Convert your WARN winch to remote-controlled operation.
Works with any WARN winch with a contactor and mini-rocker control switch.
Two color LEDs indicate when the system is on and when the system has begun winching.
Includes weather-proof, wireless remote control, receiver with built-in antenna and handlebar-mounted holster for remote. 50-foot range.
To order call 1-800-970-3497 or visit denniskirk.com
Light and strong, ITP’s SS 212s are built using an exclusive Advancecast process to precise QS 9000 quality specs.
Available in three finish options including machined with black accents topped with a tough clear-coat finish, matte black and chrome.
Heavy duty 12” wheels rated at 700 pounds, 14” side-by-side UTV applications rated at 800 pounds.
To order call 1-800-970-3497 or visit denniskirk.com
WINNER: Suzuki Quadracer R450
Impressive horsepower, top-drawer com-ponents and incredible handling don’t always translate into a BIC Award.
This time, though, the 2008 Quadracer gets the BIC and the praise it deserves, not just from us but from all across the North American racing scene.
The dedication of Suzuki’s 450 engineering team is evidenced in the impressive advancements made to the new Quadracer, not the least of which is an improved and potent 450cc EFI mill.
Sweeping power modifications bring the 450 to race spec at an industry leading, ultra-low price.
Add to this an overhauled chassis and suspension package allowing riders to easily and precisely tune the QuadRacer to winning race conditions.
To win in a brutally competitive class you need cutting-edge equipment. To rise to sales success in an economy under pressure you need to be a bargain. The Quadracer R450 is both.
RUNNERS-UP: KTM 450SX, Can-Am DS 450
KTM: Adding to its already impressive XC model line, KTM is now fully tuned for closed track racing with the SX.
The Gucci-ness of the 450SX is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. It sports incredible suspension packages, big horsepower, an aftermarket caliber exhaust package and more tricked out aluminum bling than most pro level riders can afford.
This incredibly impressive ride is held back only by its fierce price tag.
CAN-AM: Entering a market this competitive can be difficult. Refusing not to compromise is even harder.
The DS is fighting a tough battle in a market flooded with high tech, impressive rides. Still, Can-Am refuses to give in and continues to refine the DS 450 and increase its awareness through factory-backed racing.
Offered in multiple packages for either XC or MX chores, the DS is hands-down the best handling and most responsive 450 in the industry.
Its superior frame technology and its inherent unsprung weight give DS riders a distinct advantage.
WINNER: Yamaha Grizzly 550FI
Okay, you’re wondering how the Grizzly 550 wins the BIC but not the shoot-out in this issue? The answer is: proven performance!
BIC Awards are bragging rights for the OEMs. More importantly, they’re strong indicators of our endorsement for purchase to our readers.
The Yamaha Grizzly 550 is a stellar ATV offering great handling and ride in combo with a stout, torquey and efficient EFI 550 single.
Availability of power steering and some of the nicest looking LE version plastic ever adorning a Yamaha make this ATV impossible to ignore. The weight factor is another thing we simply can’t ignore.
Despite its extensive feature list, the Grizzly still tips the scales on the razor’s edge of 600 lbs. Amazing! Here’s the kicker – we’ve been running a 550 since early this year and we simply cannot hurt it.
Drop dead reliability, value rich quality, exceptional performance. Isn’t that what you want?
RUNNERS-UP: Polaris Sportsman 550XP, Suzuki KingQuad 450
SPORTSMAN: There’s too much that’s new, fresh and pacesetting here to overlook.
From its high mounted radiator to its waterproof rear storage compartment to its motorcycle-like ultra narrow seat to its 14-inch wheels, it doesn’t matter where you look on the XP, there’s new ideas and innovation.
If another ATV possessed half the new technology the XP carries, we’d call it revolutionary. As it is, the 550 bristles with new tech. Prepare for copies to emerge.
KINGQUAD: Last year the 450 KQ took the BIC award. In only one year this class has seen tons of new engineering and features.
The KQ 450 still shines in our books. Using a full-on KingQuad 750 chassis, the smaller version produces exceptional power from its EFI 4-valve mill.
Nice features abound including a multi-plate rear disc brake and shiftable/lockable 4WD. Suzuki did the right thing when it used its 750 platform for this 450. Just ask Yamaha.
WINNER: Polaris Sportsman XP 850
Yep, that’s three in a row for Polaris and we’re prepared to back up our choice for the third year running.
The new XP is neither a warmed-over Sportsman nor is it an update to an older model; this is a completely new ATV from the wheels up. After extensive riding we’ve concluded the XP platform is the new standard in the Sport-Ute segment.
Its innovations and design are flat-out too significant to ignore. A longitudinally mounted, all-new engine and a cross-mounted CVT provide a stance that’s as narrow as a dirt bike.
Its “long-arm” A-arm suspension takes handling up a full notch from the already stellar handing model it replaces.
This new 850’s power simply cannot be ignored; a claimed 70hp is the new standard for Big Bore Class power.
Despite the fact we’ve long felt the former Sportsman had the best ride in the biz, the XP ups the ante with better balance in the corners and less squat under acceleration.
The XP 850 moves the bar skyward – maybe even higher.
RUNNERS-UP: Can-Am Outlander 800R, Yamaha Grizzly 700FI
OUTLANDER: Before we met the new Polaris XP, we were feeling nothing but love for the Outlander 800R.
Its freshened Rotax V-twin is a welcome and significant upgrade producing incredibly smooth and easy-to-modulate power and its Visco-Lok 4-wheel drive system still redlines the appeal-ometer.
There’s no need for apologies from the Can-Am Camp. The Outlander 800R is a superbly executed, capable and powerful Big Bore ride no one shopping this segment can ignore.
GRIZZLY: There’s so much good in this Yamaha we felt really bad about giving it runner-up status again this year.
The improvements Yamaha has made in handling, ride and performance make the Grizzly 700 an absolute must-ride for any Big Bore shopper.
A torque laden 700 single that’ll make most 800’s sit up and pay attention combines with indigenous Yama-quality that simply cannot be undervalued.
Press Release –
New Site Features Video, Photos and Information on the All-New High-Performance Sport ATV
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has launched a creative new Web site featuring its highly anticipated, recently announced YFZ450R. The YFZ450R is a high-performance race-ready ATV and the new site, located at www.yamaha-motor.com/yfz450r features exciting videos, photos and detailed information based strictly on this machine.
“The YFZ450R is a ground-breaking ATV that required its own exclusive online environment in order to showcase all of its new features,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “This site is a new and exciting project for Yamaha and is designed to cater to anyone interested in race-performance Sport ATV technology.”
The new site opens with an introductory video including some serious MX action featuring Yamaha Factory Racer Dustin Nelson. Once inside, there are menu bars linking to detailed information on the machine’s top features. A photo gallery contains studio, action and detailed images.
More riding videos and walk-around reviews compliment the still images, and a host of interactive features allow visitors to dig deep into the new vehicle. There is a creative 360-degree three-dimensional element, details on the YFZ450R’s features and specifications, and a page dedicated to the machine’s new Yamaha GYTR® parts and accessories.
More information on all of Yamaha’s ATV and Side-by-Side products is available at www.yamaha-motor.com .
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. – Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, YMUS also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.
Press Release –
Mark Lindsay and his RANGER RZR captured the SCORE “UTV Sportsman” championship leading the class with 204 points, 40 points ahead of the second-place finisher. The championship is the fourth for the RANGER RZR in 2008.
“Polaris is extremely happy with the success of the RANGER RZR during the 2008 racing season and we congratulate Lindsay on his championship,“ said Craig Scanlon, product line sales manager for the Polaris Side x Side Division. “The RANGER RZR continues to show its versatility and endurance in Side-by-Side racing and with the addition of the RANGER RZR S, we look forward to a successful 2009.”
Earlier this season, Lindsay made history in SCORE racing by being the first Side-by-Side to finish the Baja 500. His four-man team including himself and Phil Holdsworth as drivers, and Jason Spiess and Derek Tungmala as navigators, finished third in the Baja 1000 despite a couple accidents and challenges. The finish made Polaris Side-by-Sides the only vehicles to finish the Baja 250, 500 and 1,000; with a RANGER RZR finishing the 500 and 1000 this year, and Matt Parks’ 2007 history-making finish of the Baja 250 in a Polaris RANGER XP.
“The vehicle handled the silt, rocks, whoops and sand like a dream,” said Mark Lindsay. “Being the only Side-by-Side brand to finish the various SCORE races proves Polaris vehicles are more rugged than any other Side-by-Side.”
Lindsay’s team was sponsored by Afraidium Racing, FST, BS Sand Seats, Maier MFG, Maxxis, Iron City Polaris, King Shocks, ATVonics, TireBalls, DriFire Clothing, RE/MAX Lindsay Group, HMF Exhaust, Clif Bar, OMF and Vision X.
Lindsay’s SCORE championship is the fourth for the RANGER RZR in 2008. Jagged X and their No. 1919 RANGER RZR took their second Best in the Desert Points Championship in 2008 starting the season with two second-places and ending it with a dominating five consecutive firsts.
Multi-time Pro and Pro Production GNCC Winner, William Yokley raced the Polaris RANGER RZR in GNCC’s ”UTV Open Modified” class and went undefeated taking the GNCC UTV Championship. And, Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing’s Doug Eichner captured the top spot for the WORCS Side-by-Side title on his RANGER RZR with six podium finishes.
Press Release –
Jagged X and their No. 1919, RANGER RZR finished the “Best in the Desert” series strong with another win at the “Henderson Fabtech Desert Classic” this past weekend.
The win finished another dominating season that brought Jagged X and the RANGER RZR their second, consecutive BITD championship.
The Jagged X/Polaris Racing RANGER RZR team had already secured the season championship but was determined to finish the season as strong as possible. The field had a surprising number of entries with 10 teams lining up at the start for the approximately 150 mile race.
The No. 1919 started in the sixth position driven by Blake Van De Loo and performed perfectly for the four-hour race. After swapping the lead several times, the RANGER RZR was able to pull ahead and take the first place finish by more than 10 minutes.
This race marks the fifth consecutive win for the Jagged X/Polaris Racing team which began the season with two second place finishes. This is the first time a Side-by-Side has completed every single race mile for an entire racing season in the BITD series.
The Side-by-Sides also are the only class competing in a seven race season, with all other classes racing five races. The race also marks the 14th consecutive finish for the Jagged X RANGER RZR. These accomplishments proves the RANGER RZR is the hardest working, hardest racing Side-by-Side available.
“Polaris would like to congratulate Jagged X on their second Best in the Desert Championship,“ said Craig Scanlon, product line sales manager for the Polaris Side x Side Division. “The Jagged X team has been extremely dedicated to the RANGER RZR racing effort and their continued success and second championship is well deserved. We look forward to the 2009 race season with hopes Jagged X will continue its win streak and secure another championship.”
In the first-year of production for the RANGER RZR, Jagged X did the unthinkable and won the 2007 BITD championship.
Jagged X got their first podium, taking second, at the 2007 “Blue Water Grand Prix” and took their first first-place at the 2007 “Vegas to Reno” race and never looked back.
They finished the season with three first-place finishes and one second-place and the BITD championship.
In 2008, Jagged X and the No. 1919 started the season with two second-place finishes and then went on a tear finishing the season with five consecutive first-places, and the 2008 championship.
“The RANGER RZR is an amazing platform for our desert race program and we have to thank Polaris industries for their continued support,” said Bill Schueler of Jagged X. “We all work very hard together to finish and win races, and will stay on the cutting edge of Side-by-Side racing as our sport’s popularity continues to grow.”
Press Release –
Polaris Industries Inc. has launched the first of many webcast training sessions for their dealerships focused on their newest ATV products, the Sportsman 850 and 550 XP.
Through a combination of video, presentations, and interactive question and answer sessions, Polaris delivered a high-quality training program allowing dealers to feel comfortable with servicing the new vehicles.
Utilizing webcasting technology to deliver these training sessions resulted in a reduction of the number of infield service trainings from 36 to six, increasing efficiency and providing savings to both the company and its dealers.
Technicians now can stay in the shop longer where they generate profit for the dealers and owners can save the associated travel costs.
“Polaris is committed to operational excellence by providing new and easier ways to communicate efficiently with our dealer network,” said Bill Fisher, chief information officer/vice president of Dealer Services, Polaris Industries. “This effort is defining the standard for what training can be and is a great benefit to the dealerships. There has never been a more important to save time and money, and this delivery method saves Polaris and dealers significant time and money.”
To provide the webcasting, Polaris turned to industry leader StratosFour, Inc. (Cedar Rapids, IA) for the necessary tools and bandwidth. “The pre-production and planning made all the difference,” said Richard Moffitt, account executive for StratosFour. “We work with the clients to thoroughly understand not only their needs, but the needs of their audience.”
The training is available for12 months online, allowing for continued training for new technicians and as a refresher for anyone else within the Polaris network.
“Offering online training has improved dealer response due to both the ease of participating and decrease of travel cost,” said Laurie Rengel, manager of Polaris Service Dealer Development. “The increased response will ensure more dealers are aware of quality improvements on our new ATVs and, if needed, have the knowledge to troubleshoot and fix issues quickly.”
Press Release –
Polaris’ Doug Eichner Crowned 2009 Open Pro ITP QuadCross Series Champion
On November 30, 2008, the Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing team prepared ATV racing legend and Multi-Time World and National Champion Doug Eichner for the ninth and final round of the ITP QuadCross race held at Glen Helen Raceway, located in San Bernardino, Calif.
Going into the final round of the Open Pro class aboard the Polaris Outlaw 525 S, Eichner’s Outlaw was equipped with enhanced performance and exhaust by Yoshimura R&D of America Inc., front arms, axle and steering stem by Lone Star Racing, FOX Racing Shox suspension, MAXXIS Tires, DWT Wheels, GPR Stabilizer among other superior aftermarket components.
Eichner held a 12-point lead entering the final round of the race series and the thought of adding another “first” in the Polaris history books by delivering the first Professional Level Motocross Series Championship to Polaris was exciting for the whole team to consider. Eichner, seemingly always cool under pressure, appeared oblivious to what was at stake and approached each Moto with his typical hard-charging style.
With 14 pros at the starting gate, it was Eichner who took command of the track with a holeshot start in Moto 1, and stellar performances in each race. Eichner secured the ITP QuadCross Open Pro Series Championship with a first place finish at the final round of the season and a 20-point lead over the second place competitor.
Eichner has been a consistent advocate of the Polaris Outlaw 525 S since his very first ride on the machine claiming it to be the best handling machine he has ridden to date. Eichner’s efforts with the Outlaw 525 S garnered him six first place finishes in the nine-race ITP QuadCross Series and a total of eight podium finishes, while boasting a flawless mechanical performance year in the Open Pro Class in the ITP QuadCross Series. Eichner also won the Pro Main Event at the WORCS Lake Havasu race and the 2-hour Saboba Grand Prix aboard the Outlaw 525 S in 2008.
Eichner received supportive efforts from friend and mechanic Todd Hunt, Cheri Hunt and Caide Hunt who made the trip all the way from Utah to be present. Yoshimura’s George Fickett and friend and and pit support, Larry Heidler, were also there to provide support and add to Eichner’s cheering section.
“Each win on my Polaris machines becomes a special memory for me and I am so honored to be given the opportunity of doing my best on behalf of all the wonderful people I have come to know at Polaris. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Eric Nault, Polaris Race Team Manager, the Marketing Team and the entire Engineering Team at Polaris, as well as Dan Fisher and his superior staff at Lone Star Racing. And, since teamwork is essential, I also wish to extend my gratitude to each and every sponsor of the Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing team, crew and my family who all helped to earn this history making achievement,” said Eichner.
The Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing youth rider and five-time National Champion, Caide Hunt shared some track time aboard her modified Polaris Outlaw 90 MXR. With so many competing priorities this year, George Fickett of Yoshimura and Doug Eichner were finally able to put some resources and time towards this unit and the team’s little superstar put together a performance of a win in heat 1 of the 90 cc and Above Mod Class and a near photo finish in heat 2 giving her a 1 – 2 finish and a second overall for the day. The 2009 year looks promising for this young superstar.
“We are all extremely proud and excited at Polaris with the success Doug Eichner and his team have brought to Polaris,” said Eric Nault, race team manager for Polaris. Doug brought Polaris our first Professional Level Win in 2007, and successfully demonstrated the unique abilities of the Outlaw 525 IRS including the ability to jump the IRS an unofficial 207 feet. We congratulate and thank Doug Eichner, his team and sponsors for the superior efforts in 2008 securing the following year-end results:
– World Off-Road Championship Series UTV National Championship – RANGER RZR
– ITP QuadCross Open Pro Series Championship – Outlaw 525 S
– Numerous Pro Wins and a Top-Five National Finish – Outlaw 450 MXR
– World Off-Road Championship Series – Women’s Championship-Outlaw 450
MXR” Polaris is looking forward to the return of legendary and Multi-Time World & National Champion, Doug Eichner and five-time Youth National Champion, Caide Hunt, to return in 2009 to continue their efforts to provide professional and successful performances on behalf of the entire team of sponsors.
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