On this episode of DIRT TRAX, AJ provides a detailed overview of Can-Am’s newest generation Outlander including the 500cc and 700cc models and the brand new Pro Model.
Then Mike demonstrates the “Go Anywhere” capabilities of our Sportsman XP 1000 equipped with a Commander WS4 track kit.
Then in TEST RIDE, AJ evaluates Kawasaki’s 2023 Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special edition sport side-x-side featuring FOX 2.5 Live Valve internal bypass shocks and Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (KECS).
AJ evaluates Kawasaki’s 2023 Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special edition sport side-x-side featuring FOX 2.5 Live Valve internal bypass shocks and Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (KECS).
Mike demonstrates the multi-season, “Go Anywhere” capabilities of our Sportsman XP 1000 equipped with a Commander WS4 track kit and looks at the positives and negatives about putting a track kit on your ATV.
For decades the most common way to secure your offroad vehicle was to hook tie-down straps around parts of the chassis or suspension and crank them down hard. No matter how tight you think you secured the vehicle in place, slack in the straps occur every time the suspension compresses from bumps on the road. Often, causing the vehicle to shift and move around on the trailer, or rub up against unwanted surfaces or worse move to the outside edge and possibility fall of the trailer deck.
Superclamp has added a new product that solves this problem entirely. The “ATV / UTV Tie-Down Strap” kit doesn’t fasten to the chassis of your offroad vehicle at all. It fastens around the tire. Holding the unsprung part of your ATV or Side x Side confidently in place so there’s never any chance that the straps can come loose as the suspension compresses. This is how cars have been held down on flat deck car trailers for years and it works fantastic. This is the safest method of securing your ATV or side-x-side and is also the least stressful on suspension components.
The ATV UTV tie down strap kit comes with everything you need to secure one vehicle. 4 straps, 4 heavy duty ratchets with rubber coated handles and a set of 4, four-inch-long deck hooks. Each 1.5-inch-wide strap has a working load limited of 1,300-pounds. While you can use the supplied deck hooks and mount them at fixed distances apart from each other, we opted for a bit more adjustability and versatility and mounted Superclamp’s Supertracks to the deck of our trailer instead. By using the Supertracks we can easily adjust our anchor position forward and back for different vehicles we may need to haul.
All that’s required for installation is to ensure the deck hook is mounted between 3-4 inches out from the tire and at an angle slightly forward and back from the front and rear wheels. Slip the looped strap around the top third of the tire and tighten down the ratchet so that compresses the tire slightly. Repeat this same procedure at all 4 corners and you’re all set.
The difference in using this tie down system is immediately noticeable when you start towing. The vehicle will move up and down freely through its travel absorbing all the bumps and impacts from the road while keeping the vehicle secure and the tires firmly in place.
For more information on Superclamp’s full line of products visit superclamp.net
Luke lines up Yamaha’s fully equipped 2023 Grizzly EPS SE 700 in his crosshairs to see if it stands up to its ultimate adventure seeker persona for outdoorsmen.
In TRAIL TECH, AJ prepares for the onslaught of winter equipping our Polaris Ranger with some much needed winter performance tires from ITP.
Then in TEST RIDE, Mike sets out to explore the trails and the multi-purpose capabilities of Can-Am’s Outlander MAX XT featuring the ROTAX 650 engine.
Finally Luke, AJ and Mike take a look back at the season recapping the ATVs and side-x-sides they enjoyed testing most and felt were game changers overall.
Luke installs a set of Tensor’s new Regulator 2 tires mounted on Method rims and put our Polaris RZR Pro R to the test under a variety of conditions. Find out where he feels the Regulator 2 tires shine and where they fall short.
Tensor Tires has been successfully manufacturing UTV sand and race tires for desert racing for over a decade, claiming numerous Baja and Dakar victories over the years. Tensor has taken its success in sand tire expertise to the high-performance recreational market with the release of its Regulator 2 UTV Tire, an evolved version of the Tensor Regulator Tire.
#tensortire #methodracewheels #customwheelhouse #UTV #UTVtires
Learn more about the Tensor Regulator 2 here: tensortire.com/regulator2
In a previous article (CLICK HERE) we explored why Yamaha’s Raptor 700 is a great choice for someone entering the ORV market or for someone who didn’t have the budget for a sport side-x-side. The versatility of the Raptor 700 delivers big on fun factor no matter how hard you push it or where you choose to ride it.
The YFZ450R on the other hand is all about full throttle addiction. This sport ATV is race ready straight out of the box and the weapon of choice for skilled pilots shredding dunes or jumping huge gaps on their way to claiming victory at the finish line.
At the heart of the YFZ450R is a 449cc single cylinder mated to a five-valve cylinder head with trick titanium valve technology. Fuel is precisely delivered to the 42mm Mikuni throttle through a 12-hole fuel injection system.
At first squeeze of the throttle the YFZ450R is ultra-responsive to even the slightest input. The high compression ratio further compliments its responsiveness and delivers a strong dosage of power through the mid-range, all the way to the top-end.
Highly tuned 450 race quads need powerplants that are broad, fast, and incredibly usable. The Yamaha YFZ450R remains the best production pure sport ATV to date capable of delivering these traits.
The powerband isn’t its only talking point either. Considerable mention needs to be made to the clutch design. The assist-and-slipper clutch reduces clutch lever effort for less fatigue while increasing clutch plate pressure for positive engagement.
While 1st, 4th and 5th gear serve their purpose, you’ll find most of your time shifting between 2nd and 3rd. In second gear, power is abundant and you can rev it out for long pulls before needing to upshift. Third gear makes use of the torque rich mill giving you added comfort knowing you can lug the motor for smoother acceleration and better traction when called for.
The YFZ450R comes alive the harder you ride it, in return delivering confidence inspiring handling thanks to its motocross-ready chassis. The lightweight frame is a combination of aluminum and steel and the steel undercarriage works by properly supporting the low-lying engine placement for mass centralization. The aluminum over-structure contributes to the YZF450R’s light weight and is bolted, rather than welded, for maximum durability.
The YFZ450R’s slim body and low profile invites you to hang off the sides to further enhance cornering and then shift your weight back to lighten up the front end as you skim over long sets of whoops and rough terrain. The chassis is well-balanced and stays level and steady when catching big air or linking smaller jumps together for more technical rhythm sections.
In tighter trail scenarios, its wider A-arm front suspension is at a disadvantage compared its narrower Raptor 700 cousin, but that’s really the only drawback. Otherwise, its front suspension geometry produces superb flat handling and is quick to react to steering inputs.
Soaking up all the rough stuff is a full set of YZ-style Kashima coated KYB shocks which are fully adjustable with high/low speed compression and rebound adjustment. The front suspension yields 9.8 inches of travel and out back the rear YZ-style swingarm is crafted from strong, gravity-fed aluminum and sports the same 46mm KYB piggyback shock while offering 11.0 inches of travel.
The YZF450R is a high-performance rocket and the perfect machine for skilled, aggressive riders who crave the ultimate sport ATV experience whether in the dunes or on the race track and since its inception, has been a passion project of excellence for Yamaha engineers and its development team.
Canadians only have one option and that’s the YZF450R which starts at $12,099 CAD before adding accessories and surcharges. Options increase to two models in the U.S starting with the YZF450R at $10,299 or the Special Edition YZF450R SE at $10,699, which features GYTR performance parts and unique color and a graphic scheme, which according to Yamaha, looks fast just standing still.
Through a combination of winning championships on the race circuit and outlasting its competition through attrition, Yamaha’s YFZ450R reigns supreme earning its reputation as the undisputed King of Sport Quads.
This is pretty much the pinnacle of RZR performance right here. The RZR PRO R 4 ULTIMATE features the hyper-potent 225 horsepower ProStar Fury 2-liter engine, seating for four and DYNAMIX.
Polaris Off Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, is once again driving the industry forward with a first-of-its-kind side-by-side platform – the all-new Polaris XPEDITION. The 2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP and ADV create an entirely new category of “adventure side-by-sides,” combining the all-terrain capabilities of traditional side-by-sides with comfort and cargo capabilities typically associated with overlanding at the highest level.
Designed with a host of standard features and optional configurations to accommodate the greatest range of outdoor pursuits and enable consumers to keep chasing the wild, the Polaris XPEDITION is the most adaptable, comfortable and capable adventure machine on the market.
“In light of the incredible growth of the adventure segment, we decided to dramatically change the game with a vehicle that takes no cues from predecessors and leads the way for an entirely new side-by-side experience,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President, Polaris Off Road Recreation. “Our goal was to bridge the worlds of traditional side-by-sides and overlanding with a vehicle that allows the most passionate adventurers to go farther and deeper than ever and discover totally new destinations and experiences.”
With the Polaris XPEDITION lineup, Polaris has created a new category of “adventure side-by-sides” – vehicles designed to enable and elevate the broadest range of specific outdoor pastimes and pursuits. To date with recreational side-by-sides, the driving experience itself has been the predominant focus of design and development. Conversely, with utility side-by-sides, the emphasis has been on labor- and job-oriented benefits. With Polaris XPEDITION, Polaris’ design and development efforts were focused on elevating outdoor adventure, delivering a level of adaptability, comfort and capability to go farther into the wild, allowing new customers to explore the outdoors unlike ever before.
“We identified a definitive opportunity in the market around outdoor adventure and an increasing amount of consumers pursuing outdoor experiences, from the more traditional things like camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, to more sport-oriented, athletic pursuits like mountain biking or kayaking,” said Steve Menneto, President, Polaris Off Road. “We are driving our industry forward, once again, with innovation in the adventure side-by-side market to meet the needs of passionate adventurers.”
The Polaris XPEDITION performs without missing a step, allowing riders to conquer rugged terrain with thoughtfully designed standard features, combined with Polaris’ widest range of accessories and customization options to date. With adaptability at the forefront, the 2024 Polaris XPEDITION features integrated fold-flat rear seats, a pass-through cab and easy roof rack solutions to accommodate virtually any loadout. Delivering all-day comfort for any adventure, the Polaris XPEDITION is the first-ever sport side-by-side to offer a fully enclosed cab with full roof coverage, windows and optional heating and air conditioning providing riders protection from the elements.
The Polaris XPEDITION ADV model features a fully covered pass-through rear cargo box providing 36″ and 63″ on the 2-seat and 5-seat models, respectively, of flat storage length. The Polaris XPEDITION XP features a dumping cargo box that measures 30″ long to provide ample space for your spare tire and additional gear or accessories. The XP 5-seat model features a 60/40 split flip-up rear seats which allows seating to convert to storage space in seconds, while the ADV 5-seat model also has fold flat functionality for even more configuration and storage. Both models feature a segment-leading 48″ width box with 16″ high side walls so riders can carry equipment with ease.
Adaptable for Any Adventure
The 2024 Polaris XPEDITION features a flat roof that enables over 100 all-new adventure focused accessories including, Rhino-Rack® roof rack and accessories such as the Polaris rooftop tent, kayak holder, fishing rod holder, MAXTRAX traction boards and more. Additionally, flat floors and a large rear storage box allow for ample space to carry gear and keep it protected from the elements. Whether hauling people or supplies, the five-seat configuration offers modular rear seats, providing even more storage space. In addition, a 2,000 lb. towing capacity allows riders to hitch and pull additional gear. Plus, the all-new Lock & Ride MAX cargo system adds an unmatched level of adaptability, with accessories that allow for virtually limitless configurations to best match the needs of the next adventure.
Curated specifically for the Polaris XPEDITION are five rider-inspired accessory collections, built for a variety of activities including Overland, Kayak, Trail, Hunt and Utility.
Comfortable All Day and in Any Season
The Polaris XPEDITION is equipped with plush and sophisticated FOX® Podium QS3 Shocks with Position Sensitive Spiral technology keeping the ride smooth and enjoyable all day, even against rough terrain. An optional enclosed Pro Shield Cab System offers the most integrated, tight seal year-round to provide a superior experience every day, in every season. Additionally, the NorthStar trim features an exclusive HVAC system with adjustable control modes, allowing riders to set and direct the airflow to ensure the cab stays comfortable in hot or cold conditions. The NorthStar temperature-controlled vehicle is the industry’s only sport side-by-side to offer HVAC standard. Coupled with power windows and a tip-out front windshield, riders can still enjoy the great outdoors within the comfort and protection of the cab.
Focusing on rider comfort, the Polaris XPEDITION cab features a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 6″ of seat adjustability and front bucket seats for a tailored fit. To keep rider’s gear protected, the vehicle also has available locking doors, center console and a rear cargo box. Exploring the unknown confidently has never been easier with Polaris’ industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, giving riders access to the most sophisticated GPS and trail network available. The Group Ride feature allows riders to communicate, navigate and stay connected as a group while out on the trail. Even while appreciating nature, riders can enjoy the soundtrack to their outdoor adventure with a JBL Trail Pro audio system.
Capable Beyond the Trailhead
For the ultimate adventurer looking to stay out longer and go deeper into the backcountry, the 2024 Polaris XPEDITION touts the industry’s largest fuel capacity of any factory side-by-side on the market with a 200+ miles range*. The 114-horspower, ProStar 1000 Gen 2 engine provides quick responsiveness and acceleration, while the on-demand all-wheel drive, Pro Armor 30” Crawler XP tires and a segment-leading 14″ of ground clearance make easy work of the even the most technical terrain. High-mounted air intakes, sealed electrical components and extreme approach and departure angles allow riders to tackle trail conditions with confidence, knowing the electrical system will stay dry and the engine, clutches and belt will still receive air flow for peak performance.
Built with a purposeful design, the Polaris XPEDITION comes with a Polaris HD 4,500 LB winch to help navigate the unknown and makes it easier than ever to add a Glacier Pro HD plow system. Plus, the Polaris PULSE electrical system allows you to easily install electrical accessories such as light bars, a heater kit and more so you can go the distance year-round, day or night.
The 2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP and ADV are both available in two and five-seat configurations in three trims: Premium, Ultimate and NorthStar. The Ultimate and NorthStar trims will begin shipping to dealers in Summer of 2023, while the Premium trim will be made available in 2024.
2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP Premium: Starting at US $28,999
2024 Polaris XPEDITION ADV Premium: Starting at US $29,999
*This trim will be made available in 2024.
The Polaris XPEDITION Premium features a 4.3″ JBL Color Display and Trail Pro 2000 Audio, 660 W stator charging system, FOX Shocks, Pro Armor 30” Crawler XP tires with 15″ wheels, standard bumper, winch and roof. The ADV 5-seat model includes covered cargo area with flat fold and 60/40 split flip-up rear seats, while the XP 5-seat model includes a dumping cargo box and 60/40 split flip-up rear seats.
2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP Ultimate: Starting at US $31,999
2024 Polaris XPEDITION ADV Ultimate: Starting at US $32,999
In addition to the premium offering, the Polaris XPEDITION Ultimate also includes Polaris’ industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, 900W stator charging system, JBL Trail Pro 4100 surround sound audio system with 400W AMP and 10” subwoofer, front and rear cameras, tilt and telescopic steering, plus padded console and auto stop winch.
2024 Polaris XPEDITION XP NorthStar: Starting at US $38,999
2024 Polaris XPEDITION ADV NorthStar: Starting at US $39,999
Rounding out the lineup is the top-tier Polaris XPEDITION NorthStar. Including everything from the Ultimate trim, the NorthStar trim features a fully enclosed cab with HVAC temperature and zone controls, lockable full doors with power windows and a tip-out front glass windshield. The NorthStar trim also comes standard with RIDE COMMAND+, allowing for vehicle health monitoring and more.
To learn more, please visit polaris.com/PolarisXPEDITION or join the conversation and follow on Facebook sm, Instagram sm, YouTube sm and Twitter sm.
About Polaris – As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and Polaris GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.
With the ongoing growth of the sport side-x-side market it’s easy for someone to lose sight of the sport ATV market. After all, there’s really only one OEM still committed to its existence and speaking on behalf of the entire crew of Dirt Trax and all those that love sport ATV’s, we’re grateful to Yamaha for doing so.
Sport ATV’s have played a pivotal role in shaping off-road recreation as we know it today. Even the characteristics of today’s highest performing sport side-x-sides mimic the qualities associated with Pure Sport ATVs, such as quick reacting agility, ultimate control, and rider inspired performance.
As attractive as a pure sport side x side like the YXZ 1000 R may be, it’s often outside the budget of those new to the sport. However, pure sport ATVs like the Raptor 700 and the YFZ450 offer a unique option to get onto the trails without breaking your wallet.
Up first this in two-part series is a closer look at the Yamaha Raptor…
Yamaha Raptor 700 – Affordable Big Bore Fun!
In the pure sport ATV market, Yamaha’s Raptor has proven its domination by becoming the best-selling sport ATV of all time. The success of the Raptor can largely be attributed to “do-it-all” persona. Whether you’re into railing berms in the desert or riding twisty trails through the woods, the Raptor has an uncanny ability to adapt to just about any terrain.
The heart of the Raptor is its 686cc single fed by a 44mm throttle body and Yamaha fuel injection. The torque rich 4-stroke power combined with its 5-speed manual transmission is what truly keeps you coming back for more.
Out of the hole the Raptor transfers its power to the rear wheels with authority. Clutch engagement remains positive and precise as you pound through the gears. Get up to third and let the wide power band do its magic as you weave around tighter corners without fail as the Raptor is able to recover from almost any low rpm situation.
These traits also make it great choice for a newbie just learning to use a manual transmission and while its reverse gear is a little finicky at times, you don’t realize how much you value it until you ride a Pure Sport without it.
The Raptor’s hybrid steel aluminum frame combined with a YZ-style swing arm and solid rear axle produces a strong structure while remaining the lightest ATV in its class. Both the rigidity and flex of this chassis remain a hallmark of this machine for good reason. The Raptor has found a sweet spot between the quick reacting traits of the YZF450 and a forgiving nature that keeps the chassis settled and in control when pushing the envelope.
The Raptor’s versatility can also be attributed to its high quality, fully adjustable shock package. All three of the YZ-Style shocks on the Raptor are fully adjustable with high and low speed compression along with rebound adjustment. Threaded preload also gives you considerable control over the 9.1 inches of suspension travel up front and 10.1 inches out back.
Choose to ride it aggressively and its nimble chassis is quick to respond to some of the most challenging terrain. Whether in the dunes or in the woods, the Raptor is fun, flickable and sporty. You instinctively become one with the ATV thanks to its superb sport-riding ergonomics.
Body movements are dynamically connected to the chassis, further enhancing the handling of the Raptor. It’s a feeling uniquely attributed to the pure sport ATV category and something you’ll never experience while buckled into a side-x-side.
When you want to take it easy, simply let your elbows drop from attack position to a more relaxed posture; the suspension and comfortable seat will soak up the rough stuff as you cruise around looking for new terrain to conquer.
The Raptor 700 delivers big on fun and gets you in the sport at an affordable price. In Canada the Raptor is only available in 700R trim and starts at $12,599 CAD before adding accessories. Options increase to 3 models in the U.S starting with the base Raptor 700 with basic pre-load adjustable shocks retailing at $9,399 USD; the 700R at $9,999 USD and then the Raptor 700R SE priced at $10,599 which comes with added features like a dealer installed GYTR front grab bar and heel guards to match its unique graphics package.
The Raptor inspires confidence and injects a ton of fun into any riding experience. Its versatility across differing types of terrain, whether on the track, trail or dunes make it a great choice for someone interested in getting the most fun from a day in the dirt.
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