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520 ATP Off-Road Lamp

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Press Release –

Professional racers know what works and what doesn’t. So, when PIAA engineers asked leading competitors what qualities they’d like to see in the perfect off-road race lamp, they listened and went about creating it. The result: the new PIAA 520 ATP Lamp.

The PIAA 520 ATP utilizes PIAA’s proprietary All-Terrain Pattern technology, which delivers a beam with the ideal combination of height, width and distance.

Powering this breakthrough is a PIAA Xtreme White 12V-H3 85W halogen bulb that illuminates at the equivalent brightness of a standard 135W bulb.

The secret to PIAA’s ATP pattern is a computer-designed reflector that fires out the light in a unique, oval 40-degree pattern – just what professional off-road racers asked to see.

Durability is built into the 520 ATP as well. It features a black, stamped steel housing and tough glass lens, protected by black mesh covers.

And it’s a compact package: 6-1/4 inches in diameter and only 2-11/16 inches deep. A swivel mounting bolt offers 90-degrees of adjustment range.

The PIAA 520 ATP is available as a complete two-lamp kit (P/N 5296), which includes lamps, wiring harness, relay, switch, and mesh covers.

The 520 ATP is also available as a single lamp (P/N 5216); the other kit components are also available separately.

piaa.com

Polaris Side by Sides Dominate BITD Vegas 300

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Press Release –

Polaris continues to flex its muscle in Side by Side racing most recently taking first and third place in Best in the Desert’s Vegas 300.

Jagged X’s RANGER RZR crossed the finish line in five hours and 18 minutes to take the class and Matt Park’s RANGER XP added to its accolades by finishing third.

Bestop® Announces Partnership with Polaris

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Press Release –

Bestop, Inc., market leader in vehicle soft tops, today announced a collaboration with Polaris Industries to create exclusive soft-top cab systems for RANGER side by side vehicles.

Through this partnership, Bestop will bring their integral technology in tops and storage systems for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs to the PowerSports industry.

“Bestop looks forward to not only adding to the RANGER accessory offering but also being the only OE approved premium soft-top cab system supplier in the ATV/side by side industry,” said Tim Alary, director of OEM Sales of Bestop. “Through this partnership, Bestop and Polaris will be able to exceed customer expectations and bring a new world of product technology to the PowerSports customer.”

The RANGER’s design, popular with ranchers, hunters and off-road enthusiasts, will provide a solid base for a jointly-designed and developed premium soft-top cab system, the Bestop Premium Soft-Top Cab System.

The system will be sold exclusively through PURE Polaris starting in December 2007.

“Cab systems are one of the most highly sought-after products for Polaris RANGER owners,” said Chris Witte, product line developer for PURE Polaris. “Partnering with Bestop will ensure a high-quality soft-top cab system that will enhance our PURE Polaris RANGER accessory offering.”

KTM Signs Adam McGill and Taylor Kiser

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Press Release –

Amherst, OH- KTM Motorsports, Inc. and Farr Racing Enterprises (FRE) are proud to announce the 2008 Pro ATV GNCC Team with new recruits Adam McGill and Taylor Kiser.

West Virginia’s Adam McGill, 2005 ATVA Amateur Rider of the Year and 2005 Most Improved GNCC Rider of the Year, is excited to ride for a factory team in 2008. “I feel that KTM will be a good fit for me, they offer excellent support and I admire how the company presents themselves on a professional level. I am also thrilled to work with Tim (Farr) because after winning multiple Pro ATV Championships I know I can learn a lot from him,” stated McGill. McGill has been racing professionally for two years and currently sits 5th in the ATV GNCC points with two rounds remaining.

McGill’s friend and competitor Taylor Kiser (who sits 6th right behind McGill in points) will be the second half of the two-man team. “I’m glad Adam signed on, I know there will never be a dull moment,” stated Kiser after hearing McGill signed. Kiser ranked 5th in the Pro-Am (XC-2) class last year and is now currently competing in his first year as a Pro (XC-1) rider. In only his third year racing GNCC events Kiser is elated to ride for a factory team, “I’ve had a chance to ride the KTM and it is a strong bike that I know can run up front. I know KTM has a strong background in the off-road motorcycle segment and I feel confident that will carry over in the ATV off-road side as well.”

KTM North America, Inc. unveiled its new 2008 KTM 450XC and 525XC Sport ATV’s in late August. Since then, KTM rider Tim Farr has won three championships aboard his KTM machine.

Farr who signed on to help develop the KTM line of sport ATV’s will also manage the 2008 KTM ATV GNCC Team. Farr has impressed ATV enthusiasts throughout the year after winning the ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Series, NASMOTO ATV Supermoto, and ATV EnduroCross championships.

Farr will continue to compete in the Extreme Dirt Track Series as well as other select events next year in addition to overseeing the new GNCC Team.

With the launch of the KTM Sport ATV’s, it was the right time to select a team for the 2008 season. Tim Farr worked closely with Kurt Nicoll, Director of Racing for KTM, to select riders for the 2008 GNCC Team.

“I’m pleased to be involved with GNCC Racing and KTM Motorsports, Inc. I truly believe we have signed strong riders in McGill and Kiser, both riders have excellent championship potential in 2008,” stated Farr. Both riders have signed one-year contracts with KTM for the 2008 GNCC Series.

TWO NEW KINGQUAD MODELS ADDED TO 2008 LINEUP

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Press Release –

2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the first four-wheel ATV – the Suzuki QuadRunner 125.

A lot has changed since 1983 and the two new 2008 Sport Utility ATVs reflect the dedication, commitment and evolution that have become Suzuki’s hallmark.

KingQuad 400 Series 4×4 – All New Quad!

The 2008 KingQuad 400 series replaces the award-winning Eiger line. With impressive new styling and better comfort and convenience features, the new KingQuad 400 is clearly a member of the KingQuad family.

New styling features include a T-shaped seat, a new gate-type shift lever, a larger fuel tank, newly designed Maxxis tires and signature KingQuad headlights.
The KingQuad 400 is available in both a semi-automatic five speed (400FS) as well as a fully automatic transmission (400AS) version. The 400AS also features an advanced engine braking system for superior control.

Need more storage? Durable cargo racks are on the front and rear to provide plenty of places to put cargo boxes or bags. An additional four liters of storage space can also be found under the seat. Winch mounting is now a snap with a wiring conduit already installed and mounting space for a solenoid.

The new KingQuad 400 is available in green, red and Real Tree Hardwoods HD® camouflage. MSRP is $5,249 for the 400FS and $5399 for the 400AS. The camo versions are $300 additional.

KingQuad 750AXi 4×4 – Built on Tradition

Building on the award-winning success of the KingQuad 700, the 750 takes the next step in the KingQuad evolution. The AXi explains how the new quad delivers on the KingQuad name. The “A” is for Suzuki’s QuadMatic automatic continuously variable transmission. The “X” is for the fully independent front and rear suspension. The “I” is for the fuel injection system.

The KingQuad’s independent suspension system offers a smoother ride, better stability and performance. The independently adjustable A-arms can be adjusted five ways offering maximum performance while hauling a load and allow for greater wheel travel. In addition to this, the damper’s spring rates have been updated from the 2007 model, giving the 2008 KingQuad better drivability.

One of the best features of the KingQuad 750AXi is the QuadMatic transmission and torque-sensing limited-slip front differential combination. An advanced braking system controls vehicle speed in descent minimizing freewheeling. The torque-sensing front differential can be set in three different drive modes – two-wheel, four-wheel and differential-locked four-wheel drive – all with a simple handlebar-mounted push button.

The 2008 fuel injected KingQuad 750 AXi also sports a larger cylinder that will deliver even stronger power and torque throughout the power curve. The new quad has increased the rpm limit to 7000 rpm for even more power in low-traction conditions. In order to handle all this extra power and torque, several essential components around the driveshaft have also been beefed up.

The 750 AXi is available in the United States in green, red and is available in Advantage® Max-4 HDT camouflage. It is also available in a Special Edition package that includes stylish brushed black bodywork and distinctive silver racks. MSRP is $7,599 for the 750 AXi and $7,699 for the Special Edition and $7,899 for the camo.

KingQuad 450 AXi – Some Changes for ’08

The highly successful KingQuad 450 returns with only a few changes for 2008. As with its big brother the 750 this smaller AXi will have independent rear suspension for improved performance and comfort.

The 450 AXi will also be available in a Special Edition package with the brushed black bodywork and silver racks. 2008 pricing for the 450 AXi is $6,599 plus $100 additional for the Special Edition.

New President of Yamaha Motorsports Group Named

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Press Release –

Yamaha Focuses on Highest Level of Service and Support for Dealers and Customers Nationwide

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. has announced the appointment of Mr. Henio Arcangeli Jr. to the position of President of its Motorsports Group.

In this premier leadership role, Arcangeli will capitalize on the strengths of Yamaha’s Motorcycle, ATV, Side-by-Side, Snowmobile and Outdoor Power Equipment groups under a unified direction to help the company excel in a continuously changing retail environment.

Prior to this role, Arcangeli most recently served as Yamaha’s Vice President for Field Sales and Marketing where he focused his attention directly on the marketplace, traveling extensively and visiting many dealerships throughout the country.

“This is an exciting and positive development for our Motorsports Group as we focus on providing the highest level of service and support for dealers and customers nationwide,” said Mr. Masato Adachi, President of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. “We congratulate Mr. Arcangeli on this new appointment and look forward to furthering Yamaha’s leadership role across the motorsports industry.”

“I am very excited to take on this new role at Yamaha,” said Arcangeli Jr. “I look forward to working closely with all of the Yamaha team members and our dealer partners to continue growing our business by delivering the very best quality products and services.”

Suzuki LT-R450: Overhauled for ’08

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The re-designed-for-2008 Suzuki LT-R450 features a multitude of changes to refine its high output mill.

The biggest is a new ECU engine controller re-engineered to produce what could be compared to automotive-style traction control.

The ECU determines optimum fuel injection spray timing and volume while also incorporating the optimum ignition timing to increase acceleration while reducing wheel spin. In plain terms, it knows when the rear meats are losing traction and compensates for it.

While riding, you can feel the motor making changes when traction becomes minimal and the rear wheels break loose.

Other engine changes include totally reshaped cam profiles for increased low-to-mid RPM output along with a new countershaft for improved shifting feel.

Installing a Yoshimura ‘Cherry Bomb’ and removing the rear exhaust spark arrester and the air box cover will net the cheapest eight horsepower gain while taking the 450 from a great contender to a champion.

Simply put, the out-of-the-box ‘08 QuadRacer is a corked up monster that desperately wants to be unleashed.

What 2-Up ATV Do You Recommend?

Question:

I am looking for recommendations on a fixed type two seater ATV (tandem not side by side) in which the ATV is designed to carry two passengers.

I am looking at easy trails, handicap hunting and rides w/the wife over the property including some hills and timber line.

Want 4×4 and enough power for two but in no way am I planning on ultimate speed and extreme ATVing.

Also, what do you recommend for the best helmet? Price is not issue.

You were recommended to contact as we begin this process.

Thank you,

Paul

Response:

Thanks for your email!

I would recommend a number of capable two-up ATV’s including the Polaris Sportsman X-2 500 EFI. It has a dual purpose passenger seat and dump box with tailgate. This ATV literally drips with versatility.

The Can-Am 400HO Max is a very comfortable and smooth riding twofer that will have enough power to carry two but is not a hot rod. The Arctic Cat TRV 500 is a comfy twofer and has nice linear power. It can accept many innovative attachments as well.

Finally the new for 08 Polaris Sportsman Touring 500 EFI is a smooth riding and comfortable model with plenty of extra storage. There are more powerful models from these OE’s but these are all high value models which use CVT auto transmissions and all have sophisticated IRS suspensions in the rear – affording excellent ground clearance and a stable, plush ride for one or two.

You asked about helmets. I would use nothing but a full face type helmet – either the off-road style with goggles or the popular cold weather snowmobile style with a flip-up visor.

Full face helmets are much more protective than open face lids. There are myriad models and mfg’s of these but if you want the best quality ensure the helmet is “Snell Approved”. This sticker ensures the highest quality and highest safety standard.

Good Luck!

Motorhead Mark

Weak Shocks On My 500 Arctic Cat

Question:

I have just bought an Arctic Cat ( 500 auto ) ridden by a 78 year old man for the last 5 years. The shocks seem too weak on hills and it seems to want to rollover.

No fluid leaks on the shocks, but do you think they are worn out or is this normal? Also, do you think it could be the fact that I’m just a big guy at 260 pounds? Should i invest the cash or not would it make a difference?

Thanks!

Eric

Response:

Thanks for your email!

I would offer you these suggestions regarding the roll-over feel you have in turns.

First, AC ATV’s of the vintage you own (I suspect you have a 1999 to 2001 model year unit) were known for a slightly rolly cornering posture.

Second, you are a big drink of water. Bump up the snail-cam spring pre-load collars on the front shocks to the highest setting and see if this helps.

Failing that, I would replace both front shocks and coil over springs with new units to ensure you’re getting all the spring rate and damping force they were designed to deliver.

Motorhead Mark

Can’t Find Any Info On Off-Shore Company

Question:

What can you tell me about Daymak and the ATVs they import?

I was looking at a Sasquatch 260 but cannot find ANY information about it or the company in Toronto.

Thanks for the help.

Steve Redgwell

Response:

Thanks for your email!

There are a number of off-shore imported ATV OEM’s who market their vehicles under a variety of names. I suspect in the case of this brand you are in the middle of this issue.

Here’s my advice – and it’s rooted in common sense – if you can’t find any info and we haven’t heard of this particular trade name or brand, maybe you better be real careful. We are receiving more and more emails from readers who have purchased off-shore ATV’s and now need parts. Guess what? They can’t get anything.

This is not a slam against off-shore brands. There are a number of them which have been methodically and carefully establishing distribution networks and dealers across the country.

Many of these brands are becoming readily recognizable. Stick to those names (like the ones advertised in All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine) and you’ll be protected much better against parts, service and warranty issues.

Good luck!

Motorhead Mark