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SCOTT VOLTAGE PROAIR GOGGLES

If you wear an MX style helmet, you gotta have a solid pair of goggles to go along with it.

Goggles protect your eyes from mud spatter, dust and tree branches and can also act to reduce glare from the sun and ultimately keep your line of vision clear so you can ride safely.

Scott’s Voltage ProAir goggles feature a silicone lined strap so it won’t slip off your helmet causing you to lose focus while riding.

This goggle system also features new NoSweat face foam that fits comfortably inside the face opening on your helmet and won;t irritate your skin.

This system also features Scott’s Revolutionary Air Management System (RAM) that provides adequate ventilation to keep your face cool and prevent your goggles from fogging.

The Voltage ProAir goggle system is available is numerous striking designs and colors.

Visit scott-sports.com for more information.

ARCTIC CAT WILDCAT 1000 HO

Race-Inspired, Pure-Sport ROV Made in America

Inspired by the unforgiving terrain of the Baja 1000, engineered to attack the gnarliest obstacles with precision and control, and crafted in America by a company dedicated to performance and quality, the all-new Arctic Cat Wildcat V-Twin 1000H.O. debuts as themost potent pure-sport recreational off-road vehicle (ROV) ever built.

With industry-leading suspension travel, 13 inches of ground clearance, a full-perimeter frame and the largest displacement engine in its class, the Wildcat is a full-production version ofwhatwas previously reserved for off-road race vehicles.

“TheWildcat has no equal. Period,” said Claude Jordan, Arctic Cat President and CEO. “Our customers asked for a high-performance side-byside, andwe happily responded with a no-compromise, pure-sport hot rod that redefines what’s possible with a production off-road vehicle.”

SUSPENSION Ultimate Long Travel

The Wildcat can effortlessly hammer through whoops and dunes thanks to a front and rear suspension combination that rivals those used on off-road race buggies.

At the rear is an industry-first 5-pointmulti-link trailing armsuspension that keeps the tires’ contact patches flatwhile the suspension moves through its industry-leading 18 inches of travel. The unique 5-point multi-link minimizes camber and axle plunge to soak up the harshest terrain without compromising handling and steering.

The double-wishbone front suspension boasts a best-in-class 17 inches of travel,with geometry that’s optimized for stability and control. Both the front and rear suspensions are dampened byWalker Evans Racing shocks.

Designed from a lifetime of off-road competition and experience and also made in the USA, these remote reservoir shocks are machined frombillet aluminum and feature 17-position compression dampening adjustability, dual-rate springs and preload adjustment. They’re calibrated with ample ride-in to keep the Wildcat’s tires on the ground,with consistent dampening for hours of hard riding.

The all-new Duro Kaden 14-in tires were developed specifically for the Wildcat, utilizing an elongated tread pattern designed to extend to the tires shoulder, providing excellent cornering, traction, performance and durability in rough conditions.

Full-Perimeter Exoskeleton

The foundation for the Wildcat’s suspension is a full-perimeter frame that sets a newstandard in strength, rigidity and durability. Usually found only in off-road race trucks, the chassis is constructed from High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steelwith a full-perimeter exoskeleton design that’s a first in the ROV class.

With a 40/60 front/rearweight distribution, the Wildcat’s front end remains light for optimal handling when tackling gnarly terrain. Occupants in the cockpit of the Wildcat are positioned close to the low center- of-gravity (CG), leaving them less affected bymovements of the suspension and chassis and producing a more comfortable and confident ride.

1000 H.O. ENGINE

Built in St. Cloud,Minnesota The 1000 H.O engine that powers the new Wildcat is the largest displacement engine in the Pure Sport category, and the idealmatch for the industry-leading suspensions and chassis combo. Built in the USA by Arctic Cat, the 951cc V-Twin, SOHC 4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) has proven itself on the Prowler XTZ.

On the Wildcat, the 1000 H.O. has been tuned to deliver even stronger acceleration thanks to the extra torque and horsepower provided by heavy breathing 50mm throttle bodies, a new 2-into-1 ceramic-coated exhaust and an all-newair intake system. The close-coupled, mid-chassis engine location neutralizes the Wildcat’s handling, maximizes the rider/passenger volume and reduces cockpit noise.

The engine transfers power to the driveshaft via the Duramatic automatic CVT transmission. The addition of the Spike Load Dampener (SLD) allows the driveline to slip for a millisecond under harsh spikeloads, reducing the torque load to the systemfor optimal durability.

A console-mounted shifter allows quicker gear selection between Reverse, Neutral, High and Low gears. Likewise, a dash-mounted switch activates 2- or 4-wheel drive with differential lock. Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provide strong, enhanced braking.

Electronic Power Steering

Yet another first-in-class technology, the addition of Arctic Cat’s Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) on theWildcat delivers even greater steering control and ease.

The EPS systemis amanaged electronic control unit (ECU) thatmeasures steering input force, tire resistance and vehicle speed, and then provides the appropriate assist to the steering column through an electricmotor. Steering assistance begins at idle, and varies based on the above inputs.

The result: Light steering input effort at speed while maintaining the right amount of driver feedback to feel the limits of traction and control. The power assist is particularly noticeable at low speeds and when in 4WD (especially with the differential locked), where its reduced steering effort eases changing direction or navigating tough obstacles like washouts, rocks ormud.

INTERIOR

Comfortable and Controlled Arctic Cat engineers designed the Wildcat’s interior for optimal occupant comfort, control and visibility. Contoured, high-back bucket seats with upper body supports deliver exceptional comfort and body stability, and rival any aftermarket suspension seat on themarket.

The cut and sewn design cradles theWildcat occupants tominimize fatigue. A 3-point seat beltwith an anti-cinch design keeps you in place and comfortable through the harshest terrain. Getting in and out of the Wildcat is quick and easy thanks to a tube-frame doorwith integrated nets.

Pivoting fromthe rear and latching at the front via a simple one-latchmechanism, the doors open quickly and easily, swinging out of theway for hassle-free entry/departure. An infinitely adjustable tilt steeringwheel allows you to adjust your steering preferences.

A new 5-inch digital/analog round gauge provides great readabilitywith itsmid-dash location. It displays up to 14 critical operations including: clock/hour meter, fuel level,mode button, set/reset button, odometer/trip, gear position, speedometer/tachometer, differential lock, drive select, high beam, battery condition, temperature and oil pressure.

A locking glove box offers ample, convenient storage,while two easyto- reach cup holders are located where beverages won’t interferewith driving controls or arms.

PREMIUM FEATURES

The all-newWildcat is richwith premiumfeatures startingwith two automotive- style painted color choices: BlackMetallic or Arctic GreenMetallic. Class-leading LED headlights and taillights project a light that’s clearer than an HID,with two times brighter Lumens than a halogen system(while utilizing 50 percent less wattage).

The Wildcat’s rear cargo bed has the largest capacity in its classwith a 300 lb. payload to carry a cooler and additional fuel containers. A 12V accessory outlet is located in the center console for GPS or cell phone adapters.

The alternator capacity has been increased for accessory lights, radios orwinches. The underside of theWildcat features full-protection HDPE skid plates to glide over protruding obstacles, while the chassis utilizes maintenance- free bushings for hassle-free durability.

ACCESSORIES Simple Customization

Arctic Catwill offer more than 50 Wildcat-specific products for the ultimate in customization. These easy-toinstall parts, accessories and upgrades can be used to personalize and compliment the lines of the ultimate pure sport ROV.

An array of trick lightweight aluminum protective accessories will be available, like front and rear pre-runner bumpers, rock sliders, A-arm guards and skid plates.

A contoured half windshield with a dust management system will divert thewind up and over the rider while the stylized T-top style roof with integrated rear spoiler and built in headliner has roomto install your tunes.

Look for other items like a gas can holder, spare tire carrier, cooler holder, fender flares and a box cover to arrive shortly among a host of other products.

Visit arcticcat.com

ATV Sales Miraculously Tied to UTV Sales

If you ask the ATV makers who build both side-by-sides and ATVs how business is going, you’ll get varying answers.

For sure there’ll be complete agreement on the fact the SxS biz is carrying the day with consumers and especially for Polaris with the red hot sales success of the RZR and its many variations.

Frankly, it looks like the more models an OEM builds in the UTV segment, the stronger its bottom line is. Right now Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am are leading with the number of UTVs in their product repertoires and all claim to have very strong sales across their product lines.

We have little doubt this is true. These are the same companies that are bringing new models and features to the marketplace, not just with side-by-sides but with ATVs, too.

It’s interesting to note that once-dominant Suzuki has almost dropped off the map with recognition in the ATV biz – and this is the only one of the Big-7 manufacturers that is not building any kind of UTV product.

Honda offers the limited appeal Big Red and we have no idea how it’s overall sales are going but dealers are telling us the long-established brand is having a tough time in showroom comparisons with those OEMs offering new models and especially an array of SxS equipment.

Kawasaki has a wide model selection of Mule and Teryx products, and although not promoting much, seems to be holding its market share.

An exception here is powerful Yamaha, arguably the ATV market leader. Because of legal hassles, it has reduced Rhino availability significantly but continues to advance its ATV sales and strong market share upswing.

POLARIS SCRAMBLER: MIXED EMOTIONS

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After logging some saddle time on the Polaris Scrambler, I have to admit – I have mixed feelings about this ATV.

On one hand, it boasts the meat and potatoes of what you want in an ATV. Powerful engine, class leading ride quality and handling, true all-wheel drive and a reasonably sporty appearance. At the same time though, its feature list falls so short of norms in this segment that we’re left scratching our heads. Let’s break it down.

The 2011 Polaris Scrambler features the same 498cc high output carbureted engine as the Sportsman Classic 500 HO. This engine is snappy, provides ample jam at each squeeze and in no way left our pilots poopy-faced or whining for more power.

Plus, Polaris essentially put the McPherson strut front end on the map, which contributes heavily to the Scrambler’s superior ride quality and handling. Seriously, it absolutely kicks butt for an ATV in this semi-crossover class putting it head and shoulders above the Arctic Cat XC 450i in this area.

However, here’s the rub. The Scrambler’s feature list is so disappointing; the average “entry level” buyer could fall out of love with this ATV in a hurry.

Though the Scrambler is equipped with Polaris’ All-Wheel Drive system, it lacks low range and more importantly ground clearance, thanks to a solid rear axle, 23-inch sporty tires and the absence of IRS. Sure AWD is as sweet as ice cream on a hot day, but its not going to deliver everything you need while you’re out on the trails if the rear end gets hung up. You only need to get stuck in the mud and make the long walk back to camp once to realize the importance these missing features can have on your riding experience.

Further to this, why no PARK feature? It’s available on the Sportsman lineup along with low range, however the Scrambler is only equipped with High, Neutral and Reverse. We think Park and Low Range would be wise additions and could soften the disappointment over the lack of IRS.

What’s also disappointing is the absence of a gauge cluster. The digital instrumentation found on the Sportsman is excellent, however this feature is missing altogether on the Scrambler. Heck, even the sport-specific Yamaha Raptor now comes with a sweet digital gauge cluster. We just think this is one feature Polaris could’ve bolted on without too much trouble.

On the other side of the fence, the Scrambler is nearly 140 pounds lighter than the Sportsman 500 HO and it is the very absence of these features that contribute substantially to this weight difference. However, the price discrepancy between the ATVs is so significant, we have to try not to think about it just so we can sleep at night.

Polaris has proven time and again that it won’t be a category loser. Bottom line is we have to think Polaris engineers will lean heavily on this hot ATV’s rich history and make some tweaks and adjustments to eventually put it on the top of the pile so it over-delivers to the market. For the time being though, The Scrambler will endure purely by its roots – solid engine performance and great handling.

WHAT IS A SPORT ATV?

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The manufacturers have been scratching their corporate heads lately asking the same question.

The current financial recession has put a damper on the “Pure Sport” segment of the industry and there have been almost no changes, updates or new models introduced into that part of the business for almost three years.

The problem is, the demographic sector that is most likely to buy a gear-on gear, solid rear axle 400, 450 or 700cc Sport ATV is dead-center within the most economically fragile buying group in our society.

Those enthusiasts tend to be younger, perhaps in their twenties or early thirties, and usually finance their purchase. Since credit is more difficult and this age group is usually already encumbered with mortgages and car payments, the Sport ATV purchase gets put on the back burner.

What has happened though, bears some close study by the OEM’s marketing people. Although motocross or sand dune style lightweights have diminished in sales, there’s a solid resurgence in other types of “sport” oriented ATVs.

For instance, Arctic Cat and Can-Am have been having success with their snorkel-equipped mudslingers and there’s no less interest in 4WD Sport ATVs like the Renegade, Arctic Cat XC450i and the Polaris Scrambler.

Even some of the GNCC-ready sport-utes that come with racks but have big-time power are stimulating Sport ATV sales and, more importantly, interest from the performance addicted enthusiasts who don’t want an ATV for ranch work or hauling fence posts.

It may be time to re-define what a Sport ATV really is. Rather than riding motocross style on closed courses, the new Sport ATV enthusiast may like to challenge his 4-wheel drive system and play in the mud.

CAN-AM X-TEAM RIDERS RECORD 6 CLASS PODIUMS

Can-Am X-Team riders had a successful showing at round eight of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series earning six podiums at The John Penton event held in Millfield, Ohio.

Clifton Beasley won his 27th consecutive race with another victory in the U2 class. Another X-Team rider Kevin Trantham continued his unbeaten streak in 2012 by winning the 4×4 Lites class and finishing second overall on the GNCC morning podium. And Bryan Buckhannon also won the 4×4 Open class to pull within four points of the class points leader before the summer break.

“We had a great morning session in Ohio, with several of our X-Team-supported racers winning their individual classes,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Cliff and Kevin, each put in one of their best races of the season in the very challenging conditions at the John Penton event, and both are having a very awesome year.”

Beasley is in complete control of the U2 class aboard his Team UXC Can-Am Renegade 800R X xc with a 27-point lead. One more class win will secure another title for the X-Team racer, who won his class by more than four minutes at round nine.

“I’m real happy to take another win. I have one more race to win before I wrap up the championship, then I can relax a little,” he said. “I had a pretty good race out there. It was pretty slick in the morning and people were spinning out all over the place so I just tried to ride smart and ride my own race and it paid off.”

Aboard his Zakowski Motorsports-prepared Can-Am Outlander 500 XT, Trantham earned his 14th straight victory in the 4×4 Lites class dating back to 2010. His second overall on the morning podium was a career best.

Buckhannon, on his Can-Am Outlander 800R X xc, notched his fourth victory of the season in the 4×4 Open class. He won by more than 14 seconds and trails Can-Am X-Team racer Michael Swift by only four points going into Round 10. Swift led for much of the race, but bobbled on a hill allowing Buckhannon to take the lead. “Michael Swift and I were really battling out there and it was really fun to have good racing like that,” said Buckhannon.

In XC1 Pro class action, Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am DS 450 racer Chris Bithell held an early lead, then ran in third place for much of the day before eventually finishing in a respectable fourth place. The Pennsylvania racer is currently fourth in the Pro-class point standings.

Teammate Adam McGill, who also was an early race leader on his DS 450 ATV, was slowed by an electrical issue and ended up in 11th place. At the break, McGill sits comfortably in second place in the championship points race.

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.

CLUB BRP MONTREAL: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Club BRP Montréal, BRP’s biggest event of the company’s 70-year history, ended after the general public had the chance to test the products and visit the BRP showroom at the Palais des congrès over the weekend. A Career Fair was also held within the showroom to recruit bilingual professionals for positions in Canada and abroad.

In addition to the 4,000 dealers, distributors, media and employees from around the world that BRP had invited to its commercial fair, the company provided free access to the showroom at the Palais des congrès, free demo rides at the Ultimate Playground site, and free outdoor concerts on popular Crescent Street.

BRP displayed its R&D capabilities and surprised everyone by introducing a concept vehicle of an electric side-by-side vehicle, a solar cart, a gyrocopter, and even a flight simulator and a kart simulator to demonstrate the many uses of its Rotax engines.

The Palais des congrès showcased all of BRP’s 2012 products including the Sea-Doo boat line-up featuring an updated 150 Speedster model and introduced a new touch-screen infocentre for its intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system. For its Sea-Doo watercraft segment, BRP launched its new T3 lean-in hull design and Ergolock seating, and expanded its intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR) system in every category.

“I was not going to buy many Sea-Doo 210 Challenger and 210 Challenger S boats with the single Rotax 4-TEC 1.5 L power package,” admitted Derek Ennis of the Enn’s Brothers dealership in Winnipeg, Manitoba, “until I rode them on the demo course.”

BRP’s Can-Am off-road product lines grew with new models and technologies designed to enhance the riding style of every fan. Featured for the 2012 launch was a completely redesigned Can Am Outlander 1000 ATV with its unrivalled engine performance delivered by a new 976 cc Rotax V-Twin power plant. This year’s side-by-side line-up expanded with the Can Am Commander 1000 Limited package, the most luxurious side-by-side vehicle in the industry. BRP’s successful on-road vehicle, the Can-Am Spyder roadster, was refined with new colorations for the sport and touring lines.

“One of the main reasons for Club BRP was to give our dealers, distributors and invited media a chance to understand our company better. They had the chance to visit our facilities in Valcourt; they gained a better understanding of BRP, of what makes us tick,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “Throughout the week our employees did an outstanding job to greet and help our guests. They overcame exceptional logistical challenges so we can say “Mission accomplished!””

“I’m very pleased to be a part of this Club and I have learnt so much. I appreciate seeing the loyalty and passion of the BRP workforce,” said Andrew Wagner, General Manager of Marine & Engineering Division, a BRP distributor from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. “I will remember this Club – Valcourt and Montréal – with great warmth. I am proud to have been a part of Club BRP.”

“The most memorable moment was the pride and passion I felt when all BRP employees stood up and recognized the dealer and distributor networks during the private concert at the Bell Centre,” added Ennis of the Enn’s Brothers dealership in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “I am proud to be a BRP dealer!”

BRP was certified BNQ 9700-253 from Takt-etik, Québec’s leading sustainable development consulting firm, who assessed set criteria for the management of eco-responsible events, including food services, and water, waste and transportation management. BRP will offset the carbon emissions from its Ultimate Playground site and will ensure that the demo site is restored to its pre-Club condition.

CREAMER WINS PRO AND PRO-AM CLASSES AT ROUND SIX

Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer Josh Creamer won both the Pro and Pro-Am classes at round six of the New England ATV Motocross Series in Minot, Maine. BCS Performance / Can-Am DS 450 racer Cody Miller joined Creamer on both podiums, finishing third in both classes.

“Josh continues to amaze us on how talented of a rider he actually is. This season he’s has adapted very quickly to the Can-Am DS 450 and continues to get faster each race,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “This past weekend Josh was in championship form and rode hard on his way to winning all four motos.”

Creamer had a challenging first moto after a battle with the current Pro-class points leader. After grabbing the holeshot in moto one, Creamer lost the lead only to regain it again as the leader made a mistake. Then in the second Pro moto, Creamer used the power from his Motoworks-prepped DS 450 to grab another holeshot and lead wire-to-wire for the victory. The two-moto sweep moved Creamer to within 14 points of the Pro class leader.

“I had a great weekend. I came out here to win and that’s just what I did,” said Creamer. “I had a good run this weekend and now I am looking forward to Southwick. That’s a bit longer track and it’s pretty sandy, so I’m going to be training a little harder for that round.”

In Pro-Am class action, Miller grabbed the moto-one holeshot, but was quickly passed by Creamer and another rider. Miller held off another rider for a hard-fought third place. The second Pro-Am moto started with another Creamer holeshot and victory. Miller was in second for much of the race, but eventually dropped to third and ended the day with a 4-3 score in the Pro ranks for third overall.

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.co.

NATALIE REMAINS POINTS LEADER WITH UNADILLA PODIUM

Motoworks / Can-Am Pro ATV racer John Natalie maintained his AMA ATV MX Championship points lead by finishing third overall at the AMA ATV MX Championship held at Unadilla outside of New Berlin, N.Y. Canadian Can-Am X-Team DS 450 racer Richard Pelchat finished fifth overall in his first AMA race of 2011.

“John successfully preserved his Pro class points lead with another podium-worthy performance at Unadilla,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “He put in valiant performance in the second moto, despite the rough, rocky and tight passing conditions, to finish second and keep his championship points lead.”

Natalie, who captured the fastest qualifier award, came out of the moto-one gate in sixth place after he and Chase Snapp were forced wide in turn one. He fought his way into third place later in the race and was challenging for the second-place position. However, with two laps to go, Natalie was forced to slow his pace due to engine issues and finished fifth in the moto. In moto two, Natalie came off the starting line in third and spent the majority of the race trying to pass the second place rider. Finally, with three laps remaining, Natalie made a pass for second place. His 5-2 moto finishes were good for third overall. He now owns just a three-point lead heading into round 10, which is slated for the July 30th weekend at Red Bud in Buchanan, Mich.

“This track was really hard packed and hard to pass, but I gave it my all and we had a great battle out there,” said Natalie. “I’m still recovering from my broken arm, but I am hoping to feel even better at Red Bud and hopefully take the win so I can extend the points lead and take a championship at Loretta’s.”

Canadian Can-Am X-Team DS 450 Pro racer Richard Pelchat made the trip from Saint-Romuald, Quebec, Canada. He came out of the gate in moto one in second place and ended up in seventh place at the checkers. Pelchat jumped out of the gate and into the top five in the second moto. He ended the race in sixth place and finished a very respectable fifth place overall.

In Pro-Am action, Can-Am X-Team DS 450 racer Cole Henry recorded a season-best second overall (4-3) in the Pro-Am Production class. He just missed another podium, tallying a 3-5 combined moto score for fourth overall in Pro-Am Unlimited action. Henry is currently fifth in points in both Pro-Am classes.

The DS 450 also had success in other amateur classes. Chase Henry, Cole’s younger brother, earned an overall victory in the Production A class. Also, former GNC ATV Pro Champion Travis Spader rode his Can-Am DS 450 to three impressive overalls, winning the Open A, Junior 25 Plus and Veteran 30+ classes.

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.

SPORTSMAN 500 HO: DEAL OR NO DEAL

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In the fall issue of Dirt Trax Magazine (then All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine), our insightful crew badged the Polaris Sportsman 500 HO the Best in Class pick for Best Value ATV in the industry.

Let’s throw a bit of light on this for a second. Polaris’ line-up also includes the premium-priced and ultra slick 550 Sportsman XP that’s jammed to the gills with goodness, but for the budget conscious consumer Polaris offers a “classic” edition 4×4 boasting a 499cc carbureted 4-valve single, McPherson struts up front and rolled IRS that put the Sportsman’s legendary reputation for ride quality on the map.

As we’ve stated before, Polaris’ “old” technology is actually better than some manufacturers’ new tech and in some cases, it would be hard for us to justify shelling out the extra coin for what seems like less offered on competitive brands.

Without question, the Polaris Sportsman 500 HO is a great ATV and the price tag at less than six grand US validates it as our choice for best value.

We’re thinking it would take some pretty smooth talking or an insane incentives package to move a reasonably informed new buyer away from this ATV.