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2009 Yoshimura Exhausts for Suzuki Quads

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Press Release –

Yoshimura has released a number of new products for 2009 Suzuki ATVs.

The RS-5 muffler for the Suzuki QuadRacer R-450 is unbeatable – just ask Dustin Wimmer!

Its attractive shape accentuates the sleek lines of this powerful LTR while inside a straight-through baffle system ensures maximum performance.

For the newly re-designed LT-Z400, Yoshimura has an RS-2 that captures the exciting power of the QuadRacer’s fuel-injected little brother.

The RS-2 is a versatile and very potent pipe that increases power delivery.

Yoshimura RS-2 and RS-5 Exhaust Systems come with a 96dB spark arrestor.

Optional inserts available are motocross 99dB non-spark arrested insert, and 94dB motocross non-spark arrested or off-road spark arrested inserts.

Features:

• Stainless/Aluminum construction
• Stainless Comp Full Systems with Aluminum Sleeve
• Titanium Pro Full Systems available with Aluminum Sleeve (RS-5) or Ti Sleeve (RS-2)

Product Information:

06-09 LT-R450
RS-5 Stainless Aluminum Slip-on
PN # 2115703 Retail $435.00 USD

RS-5 Stainless Aluminum Full System
PN # 2115503 Retail $595.00 USD

RS-5 Titanium Aluminum Full System
PN # 2115163 Retail $845.00 USD

03-09 LT-Z400
RS-2 Stainless Aluminum Slip-on
PN # 2176703 Retail $395.00 USD

RS-2 Stainless Aluminum Full System
PN # 2176503 Retail $ 595.00 USD

Can-Am Announces Race Contingency

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Press Release –

The 2009 ATV racing season is already underway and BRP is setting lofty goals for its Can-AmTM ATV racers and teams for this season.

At the top of the list is championships. Last season, Can-Am racers took home championships in the WORCS, CMRC Canadian Nationals and the GNCC series.

In all, racers claimed five championships across North America. It should be an exciting season as Can-Am continues to support ATV racing at both the local and national level.

“Our goal when racing any product line at BRP is to win races and championships,” says Del Bohlman, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “Our ATV racers and partner teams gave us our most successful ATV racing season last year and we are really looking forward to this season when we will continue where we left off. Our race teams are working hard right now to build upon the successes of this past season.”

Like last season, Can-Am will field several teams out of four full-out racing semis.

In all, there will be more than 30 Can-Am factory-sponsored racers in the WORCS, ITP Quadcross, CMRC, AMA ATV National Motocross Championship, Rock Maple Racing, Championship Mud Racing and GNCC series.

Here is a list of the teams and lineups:

Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am

Warnert Racing will field riders in both the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited and the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series.

In the AMA series, both John Natalie (#13) and Cody Miller (#22) will race DS 450TM EFI ATVs against the top pros from around the world in the premier ATV Motocross championship on the planet.

Last season, Natalie finished fifth overall with two moto wins during the season. His teammate, Miller, tied for tenth place in points with consistent finishes in the top 10.

In the GNCC series, Warnert Racing welcomes back Chris Bithell (#13) and has a new rider in the stable with Brent Sturdivant (#105).

Both will race DS 450 ATVs in the XC1 Pro class against the top woods racers in the world. Bithell took the overall win at the Unadilla GNCC in 2008 and look forward to repeating the feat several times in 2009.

Sturdivant will look to build upon the experience he gained last year on the DS 450.

Warnert also will support riders in the 4×4 classes as Bryan Buckhannon (#203), Michael Swift (#205) and Cliff Beasley (#208) will all race Can-Am OutlanderTM ATVs in the three 4×4 classes.

Each of the three racers will be defending championships in their respective classes. They are: Buckhannon, 4×4 Open; Swift, 4×4 Limited and Beasley, 4×4 Lites.

In the U2 class, Rick Cecco (#221) will race a Can-Am Renegade 800 XTM in the class and looks to secure the first championship for the Renegade.

Team Motoworks / Can-Am

The Motoworks team moves east this year and takes on the AMA ATV Motocross Championship with Jeremy Lawson (#16) and Brandon Smith (#70) racing DS 450 ATVs out of the rig.

Lawson will look to improve upon his fifth-place overall finish in 2008, and his teammate, Smith, is excited to bring experience in the ITP Quadcross Pro class east to take on the best ATV motocross racers on Earth.

Out west, WORCS 2008 Pro-class defending champion, Josh Frederick (#1), will pilot his DS 450 in the WORCS championship and the ITP Quadcross series.

Frederick has had an exciting 2009 thus far as he finished second in the PIAA 8-Hour Endurance Race, missing first by a mere 20 seconds. However Frederick took the win for the opening round of the WORCS series.

His teammate in the WORCS Pro class will be Jeremie Warnia (#62) who will also contest the ITP Quadcross Pro class aboard a DS 450.

In the amateur ranks will be Dillion Zimmerman (#49) who had a phenomenal 2008 season finishing second in the WORCS Pro-Am class and first in the 91-450 4-Stroke Expert class at the Quadcross series.

Team Epic Racing / Can-Am

The Epic moves west to contest the Quadcross series with two DS 450 riders out of the racing semi.

Sage Baker (#49) will bring valuable experience he gained last year in the AMA ATV Motocross to the premier west-coast ATV motocross series. His teammate will be Hunter Miller (#90), brother of Can-Am rider Cody Miller.

Miller contested the AMA ATV Motocross series last season and looks forward to the challenge of the Quadcross series.

Can-Am X-Team

In addition to the partner teams, Can-Am offers factory race support to numerous riders.

The CMRC Canadian Nationals will see both Richard Pelchat (#46) and Michael Ouellette (#41) race in 2009.

Pelchat is the defending Canadian national champion and he will also race in the AMA ATV Motocross series.

In the GNCC series, Mike Penland will race in the 4×4 Limited class (#235) and Scott Kilby (#210) will compete in the 4×4 Open class, both will ride Outlander 800R ATVs, while Lexie Coulter (#217) will race a DS 450 in the Women’s class.

Can-Am veteran, Jeremie Dudding (#226), will switch to a Renegade 800R X and compete in the U2 class for 2009.

There will also be riders in the AMA ATV Motocross Championship amateur classes, in particular, Angel Adkins, in the Women class and Cole Henry, in the 450 classes, who recently gave the 2009 DS 450 X mx its first race win. The Rock Maple Racing QTC class will feature Jamie Bougher (#274) aboard a Can-Am Outlander; Bougher will also race in the GNCC series.

And in the ITP Championship Mud Racing series, the entire Gorilla Axle race team will compete on Can-Am Outlander ATVs along side the Performance East, Inc., race team, which will also contest the series on Outlander ATVs.

In addition, Can-Am is offering an extensive contingency program for Pro and amateur racers for 2009.

Contingency money will be paid in the following race series: GNCC series, AMA ATV Motocross Championship, CMRC Canadian National Championship, CMRC Quebec Provincial Championship, WORCS, ITP Quadcross, Score Baja/BITD series, Rock Maple Racing series, NE-ATVMX, PAMX and OMA series.

In all, Can-Am is pledging more than $1.1 million in contingency money toward ATV racing across North America.

Visit www.can-amxteam.com for more information on the contingency program and photos on the 2008 season and upcoming 2009 ATV racing season.

Bad Boy Partners with G-Force On Project

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Press Release –

Bad Boy Enterprises, makers of the Bad Boy Buggy, the world’s first electric UTV, today announced a development partnership with G-Force Consulting Inc. for future product designs.

Bad Boy’s investment in product development includes the 2009 Bad Boy XT—the first electric UTV with IMS suspension, that is being premiered at the 2009 SHOT, ATA and Indianapolis Dealer Expo trade shows.

Gary Gustafson, President of G-Force Consulting Inc. said : “We are proud to partner with Bad Boy Enterprises, the leader in electric UTVs. Bad Boy pioneered off-road electric vehicles, and we look forward to leveraging our engineering experience and market insight at G-Force to help Bad Boy maintain their leadership position in this growing class of UTVs.”

The 2009 Bad Boy Buggy XT includes G-Force Consulting-designed IMS (Independent MacPherson Strut) front and rear suspensions, hydraulic disk brakes on all four wheels, a re-designed chassis and battery layout for optimal steering, dynamics and traction, a re-designed electrical system with IP67 sealing and an automotive-style accelerator pedal, plus 25% more powerful traction motors.

The new Buggy is all-new from the ground up, 150 lbs lighter yet with a notably stronger frame and a more powerful and rugged drive train.

“As the pioneers in ETV (Electric Terrain Vehicle) market, Bad Boy Enterprises has accumulated years of valuable feedback from our customers. The Bad Boy Buggy XT includes the new features and improvements that our loyal riders demand. We chose G-Force Consulting Inc. to help us develop the XT because of their track record of innovation, product leadership and quality.” said Jody Foster, Bad Boy Buggies CEO. “ The partnership with G-Force Consulting demonstrates our long-term commitment to building the best ETVs on the market. We are confident that our substantial R&D investment is paying off with vehicles that will continue to blaze a trail for other brands to follow. The competition never heard us coming with our all-new Bad Boy XT, and we plan to release even more innovative vehicles in the future.”

Visit www.g-forceconsulting.net or www.badboybuggies.com to learn more.

G-Force Consulting Inc. of Bemidji, Minnesota is the premier North American ATV and UTV contract engineering and consulting agency. G-Force Consulting provides design, procurement, marketing, recruitment and research expertise for manufacturers in the ATV, UTV, snowmobile and other power sports markets. Bad Boy Enterprises of Natchez, Mississippi, the maker of Bad Boy Buggies, is the leading North American manufacturer of electric-powered off-road vehicles.

2009 Yamaha YFZ 450R: First Ride

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By: AJ Lester

At first glance you might not think there’s a whole lot different about the 09′ YFZ however that’s far from true.

In an upcoming issue of All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine we’ll go into greater technical detail. For now we want to let you know how the 2009 YFZ felt on real world track and trail.

There’s no doubt the new 450 motor is enjoying an EFI upgrade. Power is abundant and when put to the trails this beast wants to roar. Whether hard-packed dirt or soft California sand the motor puts muscle to the ground.

At first we thought the 09′ actually felt soft down low. However, the ECU maps the RPM range and accounts for what it believes is wheel spin almost like traction control. At times you may feel this slight override but it actually improves launch and helps the 450 stay hooked up.

In stock form the YFZ motor is happy on the track and surprisingly stout on the trails with a more usable power band than earlier renderings of the YFZ.

The suspension on the 09′ is also head and shoulders above it’s predecessors incorporating more finely tuned technology that we’ll get into at a later date, bottom line is the new design really works well.

Engineers took both track and tail into consideration during development, creating a stock 450 class ATV that traverses both with ease.

Considering that an overwhelming majority of 450 buyers don’t actually race, this is a smart move for Yamaha.

Ergos, control surfaces and the overall feel of the 450 are more refined and trail-able. The seating position is great for moving around on the track but out on the trails the YFZ tops its competitors in comfort.

At the intro of the 09′ YFZ we were privileged to ride a tricked out GYT-R model featuring every imaginable upgrade available from your Yamaha dealer. Billet head and valve gear; high comp piston, pipe, EFI programmer and a variety of other tricked-out parts.

While we weren’t sure what to expect, we can say that we now have far more faith in GYT-R hop-up parts.

The GYT-R package on the test unit we rode was worth almost half what the YFZ itself costs, but we wouldn’t hesitate to say the it was every bit as competent as a fully prepped factory race ATV.

The following weekend, Yamaha factory racer Dustin Nelson blew away the competition at Glen Helen as he debuted his 2009 YFZ proving it has what it takes to own the podium. We feel it will attract its share of trail enthusiasts too.

Check out the 2009 Yamaha YFZ 450R photo gallery!

MotoSport Alloys Patriot M9

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Press Release –

The Patriot is one of many new styles by MSA featuring incredible new styling, a new engineered cap and backed by a full lifetime structural warranty.

The Patriot is available in gloss black with fitments for all ATV manufacturers and fitments. Available worldwide, get your hands on a set now.

The Patriot is available in the following sizes:

12×7” with a +10mm or –47 offset.
14×7” with a +10mm or –47 offset.

FITMENTS:

4×110 | 4×115 | 4×137 | 4×156

Run one of the finest built, unique styles in the industry, run MotoSport Alloys. You have options. Color outside the lines.

The Patriot M9 and the rest of the MSA collection is online at www.motosportalloys.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/motosportalloys

For the dealer nearest you call toll free (800) 734-4890.

MotoSport Alloys Platoon M8

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Press Release –

Now you can color code match your factory blue, black and red plastics to your wheels with the new Platoon M8, one of many new styles by MSA featuring incredible new styling, a new engineered cap and backed by a full lifetime structural warranty.

The Platoon is available in a wide variety of fitments for all ATV manufacturers.

Available worldwide, get your hands on a set now.

The Platoon is available in the following sizes:

12×7” with a +10mm or –47 offset.
14×7” with a +10mm or –47 offset.

FITMENTS (Black):

4×110 | 4×115 | 4×137 | 4×156

FITMENTS (Red and Blue):

4×110 Only

Run one of the finest built, unique styles in the industry, run MotoSport Alloys. You have options. Color outside the lines.

The Patriot M9 and the rest of the MSA collection is online at www.motosportalloys.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/motosportalloys

For the dealer nearest you call toll free (800) 734-4890.

Creagan and Prowler Begin 2009 On Podium

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Press Release –

Team Arctic racer Jim Creagan isn’t kidding when he calls the Arctic Prowler, “The toughest UTV in the desert.” At the opening round of the Best In The Desert (BITD) off-road series in Parker, Ariz., Creagan dusted off his team’s 700 XTX EFI that finished second in the Baja 1000 just two months ago, put a heavy foot on the gas and raced to a strong third place.

“This season our goal is to win the UTV class championship, which required a good finish at the Parker 250,” said Creagan. “We will campaign a Prowler 1000 XTZ in the remaining races, but it wasn’t ready for Parker. So we freshened up our Baja-worn 700, rode at the ragged edge and proved that we could once again put a stock Prowler against all the fully modified racers.”

In truth, Creagan and his team have little to prove in the rough world of off-road desert racing, having finished first and second in the side-by-side UTV class in the 2008 Baja 1000.

It marked the first time a UTV has ever finished the grueling race and highlighted the performance and durability of the race-winning Prowler 1000 XTZ, as well as the second-place Prowler 700 XTX EFI.

Creagan (of Yacott, Wash.) and his son (and co-driver) Tabor Cresap followed a very different strategy for the Parker 250 than they used at the Baja 1000.

“To finish 1000 miles of Baja, you have to ride smart and in control,” Creagan said. “Parker was a 170-mile sprint against fully modified machines with powered-up engines, aftermarket suspensions and long-travel kits. Our 700 XTX had a stock engine, stock chassis and stock suspension.

“So I put my foot down on the gas and rarely lifted during the entire race. The Parker course was typically brutal, with rocks, sand washes, high speed sections and technical areas. We were absolutely thrashing our machine, but there were no problems. It was just gas-and-go at the fuel stops.”

Creagan and Cresap finished the race in four hours and fifty-five minutes, thanks to their hard driving and expertly executed fuel stops by crew members Chris Fallon and Mark Vories.

Both driver and co-driver anticipate higher finishes at the six remaining BITD events, thanks to the higher top-speeds from their soon-to-be-complete Prowler 1000 XTZ.

“The 1000 XTZ will be fast enough to out-run our competitors’ modified machines,” said Creagan. “We’re optimistic about climbing a step or two up the podium.”

The team is sponsored by Arctic Cat, Wired Energy Drink, Vision X Lighting, GBC Motorsports and King Shocks.

Their next race is at the Terrible 250 in Primm, Nev., April 17-19.

About Arctic Cat – Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat® brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol “ACAT.” More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available on the Internet at www.arcticcat.com.

Yamaha Reaches Milestone For Ducks Unlimited

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Press Release –

Yamaha Leadership in Outdoors Promotes Conservation and Access for Hunting and Recreation

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has reached a significant milestone supporting hunting and wetland conservation through a long-standing relationship with Ducks Unlimited (DU).

As an official licensee of DU since 2004, Yamaha Outdoors has contributed more than $1 million in support of DU’s wetland conservation efforts.

“Yamaha is more involved in the outdoors industry than any other ATV manufacturer, and that’s because of our commitment to the people who use our products,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/Side by Side (SxS) group marketing manager. “We’re proud of our long-standing relationships with important organizations like DU and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). This $1 million mark with DU is symbolic of Yamaha’s commitment to outdoorsmen, habitat preservation, and to keeping lands safe and open for hunting and recreation.”

Yamaha has supported DU on a number of levels over the past five years including cash and product contributions.

Additionally, Yamaha offers special edition DU models which include the top-selling Grizzly 700 FI ATV and Rhino 700 FI SxS vehicle. For every DU-Edition Yamaha vehicle sold, a portion of the sale is contributed to DU for conservation efforts.

“Our partnership with Yamaha is truly a model program and one of the most integrated partnerships that DU has,” said Jim Alexander, DU director of licensing. “Yamaha’s support of DU stretches from local grassroots events to the retailing of DU Special Edition Grizzlies and Rhinos. We are proud to recognize Yamaha for over $1 million in contributions to DU’s ongoing conservation efforts across North America. Corporate support is vital to the success of our conservation mission, and Yamaha is leading the way.”

In addition to DU, Yamaha supports the NSSF, Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association, Buckmasters, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and National Hunting and Fishing Day, and continues to be a leader in the off-road community by promoting conservation, safe and responsible OHV riding access, and introducing new generations to the outdoors.

BEST IN CLASS AWARDS: Best UTV

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WINNER: Arctic Cat Prowler 550 Flat Deck

Yet again the Arctic Cat Prowler takes charge and pulls out on top. The new 550 Flat Deck takes Prowler work-ability to a whole new level.

A new EFI equipped 550cc mill runs strong and pulls hard and the new electronic diff switch makes getting out of almost anything even easier.

The flat deck feature means that more people can do more things with this versatile UTV, and with a two and a half inch lower loading height, the flat deck is easier to drag stuff onto.

Opt for the wooden side stake inserts and you can still keep untied cargo safe.

When it comes to hauling a big load, the super strong steel deck is ready for the task with a tough perimeter frame and big bracing.

We love this UTV because it’s priced right and opens up the market to floods of new people and possibilities.

RUNNERS-UP: Polaris RZR S, Yamaha Rhino 700

POLARIS: If we had a class called Best Sport UTV, the RZR S is so out front it would require us to create a third category.

This buggy-like off-roader has the showroom appeal of a Ferrari and the behind-the-wheel thrill of a fully prepped pre-runner truck. Its 800HO mill delivers 30 percent more power than the stock RZR, and, yes, it’s definitely noticeable.

Stretched out suspension with Fox Podium gas shocks and huge tires provide a 10-inch wider stance and incredible ground clearance. If you’re looking strictly for sport, there’s nothing better.

RHINO: The Rhino suits the balance between work and play like no other UTV.

Multiple option packages will take you from a hardcore outdoorsman to a tricked-out desert rider in style while still retaining your factory warranty.

Typical Yamaha classy execution and tight engineering make the Rhino experience seamless while blingy features like LED taillights, chrome shift knobs and piggyback shocks will satisfy the most demanding off-roader.

Add to this its potent 700 EFI mill and you’ve got a sporty ride that can still work the yard, farm or construction site.

BEST IN CLASS AWARDS: Best 2-Up ATV

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WINNER: Can-Am Outlander Max 800R LTD

We neglected this category last year but the popularity of 2-up riding is rapidly growing and we think there should be some kudos spread around.

Can-Am invented this category and the company’s understanding of what consumers want is impressive.

In this case, the consumer gets everything: A powerful EFI 800 V-twin, amazing Visco-Lok auto locking differential, a 3000 lb winch on the Max LTD and enough comfort to satisfy a constipated retiree from Miami.

There’s an unmistakable, confidence-inspiring overall feeling as far as balance and maneuverability goes with Can-Am’s 2-uppers in every engine configuration.

The beauty of this product is it offers complete satisfaction whether being ridden with one person or two.

This year, a more powerful, upgraded engine and a bulletproof CVT makes the experience even more satisfying.

RUNNERS-UP: Polaris Sportsman Touring, Arctic Cat TRV 1000 H2 Cruiser

SPORTSMAN: If it were all about ride, the Sportsman would win hands down. Its rolled IRS offers the driver and passenger incredible comfort and its list of amenities is right there with the competition.

Frankly, you can’t go wrong with any of the three choices in this class and the Touring is a perfect example of an ATV that offers virtually everything a family can ask for in a 2-upper. We’re especially hooked on the extra storage area under the front rack.

ARCTIC CAT: Talk about the ultimate 2-up experience! The 1000 Cruiser is likely the fastest way to go off-road on an ATV with two people and offers an elaborate menu of comfort features including a full fairing with, get this, built-in cup holders for the driver.

Included are driver and passenger adjustable handwarmers, special storage areas and an incredibly comfortable 2-up seat. This 4-wheeler is like a big comfy couch with retro rockets underneath. Truly unique!