlander 800R.
After losing his ignition key on the starting line and starting more than three minutes behind the rest of his class, Whorton put in an incredible ride on his way to victory.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
Rhino 700 FI with Genuine Yamaha Accessories will be Given Away to Support NHF Day
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoorsmen and women, is supporting the National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) again in 2012 and this year is giving away a Rhino 700 FI SxS with a full suite of Genuine Yamaha hunting accessories through its annual online sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHFD events nationwide and anyone can enter to win by simply registering online at through the end of October 2012.
“The National Hunting and Fishing Day is an important reminder and educational tool promoting the significant and positive impact these activities have on our country,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is proud to be involved with NHFD, and we look forward to giving away the new Rhino to some lucky outdoors enthusiast this fall.”
Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 22. NHFD serves as the most effective grass roots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.
Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHFD, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.
“We’re thrilled to have Yamaha on for another year of support,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “The ATV giveaway has been a huge hit amongst NHFD participants, and we look forward to another great turnout at all of our events nationwide.”
One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2012 Rhino 700 FI that is assembled in the U.S.A. and comes with a number of hunting accessories.
Total approximate retail value is $13,387.40. No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2012. The winner will be determined by random drawing.
More information on NHFD available at www.nhfday.org. Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday and you can follow Yamaha Outdoors at www.facebook.com/yamahaoutdoors
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 company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, 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.
Introducing the John Deere Gator RSX850i Recreational Utility Vehicle
Drivers who demand advanced off-road performance, all-day riding comfort, and the ability to challenge extreme terrain take note—John Deere has entered the Recreational Utility Vehicle category with the all-new, all-powerful Gator RSX850i. It’s been engineered to be faster, more powerful and more agile than any Gator ever built.
Since the creation of the John Deere All Materials Transport (AMT) in 1987, an event that launched the entire Utility Vehicle (UV) category, and the development of the first Gator UV in 1992, John Deere has built a reputation for durability, utility and safety. The addition of advanced power, high top speed and precision handling signal the next step in evolution for the Gator line of utility vehicles.
“The Gator takes a huge evolutionary step forward with the launch of the new Gator RSX850i,” said David Gigandet, marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Gators have always been known for durability, utility and safety. The RSX maintains all these qualities at its core, but the incredible power, exhilarating speed and precision handling are what set it apart in our portfolio. It’s the Gator fully evolved.”
To bring about these changes, the team at John Deere collaborated with design and engineering consultants for Formula One and NASCAR to create an all-new vehicle. The Gator RSX is the direct result.
There are three RSX models – the Gator RSX850i Sport, the RSX850i Trail and the Base RSX. The Sport model was designed for harsh desert and rocky, sandy terrains and includes sport seats, alloy wheels with Maxxis tires, PreRunner bumper, cargo box rails, sport steering wheel and FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks.
The Trail Model was developed for hunting, fishing and back country trails. It features sport seats, alloy wheels with Maxxis tires, winch, front brushguard, 2 inches front receiver hitch with recovery loops, rear bumper and cargo box rails. The Base RSX can be modified to need and taste with factory installed options. And all three can be well appointed with over 70 available aftermarket attachments.
All models come equipped with an 839 cc, V-twin, liquid cooled, four-cycle, gasoline motorcycle engine that produces 62 hp and a top speed of 53 mph. The engine also delivers 0-30 mph acceleration in three seconds.
Advanced electronic controls and a fuel-injection system supply excellent starting, idling, and throttle response during operation. In addition, the closed-loop system offers dependable performance at high altitude and hassle-free cold weather starting (tested to -20 degrees F). The RSX also incorporates a large 7.4 gallon fuel tank.
The RSX utilizes a unique four-wheel independent suspension for an unparalleled ride over challenging terrain and precision handling through corners. A dual, wide arch A-arm design delivers maximum front-wheel control, precise steering and 10.3 inches of ground clearance.
The exclusive Multi-Link semi trailing arm independent rear suspension features 9 inches of wheel travel and moves wheels rearward in compression, lowering the impact of terrain and improving ride. Exclusive aluminum body monotube FOX shocks are standard on the Base and Trail models. While FOX 2.0 Performance Series shocks with full spring and compression adjustability come standard on the RSX Sport, and are available for aftermarket upgrade on the other models.
The RSX850i was designed with occupant comfort and safety in mind as well. Easy entry and exit from the vehicle is made possible with an industry first automotive-style door for the operator and passenger. Side-by-side 35.5 inch high- performance sport seats combine proven, off-road riding experience and top automotive styling to enhance driver confidence and comfort.
Deluxe high-back bucket seats on the base model are positioned to provide ample legroom, with large headrests for support during aggressive driving, and all seats tilt forward for ease of service and to keep dry during outdoor storage. In addition, the RSX features an ISO certified Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) with three-point seat belts and multiple passenger-side grab handles.
Best-in-class sealed storage includes 1.82 cubic feet of space in the glove box and under the hood, with additional storage in the center console and cup holders. An easy-to-read digital instrument panel displays a system diagnostic light, engine oil pressure light, park break light, seat belt indicator light, fuel level, and a 4WD indicator, among other vehicle gauges.
A high-density, 8.9 cubic feet, polyethylene composite cargo box carries on the Gator tradition of quality hauling capability and utility. The large, one-piece design has rounded inside corners to ensure material removal when tilted and has a 400 pound payload capacity. The tailgate can be opened or removed for easier cleanout and to carry longer items.
Additionally, it features truck-like performance and can be operated with one hand. The dumping mechanism is as simple as lifting a lever. Integrated tie-down points offer increased versatility and are incorporated in all four corners, on multiple points along the side walls and via tie-down bars on either side of the cargo box.
The new Gator RSX850i is available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo, olive and black or traditional John Deere green and yellow. In addition to the new RSX a full line of Gator Traditional and Crossover Utility Vehicles are available to support the needs of every kind of customer type.
Visit your local John Deere dealer or www.JohnDeere.com/Gator to learn more.
About John Deere – Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land – those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity.
DIRT TRAX is an international award winning offroad motorsports program with National broadcast coverage on Sportsman Channel in the United States and in Canada on City TV, Wild TV, REV TV, Cowboy Channel, RFD TV and Sportsman Channel Canada, as well as international coverage on our popular YOUTUBE channel.
For all media, sponsorship, and other queries, please visit our Contact Us page.
© TRAX MEDIA INC 2022
