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2010 BEST IN CLASS: Best Value UTV

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2010 BEST IN CLASS: Best Value UTV

WINNER: Polaris Ranger 400

The concept of a lighter, slightly smaller Ranger is fresh thinking in an industry that continues to add more features, more weight and more dimensions.

For one thing, the Ranger 400 lacks none of the 4×4 goodies found on its bigger siblings and its strut front end and IRS back end deliver an incredibly cushy ride.

The same hi-low range, true 4×4 Polaris setup is included and its carbureted 455cc mill is a perfect match to its weight.

For utility use and work around the ranch, we found the 400 every bit as useful as bigger models and the benefit of smaller dimensions really paid off when we got it out on the trails.

This UTV fits into tight spots you’d never dream of attempting with a full sized SxS.

The Ranger 400 is fast and nimble and comes with a price tag that’ll take you back about ten years.

There’s really nothing it doesn’t do well and it’s become our favorite ride both for work duties or when we want to go for a mud-slogging, hill climbing rip-up-the-dirt ride in the outback.

RUNNERS UP

Arctic Cat XT 550

Cat reduced its number of Prowler models offered this year but kept the 550 in the lineup. Good on them because this is one of the best deals in the business.

The fully equipped XT550 offers all the great 4WD features you need and maximum levels of cargo capacity both in its cargo bed and up front.

Its torquey 545cc engine has EFI and classy items like aluminum wheels and digital instrumentation put it in line with much more expensive offerings. A great buy and full value for the money.

Polaris Ranger 500 EFI

This all-new and very logical extension of the Ranger 400 phenomenon features downsized dimensions and a hefty 498cc mill with EFI.

All the great mobility benefits of the smaller, lighter Ranger platform are included here and, with so much power on tap, it will out-pull and out-cargo many bigger UTVs.

This engine-chassis combination puts the 500 in the hot-rod category for performance and handling and adds tremendous bang-for-the-bucks. It even fits in the box of a full-sized pickup.

OUTDOORSMAN: Changin’ Times, Changin’ Needs

John Arkwright
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OUTDOORSMAN: Changin’ Times, Changin’ Needs

When we started in ATV publishing biz 13 years ago, it forever changed the way I enjoy the outdoors. Up until then I had spent a lot of time on and around ATVs, but I’d never owned my own ATV or felt a strong desire to purchase one.

In those early years we piled loads of miles on the latest and sometimes not the greatest ATVs the industry had to offer. The big debate of the 90’s was the emergence of Polaris’ belt driven CVT vs. the time tested standard synchromesh gear transmission and for the most part there was no talk of purpose-built 2-uppers or side-x-sides.

Manufacturers soon recognized the changing needs of their target market and it wasn’t long before we saw Bombardier introduce the 2-up Traxter Max. John Deere had the Gator and Kawasaki had it’s Mule, but Polaris set the bar to new heights with the introduction of the Polaris Ranger 4WD.

Each year I am privileged to a long list of press units on loan to us for evaluating, but I have personally laid down my own money for three: a 2-stroke 400 Polaris Explorer, a Can-Am 400 Outlander and I now own a 400 Polaris Ranger.

The Explorer and the Outlander were absolutely stellar ATVs meeting – for the most part – all my needs as an outdoorsman, but after filming the “Camp Life” segment for Dirt Trax Television last summer I realized the versatility of the Ranger was unmatched for doing what I love.

I enjoy bass fishing the backcountry lakes in my area and I can throw my 14-foot Sportspal on the boat rack secured to the Ranger, load the tackle and cooler in the box and fasten my electric trolling motor on the tailgate. All this and have a fishing buddy sit next to me to chitchat while we ride out to the boat launch.

I certainly have taken my share of good-natured ribbing about being too old for ATVs, but the funny thing is my Ranger seems to be everyone’s favorite when we plan a fishing adventure and I am more often than not relegated to the passenger seat.

POLARIS ACQUIRES INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

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Polaris brings world-class engineering, manufacturing and distribution to Indian’s rich American heritage and historic brand

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle. The business was acquired from Indian Motorcycle Limited (“IML”), a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. “Indian built America’s first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known.”

With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling’s legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris’ engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian’s premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand,” said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. “Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian’s heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market.”

Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said “After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand.”

BRP TO DONATE WARM CLOTHING TO JAPAN

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BRP will donate warm clothing to relief efforts in Japan. The clothing was distributed to its subsidiary, BRP Japan, who will redirect it to people most in need.

“The Japan earthquake and tsunami has left so many homeless during such a cold time of the year,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “We hope that by providing direct relief, we can ease some of the hardships felt by survivors. On behalf of all BRP employees, our thoughts are with them.”

BRP has operated a direct distribution network in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan since February 2000, which was not affected by the March 11 event. Transport of the clothing to Narita airport from Europe was partially sponsored by FedEx, and from Australia by Trade Logistics.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries.

www.brp.com

CHRIS BORICH GRABS WIN AT BIG BUCK GNCC

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Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich got back to his winning ways and piloted his Suzuki QuadRacer R450 to the top step of the podium on Saturday at the Big Buck ATV GNCC, round four of the 2011 ATV Grand National Cross Series, in Union, SC.

Borich looked strong from the start at the Big Buck, moving his Suzuki into second place on lap two and then taking the lead from round three winner Adam McGill on lap three.

From there, the Rockstar Makita Suzuki two-time series champ put the hammer down on the rough and dirty course, leaving the competition in the dust to claim his third win of the series.

“I was kind of bummed two weeks ago,” said Borich. “We rode our hearts out at the last race and pretty much had it won and then we had a problem on the last lap near the finish – so it was good to get this win today.”

“My Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer ran great today and I was able to pull away when I needed to,” added Borich. “McGill and I had a good battle going, so it was good to get the win. Coming up, we have Loretta Lynn’s and that’s always a good race for me.”

So far, Borich, the reigning ATV XC1 champion, has powered his Suzuki QuadRacer R450 to three victories and one fifth-place finish in the 2011 GNCC series. Borich will carry a 14-point lead in the series standings into the fifth round of the series at the Loretta Lynn’s GNCC on Sunday May 1st, in Hurricane Mills, TN.

For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow team updates on SuzukiScoopFans on facebook and SuzukiScoop on twitter.

Big Buck GNCC ATV XC1 Class Results:

1. Chris Borich
2. Adam McGill
3. Taylor Kiser
4. Chris Bithell
5. Brian Cook
6. Kevin Yoho
7. Donald Ockerman
8. Jeffrey Pickens
9. Brian Wolf
10. Craig Bowman

2011 GNCC ATV XC1 Class Standings:

1. Chris Borich – 108
2. Adam McGill – 94
3. Chris Bithell – 89
4. Taylor Kiser – 82
5. Jarrod McClure – 62
6. Bryan Cook – 59
7. Donald Ockerman – 53
8. Kevin Yoho – 49
9. Brian Wolf – 45
10. Jeffrey Pickens – 44

Borich Wins Big Buck GNCC

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Chris Borich got back to his winning ways with a strong performance at the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC – round four of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Series in Union, South Carolina.

After finishing fifth at round three in North Carolina when he suffered an ignition problem, Borich was determined to make a mighty comeback at the Big Buck. And that he did. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider got off the line in the top five at the start the race, and then moved into second behind round-three winner Adam McGill, as the two riders broke away from the pack.

On lap three Borich came out ahead of McGill when the Foremost Insurance/Warnert Racing Can-Am rider pitted for fuel. From that point on it was all Borich, as the two-time champ turned up the heat, eventually taking the win by a four-minute margin.

Adam McGill was second.”I was kind of bummed two weeks ago,” said Borich. “We rode our hearts out at the last race and pretty much had it won and then we had an electrical problem. So it was good to get this win today.”

“Me and McGill, Taylor Kiser, Brian Wolf and Chris Bithell were battling there on the first lap, but then McGill picked it up and the two of us pulled away from the pack,” added Borich. “I was able to get the lead and just put the hammer down.”

McGill looked strong all day and gave Borich a run for his money during the early going.

“This was a good day,” said McGill. “I wish I could have been there at the end but I ran into some lappers. But that’s racing. I’ll take second place on the chin and keep going.”

Kiser rounded out the podium, the Ballance Racing Yamaha rider losing touch with the two leaders after a couple of get-offs on lap two.

Taylor Kiser rounded out the podium.”It was really warm today so I tried to pace myself,” said Kiser. “I made a few mistakes and lost ground, but all in all it was a good day.”

Foremost Insurance/Warnert Racing Can-Am rider Chris Bithell just missed the podium, finishing 40 seconds behind Kiser for fourth. Meanwhile, FRE Racing KTM’s Bryan Cook was fifth, another 44 seconds back.

Yamaha rider Kevin Yoho ended the day in sixth, finishing ahead of JET Suspension Honda’s Donnie Ockerman.

Rounding out the top 10 were Jeffrey Pickens (Yam), Yokley Honda rider Brian Wolf and Craig Bowman (Hon).

Meanwhile, Jarrod McClure won the $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award to start the race.

Walker Fowler continues to dominate the XC2 class, making it four wins in four races with an impressive ride at the Big Buck. The Ballance Racing Yamaha rider used a new strategy this time, going all out for the first three laps to build a good lead and then coasting home for the victory. In the end, Fowler finished the race with four minutes to spare over runner-up finisher Gabe Phillips.

“I tried to push real hard at the beginning to build a big lead in case I got tired at the end and I definitely got tired,” said Fowler. “Maybe I pushed too hard, but that’s how you get faster.”

Jarrod McClure grabbed the holeshot.Phillips was not happy at all with his second place performance, the Greg’s ATV & Cycle Yamaha rider got a good start but indicated that the intense heat was a factor and he needed to stop several times for water.

Eric Hoyland rounded out the podium, finishing just over two minutes behind Phillips. The Honda rider wasn’t able to practice the week before the race due to severely sprained ankle he suffered on the Monday before.

Greg’s ATV & Cycle Yamaha rider Patrick McGuire got his best finish of the year with a fourth, edging out Honda rider Parker Jones by 17 seconds.

Richie Brown was sixth on a KTM, while Honda riders Dustin Canipe (the $100 Motosport.com Holeshot Award winner) and Nathan Wallpe were seventh and eighth.

Greg’s ATV & Cycle Yamaha Matt Hanna and KTM rider Aarol Bright rounded out the top 10.

Jonathan Fugate won the Junior A (22+) with a 20th overall finish, the top non-XC1 or -XC2 rider in the afternoon race.

In the A.M. race, Dave Simmons won the $100 GT Thunder Amateur Overall Award, beating out Lexie Coulter and Kristen Atwell for that honor.

Walker Fowler won the XC2 race.”It was really getting rough out there, but I got a good start and just kept charging,” said Simmons.

The top three Utility riders were Bryan Buckhannon, Michael Swift and Clifton Beasley, with Buckhannon making a last lap pass to grab the top spot.

Meanwhile, Clifton Beasley topped fellow Can-Am riders Scott Day and Jordan Phillips to win the U2 division.

In the Sportsman A class, Jonathan Waddell took the win on his Honda, with Brenton Crofut, also on a Honda, in second and Wes Stone in third on a Kawasaki.

Josh Simmons ended Hunter Hart’s three-race win streak in the Youth division by taking an impressive overall victory, his first time to ever do so. Hart finished the race in second with Charlie Welch in third.

“I feels really good to get the win,” said Simmons. “I just started picking off everyone I could and got the lead.”

In the 90 Modified (8-11) division, local rider Eric Bayne got the win, with Floridian Brandon Frazier in second and Ohio’s Ronald Molitor in third.

The 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series heads to Hurricane Mills, Tennessee for the Parts Unlimited Loretta Lynn’s GNCC on April 30 and May 1. ATV racing will take place on Saturday, followed by bike racing on Sunday.

For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

KAWASAKI SPECULATION

Mike Lester
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KAWASAKI SPECULATION

After getting the chance to ride the 2012 Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS, its obvious Kawasaki is refocused and hungry to defend its share of the market.

This leads us to speculate what we can expect from the green giant in the not-so-distant future.

In our minds, there’s no question the tweaks made to the new Brute’s V-Twin make for the snappiest throttle response in this variant’s lifecycle. Combined with EPS, this 750 is a real contender as a Big Bore Class leader with greatly improved handling and loads of power on tap.

We have to wonder if we’ll see the same mods appear in the Teryx’s powerplant and maybe, power steering. Kawasaki’s Mule already features electric power assisted steering and we think this would make sense for the Teryx line as well. More power and quicker ratio, assisted steering would be real improvements.

We also question whether Kawasaki will eventually follow Yamaha’s offering of a 550 rendition of its popular Grizzly that utilizes the same bodywork as its Big Bore brother. This would make sense to fill the gap between Kawi’s 360 and 650 engine variants and would definitely make it a strong competitor in this popular class.

We think back to the technical presentation at the recent Brute Force introduction when Kawasaki cognoscenti drew direct comparisons to the Polaris 550 Sportsman, noting that particular Polaris tipped the scales at nearly 50 pounds heavier than the 750 Brute.

We have to wonder just how much lighter Kawi’s engineers could make a 550 Brute Force.

What’s Better, A Grizzly or A Sportsman?

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I really enjoy reading your magazine – it is very informative and well written.

I am thinking of buying a Polaris Sportsman XP 550 eps – however I have heard that this machine has to be fixed more than the Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI Auto 4×4 EPS. I have read your excellent article. However, does the Polaris require more maintenance?

I appreciate your honesty.

Barry

Dear Barry:

Thanks for your email!

Okay, think about what you are asking! Your question is virtually impossible to answer. Are Yamaha’s reliable and trouble free? Yes, they likely lead the industry in this area of comparison/performance.

Is the Polaris XP platform reliable? Yes, and Polaris leads the industry in ride and handling performance. You have to decide based on the dealer you’ll be using and other criteria.

I’ve heard from owners of both brands who have had both good and bad experiences. However, you are choosing from two of the best models in the 550 segment. In other words, you can’t go wrong.

Hope this helps,

Motorhead Mark

Polaris RANGER RZRs Shine in the Mud

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The Polaris RANGER RZR models hit the bogs at Highlifter’s Mud Nationals and came away victorious in both the Mud Bog and Mudda Cross RUV classes.

Team SuperATV.com took the Mud Bog RUV class with their RANGER RZR 800 with Team Highlifter Polaris Racing’s Brian Haughton taking third in a RANGER RZR XP 900.

The Mud Bog RUV class is a race of durability that takes the racers through 150 ft of very thick mud.

The Mudda Cross RUV race consisted of two laps around a 150-feet oval filled of mud and water which tested durability, power and handling.

Team Highlifter Polaris Racing’s Haughton put his RANGER RZR XP 900 through its paces taking top honors.

2010 BEST IN CLASS AWARDS: Best Value ATV

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2010 BEST IN CLASS AWARDS: Best Value ATV

WINNER: Polaris Sportsman 500 HO

Taking old technology and making it new again is a pretty bright idea in the ATV business – especially if your old technology is better than some of your competitors’ new stuff.

The Sportsman 500 HO is still built on the McPherson strut suspended “Classic” platform with independent, rolled A-arms at the rear and still delivers the same plush-as-a-pillow, long travel ride the original 500 has offered for years.

The designers took the same chassis, cut down and modernized the bodywork, relocated the radiator so it’s three inches higher and away from the mud and suddenly, made this ATV new again.

No skimping on the mechanicals, either. The same no-brainer AWD system is back and its carbureted 498cc single generates plenty of power and torque. There’s a handy enclosed storage area under the front rack and the combination digital-analog instruments is more than adequate.

Polaris says the new bodywork provides a bigger view of what’s ahead on the trail and the whole look has been refreshed and modernized to deliver a lot more sizzle.

Check the price tag and you’ll be blown away. Way too much stuff for the money: Just pray Polaris doesn’t find out how good a deal you’re getting.

RUNNERS UP

Arctic cat 450

Arctic Cat is competing very hard with its all-new 450 and one look at the invoice for this truly loaded ATV seals the deal. There’s a lot offered for the money here and it includes a stellar 4WD system, great suspension, SpeedRacks and, the best part: A new 433cc EFI engine that makes 500-class power.

Cat’s legendary ground clearance comes standard so you needn’t worry about getting bogged down. A great ATV and very tight competition for the winner in this category.

Kymco MXU 500

Dollar for dollar we look for value and true ATV value is when you get what you need without having to give up handling, suspension and power. We’ve put miles on the MXU 500 and have continued to come away impressed even when we compare it to some of the mainstream brands.

Not only is it full featured with all the necessary 4WD items you look for but the whole package works incredibly well both off-road and in the workplace. This Kymco is chock full of surprises and is a bargain at the price.

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