Press Release –

Husqvarna announced the launch of its HUV utility vehicle series in early 2005, making off-road transport as easy as possible.

The HUV 4X4 models incorporate automatic four-wheel drive with automatic locking front & rear differentials, making the vehicles easy to use and highly dependable for off-road transportation needs.

The HUV 4X4 system automatically engages “on the fly” sending power to the tires with the most traction to keep the HUV moving through challenging terrain.

To prevent inefficient tire spin, enhance control and reduce tire wear, unique front and rear differential locks engage automatically in extremely challenging conditions.

According to Dave Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna, “The HUV series demonstrates yet again Husqvarna’s long standing tradition of superior design around customer needs. Not only is it the easiest to drive in the industry, but it is also the most comfortable and can handle any driving conditions that a user might encounter.”

Husqvarna offers three standard HUV models: HUV4220, HUV4420, and HUV4420-D. All ideal for sportsmen, farmers, ranchers, landscapers, or any outdoor occupation requiring the ability to transport heavy loads over difficult terrain.

Equipped with a 15.1 cu-ft. steel bed with a load capacity to transport up to 1,050 pounds, the HUV’s can reach speeds up to 25 mph and easily maneuver over all types of terrain.

The HUV4213 is equipped with a 400cc, 13hp Kawasaki® engine. The HUV4420 features a Honda® 614cc, 20hp engine and the HUV4420-D is equipped with the Kubota® 719cc 20hp diesel engine.

The HUV4213 features 4X2 drive-train, the HUV4420 and HUV4420-D feature a 4X4 drive-train with all wheel traction. For operator comfort, the HUV 4X4 models have a tilt steering column and an adjustable driver’s seat.

All three HUV models are built using a rust-proof Air-craft grade (T6061 aluminum) frame and chassis with the 4X4 models featuring a double A-arm front suspension. Additionally, the 4X4 models include 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

For more information visit husqvarna.com.

Bombardier’s Outlander 400 won Best 400cc to 500cc Sport Utility two years ago in All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s Best In Class Awards and still has a lot of pull in this category.

The Outlander offers Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), an over-achieving engine and Visco-Lock automatic locking 4×4.

There are minor changes this year, mostly aesthetic, but the Outlander deserves the nod as one of the best values in this category.

Tell us who you think should’ve won Best 400cc to 500cc Sport Utility ATV in All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s 2006 Best In Class Awards. Scroll down the page and cast your vote!!

Honda revamped the Rubicon for MY2005 and the improvements are immediately noticeable.

First, attractive new bodywork catches the eye, then the addition of front disc brakes, selectable 4WD and a performance upgrade make it a worthy consideration.

Although it’s missing some important features like low range, IRS and a locking front differential, the Rube’s Honda nameplate and high-tech hydrostatic transmission score big points.

Tell us who you think should’ve won Best 400cc to 500cc Sport Utility ATV in All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s 2006 Best In Class Awards. Scroll down the page and cast your vote!!

Press Release –

Always striving to provide high-performance ATV riders with the best tires possible, ITP has taken one of its most successful Holeshot tire models ever and made it significantly better. There have been so many important changes and such an increase in overall performance, in fact, that it can be considered a new model for the 2006 season: the Holeshot MXR6.

For example, the rear MXR6 features a new, reinforced carcass that greatly minimizes stretching to maintain a flat profile during aggressive acceleration and cornering. The result is a much more consistent feel and enhanced traction, as well as better balance of straight-line and turning grip. This new carcass also allows for lower tire pressures, which increases ride comfort as well as control. The end result is lower lap times from green flag to checkered.

The new front MXR6 is specifically designed to complement the rear MXR6, and it now utilizes a longer-wearing tread compound, which means the rider will benefit from more motos between tire replacements.

Both the front and rear Holeshot MXR6 tires use a proven tread design that’s ideal for loose track surfaces, employing wider-spaced split knobs for better bite and clean-out. Like all ITP Holeshots, the 2-ply MXR6 tires are exceptionally light yet tough enough to tackle the harshest tracks with confidence.

The rear MXR6 is available in two sizes, 18×10-8 and 18×10-9, while the front MXR6 comes in 19×6-10 and 20×6-10.

Our choice of a winner here asks the question: “Is power the most important criteria for winning this class?”.

Although many would disagree, common sense tells us power is the main ingredient driving buyers into the Big Bore category. Otherwise, given the current selection of competent 400 to 500cc ATV offerings, why would so many be buying something bigger?

If power is number one here, then we have to be highly critical of other features like ride, handling and the ATV’s load of amenities. The Outlander 800 is good enough to win this class even if it had less horsepower.

Its 4-wheel drive system is advanced, innovative and works impeccably. Its rear suspension is flat-out terrific and although its handling is not at the top of the heap, it delivers decent results for a large percentile of the public.

Its light spar frame, incredible Visc-Lock front differential, inboard brakes and unique rear suspension/sway bar design set it apart from the crowd with truly out-of-the-box thinking. Everything fades into the background when you squeeze the Outlander’s throttle.

There’s amazing power and torque available anywhere in its limitless power band. No Sport Utility ATV has ever performed like this one and it requires an intermediate to expertly skilled rider to harness it. This is the Porsche Cayenne of ATVs and it’s a winner.