With the announcement of the 2008 700 FI Yamaha Rhino, web browsers are being exercised industry wide as fans of the side-x-side surf to find any tidbit of info they can.
We’ll make your search a bit easier. Check out this short web clip featuring the 2008 Rhino from our friends at Wild Weekend. All-Terrain Vehicle’s very own minor celebrity Matt Lester is also featured in the video.
Also, grab the latest edition of All-Terrain Vehicle for our own ride report on the 700 FI Rhino.
Polaris finished the 2007 GNCC season with three Class Champions.
Factory Racers John Gallagher Sr. took the Super Senior class and Mike Sroka won the Junior A class, both aboard the Outlaw 525 IRS. Josh Konecheck, who raced a Polaris Predator, won the C Class.
Photo (left to right): John Gallagher Sr., Josh Konecheck, Mike Sroka
Taken from All-Terrain Vehicle Volume 8, Number 3.
The 2007 Kawasaki KFX 450R is loaded with impressive features, not the least of which is an EFI inducted version of Kawasaki’s potent KX450 motocross 4-stroke with a lightweight reverse gear added.
Throw in a very trick, first-in-class, full aluminum frame and it’s immediately clear the KFX isn’t just tagging along; this thing is aimed at changing the game.
When you first sling your leg over the KFX you’re barraged with cool features. Factory installed Renthal tapered Fat Bars are light, strong and add big-time sizzle.
Attached mid-way to the throttle block is the reverse actuator. No, this isn’t a quick on/off reverse lever that goes loose when racing. This deal was designed to be lightweight and allows the rider to back out of first turn jams in a flash and represents the kind of engineering that can make or break your race results.
With the addition of a complex and beautifully constructed all aluminum frame, Kawasaki saves weight and allows the addition of reverse without a weight penalty. How cool is that?
Sitting down on its low and flat seat you realize just how low the KFX positions your body to the ground. Kawasaki moved and shifted components in a concerted effort to keep the center of gravity super low and still accommodate the rider.
It’s interesting to note Monster Energy KFX 450Rs in full race trim weigh-in 20-pounds lighter than Suzuki’s full race LT-R 450s. You can actually feel the weight reduction when throwing the KFX through a tight S-bend or braking hard into a tight off-camber turn.
The suspension is damped by three KYB piggybacks and all provide 20 clicks of compression and rebound adjustment. Up front there’s 8.5-inches of travel with 10-inches out back.
The KFX floats through bumps and is a strong candidate in rutted out, choppy whoop sections. The low and well suspended KFX tracks where you point it while the smooth, buttery delivery of the EFI mill allows you to roll on and off the power both in and out of turns.
In-flight service on the KFX is commendable. Airborne, the 450 feels both agile and maneuverable, allowing easy in-air attitude corrections.
The KYBs work admirably, soaking up the harshest landings, even when you come up short the chassis never feels nervous or twitchy.
This is a great race ready ATV. It brings many new features not yet seen in the Pure Sport market.
Press Release –
The Naval Special Warfare Center recently purchased a few ATV Wagon trailers made by Bosski. The high performance trailer models were the 1600UT and the 1600AL, both tandem heavy haulers. The units were delivered to the Navy in Norfolk, VA.
The Navy would not elaborate on the use of the ATV Wagon trailers, but it is likely they will be mainly used for Navy SEAL training. Since 1962, the SEALs have distinguished themselves as a reliable, disciplined, and adept maritime force. Their training is considered by many military experts to be the toughest in the world.
“We feel fortunate that our trailers are being so well received by the various government customers, specifically the elite SEALs. Our trailer was designed for the average Joe, but it is tough enough for the military—that is very exciting”, exclaims Keith Evans of Bosski.
ATV Wagon trailer’s story is quite opposite of Hummer’s military to consumer transition. AM General won an initial US Army contract to produce the HMMWV– the “Humvee” as it was nicknamed by the troops. Soon the company offered a civilian vehicle and one of the first customers was Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger- the Terminator. Bosski’s ATV Wagon was never designed for the military, but the demanding government customers like the civilian designed ATV Wagon. Evans comments, “The military realizes our trailer is the best, and they need the best”.
Another defense contractor, XLRC Inc ordered ATV Wagon trailers for the Air Force earlier this year. Apparently the high performance trailers were being tested behind a new ATV diesel vehicle, which some sources speculate was the new Arctic Cat 700 4×4 Diesel.
The US military, BLM, National Forest Service, and the National Parks are just a handful of government groups who depend on the durability and dependability of ATV Wagon trailers.
JACOB “CANNUCK” KIRST’s star is rising in ATV racing. This Canadian is quickly making a name for himself with an impressive list of accomplishments.
• 4th overall in 4 X 4 Open Class Racing (1rst year in GNCC)
• Baja 1000 Team Rider 07 and 08 Mike Penland Racing/CAN-AM Racing
• Youngest podium in GNCC history in 4X4 Open Class (super modified division)
• Won every holeshot in all 13 GNCC 4X4 Open Class races to date
Jacob aspires to be the 2008 WPSA Championship if called upon to do so and lists other goals as follows:
• 2008 4×4 Open Class – GNCC Championship
• To become the youngest GNCC Championship in the sports history
• To represent CAN-AM/Mike Penland Racing and encourage other riders to follow my lead
• To win the ’07 and ’08 Baja 1000 as a full team member of Mike Penland Racing
• To actually cover the costs of Racing season
• To obtain the Canadian Championship title
• To have all expenses paid for by Sponsors
• To built houses on my own
For sponsorship information call (819) 457-4911 or email born_to_ride_atvs@hotmail.com
The highly anticipated Best In Class awards issue will be landing in mailboxes and on newsstands soon!
We picked winners in such categories as Best Big Bore, Best Mid Range ATV, Best Sport ATV, Best TRail ATV, Best UTV and Best Value.
We also add skid plates to our RZR project from Aluminum Products, trick out our 650 Outlander and put a pair of small guns to the test!
Plus, check out what’s new for ’08 from KTM, Suzuki, Honda and Jianshe.
This issue is jammed with information. You won’t want to miss it.
GET YOUR COPY NOW!
Press Release –
Warn Industries announced that, effective November 1, John McCalla has assumed the position of President and CEO. McCalla replaces Tom Giacomini, who has accepted a position at Warn’s parent company Dover Corporation.
Giacomini will assume the position of President – Dover Industrial Products/Material Handling Platform, and will oversee several Doverowned companies, including Warn.
McCalla will be responsible for all operating aspects of the business and will continue the focus on new product and market development.
In his previous role, McCalla served as the Vice-President of the WARN Industrial and Powertrain divisions. While at Warn, he has been instrumental in helping secure several automotive OEM contracts, developing Warn’s international customer base, and working with the Industrial division to build the winch and hoist business.
Tom Giacomini said, “John’s exceptional product awareness and connection to Warn’s international customers will serve him well in the President’s role.”
McCalla has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and joined Warn Industries in 1994 having previously been employed at General Motors.
Our last poll asked you what your first choice for an ATV accessory is. From 463 votes the results were as follows:
46.65% – Winch (216 votes)
36.93% – Aftermarket Tires (171 votes)
07.99% – Engine or Clutch Mods (37 votes)
04.32% – Aftermarket Wheels (20 votes)
04.10% – Camo (19 votes)
Take part in our latest poll. We ask:
I think the best sport class 450 is:
1. Can-Am DS450
2. Suzuki QuadSport 450R
3. KTM 450CR
4. Yamaha YZF450
5. Polaris Outlaw 450MXR
6. Kawasaki KFX450
7. Honda TRX450R
Scroll down to vote!
Press Release –
Polaris Factory Racer, and professional ATV racing legend Doug Eichner finished the 2007 WORCS racing season with complete domination at the final race of the WORCS series in Taft California. Not only did he out run the competition, but he did it three times out!
Eichner’s first victory was in the Pro Production class aboard the Polaris 525 IRS. The Outlaw sported enhanced performance from Yoshimura R&D of America Inc. and a suspension set-up by FOX Racing Shox.
Riding the Outlaw 525 S for the Pro Main win, Eichner ran uncontested lap times for more than 90 minutes in his usual hard-charging style. He did not disappoint and nothing was going to stop this man who was on a mission crossing the checkered flag unchallenged by the large field of worthy opponents.
Eichner finished the WORCS racing season in second place, only six points behind the first place finisher. After starting the first three races of the season on another manufacturer’s quad, he switched to the Outlaw and finished on the podium in six of the seven remaining races.
Eichner also showed his winning ways don’t just come aboard a quad when he smoked the Rhino-Mod. SxS class in a stock RANGER RZR. Approximately six other machines were ready for some racing. Eichner, just out for some fun, gave his fans a holeshot start to the thrill of a delighted crowd.
When he received a bump from fellow racer and good friend aboard a highly modified competitive unit, the race was on. Eichner was on the gas with his co-pilot and pit mechanic Todd Hunt hanging on for a thrilling ride. Eichner never gave up even when the modified side by side cleared a huge table top jump. Eichner ran him down again through the turns and rough course pushing the limits of his competitor and its very capable pilot.
Pressure from Eichner and the incredible stock RANGER RZR played its toll on the other side by side as the Pilot overshot the table top jump which finished his day. Eichner crossed the checkered flag and put on the best show of the year on in the SxS class of the WORCS season.
“It was a fabulous weekend and a great way to end the year,” said Eichner. “We had some major changes this season and I am grateful for the support of my honest and loyal sponsors as well as true friends. I couldn’t have done it without them. The Polaris Outlaws have proved they are very capable machines. The Outlaws performance record is something to make special note of and I can’t wait to for another chance to capture victories for the team of Polaris professionals who take great pride in their expertise and of course the invaluable support of the best sponsors in the business.”
Eichner is sponsored by and proudly endorses:
– Polaris Industries Inc.
– Rage’n Luxury Toy Haulers
– Yoshimura R&D of America Inc.
– ITP FOX Racing Shox
– A.R.C. Racing
– GPR Stabilizers
– Douglas Wheel Technologies
– IMS / PowerMadd
– Outdoor Toy Store
– Tire Balls
– Roll Design
– IMS-Roll
– TAG Metals
– One Industries
– Smith Optics
– Motion Pro
– Hinson Racing
Press Release –
Monster Energy Kawasaki ATV rider Josh Creamer earned second overall aboard his Kawasaki KFX®450R at the 10th round of the ITP QuadCross at Racetown 395 in Adelanto, Calif.
Following his dominating win during the eighth round in September, Creamer returned to the series to continue his momentum.
In the first moto, he got a good jump off the line but was pushed out going into the first turn. Running in seventh, Creamer made his way up to third and eventually finished the moto in second.
In the second moto, Creamer grabbed the holeshot and led the opening laps. After being passed for the lead, he hit one of the corners wrong and came off the quad. His quick recovery only cost him one position and he finished the race with a solid third-place.
“It was a pretty good race overall,” said Creamer. “The track had a good layout. This race helped us continue in the right direction toward making this a winning quad. I really think we can come out and win the final event next month.”
Creamer will be racing the final ITP QuadCross event at Glen Helen Raceway on December 2.
ITP QuadCross Series: Racetown 395 – Adelanto, Calif.
1. Dustin Nelson, Ramona, Calif., Yamaha
2. JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3. Kory Ellis, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
4. John Ragon, Milan, Tenn., Suzuki
5. Landon Hurst, Laton, Calif., Honda
6. Justin Noss, Apple Valley, Calif, Yamaha
7. Jason, Fife, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha
8. Nick Hengtgen, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha
9. Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa, Suzuki
10. Keith Taylor, Victorville, Calif., Yamaha
For more visit Kawasaki.com
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