Luke transforms seemingly menacing rock faces into pebbles as he tackles some gnarly terrain in his review of the purpose-built, 172hp turbocharged 2019 Can-Am Maverick X3 X rc Turbo R.
A year following our bitter defeat at Smoke ‘N’ Spurs 2017 with our most successful and viewed build in Dirt Trax history, AJ and Graham take our custom mud racing 2008 Outlander to Turner’s Performance in Redbridge, Ontario to work out some final kinks.
Then, the pair return to the mud pit at Smoke ‘N’ Spurs 2018 for one final chance at a podium in this exciting closing chapter to the Can-Am Mud Build series.
We sit down with Can-Am Off-Road’s Director of Design – Matt Tandrup – to learn more about Can-Am’s rigorous yet impressive six-month side-x-side release schedule over the past three years and into the years ahead, and how Can-Am is redefining the off-road industry.
Then in TEST RIDE Motorhead Mark reviews the reinvented 2018 RANGER XP 1000.
Textron Off Road Racings Jeremy Houle took first place in his No. 54 Wildcat XX at the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series short course race in Chandler, Ariz.
Houle placed first in qualifying and drew position six for the main event. Off the start, he was able to move up to third into the first corner and then made a pass for second where he settled in for most of the race. With two laps to go, he passed the leader and held the field off to take the checkered flag.
The win was Textron Off Road Racings first win and second podium in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series this season.
Standing at only 16.5 inches tall, the Spyder’s footprint is small, yet packs the power of much larger machines with output rated at 2030 psi @ 1.4 gpm.
Conventional power washers can sometimes tip over, which can not only damage the washer’s components but also makes the job frustrating having to constantly move back and forth and reposition the unit.
We believe the SPYDER may just be the world’s most compact, high output electric pressure washer on the market.
With Innovations like built-in, 4-wheel steering, you can easily maneuver the SPYDER, in any direction thanks to its low center of gravity and quality construction.
Other features include a high-quality gun and non-tangle flex hose with built-in, adjustable fan spray and integrated soap tank. Half the size, half the weight, all the power.
Visit Powerplaywashers.com for more information on this product.
Relive the Mud Build and get ready for the epic conclusion to our most popular series in Dirt Trax history Sunday October 28, 2018 at 4PM EST on our YouTube channel.
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What’s to come in the Mud Build finale:
A year following our bitter defeat at Smoke N Spurs 2017, AJ and Graham take our custom mud racing 2008 Outlander to Turners Performance in Redbridge, Ontario to work out some final kinks. Then, the pair return to the mud pit at Smoke N Spurs 2018 to battle 70 other mud racers for one final chance at a podium in this exciting closing chapter to the Can-Am Mud Build series.
Relive the Can-Am Mud Build series dating back to the start of Dirt Trax Television 2017:
Part 1: The Build Begins –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19hy6Z94jdM&t
Part 2: MrRPM –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ89so-jF54&t
Part 3: Dyno Testing –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UOJFoLF56A
Part 4: Rear Diff & Axles –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejnevJk15cg&t
Part 5: Tires & Rims –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fd_q1BDwuE&t
Part 6: Snorkel & Rad Relocate –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oze2bDYAK1o
Part 7: Finishing Touches –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOe6kJzkK0g&t
Part 8: Mud Race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7as0eyqGZI&t
Part 9: What Went Wrong –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldOuOX40cfE
Part 10: Budget Breakdown –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB-pMt1Jnto
Part 11: Mud Race Part 2 –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHH67Z0Z5pA
Minneapolis (Oct. 18, 2018) – For more than 30 years, Polaris® Sportsman® has defined the premium ATV category. Now the industrys favorite big bore lineup is back with key product improvements along with two new models for true trail warriors. The No. 1-selling brand of automatic 4×4 ATVs introduced its 2019 big bore lineup featuring rider-inspired improvements on Sportsman XP® 1000 and Sportsman® 850 models. New to the lineup for 2019 are the Sportsman XP® 1000 Premium and Sportsman® 850 SP Premium models. In addition to best-in-class power, the 2019 Sportsman models now include the industrys largest battery, class-leading suspension travel, and ground clearance to deliver the ultimate riding experience.
“The Sportsman ATV has been the industry standard for three decades,” said Chris Musso, president Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris. “With each new model year, we are working to ensure our machines provide consumers with the ultimate riding experience. The 2019 big bore lineup continues this heritage.”
Engineered with class-leading capabilities and unrelenting power, the 2019 Sportsman XP 1000 and Sportsman 850 models give riders the freedom to push further, ride harder and work stronger. The battery now features 25 percent more cold cranking amps with 67 percent larger reserve power for the upcoming winter season. An improved drive chain, clutch upgrades and high-output electric power steering deliver reliability and precision handling. Three-mode throttle control featuring Work, Standard and Performance modes offers precise power delivery. New class-leading 12-inch ground clearance and 11 inches of suspension travel maneuver riders through the toughest terrain.
New 2019 Sportsman XP® 1000 Premium ($12,799 MSRP) and Sportsman® 850 SP Premium ($10,999 MSRP)
The all-new Sportsman XP 1000 Premium and Sportsman 850 SP Premium models redefine standards with new premium features, including standard 3,500-lb winch capacity. Legendary ride and handling are a hallmark of every Sportsman ATV, and the 2019 Sportsman 850 SP Premium raises the bar, with new factory installed accessories including front and rear bumpers for increased protection. The 2019 Sportsman XP 1000 Premium adds to its class leading capability with new factory installed accessories that deliver the ultimate ride. New accessories include the increased winch capacity, front bumper, a third LED taillight, cut-and-sew seats and 27-inch Duro® Power Grip Tires to get through the roughest territory.
2019 Sportsman XP® 1000 ($8,899 MSRP) and Sportsman® 850 ($11,999 MSRP)
Engineered with improved capabilities, unrelenting power and the industrys best ride and handling, the 2019 Sportsman XP 1000 and Sportsman 850 deliver superior performance with legendary toughness. Both models have high-output electric power steering and class-leading suspension travel (Front: 9 inches and Rear: 10.25 inches). Both models come standard with the industrys only rolled independent rear suspension. Additionally, the constant radius arched lower A-arms provide 11.5 inches of obstacle-devouring ground clearance. The Sportsman XP 1000 is available in Radar Blue and the Sportsman 850 is available in Sage Green and Titanium.
2019 Sportsman® Touring XP 1000 ($12,999 MSRP) and Sportsman® Touring 850 ($11,999 MSRP)
The Sportsman Touring XP 1000 and Sportsman Touring 850 deliver the hard-working performance that Sportsman is known for, while coming fully loaded with all the premium SP performance features and an integrated passenger seat system for two-up versatility. Features include close ratio on-demand all-wheel drive and engine braking (EBS) with active descent control (ADC) for optimum traction. The Sportsman Touring XP 1000 is available in Light Maroon and the Sportsman Touring 850 is available in Turbo Silver.
2019 Sportsman XP® 1000 Hunter Edition ($12,999 MSRP)
Engineered by those who live for the hunt, the Sportsman XP 1000 Hunter Edition offers the reliability and durability needed to get to the most secluded hunt locations. Factory equipped with the Sportsman XP 1000 performance and capability, including the raw thrust of a 90-horsepower ProStar® engine, the Hunter Edition is designed for avid hunters. Available in exclusive Polaris Pursuit® Camo, the Hunter Edition model has an all-new Kolpin Stronghold Gun Boot® to protect and safely transport rifles or shotguns. Factory-installed front and rear rack extenders give riders the ability to easily haul their big game, while standard hand-and-thumb warmers help fend off the cold. The Hunter Edition will be made available January 2019.
The 2019 Sportsman big bore models will be available in dealerships starting in early November.
Build your own dream ATV at www.atv.polaris.com and find more information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories at www.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 2017 sales of $5.4 billion, Polaris innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize 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 include 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.
AJ drops his early thoughts on Yamaha’s 2019 YXZ with this behind the scenes look.
Just to be sure we werent jumping the gun declaring our high praise for the 2019 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS, we thought we should put the industrys newest Sport SxS to the test in a completely different environment… in the desert. It was actually Yamahas idea to bring us out West to see just how versatile the new YXZ was and to demonstrate how it performs in a variety of situations and terrain.
In our recent review of the YXZ SS, after beating it up on the arduous Alabama red clay trails, youll recall we put the Yammer “through its paces and pretty much beat the crap out of it”. This was not an understatement. However, as tough as the conditions were in Alabama, the terrain at Johnson Valley OHV in southern California where the infamous “King of the Hammers” off-road race takes place, is in a league of its own. Johnson Valley OHV has some of the gnarliest terrain imaginable while mixing in sandy dune areas, massive inclines, aggressive whoops and hard packed wide-open stretches. In terms of testing an off-road vehicle, you really cant find a better place to see what its made of.
Rubber Meats the Road
As mentioned in the previous article, Yamaha upgraded the 2019 YXZ SS with specially designed 29-inch Bighorn Original tires. We found they worked just as well in the desert, especially when we needed extra ground clearance navigating over some of the ridiculously big rocks and ruts.
In combination with top-notch FOX gas shocks, the Bighorn Originals deserve serious kudos as there wasnt a single sidewall puncture or issue among the dozen or so riders pounding rubber into dagger-like, rock edges all day long.
Yamaha also let us ride a YXZ equipped with EFX Moto Hammer tires on KMC wheels. These slightly larger and squarer, 8-ply beauties with bead locks offer even more durability and work nicely with stock gearing. Although there was a noticeable difference in feel between the two types of tires in this terrain (not better, just different), for the significant price bump to purchase the Moto Hammers and rims, our recommendation is to save the cash and stick with the Bighorn Originals the YXZ SS comes with.
Just like our testing in Alabama, we were tickled with the SSs low-end torque for traversing the more challenging terrain and when the path was clear to let ‘er rip, flicking the paddle through the gears was silky smooth and provided white-knuckled acceleration.
As promised, we were able to wind it out on a short stretch of smoother, hard-packed soil and it didnt take long to get to 70-mph! If there had been more room on the horizon, we can confidently say 80-mph would have easily been reachable. However, the sandy composition of the terrain and regular jarring surprises in the sand left this test pilot a little uneasy at that velocity.
Rider Friendly
Weve already discussed the changes to the 2019 YXZ SS: A new gauge cluster relocation, reduced cabin heat and the relocation of the radiator to the rear of the vehicle.
Another thing we appreciated after putting in some serious seat time is the overall roominess of the interior. This YXZ can comfortably accommodate larger and taller riders as there is plenty of legroom even with the seat moved just half way back. Feeling cramped or pinned-in during a long haul can take away from the riding experience, especially when the landscape is as challenging as this and the climate so unforgiving.
Youll also appreciate improved visibility over the front end of the YXZ SS. When you can see the ground in front of you clearly, you ride with more confidence and experience less fatigue.
Riding the Yamaha YXZ1000R SS on both sides of the United States not only gave us the chance to test the vehicle in two very different environments but it further demonstrated the exceptional ruggedness of this Yamaha. Riding the King of the Hammers route aggressively for hours at a time in a fleet of stock YXZ1000R SSs without a single mechanical issue speaks volumes. Durability is just one more area Yamaha claims the advantage in the Sport SxS market. When youre dishing out big dollars, knowing youll be spending more time in the seat and less time wrenching should be music to your ears.
MARIETTA, Ga. – October 18, 2018 – Yamaha Racing announces today bLU cRU racer Walker Fowler clinched his fourth-straight Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) XC1 Pro ATV championship, claiming the $10,000 bLU cRU bonus on his Yamaha YFZ450R this past weekend at Powerline Park in St. Clairsville, OH. In addition to Fowler, Traci Pickens captured her unprecedented 11th WXC title on a YFZ450R.
“Fowler continues to show he is a GNCC legend, with another year of unmatched dominance and consistency on the cross-country ATV circuit with his Mark Notman prepared YFZ450R,” said Donnie Luce, Yamahas off-road racing coordinator. “Speaking of legendary, Yamaha-mounted rider Traci Pickens secured her 11th championship win in the WXC ATV class this past weekend, further exemplifying the YFZ450R is the sport ATV of choice for racers, with the power, durability and performance to consistently top the podium.”
For the fourth-year in a row, Fowler clinched the XC1 Pro ATV championship on his WFR / GBC / Fly Yamaha YFZ450R before the season ended, dominating the competition with nine podium finishes, and six first-place finishes – the only racer in the series so far with multiple wins. He currently leads the series with 281 points, 53 more than the next competitor, with only one round remaining.
“Its truly an honor to continue this unbelievable run and join the ranks among the GNCC greats,” Fowler said. “The proven capability and consistent performance of the YFZ450R sets Yamaha as the clear off-road racing leader, and I cant thank them enough for their continued support of my team and the entire racing community as we finish off another successful ATV season.”
The final 2018 GNCC round will take place October 27 – 28 at the AMSOIL Ironman in Crawfordsville, Indiana. In addition to the many festivities taking place at this round, Yamaha will hold an autograph session on Saturday with its ATV, Side-by-Side, and Motorcycle GNCC racers from 6:15 – 7:30 PM at the Yamaha display.
Eligible racers can register or view more information on the bLU cRU program, including all guidelines and requirements for ATV and SxS racing at www.YamahabLUcRU.com. Follow Yamaha Outdoors on your favorite social media channels at www.Facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors, www.Instagram.com/YamahaOutdoors, www.Twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors, or by searching the following hashtags: #YamahaRacing #bLUcRU #ProvenOffRoad #REALizeYourAdventure #REALizeYourPodium #AssembledInUSA #Yamaha
About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the powersports industry. The company’s ever- expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Outboard Motors, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in Cypress, California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Further U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).
Minneapolis (October 16, 2018) – Coming off a dominant race weekend at the Lucerna Tijuana SCORE Desert Challenge and Lucas Oil Off Road Race, Polaris RZR® Factory Racing continued its success at the Best In The Desert Third Annual Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic. This weekends wins resulted in a podium sweep from Polaris RZR Factory Racers in the UTV P Class.
Robert Vanbeekum took first with teammate Macy Poelman only seconds behind claiming the second spot on the podium. Polaris RZR Factory Racer Seth Quintero secured third place locking in a complete sweep for the team.
“The Polaris RZR Factory Racing Team has had an incredible 2018 season, completely crushing every major race they have participated in. Without any doubts in our minds, our team has continued to come out on top with podium wins and sweeps all season long,” said Kyle Duea, vice president of ORV Marketing at Polaris Industries. “This weekend proved no different with Vanbeekum, Poelman and Quintero representing Polaris with their podium sweep.”
This weekends wins add to the teams overall 38 wins and 109 podiums over the course of this years season. The Polaris RZR Factory Racing team is getting ready to take on the field at the SCORE Baja 1000 race from November 14-18 in Ensenada, Mexico.
More information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles can be found at RZR.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 2017 sales of $5.4 billion, Polaris innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize 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 include 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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