Probec claims the new Wanda P351 provides excellent mud and snow traction while delivering ample performance.
Its strong 6-ply construction is fairly light and that helps with acceleration and braking while delivering a predictable ride and precise handling.
Contact Probec today at www.probec-intl.com
We’re looking for another OEM to enter the electric UTV market this year.
There’s little doubt Arctic Cat keeps close ties on Polaris and with the instant success of the EV Ranger it makes sense Arctic Cat would make a move in this direction.
WeÂ’re not saying it’s 100 percent for sure, however, Arctic Cat can move fast – something the Japanese ATV makers can’t, or won’t do.
Arctic Cat’s SxS biz is strong and the company has taken a number of bold steps the past two model years and been handsomely rewarded for its risks.
More electric models make sense with the Polaris Ranger EV making lowly golf carts look like very expensive, not-very-versatile conveyances.
Defending 2009 GNCC ATV Champion Chris Borich and his amazing Suzuki QuadRacer R450 dominated the mud at the John Penton GNCC race this weekend in Millfield, Ohio.
Round 8 of the GNCC series was a muddy and slick one, but Borich found enough power and traction to take it to the checkered flag with a sizeable lead. Borich is now leading the series with 28 points and has won six races so far in 2010.
Borich started the day off with a great start, thanks to the fine-tuned power and traction of the R450. He stayed up front, dicing with other racers, and found himself in the lead on the last lap of the muddy race.
Borich’s lead was a small gap at the start of the lap, but by the end of the race he had an impressive 30-second lead.
“My Suzuki has great power, and it handles well no matter what the conditions are,” Borich said. “We put together a good race and I’m happy with the results. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Borich will be on track again June 26 for Round 9 of the series as it takes over Snowshoe Resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Look for him and his QuadRacer R450 to be battling it out up front.
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., continues to expand its ATV line adding the new Grizzly 450 4×4 utility ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the all-new Raptor 125 sport ATV. These are the latest models to join Yamaha’s dominating 2011 model year fleet of the highest performing, top quality off-road machines.
“The new Grizzly 450 EPS is a mid-level machine with top-of-the-line features that excels in trail riding and utility functions. The Raptor 125 is the first in its class from a major ATV manufacturer with true sport performance,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side operations. “These two models give customers a couple of great new options within YamahaÂ’s 2011 line. It’s the superior functionality and performance in both of these ATVs, along with YamahaÂ’s known durability and reliability, that provide the high value our customers expect.”
The new Grizzly 450 EPS combines Yamaha’s most innovative features for the outdoor and recreational enthusiast: award winning Electric Power Steering, industry exclusive Ultramatic automatic transmission with the centrifugal clutch system, On-Command 2WD, 4WD and 4WD diff-lock, and an all new rear sealed wet brake.
The new 450 includes all of these key features in a mid-level chassis – with an all new one piece frame and independent rear suspension – and strong 421cc, 4-stroke engine able to handle more than 250 pounds rack capacity and 1,322 pounds in towing.
The all-new Raptor 125 introduces Yamaha performance and engineering to the entry-level or step-up sport ATV market. This is the first 125-class sport ATV from a major ATV manufacturer.
The Raptor 125 is a true-sport machine with a 124cc, two valve, single overhead cam engine, five-speed manual transmission, electric start, hydraulic disk brakes and five-way preload adjustable suspension.
All combined, the new 125 has the same great suspension components and handling characteristics of the award-winning Raptor 250. The Raptor 125 also gets new Maxxis sport tires – 19-inches in front and 18-inches in back.
Yamaha’s complete utility ATV line for 2011 announced this June includes the Grizzly 700 EPS, Grizzly 700 (non-EPS), Grizzly 550 EPS, Grizzly 550 (non-EPS), new Grizzly 450 with EPS, new Grizzly 450 (non-EPS), Grizzly 350 IRS 4×4, Grizzly 350 4×4, Grizzly 350 2WD, Grizzly 125 2WD and Big Bear 400 4×4.
Yamaha’s 2011 sport ATV models announced this June include the Raptor 700R (also in a Special Edition model), Raptor 350, Raptor 250, Raptor 250R (with piggyback shocks), the all-new Raptor 125 and Raptor 90. The 2011 Rhino 700 FI, including a Sport Edition, was announced in February.
The 2011 models will be in dealerships across the country this summer. More details on these models, including specific pricing and availability, can be found at www.Yamaha-Motor.com.
Have you been wondering what’s under the hood of Yamaha’s new motorcycles and ATVs? Stop scratching your head because today Yamaha releases their 2011 motorsport lineup!
On the four-wheel side of things, the Kodiak 450 receives a facelift. Like the full-size Grizzly 550 and 700, the new Kodiak is equipped with a variable Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
A new one-piece lightweight chassis offers nimble handling, a sealed rear wet brake delivers more accurate brake feeling and durability, and a rear anti-sway bar improves handling and steering accuracy.
Yamaha has also released the all-new Raptor 125R. Inspired by its big-bore big brothers, the Raptor 125 is the perfect segue into off-road riding.
This little guy is powered by an engine that feels way bigger than 125cc, a 5-speed transmission and features a Raptor 250R based chassis for great handling characteristics.
“The new Raptor 125 is a great option for new or less experienced riders to enjoy off-road,” says Jon Blaicher, Yamaha Product Manager, ATV. “It features smooth four-stroke power and great performance at an affordable price.”
For complete details on these and other 2011 Yamaha motorsport models, please visit Yamaha-motor.ca.
Get a first look at the Dirt Trax cew aboard Can-Am’s exciting and highly anticipated new Commander side-x-side.
Check out Dirt Trax Television’s YouTube page for more Test Rides at YouTube.com/dirttraxtv.
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BRP’s 2011 Can-Am ATV line-up features two new ATV models with upgrades to existing models. The Can-Am Outlander 800R X xc and the Can-Am Outlander 800R X mr bring the success of BRP’s X-Package concept to its popular Outlander line of recreational-utility ATVs.
“The expansion of our popular X-Package concept to the Can-Am Outlander 800R is a natural progression as we bring more to the ATV enthusiast,” said Yves Leduc, vice president and general manager, North American division. “Two important customer segments are addressed with these two new models. For the aggressive trail rider and the weekend warrior we have the Outlander 800R X xc and for the mud-riding enthusiast we offer the most complete and advanced mud-specific ATV the industry with the Outlander 800R X mr,” added Leduc.
The Outlander 800R X xc model was developed closely with Can-Am racers and race-team partner companies in the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series. After multiple championships in the GNCC race series BRP has taken valuable feedback from this strenuous form of off-road racing to develop the Outlander X xc ATV. Both the racer and the aggressive trail rider see a direct benefit of the racing experience in this model.
For the mud-riding enthusiast, the Can-Am Outlander 800R X mr represents the most-advanced mud-specific ATV the industry has ever seen. Developed closely with Gorilla Axle, a leading company in mud riding and racing, this ATV has a variety of features that make it the clear choice for the mud rider.
At the heart of the machine is the Can-Am-Exclusive Air-Controlled Suspension (ACS), which allows the rider to adjust the ground clearance of the machine. With ACS, the mud rider no longer has to sacrifice comfort for ground clearance. BRP engineers did not stop there.
The radiator has been relocated above the front rack for the ultimate in mud performance and a seamlessly integrated snorkel system places critical intakes to the highest point on the ATV. Finally, the Can-Am Outlander 800R X mr comes equipped with 30-inch Gorilla Axle Silverback tires making it ready to tackle the deepest mud holes.
Can-Am also highlighted changes to its graphics across its ATV line with new color offerings. For 2011, Can-Am has gone to a more streamlined graphic approach across its ATV line and has a new white coloration for its Renegade ATV line. Finally, the Outlander XT-P line gets the addition of a sleek silver and black coloration package.
BRP also previewed its 2011 Can-Am ATV accessories line-up and off-road riding collections. Consumers can choose off-road gear based on their riding style and needs, no matter the weather. With lightweight breathable water repellence, race-ready quick-dry mobility, and the Can-Am ST-1 helmet that’s the ultimate quick-change artist, BRP has the Can-Am riding gear to enhance every ride.
BRP brings Can-Am DNA to the side-by-side market by introducing the 2011 Can-Am Commander line-up. The five model line-up with two engine options delivers on the Can-Am promise of cutting-edge design, meaningful innovation and a focus on convenience, maximum value and more usability for the consumer.
This very unique side-by-side family has been designed to bring a new level of power, handling and user-focused features to the industry. Power comes from two engine options: a powerful Rotax 800 V-Twin EFI engine, and now a Rotax 1000 V-Twin EFI engine.
This gives the Commander the most power and best fuel efficiency in the industry. For example, the Commander 1000 is 39 percent more fuel efficient than its class competitor.
“BRP continues to set the pace in product innovations. Capitalizing on the Can-Am brand growth momentum, we are entering in a new business segment with the Commander, which completes our product offering for on and off-road customers,” said José Boisjoli, president and chief executive officer.
The Can-Am Commander line reflects BRP’s commitment to offering the side-by-side customer a machine that does not force the rider to compromise performance for functionality. Innovative features like the Dual-Level cargo box, TTI rear suspension, anti-dive front-end geometry and more, throttle-by-wire through its Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) system, a 2-inch diameter rollover protection system (ROPS-approved), the most fuel capacity in the industry (38 liters or 10 gallons); and the most cockpit storage of any other side-by-side. Combined with the most powerful and fuel-efficient engines in the industry, this means the Can-Am Commander is immediately the vehicle of choice for the side-by-side customer.
“When we started to design the vehicle, we were determined to offer consumers a vehicle that would meet our Can-Am brand promise of delivering an exceptional riding experience. This focus on the customer also means our dealer network will have a vehicle that will raise industry standards and re-shape market dynamics as we know them today,” added Boisjoli.
The entire Can-Am Commander line consists of the following models: Commander 800, Commander 800 XT, Commander 1000, Commander 1000 XT and Commander 1000 X. With its XT and X packages, BRP, through its Can-Am brand continues the tradition of bringing unprecedented value through its factory-built packages.
BRP also previewed its 2011 Can-Am Commander accessories line-up and off-road riding collections with a large assortment of the most sought-after accessories developed simultaneously with the new vehicles. The 50 accessories currently available offer total integration in form and function as well as the best riding experience.
Those who are interested in a demo ride of the Can-Am Commander line of side-by-side vehicles will be able to do so on the Can-Am Ride Says It All Tour. For more information on the tour and a list of tour stop locations, please visit www.trycan-am.com.
With the addition of the Can-Am Commander line of side-by-side vehicles, BRP is poised to address just about any need for the passionate off-road enthusiast and for consumers looking for more from the side-by-side experience. For details on the complete 2011 Can-Am off-road line-up and more information on each specific model, visit www.canam.brp.com.
YES, its true. Can-Am finally released its long anticipated side-x-side UTV.
Prior to the introduction I was just a tiny bit skeptical about what this vehicle would look like and where it would fit into the UTV market. Once the sheets were pulled off though, my skepticism went straight out the window.
The Commander is exactly what the side-x-side market has been missing, a capable sport vehicle with innovative, class leading utility features. After putting the boots to this thing for 2 days in all types of conditions I can honestly say this is one capable vehicle in either of its dual purposes.
In terms of sport driving, its crazy fast as an 800 and obviously even more insane with the 1000 EFI twin. Its long travel TTI rear suspension soaks up anything you can throw at it and its wide stance and low center of gravity keep it planted at high speeds. Furthermore, the cockpit is very well laid out. Its comfortable and ergonomically correct for high speed driving.
On the utility side, the double level box is amazing. As big as the biggest dump box up top, but with that cool second level adding so many more possibilities. With motor options this powerful you might think power modulation would be difficult, but the drive by wire thottle with its dual modes makes it easy to keep the power under control even in the tightest places.
I tried my best to push this thing as hard and far as I could during out short test run and in almost every condition it exceeded my expectations.
I’d love to tell you everything about this vehicle right now, but your gonna have to to tune in to Dirt Trax Television to get the full story and all the details your dying to know.
Visit www.dirttraxtv.com for more!
Riding Asphalt in a Completely Different Way
BRP claims the Spyder isn’t targeted at motorcyclists. Its appeal is different from a 2-wheeler and thus, the company is exposing it to all manner of powersport disciplines including ATV and snowmobile owners.
As you know, weÂ’re gearheads and when the opportunity to wring out the new Spyder came our way, we were there in a heartbeat to get a ride on the RS version of the Spyder. It came with custom features like a Can-Am-Hindle exhaust, nifty optional hand sewn seat and a host of glittery blue anodized bits claimed to make it “personalized”.
The Spyder is not a motorcycle. It’s a different animal and, if you’ve never ridden a motorcycle, we think it might actually be a better idea. Why? Very simply, it doesn’t fall over when you walk away from it.
The stability and safety afforded Spyder riders goes far beyond what is offered to motorcycle riders. Riding on wet or loose surfaces does not phase the Spyder one scintilla. Its incredibly sophisticated anti-lock brake, traction and stability control systems prevent even a neophyte rider from losing control. Trust us, we made every attempt to get this thing sideways and it will not lose control.
The electronics used on the Spyder will intervene by activating alternate wheel braking and throttle adjustments to forbid it from breaking loose whether youÂ’re panic braking or avoiding a collision. It was a revelation to pull panic stops from 70 per without any fuss whatsoever. Just jump on the right foot mounted brake lever and let the computer do the rest.
So powerful are braking forces from the Spyder’s three vented discs we actually had to hold ourselves down on the seat. Few, if any, vehicles we’ve been exposed to are able to stop this hard.
The Spyder’s ergonomic experience is decidedly on the motorcycle side of the ledger yet definitely non-motorcycle from others. Shifting gears while blipping the loud handle on the Spyder’s 106hp 996cc Rotax V-twin qualifies as extremely motorcycle-ish. However, not having to put your foot down at intersections is very much unlike a motorcycle.
Leaning your body in the twisties feels similar to a motorcycle but more like a 4-wheeler or a snowmobile. The Spyder doesn’t lean over in turns and your body English is focused more on the upper body and cranking the bars – not a 2-wheeler trait.
HereÂ’s something weÂ’re convinced is key in the marketing and acceptability of the Spyder: Stability and braking in emergencies. The staff of All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine have been around all manner of motorcycles for decades and are convinced many of the current crop of “cruiser bike” pilots are not fully capable of pinpoint braking in an emergency, particularly when it’s wet.
Safely stopping a large motorcycle requires practice and considerable skill. Modulation of the front and rear brakes requires a sensitive and precarious balance. In a panic situation it can be the difference between life and death.
2-wheeled motorcycles are tricky to throw around in an emergency. Too often riders, in a heartbeat, learn the hard way their sparkly, trusted 2-wheeled cruiser can come back and bite them.
Even a squeaky-new pilot can safely stop and maneuver the 3-pointed Spyder with proficiency exceeding many self-professing “experienced” motorcycle riders.
The Spyder is a safe, open air vehicle that provides thrills equal to that of a motorcyle with performance thatÂ’ll make your desire for a Corvette fade away. We think this is the heart of the issue: For many buyers, stability and safety are paramount.
BRP calls the Spyder a Roadster. We like this name. It more clearly reflects the vehicle’s personality. It’s not a motorcycle and it’s not a sports car. It’s something completely new and completely different.
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