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Best Sport Utility ATV: Mid-Range

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WINNER: Suzuki 450 KingQuad

We changed this category this year and widened the choices to ATVs with engines displacing from 350 to 500ccs.

This opened the door to a much broader list of 4-wheelers and made the competition for a class winner much tougher.

Price is now a huge factor and, naturally, getting the most for the least amount of cash is a big consideration with consumers right now.

Suzuki’s King Quad 450 owns this class for delivering the best ride, best handling and most features for a killer price.

This is an incredible ATV for the money and features off-roading staples like fully independent suspension, liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection.

Then there’s selectable 4WD, mechanical engine braking, a multi-plate rear disc brake system, diff-lock and an excellent CVT transmission.

Better than any of the above is the lightweight, precise handling the 450 delivers and its 4WD system’s ability to rule in the bogs.

Furthermore, it’s a dead ringer for its big brother, the new 750 KingQuad, so you can impress your friends while jiggling the extra coins left in your pocket.

If this wheeler wasn’t so much fun to ride (we actually prefer it to the old 700 KingQuad), it wouldn’t have made this list.

As it stands, this is the benchmark right now for engineering, fair price and delivery of satisfaction in this category.

RUNNERS-UP: Honda TRX 420, Polaris Sportsman 400

Once again, price entered the equation here. Honda’s TRX 420 4×4 is an amazing product and delivers key elements like EFI and liquid cooling in a price range where the competition replies with carbs and air cooling.

Sure, it’s missing IRS and still uses a semi-auto 5-speed but long engine life and strong resale will carry the day.

The Sportsman 400 is all-new this year and offers last years full sized Sportsman 450’s powerplant. In this chassis it turns out to be a rocket.

This slightly downsized IRS suspended Sport-Ute is loaded with goodies like true 4×4, selectable 4WD, diff-lock and liquid cooling. Pricing is excellent and makes this one worth a long look.

Technical Touch USA Official Importer of KYB

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Press Release –

We are very pleased to announce Technical Touch USA, Inc. as official importer of KYB Genuine Parts.

We have established a warehouse in Upland, CA to service the America’s. Our focus is to provide excellent service and a complete inventory of KYB Genuine Parts out of our California warehouse.

Parts we are stocking include Complete Service Kits for Forks and Shocks, Seals, Bushings, Springs, O-rings, Bump Rubbers, Piston rings, Seal Heads, Bladders, Shims, a complete line of Service Tools, along with any other replacement parts that may be needed.

KYB Suspension has come as original equipment on all four major Japanese brand dirt bikes, ATV’s and Street bikes, including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, & Yamaha.

As the official suspension of Team Monster Kawasaki & Team Yamaha for AMA SX/MX Teams, and Team GRP Suzuki, Team Jan DeGroot Kawasaki, & Team Rinaldi Yamaha for the World MX GP’s, KYB Suspension has won numerous US and World Championships.

Eichner Takes Saboba Grand Prix on Outlaw 525 S

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Press Release –

Polaris celebrates and congratulates, ATV Racing Legend, Doug Eichner on his Pro win at the two-hour Saboba Grand Prix, Sunday February 9-10, on the Outlaw 525 S.

The Saboba Indians promote this annual event which had a very large showing for all divisions including 30 ATVs in the Pro line-up.

“I really enjoy Grand Prix style competition as it provides unique challenges for both riders and machines,” said Eichner. “This is my second time racing at Saboba and my second win. With the level of competition this year and competing with the new and impressive Outlaw 525 S, it made the victory even more satisfying. I want to express my deepest appreciation to my mechanic, Scott Butler, and the crew from Lone Star Racing and Yoshimura who provided the essential support that helped to capture this notable win for our team.”

Eichner took the holeshot and about a five-bike lead into the first turn; winning the race with a commanding lead.

His Yoshimura-built, KTM engine ran great, with both bottom and top end pulling hard over the rough course. The FOX Racing Shox suspension handled the rough terrain with ease and supported the demanding drive of Eichner.

Lone Star Racing and Yoshimura were both present to support Eichner.

Official Sponsors of the Polaris / Lone Star / Eichner Racing Team are:

– Polaris Industries, Inc.
– Lone Star Racing
– Eichner Racing
– MAXXIS Tires
– FOX Racing Shox
– Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc.
– Rage’n Luxury Toy Haulers
– Douglas Wheel Technologies, Inc.
– IMS / PowerMadd
– GPR Stabilizer
– O’Neal Racing
– Tireballs
– Wiseco
– Performance Carbon Products
– TAG Metals
– ARC Racing – MX240V Boots/Corona Boots
– Rath Racing
– ONE Industries
– Fullbore Innovations
– MasterCraft
– Smith Optics
– Updog Industries
– Golden West Cycle

Will My Modified 500 Outlaw Beat A KTM 525?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I own a 2006 Outlaw 500 and compared the horsepower and torque levels as well as researching the weight at 440 lbs compared to the 525 outlaw at 395 lbs.

I have added a White Brothers dual E2 exhaust, power intake, rejeted, open air lid with pre filter covering.

Seeing as acellaration is based on hp to weight ratio do you think this will put me up to snuff with a stock 525?

Russell

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You are correct – the old 500 Predator motor which is in your original Outlaw is heavier than the KTM 525. I doubt your mods will get you to the level of peak HP on tap in the 525 though. You’re dealing with one of the off road world’s most impressive powerplants and it’s tough to match the KTM.

Here’s the real issue – torque. The KTM produces huge low end power which your mods on the 500 will not duplicate or address.

While you’ll be putting out more jam with the mods you’ve performed the KTM leaves hard and pulls like a tactor down low.

In any case, enjoy your Outlaw – it is in my opinion the most impressive Pure Sport chassis in the biz right now.

Motorhead Mark

Best Sport Utility ATV: Big Bore

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WINNER: Polaris Sportsman 800 HO

Yup, Polaris took this class last year and wouldn’t you know it, the new and significantly pumped up 800 Sportsman conclusively aced it again this year.

Need justification? The biggest Sportsman still delivers the best ride and the best handling among all competitors in 2008.

The silky response to trail junk coming from the most refined and best calibrated front and rear suspensions in the class is impossible to overlook among the impressive competition in this segment. Simply stated, the Sportsman is the easiest to ride either fast or slow on the widest variety of terrain.

If we could say anything to the competition it would be this: While competitive Big Bores are riding better, none can approach the predictable and linear handling the Sportsman delivers.

One more thing, the 10 percent injection of extra squeeze from this engine is noticeable and welcome in 2008. The extra power, while still not as strong as the beastly Outlander 800HO, is very impressive.

RUNNERS-UP: Can-Am Outlander 800, Yamaha Grizzly 700FI

There are two impressive bridesmaids in this class, not the least of which is the imposing 800 Outlander HO.

We have to admit, it was close for the win as a result of a recalibration to the Outlander’s front and rear suspensions.

This change netted vastly improved ride quality and helped settle the 800’s annoying handlebar feedback, most noticeable in tight, gnarly terrain and especially at WOT speeds.

There’s no need to review the 800 Outlander’s performance potential. If it was only about power, here’s the champion of the ATV universe.

Yamaha’s Grizzly 700FI with or without power steering has moved Yamaha up the Big Bore ladder significantly.

The ultra lightweight Grizz rides great and handles decently, although some front end roll-over is still present in high speed turns.

The addition of power steering has opened up a whole new world of freedom and low effort control for those who can’t live without 27-inch mud tires.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the non-EPS 700, either. It’s a great ride at a reduced price.

Warn Introduces the Ultimate UTV Winch

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Press Release –

Warn Industries, the leader in powersports performance accessories, has raised the bar again by creating the ultimate winch for UTV and side-by-side enthusiasts! Introducing the latest addition to the Extreme Terrain winch lineup: The WARN® XT40.

The XT40 showcases a number of amazing features, such as a Wireless Control System, 50′ of lightweight, easy-to-handle synthetic rope, 4,000 lbs. of pulling power, a patented disc brake, and a sealed all-metal three-stage planetary geartrain.

These features add up to the ultimate UTV winch, making the XT40 a must-have for the side-by-side rider looking to take their vehicle to the next level.

The XT40’s Wireless Control System allows for increased versatility, and more recovery options by allowing users to operate the winch from anywhere within a 50′ radius.

The System includes a remote with two large buttons for easy operation (even while wearing gloves), a holster for the remote, a wiring harness with built-in antenna for easy installation, a receiver, and all the necessary mounting hardware. Installation is simple, which means more time riding, and less time installing.

The system is simple to operate, too. Just follow the two-button activation sequence (which prevents accidental power-ups), wait until the two-color LED turns green, and you’re ready to begin winching.

Adding to the XT40’s “Extreme Terrain” nature is its standard 50′ of 7/32” diameter synthetic rope. Because it’s light weight and easy to handle, synthetic rope is favored by riders who push the limits, and ride on the edge.

Other great XT40 features include a high-efficiency geartrain for less battery drain, a sealed minirocker control switch, roller fairlead, and an ergonomically designed clutch-control dial.

Plus, an extreme winch should be covered by an extreme warranty, so the XT40 has a limited lifetime warranty backed by a world-wide service organization.

POLL RESULTS

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Our last poll asked what you think the best sport class 450 is. From 750 participants, the results were as follows:

21.73% – Yamaha YFZ 450 (163 votes)
18.93% – Polaris Outlaw 450MXR (142 votes)
18.67% – Can-Am DS450 (140 votes)
11.87% – Honda TRX450R (89 votes)
10.80% – Kawasaki KFX450 (81 votes)
10.13% – Suzuki QuadSport 450R (76 votes)
07.87% – KTM 450CR (59 votes)

Scroll down to take part in our latest poll. We ask:

What ATV do you think should have won Best BIG BORE Sport Utility ATV?

1. Polaris Sportsman 800 HO
2. Can-Am Outlander 800
3. Yamaha Grizzly 700FI

Cast your vote now!

BRP STARTS THE ATV RACING SEASON WITH A WIN

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Press Release –

The 2008 season will be an important one for BRP Can-Am as it starts the pursuit of several racing championships with its DS 450TM ATV.

One of these championships is the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), which got underway with round one at Speedworld located near Phoenix, Arizona.

The desert course was not so much a desert as a deluge of rain swept in from the mountains just before the Sunday Pro race was to start; this meant more of a challenge for the racers and pit crews.

“No one likes to see one of these ‘survival’ races,” said Del Bohlman, Product, Media Relation and Racing Manager for Can-Am. “These races, however, are extremely important for testing. And to pull away with a victory is a testament to Josh Frederick, the DS 450 and everyone at Team Motoworks.”

Josh Frederick of Team Motoworks was able to overcome the elements that brought to a halt many of the competition’s race ATVs and come away with a win in Sunday’s premier Pro ATV class.

Starting from near the back of the pack, Fredericks passed the entire field of waterlogged ATVs and riders until he was the frontrunner on a course that saw several parts closed due to as much as three-feet of standing water.

“I ended up getting almost last place out of the holeshot, and I’m actually kind of glad because there was a lot of carnage during the first lap due to the track conditions,” said Frederick. “My Can-Am DS 450 ran great! There was a part of the track where the water came all the way up to the seat and the ATV did great. It never skipped a beat!”

In Saturday’s Open Pro ATV class, Team Motorworks’ Brandon Smith took third in a gruelling race that saw the top three finishers all within a minute of each other throughout the race. Smith’s team mate, Dillon Zimmerman, had a top-10 performance in the weekend’s Pro-Am ATV class.

Round two of the WORCS series will be February 22 to 24 at Mesquite Motocross near Mesquite, Nevada.

Polaris Announces Limited Edition 2008 Rangers

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Press Release –

Polaris Industries today announced its new hardest working, smoothest riding 2008 Limited Edition (LE) RANGER Side by Sides.

The lineup includes five, customized models which will be available at select US and Canadian dealerships starting in February.

New Polaris LE RANGER models include:

2008 RANGER XP, Painted Orange Crush Rally

The Painted Orange Crush Rally XP has all of extreme off-road performance of RANGER XP with a 700 EFI engine, new hand-operated parking brake with shift interlock and one-ton towing. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

o Painted Orange Crush hood with Rally stripes, dash, glove box, suspension springs and rear A-arms
o Cloud Silver cab frame, bumpers and screen
o Custom cut and sew stitched orange/silver/black deluxe seat
o 14 inch cast aluminum rims with Goodyear MTR radial tires

The MSRP (US) is $11,499 and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,199.

2008 RANGER XP, Midnight Red

Due to the Midnight Red XP’s extreme popularity, Polaris has brought it back again for 2008. Unlike it’s predecessors, this Red includes the new hand-operated parking brake with shift interlock and one-ton towing. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

o Painted Midnight Red hood, dash, glove box with custom Matte Black hood accents
o Silver suspension springs and rear A-arms
o Wrinkle Black painted bumper screen and cab frame
o Custom cut and sew stitched red/silver/black deluxe seat
o 12 inch Black painted aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires

The MSRP (US) is $10,999 and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,599.

2008 RANGER XP, Black Metallic

The same ultimate performance as the RANGER XP, the Black Metallic RANGER XP screams Xtreme. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

o Painted Black Metallic hood, dash, glove box with Silver hood accents
o Silver painted cab frame, bumper, grill, suspension springs and rear A-arms
o Custom cut and sew black/silver seat
o 12 inch Black painted aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires

The MSRP (US) is $10,999, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,599.

2008 RANGER XP, Mossy Oak™ Browning Edition

No RANGER limited edition line up would be complete without a hunter edition. This machine has all of the features of the RANGER XP with the addition of a Mossy Oak™ patterned body and Browning Buck Mark accents. The RANGER XP’s Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) coupled with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), will ensure a great hunt regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way. Features on this limited edition model include:

o New Mossy Oak™ New Break Up design (hood, dash, rims, decals)
o Custom Custom Cut & Sew Browning seat with Buck Mark decal
o No-shine wrinkle black paint (cab frame, bumpers, screen)
o Factory installed 4000 lb. Warn winch
o Dual Lock & Ride® Mossy Oak Gun Scabbards

The MSRP (US) is 12,299, and the MSRP (Canada) is $16,199.

2008 RANGER CREW, Turbo Silver

Haul all your friends in style with the new RANGER CREW in Turbo Silver. Along with RANGER CREW’s six-people capacity and massive under-seat storage, additional features on the limited edition model include:

o Turbo Silver hood, dash, glove box with custom Matte Black hood accents
o Silver suspension springs and rear A-arms
o Custom cut and sew stitched silver/black deluxe seat
o 12 inch rear, nine inch front cast aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires

The MSRP (US) is $11,999 and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,499.

Polaris Announces Limited Edition ATVs for 2008

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Press Release –

Polaris Industries today announced the company’s limited edition ATV offerings for 2008. ATV enthusiasts will be able to get “The World’s Toughest ATVs” in six limited edition packages.

New 2008 Polaris LE ATV models include:

2008 Sportsman 800 EFI Nuclear Sunset-Big bore power with a hot paint job. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Nuclear Sunset paint
· Black cast aluminum rims

The MSRP (US) is $8,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $11,699. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in March.

2008 Sportsman 800 X2 Stealth Black-Most versatile ATV gone stealth. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Stealth Black paint
· Cast aluminum rims

The MSRP (US) is $9,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $11,999. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in March.

2008 Sportsman 500 Touring Pearl White-White times two. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Pearl White and Silver paint
· Cast aluminum rims

The MSRP (US) is $7,999, and the MSRP (Canada) is $10,299. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in May.

2008 Sportsman 300 Pearl White-A Gem in the Mid-Size class. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Pearl White and Silver paint
· Cast aluminum rims

The MSRP (US) is $5,099, and the MSRP (Canada) is $7,199. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in May.

2008 Sportsman Browning Hunter Editions-The ultimate hunting machines. Three Browning editions are offered in the 500 H.O. EFI, 800 H.O. EFI models and Sportsman 500 X2. All include the following additional features:

· Mossy Oak® “New Break Up™” brand pattern
· Camo-pattern rims
· Hand and thumb warmers
· Rear rack extenders
· Engine braking system (EBS) with active descent control (ADC)
· Gun scabbard with Lock & Ride™ gun mount
· Rear work lights
· Polaris 2,500 lb winch
· Browning logos

The MSRP (US) for the Browning Sportsman 500 is $7,899, the Sportsman 800 is $9,499 and Sportsman X2 500 is $8,899. The MSRP (Canada) is $10,599 for the Browning Sportsman 500, $12,699 for the Browning Sportsman 800 and $11,899 for the Sportsman 500 X2. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in April.

2008 Outlaw 525 S Stealth Black and Gold-Blazin’ Stealth speed. Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Stealth Black/White paint
· Gold powder-coated A-arms, Swingarm and Heat Shield
· Black Powder-Coated Wheels
· Cut ‘n Sew Seat (STX Vinyl/Carbon Fiber Vinyl,/White Vinyl)

The MSRP (US) is $7,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $10,799. Machines will be available in US and Canadian dealerships in March.