New ATV legislation completely banning riders under the age of fourteen from using ATVs in New Brunswick is going before Provincial Parliament today (Tuesday, February 20, 2007) for its second reading.

There’s much anger from the public on this issue and although the opposition (Conservative) stands firmly against it as presented, the Liberal Government is railroading ahead with the legislation.

There are already demonstrations being organized and the thousands of ATV owners in the province, especially those with children who ride with the family, are clearly upset that the Liberals have moved ahead without thought or consultation from the many ATV trail volunteers and users throughout New Brunswick.

Similar legislation has been passed in Nova Scotia and has netted a 30 percent drop in ATV sales there. Also, ten ATV dealers have folded in the wake of this shallow and short term thinking.

It’s interesting that the so-called experts who drafted this proposal have not suggested mandatory driver education, supervision or the legislated use of age appropriate ATVs. Doesn’t sound like they’re really all that interested in the safety of children, does it?

A better proposal would be that young riders up to age twelve would require adult supervision and mandatory safety training for all kids up to age fourteen who then could be granted off-road licences once they qualify.

Seems like a much more democratic way of doing things to us. Canada is still a democracy isn’t it? I’ll guarantee the clubs and volunteers would have been glad to participate in this if anyone had asked.

If you’re fried with government on this issue, check out letthemride.ca and start hassling those deep thinkers your province elected.

Press Release –

Yoshimura R&D has announced the immediate availability of its long awaited Rhino 660 pipes, which are guaranteed to turn heads at the dunes, farm, and… track.

These trick new Yosh pipes can be purchased as either a slip-on or as a full system for this popular side-by-side. The Slip-On’s are comprised of a muffler/tailpipe assembly that simply bolts onto the stock header. The Full System is made up of a Yoshimura header, mid-pipe/tailpipe, and muffler.

The Slip-On is part of the RS-5 design series (MSRP: $395.00). This popular model is part of the same series found on Team MSR/Pro Taper/Suzuki/Yoshimura’s winning LT-R450’s of Gust and Wimmer.

The trapezoid shape and oval baffle design give it the unmistakable “YOSH” sound. The spark arrester keeps things legal, as well as the 96Db sound output.

The Full System model – RS-3D (MSRP: $795.00) – is a twin pipe system that delivers the ultimate in performance. As with the RS-5, this trick stainless steel system comes with polished end caps and removable low volume spark arresters.

The “twice pipes” not only look cool- they also provide a lot of grunt off the bottom and increase over-rev significantly. Typical Yoshimura quality abounds throughout with beautiful welds, fit, and finish.

Look for these new Yoshimura Rhino pipes now on your dealer shelves for year models ’05 – ’07.

Press Release –

Speedworld Raceway in Phoenix, AZ was the site of the opening round of the 2007 WORCS ATV National Series. The start of the Pro Am main event would see Kenda sponsored rider and 2006 Pro Am Champion Justin Waters crashing big and suffered a broken clutch cable on his Yamaha YFZ450.

Having to push his quad back to the pits for some needed work, Justin and his team would get the lucky break they needed. According to the officials, a number of the Pro’s missed course markings on the first lap and the result would mean a complete restart of the race.

Justin made the restart in just enough time and got off the line clean. At the end of the first lap he was already in fourth place and moving toward the front. The muddy and demanding terrain was no match for the Kenda Klaw XC and Knarly XC tire combination.

After 90 minutes of riding hard, Justin crossed the finish line in first place, with over a minute lead ahead of the field. KENDA TIRES PLOWED JUSTIN TO THE FRONT!

Press Release –

Can-Am Spyder roadster: the next dimension in open-road riding

BRP introduced its first “on-road” vehicle, the 2008 Can-Am™ Spyder™ roadster. This three-wheel vehicle, with two wheels in the front and one in the rear, offers a completely new and stunning look.

Powered by a proven 990cc V Twin engine designed and manufactured by BRP-Rotax, Spyder roadster, with its unique Y-architecture, can be described as part motorcycle and part convertible sports car.

“Our Can-Am Spyder roadster is the next dimension in open-road riding. A true paradigm shift, the Spyder roadster offers a balance of performance and peace of mind with features like the Vehicle Stability System (VSS), engineered in conjunction with Bosch†, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP.

BRP’s reputation was built on its ability to innovate and design products for powersports enthusiasts. After more than five years of research, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is now delivering on the company’s promise to offer a complete line of recreational motorized products in four segments: on snow, on water, as well as both off and on road.

While confirming that the Can-Am Spyder roadsters would be assembled in Valcourt, Boisjoli added: “This is an historic event for BRP, particularly for our Valcourt and Austrian employees, as it confirms the strategic role of BRP’s Québec manufacturing facilities for assembling complex and sophisticated vehicles, and BRP-Rotax’s leadership in engine development. With Can-Am Spyder, we are redefining the roadster category by bringing the powersports experience to the road through this new generation of vehicles. BRP is entering a new era that will provide growth opportunities for our company worldwide and potentially create new jobs.”

Plans are to start manufacturing units by fall 2007 with a progressive ramp-up of the production over the next three years to meet market demand.

“This event also marks BRP’s first truly global launch,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president, Strategic planning & Head of Can-Am Spyder Program. “In 2007, BRP will deploy the first phase of its go-to-market strategy: twelve selected American states and four Canadian provinces will offer Can-Am Spyder roadsters through BRP’s existing dealer network, followed by France and Spain in early 2008. In its second phase, BRP will expand its Can-Am Spyder offer to more North American states, Canadian provinces, Europe and other countries, and expects to be present worldwide within three to four years,” he concluded.

Among those participating in the event were Jean Charest, Québec Premier, Raymond Bachand, Québec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Exports, as well as Yvon Vallières, Québec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Premier confirmed a reimbursable financial contribution of $17.8 million from the Government of Québec, through Investissement Québec, to support the development of the Can-Am Spyder roadster.