Dirt Trax Magazine’s Publisher Motorhead Mark Lester evaluates Polaris’ 2011 diesel powered Ranger side-x-side.
Seems the Can-Am team has been making significant progress in the ATV and SxS biz while literally knocking the socks off the motorcycle world with the innovative Spyder 3-wheeled ‘Roadster’.
In the ATV biz, any movement among the OEMs in market share percentages is big news. According to all our sources, Can-Am has now moved into the number four market share position.
On the Spyder news front there are a number of luminaries claiming the Roadster is now the number five selling “motorcycle” in the North American marketplace behind Harley and the four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers.
This means Spyder is outselling all the euro and Harley-look-a-like brands after only three model years in production, offering just two basic models. Yikes.
Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. is announcing a refreshed brand identity showcased through its new packaging, innovative video short film and enhanced website with a renewed emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation’.
The refreshed brand messaging communicates to the consumer that Kolpin provides an honest value in rugged dependability and is the ultimate source for ATV accessories and UTV accessories.
“Kolpin’s refreshed visual identity was designed to strengthen brand messaging, enhance shelf prominence, and establish consistency across multiple distribution channels. The updated brand look and elements reflect Kolpin’s strategy of communicating with powersports and outdoor enthusiasts via modern marketing channels while maintaining Kolpin’s reputation as an industry leader,” said Sarah Hudzinski, Manager of Marketing Services for Kolpin.
The new packaging is just one avenue that Kolpin is utilizing to convey the emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’
Also prominent in the brand refresh is the completion of a Kolpin branded short film that visually communicates Kolpin’s extensive offering and high quality standards. This “shortie” illustrates Kolpin’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of today’s marketplace and consumer needs.
In concert with the brand refresh efforts, Kolpin has committed to more effectively build brand health and awareness while taking advantage of direct consumer communications through a socially minded and prominent social media campaign that includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube enhanced blog content, QR codes and a completely redesigned website which will launch in September, 2011.
Implementation of the refreshed brand identity will continue throughout the remainder of 2011.
Kolpin Outdoors Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV accessories and UTV accessories. As The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation Kolpin sets the standard for quality, innovation and design. Kolpin continues to redefine the industry with patented innovations such as our world-renowned Kolpin Expansion System (KXP), Gun Boot cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories. To learn about the latest products, news and topics follow us on www.kolpin.com
Dirt Trax Television Co-Host AJ Lester brings his project 1997 Scrambler back into the shop to install some much-needed EPI parts.
The 3rd Annual Yamaha SxS & ATV Roundup, sponsored by GBC Motorsports, kicked off Labor Day weekend in style.
The Brimstone Recreation Facilitiy in Huntsville, TN was the site as a huge turnout made the weekend-long event a fun and exciting experience for riders and spectators alike.
The event kicked off on Friday with a Shine and Show event that brought out some spectacular looking machines and was followed up by a meet ‘n greet and drive-in movie at the Yamaha Event Area.
Saturday’s events included sled pulls, mud bogs, drag races, the ever-popular pole bend, and even a ladies “dash-for-cash” event.
Everyone seemed to have a great time during the competitions and there were plenty of vendors in attendance. GBC Motorsports was on hand with an abundance of products on display.
Later in the evening, the Half Cabin events area was packed as country music star Tracy Lawrence took to the stage, putting on an impressive concert that had everyone on their feet.
The most anticipated event of the weekend has always been the King of the Mountain endurance race, billed as one of the toughest endurance races out there.
The course is made up of some extreme obstacles including creek crossings, hill climbs and rock crossings that took their toll on both man and machine.
24 ATV racers crowded the starting line, but only half of those brave souls would conquer the challenges set before them.
At the outset Blake Strickland led for most of the race, but Jimmy Elam came from behind and overtook Strickland in the final laps for the win. Late in the race, Kevin Trantham made his way up from third and made a pass on Strickland for the number two spot. “It was a tough course, one of the toughest I have ever raced,” said Trantham.
The SxS class had an even tougher time as only 4 UTVs out of 16 made it through to the finish line. The podium was comprised of Allen Clark, Johnny Ford and Chris Umphrey, in that order. GBC”s Mike Lasher claimed the Media Trophy as he finished in 4th place.
The final event of the weekend was the Moonshine Poker Run that was held on Sunday evening under the cover of darkness. This turned out to be one of the most successful and enjoyable events of the weekend.
GBC Motorsports is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s SxS & ATV Roundup. With plenty of fun and activities for all, GBC is already looking forward to next year’s event. For more information on GBCÂ’s line of ATV and SxS tires visit www.gbcmotorsports.com.
KYMCO USA’s ATV team took 1st & 2nd in the 4×4 Lites class, a 2nd place finish in the 90cc Limited class, and a 9th place finish in the Sport (15+) class last weekend at the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) race at the historic Unadilla Valley Sports Complex in New Berlin, N.Y.
Kyle Golding took the checkered flag in the 2-hour 4×4 Lites race atop his KYMCO Maxxer 450i IRS, finishing just 1 min. 7 sec. ahead of teammate Zach Stoddard and his Maxxer 450i IRS. The victory positions Golding 2nd in his class overall standings. Stoddard is 3rd overall, 11 points behind Kyle.
KYMCO Team Rider Brendan Golding roared to a 2nd place finish in the 90cc Limited race on his Mongoose 90R. The podium finish positions Brendan 2nd in his class standings, only one point behind the leader.
In the two-hour Sport (15+) race, Taylor “Turbo” Stoddard scrambled to 9th place on his Mongoose 300. The hard-fought finish keeps Turbo 8th in his class overall standings as the team prepares for the next GNCC race, September 24, at Mountain Ridge in Somerset, Penn.
“This was awesome, absolutely awesome,” KYMCO Team Race Manager Al Golding said upon seeing Kyle take the checkered flag. “We go through two weeks of prep for two hours of constant pounding on the guys and equipment. Now we go back to two weeks of prep to do it all over again.”
Visit KYMCO USA’s Facebook page, beginning Monday, September 19, to meet KYMCO’s current six-member ATV team and follow them into the second half of the 2011 GNCC season as they prepared for their race at Unadilla.
About KYMCO USA – KYMCO’s roots in the motorsports industry go back to its founding in 1963 as the Kwang Yang Motor Company, Ltd., with headquarters in Taiwan. Long a leader in quality, fuel economy and versatility, today KYMCO manufactures motor scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs at five plants in Asia, including the main facility in the city of Kaohsiung.
KYMCO is the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan and currently exports to 88 countries worldwide. All KYMCO plants use the latest technology for the engineering and production of reliable engine, chassis and other components. Since 2004, KYMCO has been officially accredited for ISO-9001 quality in manufacturing. KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction and constant innovation, making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to bring superior engineering and design to their products.
The company’s partner in the United States is KYMCO USA with headquarters, marketing and distribution centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. KYMCO USA is dedicated to building the brand’s reputation and market share through superior value, frequent new product introductions, strategic industry partnerships, and excellence in dealer network support. KYMCO USA has a reputation and expertise gained through over 30 years in the U.S. motorsports industry. Learn more at www.KYMCOUSA.com
Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am DS 450 racers Chris Bithell and Adam McGill finished second and third, respectively, at the 2011 Can-Am Unadilla GNCC in New Berlin, N.Y. Bithell, who led a portion of the final lap, also finished third overall on the afternoon podium.
In the morning ranks, several Can-Am racers finished on their class podium at Unadilla Valley Sports Center complex, including Bryan Buckhannon in the 4×4 Open class and Clifton Beasley in the U2 class.
In fact, Beasley also secured the season championship aboard the Can-Am Renegade 800R X xc ATV by notching his ninth win in nine rounds of racing in 2011.
“I was pleased to see both Bithell and McGill reach the Pro class podium in New York. They both led the race at one time and had the speed to win, but unfortunately came up a little short on the rough, fast and short 7-mile course,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “I also have to congratulate Cliff Beasley on winning his 28th consecutive race, another U2 Class Championship and going 9-for-9 this year on his Renegade X xc.”
In Pro-class action, McGill started off slow as he was outside the top 10 at the beginning of the race. However, the West Virginia native battled hard and eventually took over the lead on lap four. He dropped back to second and then fell one more spot as a lapped rider slowed his pace on the seventh-and-final lap.
Bithell was in eighth place after lap one, but moved into fourth place by the second lap. He took the lead on lap six as he patiently waited for a lapped rider to move off the trail as other Pro racers chose to find an alternative route around the blocked trail.
Bithell’s decision put him in the lead, which he held until the final jump on the motocross track when another rider passed him. Bithell recorded second overall in the class and third overall on the afternoon podium.
McGill finished one spot behind in the Pro class, earning third place. McGill and Bithell are currently in second and third place, respectively, in the Pro class points race with four rounds remaining.
“It was pretty crazy. There were a lot of lead changes,” said Chris Bithell. “I would have liked to have taken the win, but I was happy to finish in second.”
The morning races were highlighted by Beasley’s win and championship, as well as Buckhannon’s 4×4 Open class victory. Beasley has now won 28 straight 4×4 class races after posting another U2 class overall win at Unadilla aboard his Team UXC Racing / Can-Am X-Team-sponsored Renegade X xc. The morning Utility podium was made up of Buckhannon, Swift and Beasley.
“I was leading [the] overall for a little bit in the first lap and I took another win in my class. I’m still just going to take it one race at a time and do the best I can and hopefully keep winning,” said Beasley.
Buckhannon, riding his Can-Am Outlander 800R X xc, outran Team UXC Racing / Can-Am X-Team racer Michael Swift as the two riders exchanged the lead close to 10 times during the morning session. Buckhannon’s fifth victory of 2011 pulled him to within three points of Swift for the class points lead.
“Michael [Swift] and I were really battling out there and we accidentally had a little contact this time, but we always try to keep it clean so we all go home safe at the end of the day,” Buckhannon said. “It felt good to take another win and I’m hoping to keep doing that for the rest of the season.”
Finishing third in the 4×4 open class aboard a Can-Am Outlander and riding for Zakowski Motorsports was Marko Jager of Prebold, Solvenia.
Jager, the winner of the 2011 Red Bull Erzberg and other gruelling European endurance events, ended up 10th overall in the morning session in his U.S. racing debut.
In the 4×4 Lites class, Zakowski Motorsports / Can-Am X-Team racer Kevin Trantham, who led for the first five laps, encountered issues in the final lap and finished third in his class. He currently has eight victories and holds a 10-point lead over second place.
Lexie Coulter earned third place in the Women’s class and moved into a tie for fourth place after being unable to compete in the previous two rounds due to injury.
In the 4×4 Super Senior class, Forrest Whorton, Mike Penland (MPR / Can-Am X-Team) and David Jessee made up an all-Can-Am podium finishing 1-2-3, respectively.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2011 schedule, the 2011 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
Full Featured Light Utility Vehicle has Class-Exclusive Technology
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced the all-new Grizzly 300 2WD utility ATV combining best-in-class technology with a value price at $4,099.
This new light utility ATV has a smooth and powerful engine and is the only model in its class with a fully automatic dual range transmission.
The Grizzly 300 is powered by a 287cc single overhead cam four stroke engine. Its class-exclusive liquid cooling provides precise temperature control and long engine life even in extreme environments. At the center of its lightweight and durable chassis is a power plant with a 32mm carburetor that delivers smooth power.
“This all-new Grizzly 300 is built for the farmer who needs a durable, dependable light utility vehicle or rider who wants a fun two-wheel-drive recreational ATV,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “Grizzly styling and reliability combined with all of its great features make this new 300 the best machine in its class.”
Feature for feature, the Grizzly 300 easily out performs any similarly priced competing model. The durable engine and dual range transmission offers Hi range for light duty and trail riding plus Low range for tougher chores and towing.
This bear can pull more than 720 pounds and carry more than 140 combined pounds on the ATV’s front and rear racks. It features separate hydraulic front and rear disc brakes and 22-inch Maxxis tires with a rugged lug pattern for optimum traction and durability.
More than five inches of clearance allows it to cover rugged ground, and its double wishbone front suspension system with 5.9 inches of travel and a rear swingarm with 6.5 inches of travel provide maximum terrainability. All of this is wrapped around a reliable, low-maintenance shaft drive.
Creature comforts include a plush seat, push-button electronic start, water resistant under seat storage box, and large front and rear fenders with full floorboards for mud/splash protection.
Under seat marine grade electrical components ensure protection from the elements, and the 2.8 gallon fuel tank provides ample range for chores or trail rides.
The all new Grizzly 300 will be available in December 2011 and comes in Steel Blue and Hunter Green. More information about this and other Yamaha utility ATVs is at www.YamahaOutdoors.com
Big Move by Sport Industry Leader
With a fading Sport ATV market across the collective industry, Yamaha has once again taken a leading role in innovation.
This time though, the innovation is evident in the way the company is approaching this vulnerable market segment.
Yamaha was the first OEM to offer a true race level performance ATV and its success cannot be denied when you consider Yamaha supported racers like Bill Balance, Dustin Nelson and Thomas Brown.
Based on its success, the proven YFZ450 platform is unquestionably the envy of Yamaha’s competitors.
Yamaha obviously nailed the set-up on this quad with its powerhouse YZ based engine, cast aluminum swing arm and sub frame, aluminum upper A-arm, long travel suspension and lightweight, nimble chassis.
For 2012, Yamaha has elected to make a YFZ that appeals more to the average recreational rider and just as important, have made it affordable for the average ATV sport rider to buy one.
Adjustments to the cam timing has improved bottom and mid range power and has made it easier to ride for recreational riders. A new, larger Mikuni 42mm BSR carb with TBS has also improved throttle response while creating reduced throttle effort.
New KYB front shocks (non piggyback) perform well and are more than enough cushion for the average recreational rider and the Showa piggyback rear shock absorbs the bumps nicely.
The move to a new lighter wheel, with rolled inner lip that protects the inside of the wheel from dirt and muck, and new, lighter Dunlop front tires that reduce steering effort are welcome upgrades.
Here’s where things get really interesting though. The new price tag on this 2012 YFZ450 has been slashed to just $6,799.
If you need a better understanding of just how good a deal this is, the 2012 Honda TRX450R is $7,999 and the Kawi KFX450R is $8,099. If you’re scratching your head right now thinking there has to be a catch, think again.
The 2012 YFZ450 out-performs its competitors in every feature from weight to suspension travel to all-round performance at an incredible price. Yamaha is serious about maintaining its ownership of the sport market. Make no mistake about it.
This is the right product, at the right time. The YFZ is absolutely priced to bring back the core demographic. In case you’re wondering, Yamaha still offers the EFI equipped YFZ450R (including Special Edition) for the serious hardcore racers out there.
Look for the full story in the November issue of Dirt Trax Magazine. We’ll have more photos and more details about this exciting move by Yamaha. Visit www.yamaha-motor.com for more details right now!
Dirt Trax Television Co-Host Luke Lester evaluates the very same Can-Am Outlander Xxc that AJ Lester took third place aboard last season in the GNCC Iron Man race.
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