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Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Tops $1 Million

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Press Release –

OHV Enthusiasts Nationwide Benefit from More Than 100 Yamaha GRANTs in 21 Months

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its OHV Access Initiative, has provided more than $1 million in critical funding into OHV projects across the country.

In less than two years, more than 100 Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) have been given to local, state and national organizations that are leading efforts to support safe, responsible OHV riding and sustainable, open riding areas.

Programs receiving GRANTs historically incorporate projects that directly impact specific trails, such as trail construction and maintenance, safety patrols, mapping and trail signage, as well as projects that address OHV usage on a broader scale — like educational and land stewardship campaigns and legislative or legal efforts supporting responsible OHV access to public lands.

GRANT funded projects span the country from New York to California, Florida to Oregon.

In this third quarter funding cycle, eight Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) were awarded to fund projects that directly impact the access, safety and sustainability of OHV riding areas across the country.

A complete list of GRANT recipients can be found at:
www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess.

Polaris Defense Granted Huge Military Contract

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Press Release –

Polaris Defense Awarded $2.4 million Contract by National Guard Bureau for RANGER 800 CREW Off-Road Vehicles

Polaris Defense today announced an award for the purchase of Polaris RANGER 800 CREW Side-by-Sides by the National Guard Bureau, the federal organization that oversees equipment purchases for the National Guard.

The $2.4 million purchase of the Side-by-Sides will support the critical role the Army National Guard has to conduct missions abroad and at home including disaster relief.

“The National Guard’s state-side mission to protect the homeland and respond to disasters fits Polaris vehicles extremely well,” said Mark McCormick, managing director of Polaris Defense. “Our all wheel drive, multi-passenger, off-road vehicles provide a cost-effective capability well-suited for the demands of the National Guard. This is a big win for Polaris and our defense business. As an American company, we are committed to providing quality vehicles to the U.S. Military and this contract is a great example of our commitment to that goal.”

Polaris defense won the contract in a full and open competition conducted by the National Guard Bureau. The 2010 RANGER 800 CREW features an exclusive adjustable Dual A-Arm front suspension in addition to its legendary smooth independent rear suspension.

The new suspension allows for superior ground clearance for a vehicle of this type and a great ride when carrying heavier loads and using accessories for work applications.

The RANGER CREW also offers anti-kickback steering, high payload and towing, ease of attaching accessories and capability to carry six people.

About Polaris – With annual 2008 sales of $1.9 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com .

Yoshimura’s PIM-2 EFI Management System

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Press Release –

Yoshimura has just released the next generation in fuel management systems for fuel injected Motocross, Off-Road motorcycles and ATVs.

The PIM-2 (Peripheral Interface Module) installs easily, typically in under 30-minutes using simple Plug-N-Play technology. Just plug the PIM-2 into the stock wiring harness using the supplied sub-harness, mount it to your bike using the supplied mounting kit, and you are ready to race!

Yoshimura has been at the forefront of fuel injection tuning for many years through its Superbike Racing program. Now, with the proliferation of EFI into the dirt world, Yoshimura has utilized this vast experience in creating these remarkable devices.

The PIM-2 comes pre-loaded with two separate fuel injection maps for either a Yoshimura Slip-On or Full Exhaust System. Maps for additional pipe brands or engine modification configuration can be downloaded from the Yoshimura website.

The bottom line is the PIM-2 provides a noticeable improvement in performance and the ability to custom tune your motorcycle to virtually any preference or condition.

Current adjusting devices offer coarse adjustment. The PIM-2 offers a much finer level of adjustment to personalize your machines power characteristics.

The PIM-2 features over 400 adjustment points in +/- 1% increments with full range mapping every 500 rpm at 10% throttle intervals. It comes with a Plug-n-Play complete wiring harness and is simple to install with basic tools. An instructional video is also included.

Limitless custom tuning is now at your fingertips with a PC laptop and easy to learn, intuitive software. Mate the PIM-2 with Yoshimura’s optional self-mapping DATA (Digital Advanced Tuning Assistant) kit for the ultimate in performance tuning either on the track or the dyno.

The DATA kit consists of an air fuel sensor and amplifier box that plugs into the PIM-2, and allows for self-mapping of a motorcycle or ATV.

The DATA box automatically calculates the required fuel adjustment at each RPM and throttle position to reach the user selectable target air fuel ratio.

The kit comes with all of the required hardware, but may require modification of the exhaust pipe to accept the air fuel sensor fitting. 

The PIM-2 and DATA unit are available at your local dealer for all fuel injected models of ATVs and off-road motorcycles.

PIM-2 MSRP: $339.95 USD
PIM-2 Applications

DIRT
Honda CRF450R 2009 R-433-2257
Kawasaki KX450F 2009 R-433-2446
Suzuki RM-Z450 08-09 R-433-2191

ATV
Kawasaki KFX450 08-09 R-433-2415
Suzuki LT-R450 06-09 R-433-2115
Suzuki LT-Z400 2009 R-433-2176
Suzuki King Quad 750 08-09 R-433-2111
Suzuki King Quad 700 05-08 R-433-2110
Suzuki King Quad 450 08-09 R-433-2105
Yamaha YFZ450R 2009 R-433-2375
Yamaha RAPTOR 700 06-09 R-433-2388

UTV
Polaris RAZR 800 08-09 R-433-2540
Yamaha Rhino 700 08-09 R-433-2362

DATA Box MSRP: $429.95
DATA Box Part Number: R-433-DATA

BRP Rider Chad Wienen Wins Montreal Supercross

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Press Release –

Team Motoworks / Can-Am Racers Take Top Two Spots On Can-Am DS 450 ATV

Chad Wienen made his Team Motoworks / Can-Am debut in exciting form as he dominated the Montreal Supercross race on his Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

Wienen made it look effortless as he quickly passed his way to the front of the field during the main event, going on to win in convincing fashion.

He bested Motoworks teammate John Natalie by 20 seconds, and former Kawasaki teammate, Josh Creamer, by more than 40 seconds in the 10-lap race.

“Chad Wienen was able to accomplish one of the earliest goals in the DS 450 project: a Montreal Supercross win,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “To see Chad and John on the top two podium spots was very special for all BRP employees; those two riders raced very hard for Motoworks and everyone involved in the DS 450 program.”

Along with Wienen and Natalie, Can-Am X-Team racers Cody Miller and Richard Pelchat established the DS 450 as the machine to beat early on in the race.

Both riders were up front, however a nagging shoulder injury would force Pelchat to retire early. Miller narrowly missed the holeshot and was at the front for most of the first lap.

However, a tangle near the end of that first lap forced Miller to the rear of the field. From there, Miller mounted an amazing comeback, passing nearly everyone on the tight and narrow track. He barely missed a podium position by a half-second margin.

Amazingly, Natalie was able to stay in front of the 18-rider field, despite damaging a key component of his steering system early in the first lap. Natalie had to struggle with his race ATV to track straight, and muscle his way in left-hand corners. However, even with the front-end issues, he easily passed lapped traffic and distanced himself in front of third place.

Racer Quotes

“The track was pretty technical and you had to be precise in your riding, but it was really fun and I had a great time. It felt really good to go out there my first time on the Can-Am and take a win. I’m really excited about the upcoming season and I think, with Motoworks and the Can-Am DS 450, we really have a winning team and a shot at the motocross championship.” – Chad Wienen

“They put us on the exact same track as the bikes so it was challenging but really fun. The Motoworks Can-Am has a great set up and I feel really comfortable with it and it seems to be well suited for my riding style. The Montreal Supercross is a really great event. I wish that there was an indoor supercross series for quads because I think it would really help promote our sport and take it to the next level.” – John Natalie

The Motoworks / Can-Am crew now heads back west to its home base in California for more testing in preparation for the upcoming ATVA ATV Motocross National Series that will begin next Spring. For more information on Can-Am racing, our 2009 contingency program and amateur DS 450 support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

Will A Track Kit Wreck My ATV?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I was thinking of buying a track kit for my ATV. My question is whether or not using tracks would cause premature wear on the steering and suspension components.

Thanks,

Glen

Reply:

Thanks for your email!

A great question! In our experience track kits used for other than winter use due tend to inflict accelerated wear on some ATV’s.

However, if you buy a brand name, well engineered kit or an OE kit which includes a full warranty on the ATV with the kit installed and use it on snow, there is less wear and tear.

If you choose to operate your ATV with an all season track kit you should expect some additional wear on steering components – however, you should also expect to perform an accelerated maintenance schedule to compensate for this.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

FIRST RIDE: Kymco Maxxer 375

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By Mike Lester

I’ve always been a sucker for the underdog and I just love it when one does something to justify my support. Kymco USA has put together some excellent new products for the 2010 season.

Most notable is its putting independent rear suspension on the popular MXU 500 (you’ll read about this one in the upcoming issue of All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine) and the totally new 375 Maxxer.

The Maxxer takes its guts from the 375 MXU introduced in ’08 and still this writer’s favorite engine in the Kymco lineup. Its 366.9cc 4-stroke churns out 26 ponies – not overly impressive if you’re a big bore fanatic, but for young riders or those loving to give it everything on the trails, this engine makes impressive power. There’s plenty of torque down low and consistent power all the way across the curve.

Bodywork and styling is brand new from the ground up and the Maxxer’s fit and finish is some of the nicest we’ve seen in the industry. There’s what Kymco USA engineers coin as a “crossover” feel to the Maxxer.

Essentially picture an MXU with the racks removed, the plastic trimmed up and a cool looking brush bar thrown on the front. You’ve got all the trail performance of a utility ATV including IRS, with more aggressive styling and a few pounds shed for a lighter, more performance oriented feel. Sound familiar? We’re thinking the Renegade should be flattered.

Kymco USA has also added steel braided brake lines to the dual lever braking system – this rider’s setup of choice. Stopping power from the hydraulic discs is on-a-dime excellent.

Also, since the Maxxer is based on the 375 MXU, it has a CVT with high/low range and reverse. Switching to 4WD in the goo is as simple as pushing a button and will get you unstuck quick.

We’d love to see diff-lock introduced featuring a sweet on-the-fly switch similar to the 500 MXU and hope Kymco USA takes this into consideration as larger displacement iterations of the Maxxer make their way into its lineup.

The independent rear suspension is a great escape from solid rear axle sport rides. Trail chatter is soaked up and spit out with very little harshness translating up to the rider. Open it up down rough, open stretches without fear of chiropractor visits later.

Kymco USA is onto something and has definitely sent an alarm warning the competition it’s a serious player in the ATV biz.

Click here to view more photos

TrailFest Promises New Miles of Track

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Press Release –

Along with beautiful fall foliage, crisp air, and sparkling streams, October brings thousands of off-road riding enthusiasts back to southern West Virginia for TrailFest.

From October 8-12, 2009, Hatfield-McCoy Trails is proud to host the premium off-road event of the year which includes riding the safest and largest trail system on the East Coast.

Factory demo rides, manufacturer and equipment expos, mud bogging, drag racing, poker runs, kids’ track, entertainment and special guests – not to mention thousands of dollars in give-aways – are all part of the fun for the whole family.

As in previous years, the Larry Joe Harless Community Center will serve as the event headquarters for the weekend, and campsites throughout the area are expected to be at capacity. “The whole event has really developed a reunion-like atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail Authority. “Our new online-community of riders has a large number of folks that identify themselves as ‘family adventurers’ or people who just like to hang with friends.”

The Trails marketing director Mike Pinkerton agrees. “I think a lot of people who meet in person this year are going to feel like they already know each other, thanks to the online community.”

A 2006 economic impact study estimated the Hatfield-McCoy Trails added 146 new jobs to southern West Virginia’s economy, as well as $2.7 million in income and $7.7 million in output.

Lusk says updated numbers would certainly show continued growth, as money is spent by a growing number of visitors each year in restaurants, at gas stations, and on equipment rentals and repairs. “TrailFest started in Logan in back in 2000 and then moved to Gilbert the following year. Attendance at TrailFest has grown steadily to nearly10 times that of the original event,” he said.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails made a special push this summer to open new single track trails for dirt biking; the miles of single track trails on Buffalo Mountain have increased from 4 to 17 – Buffalo now has more miles of single track than any other Hatfield-McCoy trail, representing almost 40% of all of its single track trails on all six systems combined.

“We have something for everyone,” said Pinkerton “TrailFest 2009 is revving up to be incredible fun.”

Register online at www.trailsheaven.com www.trailsheaven.com , or call 1-800-592-2217.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trial System was created by the West Virginia Legislature to generate economic development through tourism in nine southern West Virginia counties. It currently operates six systems with more than 500 miles of trails. Each system is open 365 days a year to ATVs, dirt bikes, select utility vehicles (UTVs), mountain bikes, horses, and hikers. Many of the trail systems also offer community connecting trails that allow visitors to access “ATV-friendly towns” to experience the charm of southern West Virginia.

Big Bore from Kymco

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Unconfirmed rumors are buzzing of a 700-800cc Big Bore being developed and currently tested overseas for Kymco USA.

We think this engine could make its way into Kymco’s UXV side-x-side, as well as its MXU and Maxxer lineup.

No word yet as to when we’ll see an engine like this reach the shores of North America, but from what we’re seeing out of the Kymco USA camp, you can bet it’ll be good.

LATEST DIRT TRAX EPISODE ONLINE NOW

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The latest episode of Dirt Trax Television is now available online. Visit dirttraxtv.com and click on the FXR Video Portal to watch!

In this episode entitled “RIDING TOGETHER”…

Its all about enjoying the sport with the ones you love. Whether it’s a father son ride or hitting the race track with your girlfriend, participating in the sport together is a great way to strengthen any relationship!

In TEST RIDE, we hit the track and trail with Can-Am’s fully loaded and versatile DS 450 X.

Plus in TRAIL TECH, AJ reviews one of the best and simplest preventative maintenance procedures…washing your ATV!

All this and more on Dirt Trax Television – North America’s most watched ATV Show!

Click www.dirttraxtv.com to watch.

TOP GEAR: KLIM DAKAR PANTS

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Klim’s newly designed Dakar pant simply rocks. Worn over your boot, Velcro adjustments around the ankle allow you to tighten or loosen the cuff to your comfort.

For all day riding, you can keep warm as the morning chill is in the air and as the day warms up, a 20 inch zipper opens at the side of each leg to reveal meshed ventilation to keep you cool as the air passes over your legs.

The shell is made of Cordura, so you know you’ll be protected from mud, roost, scratches, etc, but there are some other sweet features that take this garment to another level.

The inner legs have thick and heavy-duty leather to protect your legs from engine heat and cargo pockets on each leg are deep and expandable and close tightly with about a six inch Velcro strip to keep your wallet, cell phone, license or cash clean safe. The pockets aren’t water tight, so always pack your stuff in a plastic zip lock bag to keep it dry.

There are also flexible patches at the groin and around the knee area to allow for more natural movement in the saddle. Plus the elastic back waistband features 2 adjustable straps to tighten or loosen depending on the size of your lunch.

From a safety standpoint we’re impressed by this design. Alongside the leather inner leg and durable fabric shell, there are a ton of light weight breathable foam pads around the hip and butt that are easily removable to customize depending on your needs, plus the same padding is in the perfect location to cushion your knees from bumps against the fenders or tank that can result from maneuvering around in corners and on tight trails.

Klim’s Dakar pants are available in a number of colors. We chose black to match just about every Klim jersey and glove combination we own. Visit KlimUSA.com to find your perfect fit.