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EPI clutching is the Best Answer!

Lets face it. Almost every ATV on the market has electronic fuel injection and your options for gaining performance are pretty limited by complicated electronics.

Sure, you can mess with exhaust systems and intakes and even reprogram your EFI map, but if you don’t know what you’re doing you can end up with a real mess.

Here’s where the real performance gains are coming from these days. Clutch mods. Yup, you can improve the amount of power you’re getting to the ground in a pretty significant way by installing a clutch kit from a reputable tuner like EPI and instantly get results that are quantifiable.

That means you’ll be able to tell the difference right away! No hocus-pokus, either. A new primary clutch spring and some specially profiled ramps installed on an ATV can turn a turtle into a rocket – all without touching the stock engine.

The best part is, EPI does all the R & D work for you. They’ve already trouble-shot the clutch kit designed specifically for your wheeler and know precisely what the end result will be.

All you need to do is bolt them on and you’ll reap the rewards of faster shift up, better backshifting and increased mid-range performance.

EPI does more than clutching, too. You can order ball joint kits, brake pads, CV joint kits, wheel bearings, shafts, tie rod ends and even lift kits for most popular makes.

You need to make a trip to erlandsonperformance.com and check out the full array of goodies EPI offers for your 4-wheeler or UTV right now!

KYMCO Official Supplier of GRAND PRIX DU CANADA

Speed, class, excitement, distinctiveness – all words synonymous with KYMCO and the celebrated FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA.

It is with much enthusiasm that we announce KYMCO Canada as the Official Scooter, All Terrain and Utility vehicle supplier of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA for the 2010 event!

The GRAND PRIX DU CANADA in Montréal is the only Formula 1 event held in North America in 2010 and is the longest running Formula 1 event outside of Europe. In fact, June 11-12-13 2010 will mark the 31st edition held on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and will kick off the summer festival season in Montréal.

As the official vehicle supplier of the event, an entire fleet of KYMCO scooters, ATVs and UTVs will be on site during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA weekend moving race teams, organizers and volunteers around the island with ease!

Fans will have an opportunity to visit the KYMCO on site display and witness for themselves that performance is not only reserved for professional race car drivers!

One lucky fan will also ride away with a brand new KYMCO B&W 250 scooter adorned with custom carbon fibre graphics!

To learn more about KYMCO and its line of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, visit www.kymco.ca.

Klim and Blue Ribbon Coalition Join Forces

Nate Blaylock announced today that the two Idaho based entities will partner this summer to increase membership in the Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC) and to drive involvement in the public lands debate.

“Klim has long held a concern for the preservation of trails and riding areas.” said Mr. Blaylock. “Powersport enthusiasts do not destroy, they enjoy. The tempo of land use closures have dramatically increased in the last year. We are concerned, but not dismayed. We are determined to do our part.”

The Blue Ribbon Coalition has admirably fought for recreational access to public land since 1987.

With members in all 50 states and its headquarters just 60 miles south of Klim in Pocatello Idaho, the nonprofit organization has represented the OHV enthusiast in significant national battles and often come away with important victories for the industry.

From May 19th until August 19th 2010 everyone that joins, extends or renews a BRC membership will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate good for Klim technical dirt riding gear.

Visit www.Klim.com for more information.

$3,000 Pro Purse Announced for Klim Big Sky XC

The Klim Big Sky XC announced today a $3,000 Pro Purse for the 2nd annual race at the Big Sky Ski Resort August 21-22.

The 2010 edition is round 6 of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, and falls on an off weekend for WORCS, AMA Hare and Hound, OMA and GNCC.

The facilities are excellent and the terrain is even better. World class lodging is located steps away from the race start. Pro riders will enjoy big mountain racing on the Black Diamond course that strikes a perfect balance between extremely technical and pure fun.

The weekend’s racing also includes youth, novice and intermediate racing on the Green Square and Blue Diamond courses.

There’s also plenty to do for the non-racers in the family including golfing, fly fishing, zipline tours, day trips to Yellowstone National Park and much more.

Contact Joe Miller at 406-581-3491 for race information or visit www.Klim.com.

Do You Really Like The Sportsman XP?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Do you guys actually like the new Polaris XP ATVs or is it just an ATV you ride because Polaris is a sponsor?

I have ridden Polaris before and didn’t enjoy. Are they different now?

Nick

Reply:

Hi Nick,

Yes, we really do like Polaris ATVs. Polaris is a sponsor of our show for sure but that has NEVER caused us to like one ATV over another. For instance, I LOVE the Brute Force 650 engine – one of my favourite engines of all time and kawasaki doesn’t sponsor Dirt Trax.

In my opinion Polaris ATVs have always been good and from my experience they have always been tough, excellent performing ATVs.

Everyone seems to have a horror story about one ATV or another that will shape their opinions about one brand or model vs another. Around here we test everything and have always have above average experiences with Polaris ATVs under all conditions.

Thanks for watching!

Luke Lester
Dirt Trax Television

TEST RIDE: Polaris Ranger HD

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AJ Lester demonstrates the capability of the Ranger HD to carry just about any load you can ‘dump’ on it.

Check out Dirt Trax Television’s YouTube page for more Test Rides at YouTube.com/dirttraxtv.

Click here to purchase you own DVD set of the Dirt Trax Television season!

BEST IN CLASS: 2-UP ATV

WINNER: Outlander Max 800R LTD

The 2-up segment is a place where excess lives large. Each year, we’re seeing more 2-passenger ATVs loaded to the gills with incredible equipment and electronics.

The 2010 version of the Outlander Max LTD is a prime example. This year it ups its own ante with dual mode power steering and a fully adjustable-on-the-fly air suspension system.

Add this to the LTD’s regular list of upgrades like a 3000 lb. remote control winch, cool looking aluminum wheels with Carlisle radials, a touchscreen Garmin Nuvi GPS and you’ve got a dream-load of equipment.

Underneath it all is one of the industry’s most powerful V-twins and steadfast benefits like Visco-Lok 4WD, great passenger seating and excellent racks.

Can-Am simply put every conceivable comfort feature on the list and then executed each one in a classy way. It’s a big ticket ATV but if you’re the kind of person who wants it all, the Max LTD is an incredible package.

RUNNERS UP

Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring EPS

Polaris has put pressure on the competition by upgrading the Sportsman Touring into a completely new, stretched version of the XP chassis.

All the great improvements the XP platform offers, like a transverse mounted engine and drive system, double A-arm “short-long” front suspension and “rolled” double A-arm rear, plus big 14-inch wheels, are found on the 2010 Touring.

To further sweeten the deal, Polaris added electronic variable ratio power steering and a trick, suspended passenger seat. It’s brand new this year and thus, we’re withholding our full drool rating… but look out next year!

Arctic Cat TRV1000 Cruiser

Arctic Cat has put its unique signature on the TRV 1000 Cruiser by offering long distance amenities like a nifty fairing with windshield and handwarmers to keep both the rider and passenger cozy in inclement weather.

There’s also a lockable hard-shell touring compartment at the rear so you don’t have to worry about getting your gear soggy when it rains.

The Cruiser is designed for covering big distances with two people onboard and its powerful 951cc V-twin is certainly up to the task.

From its trick aluminum wheels to its new electric diff-lock selector, this one is a strong contender for Best in Class.

What’s the Best 4-Seater UTV?

Question

Dear Motorhead,

Has your group ever done a test on a Polaris Ranger crew or a Kawasiki Mule 4 passenger? I have a farm and will use it to ride up to the trail system in WEST VIRGINIA or take the grand children out for a ride, so I need the extra room for passengers.

I would appreciate any info you have or could recomend i want the best value for my buck.

Steve

Response:

Thanks for your question!

We actually haven’t officially tested a 4-seater side by side but we have spent some good time with them at intros and other events.

I can tell you right away that the Kawasaki Mule will not provide the smooth ride and adequate performance you’ll need when riding the trails in West Virginia. It would be fine on the farm but under any other circumstances it just doesn’t have enough power or a smooth enough ride to impress.

The Polaris Ranger Crew on the other hand is every bit as smooth and capable as the regular Ranger but has a second row of seats. Also keep in mind, the Ranger has a bench seat that has 3 seatbelts. This means in a Crew you can actually take 6.

As far as I’m concerned the Ranger crew is FAR more capable not only on the trail, but also on the farm than the Mule. The Ranger is tough as nails, has excellent features and performance and of course it is built to PolarisÂ’ legendary standards.

Also, the 2010 Polaris Ranger models all feature ROPS certified roll cages making them the SAFEST side X sides on the market. Something youll likely want to consider if you’re strapping your grandkids in for a days ride.

I hope this reply is helpful to you. Please let us know what you do end up choosing. And thanks for trusting our opinions.

Sincerely,

Luke Lester
Host, Dirt Trax Television

Cold Start Issue With Outlander

Question

Dear Motorhead,

I just got a brand new 2010 Outlander 500. On the first morning after I got my ATV it wouldn’t start and I immediately knew it was the battery, so I charged it and it worked, but the engine is EFI. I thought that EFI could start in cold weather?

I live in the Alaskan arctic and its April right now, at night it gets to about 0 degrees. Does it not work at this temperature?

Preston

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You need to return your ATV to the selling dealer. It should and will start when cold. Don’t mess with it! You’ve got a warranty for problems like this!

Motorhead Mark

Ontario Drive and Gear Limited awarded GSA

Ontario Drive and Gear is pleased to announce being awarded the GSA schedule for the ARGO and Centaur line-ups.

While always important, cost-effectiveness is now essential in all fields of the public sector, so it is more important than ever to make the right purchasing decision.

Performance, durability, ride comfort and reliability must be taken into consideration to ensure you get the best possible value off-road machine available. Instead of buying an UTV or truck, snowmobile and small boat, one amphibious, all-season, multi-purpose ARGO for up to six passengers fits the bill.

Our vehicles offer a cost-effective platform for search and rescue, firefighting, mosquito control, beach patrol; dense backcountry asset management in the utility or resources sector has traditionally been a formidable challenge: Crews and equipment have to be moved over miles of inhospitable terrain to inspect hydro lines or prospect new drilling sites. Helicopters or tracked vehicles may be able to get the job done, but at what cost?

The ARGO product line is designed for commercial use, including utility construction and maintenance, resource exploration, agriculture, forestry, as well as firefighting and search and rescue operations.

These versatile all-season workhorses can also be adapted to suit a wide range of custom applications using the extensive line of accessories including tracks, convertible top, winch, ROPS and many more.

Manufactured since 1967, every ARGO is backed by decades of experience in the design and production of off-road vehicles. Today, ARGO is the world’s largest manufacturer of lightweight amphibious vehicles and innovative off-road platforms.

For information, or to find out more about the entire ARGO lineup, please visit www.argoatv.com/gsa