Matt Lester is in Sand Hollow, Utah evaluating Honda’s highly anticipated Talon 1000R pure sport side-x-side and offering some opinions after getting the opportunity to run it through some gnarly terrain.
Minneapolis (Feb. 28, 2019) – Polaris® RANGER®, the industrys No.1-selling utility side-by-side vehicle, today introduced new limited-edition models and additional upgrade options to further expand its industry-best RANGER XP® 1000 lineup. The introduction features the RANGER XP® 1000 EPS Back Country Edition available in 3 and 6-seat models. RANGER also announced availability of its factory-installed Ride Command® Package on the RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS and the popular RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS NorthStar Edition, which adds two exterior color options for the mid-year release.
“Were excited to expand our industry-leading lineup of premium utility side-by-sides for 2019,” said Chris Musso, President of Off-Road Vehicles, Polaris. “Our new Back Country Edition is the ultimate vehicle for hunters looking to raise their game, and we continue to elevate the off-road experience by bringing our innovative Ride Command technology and more color choices to RANGER CREW XP 1000.”
2019 RANGER XP® 1000 EPS Back Country Edition – $19,899 US MSRP
2019 RANGER CREW® XP 1000 EPS Back Country Edition – $21,099 US MSRP
For the past two decades, Polaris RANGER has been the trusted partner in helping hunters reach remote locations, haul gear and transport their trophy back to camp. The new RANGER XP 1000 EPS Back Country Edition, available in 3 and 6-seat models, is purpose-built for hunters operating in extreme riding conditions – from rocky mountain trails to the marsh. Available in exclusive Polaris Pursuit® Camo, these limited-edition models are factory-equipped with features hunters need and demand.
To power through the elements, the 82 horsepower ProStar® 1000 engine is paired with a reduced gear ratio transmission that includes a geared reverse for increased durability and strength for the toughest environments. The class-leading 13-inches of ground clearance is maximized with arched A-arms to devour unforgiving terrain, while high-mount air intakes ensure clean air reaches the engine and clutches when navigating water crossings or wet terrain. A Polaris Pro 4,500 LB HD winch mounted to the industrys largest stock front bumper provides big pulling power and the confidence to be ready for anything.
2019 RANGER CREW® XP 1000 EPS – Starting at $16,999 US MSRP
2019 RANGER CREW® XP 1000 EPS NorthStar Edition – Starting at $27,299 US MSRP
For an upgraded, premium riding experience, Polaris now offers its innovative Ride Command technology as a factory-installed package on RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS and RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS NorthStar Edition. Riders can stay connected with an integrated 7-inch, glove-touch display featuring built-in GPS navigation, vehicle diagnostic information, an AM/FM radio tuner and Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity. Audio is transmitted through included in-dash speakers, while front and rear-mounted cameras provide added visibility when backing up or navigating tight spaces.
The RANGER CREW XP 1000 EPS NorthStar Edition also adds two exterior color options for the mid-year release. This popular model is now available in Sunset Red Metallic, Pearl White and Polaris Pursuit Camo, providing more options for riders that demand the industrys best in-cab experience. A premium RANGER Pro Shield™ cab system keeps the elements out, and factory-installed heat and air conditioning with front and rear ventilation keep riders comfortable no matter the conditions.
You can find more information about RANGER and the recently launched 2019 models at ranger.polaris.com. Also visit us and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2018 sales of $6.1 billion, Polaris innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and pontoon, deck and cruiser boats. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris presence in adjacent markets globally includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.
Behind the scenes look and comparison of the 2019 Yamaha Raptor 700R and 2019 YFZ450R in the dunes of Glamis, California.
The 2019 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally and program is taking place as we speak, running from Feb. 21-26. At least seven Can-Am Maverick racing teams are entered, including the Monster Energy Can-Am team of Reinaldo Varela / Gustavo Gugelmin.
The Monster Energy Can-Am South Racing teammates, who earned a podium at the 2019 Dakar race and won it in 2018, are now taking on the field in the desert landscapes of Qatar. The South Racing Can-Am Team has entered a pair of Can-Am Maverick X3 drivers as well in Omans Abdullah Al-Zubair and Russian driver Fedor Yorobeyev.
The Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally, organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), officially gets underway tomorrow (Feb. 22) with the first of five desert stages of around 102km. Feb. 23-26, drivers will face four selective sections across much of the desert terrain of the State of Qatar with timed sections of 313km, 338km, 350km and 270km planned – totaling 1,367km (849 miles) – for the remaining four days before the finish on the Pearl-Qatar. This Lusail-based event is the first round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. that has them racing in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Morocco. The T3 (SSV) category has become the most popular of the three FIA car racing categories (T1, T2 and T3) on the back of the success of the Side-by-Side (SxS) section at the Dakar Rally.
Qatar is the peninsula of land bordering Saudi Arabia that protrudes into the Persian Gulf. The desert geography or topography could be described as sandy, rocky and mostly flat. Though its sand dunes have been called massive and stunning.
“…we hope that our varied desert terrain of soft sand, of dunes, of hard and rocky terrain all provide suitable challenges for our FIA World Championship contenders and competitors over the five hard days of competition,” states the Qatar Cross Country site.
Racing info here: http://qatarcrosscountry.com/
If you would like more images from this desert event, simply request some and I’ll assist you in securing more assets.
ALL images courtesy of South Racing Can-Am BY MCH PHOTO.
Special behind-the-scenes footage with Ken Block and the turbocharged Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle on the same exact course from Guanajuato, Mexico, that was highlighted in “Gymkhana TEN”. Block, chief creative officer Brian Scotto and photographer Larry Chen all share some insights on tacos, burnouts and more.
Block calls his extra seat time in his custom Can-Am an added bonus. “I’m driving a race car here; a very, very expensive race car. Yet the [Can-Am Maverick] X3 has a lot of the same capabilities of this race car, but in something most anyone can buy.”
Watch right here: https://youtu.be/EDunWqS02aw
It’s live! Ken Block’s “Gymkhana TEN: The Can-Am Special!” from Guanajuato, Mexico just went live on the Hoonigan Bonus Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upK9uFaAWCM&feature=youtu.be
BRPs Can-Am team introduced a new line of winter-ready PAC (Parts, Accessories and Clothing) accessories at the 2019 Ski-Doo CLUB in Dallas, Texas. New Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT track kits, made for snow exclusively by Can-Am for Can-Am ATVs and SSVs, were unveiled. News also included the launch of a new line of Can-Am ProMount snow plows an accessories.
TERRAIN IS NO LONGER THE LIMIT
Apache Backcountry & Backcountry LT track kits: EXPLORE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Finally explore winter with no traction limitations and no compromise, thanks to the unmatched performance of Apache Backcountry track kits. Engineered to thrive in the deepest snow—for work or play. Dont let winter stand in the way.
Ride on untouched trails, traveling deep into winters embrace and youll know: the same
technology behind our world-renowned Ski-Doo snowmobiles is at your command. With a larger contact patch, and more aggressive track design, travel beyond what you thought possible with the best snow performance.
APACHE BACKCOUNTRY TRACK SYSTEM
Designed to support ATVs and lightweight
SSVs while delivering better control.
> All Can-Am ATVs
> Maverick Trail
> Maverick Sport
APACHE BACKCOUNTRY LT TRACK SYSTEM
Designed to support the heavier loads of SSVs while delivering better traction and an unmatched flotation level.
> Defender
> Maverick X3
TRACK PATTERNS
2 lug and 3 pitch to increase floatation and traction in various snow conditions.
GEOMETRY
Aluminum slider system reduces rolling resistance and increases the contact patch.
ACCESSORIES
Customize your kit to your riding conditions with additional idler wheels, Vespel sliders and ice scratchers.
DPS MODULE
Enhance your track experience with a unique Can-Am Dynamic Power Steering module. By configuring multiple settings such as power steering
response and speedometer with the track ratio, your vehicles speedometer and odometer will stay true and in sync.
EASY INSTALLATION
Use of Can-Am vehicle specific mounting brackets to simplify initial track installation. The integrated design allows them to remain fitted while using wheels, making future installations as simple as changing a tire.
COVERED BY A 1-YEAR WARRANTY
DETAILS
TRACKS WHEELS & SLIDERS
The Backcountry track pattern is designed for optimal snow traction, without compromise.
The 2 lugs combined with the 3 pitch allow your vehicle to “float” over deep powder and
challenging terrain with class-leading traction.
The Backcountry and Backcountry LT use a combination of rubber over molded wheels
and a snowmobile-like slider system. This combination reduces rolling resistance, maximizing power transfer to the ground.
FRAME ANTI-ROTATION ARM
The Backcountry system was designed for one purpose: to increase the contact patch.
Composed of a steel upper section that supports lower aluminum sliders, the snowmobile-like geometry offers unmatched weight distribution on snow.
Adjustable pre-loaded spring and multiple rubber dampers keep tracks securely in place and ensure your machines performance. Our unique system has been improved for better performance and control.
SPROCKET TENSIONER
The Backcountry and Backcountry LT use an external drive sprocket for slip-free power transfer. Developed exclusively for Can-Am vehicles, it uses a 3 pitch for optimized performance in deep snow. The Backcountry and Backcountry LT use an easy to operate snowmobile type tensioner.
THE POWER TO PUSH FORWARD
ProMount Snow Plows & Accessories
The new ProMount lineup was created for both professional operators and enthusiasts looking to take their tool kit to the next level. Designed to work as efficiently as possible, Can-Am reimagined the plow from frame to blade with its new ProMount plow lineup. Theres a ProMount for every Can-Am, plus setups for specific heavy-duty use—and a stout quick connect frame mount for unmatched utility and convenience. Made from 12-gauge steel and designed for efficient plowing, the ProMount steel blades are offered in multiple sizes to fit jobs large or small.
CAN-AM PROMOUNT STEEL PLOW KITS
These kits include: Can-Am ProMount Steel Blade, Push Frame with Quick-Attach System and Mounting Plate. The forward mounted push frame provides industry-leading lift height. Underbelly mounting plate provides the optimal angle of attack for best push strength. The low-profile mounting plate has little impact on ground clearance and can be left installed year round. In addition, the system allows you to create your own kit by choosing any plow type/length that youd like for the push frame. ProMount Push Frames are compatible with all the blades.
CONNECTS WITH A CLICK
Attachable in four easy steps, the Can-Am ProMount plow system is the fastest, easiest way to start plowing and get the job done—minimal effort for maximum result.
1. Drive straight toward the plow.
2. Attach the winch cable to the plow using a guiding hook/roller.
3. Lift the plow until it clips onto the mounting plate.
4. Remove the winch cable from the guide. You’re ready to plow.
54″ BLADE
G2, G2L, G2S, Maverick Trail
715005200 · Black
715005428 · Yellow
$679.97
60″ BLADE
G2, G2L, Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport
715005201 · Black
715005434 · Yellow
$704.97
66″ BLADE
G2, G2L, Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport
715005427 · Black
715005435 · Yellow
$729.97
72″ BLADE
Defender, Maverick X3
715006302 · Black
715006303 · Yellow
$984.97
CAN-AM PROMOUNT STEEL BLADES
Blades available individually to create your own kit. Compatible with Can-Am ProMount Blade accessories to further enhance plow versatility (some plow accessories are not compatible with 54″ plows).
54″ BLADE
· Not compatible with ProMount Drift Cutters and Blade Extensions.
· Clears 50″ (127 cm) when plow is fully angled.
· Blade height of 14.75″ (37 cm).
G2, G2L, G2S, Maverick Trail
715004472 · Black
715005316 · Yellow
$249.99
60″ BLADE
· Clears 54″ (137 cm) when plow is fully angled.
· Blade height of 17″ (43 cm).
G2, G2L, Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport
715004202 · Black
715005317 · Yellow
$274.99
66″ BLADE
· Clears 60″ (152 cm) when plow is fully angled.
· Blade height of 17″ (43 cm).
G2, G2L, Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport
715004473 · Black
715005318 · Yellow
$299.99
72″ BLADE
· Clears 66″ (168 cm) when plow is fully angled.
· Blade height of 17″ (43 cm).
Defender, Maverick X3
715004474 · Black
715006021 · Yellow
$379.99
Teaser for Ken Block’s Gymkhana 10 featuring his custom Can-Am Maverick X3:
https://www.facebook.com/CanAmOffRoad/videos/413705622772912/
Can-Am pilot, Chad Hughes, passed more than 60 other vehicles on his way to a finishing the 2019 Can-Am UTV King of the Hammers race. While his 21st place finish may not sound spectacular on paper, you must remember finishing the race in the allotted 9-hour time limit is often viewed a significant accomplishment. Finishing the challenging course, while passing roughly half the field along the way, is statement maker, especially when you add to that his Can-Am Maverick Sport X rc 1000R was nearly stock in a field full of high-horsepower, turbocharged side-by-side vehicles with long travel suspensions. While he didnt win the race, he did showcase to the spectators, fellow racers, course officials and even the winch-assist vehicle operator, that his Maverick Sport rock crawler is the real deal.
“I was of course very proud to be representing Can-Am in an all-new machine targeted specifically for rock crawling,” stated Hughes, who started racing side-by-side vehicles in 2011. “The car did not disappoint, it absolutely rules the rocks. As expected, it gives up quite a bit of ground to the Maverick X3 vehicles in the desert, but we started 84th and eventually passed 63 cars to end up 21st as we crossed the finish line in 7:33. That was well under the nine hours allotted finish time.”
Hughes, 54, resides in St. George, Utah, where he works at Moto Zoo Powersports and also runs his own adventure and fabrication shop called Offroad 365, the latter of which is a name fitting of his lifestyle. Hughes, who also is the local high schools mountain bike racing team coach, said he was disappointed when he learned a technical, rock-wall climb, he felt confident in scaling with the Maverick Sport X rc, was removed from qualifying. And the new qualifying run setup was more of a short-course, desert loop that favored all-out speed. Despite the challenging starting spot, Hughes knew he would have to shine in the rocks to gain ground, while also holding his own in the desert sections.
“As soon as we hit the first [rock] canyon, we started passing cars like crazy…eight cars here, six cars there, and it went on and on,” said Hughes, whos off-road resume includes motocross and mountain biking, among other activities. “And we managed to hit 78mph on the lake beds running 33-inch tires.”
Hughes said the Maverick Sport X rc 1000R side-by-side vehicle had zero mechanical issues during the race and only took some minimal damage to the bottom skid plate and perhaps a small scratch to the side. “Dont blame me or the X rc, blame the rocks,” he said.
One of the most impressive capability statements about the Maverick Sport X rc for Hughes was that he didnt require the use of his onboard winch the entire KOH race. “The only time we used our winch was when my co-pilot Tracon Kirk got out of the Can-Am to help move a stuck competitor out of the way who was blocking the trail,” he explained. “True story, just ask the guys running the JEEP winch on Outer Limits who watched us and later said to us ‘Damn, that things works pretty good.”
Making it ULTRA4 and KOH-ready
After the race, Hughes shared with us that his Can-Am was nearly 90 percent stock and that he just fabricated and installed a few accessories and those mandated by Ultra4 Racing. His modifications list is not a lengthy one like youd read on many of the other vehicles competing in the Can-Am UTV King of the Hammer racing event. Hughes, who has a history with customization having built one-off rock buggies and JEEPs, swapped the stock Maverick X rc ROPS for a 6-point DOM safety cage with a nearly 2-inch diameter, added the necessary harness system, safety nets, fire extinguishers, flashing race light and, of course, the mandatory properly placed race numbers. To customize the Can-Am Maverick Sport X rc to his liking for the KOH rocks, Hughes went with an STI tire-and-wheel kit. The 3-in. larger tires and offset wheels added a little more ride height, clearance and width.
“The car passed tech with flying colors,” he stated. “Our only re-work was to make the roof numbers larger. Everything else was stock. We ran a stock drivetrain, stock suspension, stock brakes, stock steering, stock A-arms and all! Its almost unbelievable really, but I’m super impressed with the little car and, to me, its mission accomplished for Can-Am.”
HUGHES – No. 1295 Moto United Can-Am Maverick Sport X rc
– 6-point DOM safety cage 1.75-in. diameter tubing
– 3″ 5-point harnesses meeting the necessary safety spec
– Custom slotted bottom seat cushions for harness pass-throughs
– Window safety nets (doubled as secondary door latches)
– Fire extinguishers
– GPS
– Can-Am OEM HD HMW skid plates
– STI 33-in. Chicane Tires
– STI HD9 15 x 7 5/2 offset wheels
– Flashing race light
– Necessary race numbers and placement
Professional driver on a closed course. Story and photos by Can-Am.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (February 5, 2019) – For the 11th consecutive year, a Polaris RZR® took the top spot on the King of The Hammers podium. Polaris RZR Factory driver Mitch Guthrie Jr. secured his back-to-back win in Johnson Valley, Calif. in the all-new RZR XP® Turbo S Velocity.
Guthrie Jr. fought through rain and heavy winds to qualify first. In the main, Guthrie Jr. showcased the terrain-dominating features of the new RZR XP Turbo S Velocity and exercised true talent to outpace the competition in the worlds toughest one-day off-road race.
“We blew a belt and lost the lead. It was totally my fault,” said Guthrie Jr. With a quick belt change, he and co-driver John Crowley, Jr. were able to re-gain the lead again going up Clawhammer. “The RZR XP Turbo S Velocity was flawless.”
Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) were first introduced to King of The Hammers in 2009, and the top spot of the podium at Hammertown has been inhabited by a Polaris RZR every year since.
Polaris RZR Factory drivers Wayland Campbell and Brandon Sims finished second and third, respectively, and completed the all-RZR podium. With a finish time of 5:19:09, Campbell edged out Sims by one minute, three seconds.
“A huge sigh of relief when I pulled into Hammertown,” said Sims. “I just kept thinking ‘Keep it together. The RZR was great all day and is a testament to its strength. It was a rough race.”
With another first-place win at the King of The Hammers, Polaris RZR Factory Racing now has three wins and 10 podiums in the 2019 calendar race series. Polaris RZR Factory Racing looks to continue its early 2019 success at WORCS in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
More information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories can be found at RZR.Polaris.com. Also, join the conversation and follow RZR on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2018 sales of $6.1 billion, Polaris innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and pontoon, deck and cruiser boats. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris presence in adjacent markets globally includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.
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