06 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Contents
>> Volume 2 issue 7
62
may 2008
cover story
Rhino Vs. RZR
Regulars mailbox .10 news .12 tips & tricks Free Teryx power .14 upgrades, Save your
8-Hours of Darkness
PIAA’s 8-Hour endurance race is not for the weak, or nocturnally impaired.
41
35
We pit two of the hottest SXS’ on the market together in a battle to the death.
Buyer’s Guide:
18
RZR plastics from a meltdown, and more!
next
Arctic Cat Prowler Arctic Cat’s newest power700 XTX house, beauty and brains.
Long-Travel Kit buyer’s guide. It’s one of the most popular and expensive aftermarket products on the market, and we got ‘em all inside!
Dealer Expo
We’ll show you the top 20 SXS products from the Indy Dealer Expo.
70
product .24 review built for it .38
41
On The Lookout For Fire 1.3 million acres of forrest is huge, especially when a fire comes crashing through.
.86 gallery new products .88 on the go photo .98
FROM THE EDITOR
{
}
Stop Reading This And Play!
“P
ut away the snowplow and break out the extra gas cans, spring is in full swing and it’s time to get out and ride! Winter has had its cruel grip on most of us over the last couple months, leaving our SXS garaged and drastically reducing the amount of quality seat time we need to survive. No more shall we sit idle indoors and watch the world around us as it goes untouched, it’s time to reunite rubber to dirt and break our oppressive snow chains.
This issue of Side X Side Action is packed full of editorial to get you “in the mood” for some outdoor adventures. We found ourselves getting so excited about what to put in this issue that we had to ditch a couple previous ideas and through in some off-the-cuff editorial. If you’re looking to add some new products to your ride this year, we got you covered. Along with our regular product review section and new product section, we have also added a large long-travel kit buyer’s guide and a seven page spread on all the new products from this year’s Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. And for those of you, who are already missing winter, look to the back of this issue for an ice fishing adventure on West Lake Okoboji.
It’s a beautiful day outside; the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the trails are calling. Carpe Diem!
See ya’ on the trails!
Cody Fletcher Editor-In-Chief
PGI Media Inc. is committed to responsible off-road recreation in which enthusiasts obey the law, use common sense, extend courtesy to others, and respect the environment.
08 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL
Publisher
Dane King / Nick McFayden
Editor-in-Chief
Cody Fletcher
Editor
Shari Tatman-Scholte
Managing Editor
Mike Lasher
Sales Director
Charlene Bower
Sales
Garren Injijian
Web & Graphics
Nick Nicholls
Office Manager
Heidi Clary
Account Manager
Contributors
Stacy Rye
Jon Crowley, DuneGuide.com Red Wentworth
Advertising Information Please contact Charlene Bower at 909-794-4601 or e-mail charlene@pgimedia.com Subcription Help: 1-800-395-7760 HAVE YOU MOVED? Please notify us of any change of address. All subscriptions correspondence should be addressed to PO Box 461389, Escondido, CA 92046 or visit www.sidexsideaction.com
Make all checks or money orders payable to: Side X Side Action. $19.95 for 10 issues. Please allow 10-12 weeks for delivery.
Side X Side Action Magazine, is published bimonthly by Platinum Global, Inc. at 31599 Outer Hwy 10 S, Redlands, CA 92373. Newsstand exclusively distributed by Curtis Circulation Company, LLC, New Milford, New Jersey. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted in whole or in part without express written permission of the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Side X Side Action Magazine, PO Box 461265, Escondido, CA 92046. Printed in the U.S.A
“Side X Side Action is published for entertainment only. We are not responsible for the actions of our readers, we do not condone illegal activities, and article and photographs provided by our readers do not necessarily reflect the behavior of the people behind Side X Side Action.”
"By submitting your photograph to Side X Side Action Magazine ("Side X Side Action"), you acknowledge that you are of legal age and irrevocably consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by Side X Side Action, or anyone authorized by Side X Side Action, of any and all photographs which you have submitted to Side X Side Action, or its agents, for any purpose whatsoever, without restriction, and without compensation to you. You also grant your authorization for Side X Side Action, in its sole discretion, to grant third parties permission to use or publish your photograph, likeness, or image in any form or medium. All photographs, negatives or prints submitted by you to Side X Side Action shall not be returned and become the property of Side X Side Action."
Platinum Global Inc. Companies PGI Media
Travis Peterson takes first place at the PIAA 8-Hour Endurance race. Read more on Page 35
PHOTO CHARLENE BOWER
mailbox
Winner!
Here’s a picture of us jumping our RZR on the big island. This is at an ATV park where we found a nice jump to test out our long-travel suspension. We also race our SXS on the island in a new shortcourse series we’ve started. Jason Thurber Oahu, Hawaii
Aloha from the mainland brotha! Keep rippin’ it up out there on the island. Enjoy your winnings!
Shirtless Man To The Rescue
The Rhino in the back was the first one to try to cross the river. It got stuck, so the second Rhino went to go get him and that's when he got pulled under. We are attempting to winch them out. We got them all out ok. It did take a while though.
Taissa Tafoya
More Jumping Razors
My son Josh and I found a little jump at the top of our hill. It was quite an adventure. This thing is a blast to jump! Emile Estassi
Sunset Dunes Here’s our 2006 Rhino 660 out in Glamis over Presidents Day weekend. The sunset was so beautiful we had to get a silhouette photo of the Rhino. Ric Cain
A Little Tipsy
10 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Here is a picture of my Dad, Malcolm's, Rhino after not making it around a bowl out at Sand Hollow Sand Dunes in Southern Utah. After being on its side for about 1/2 hour it fired up and drove back to camp with nothing broken. These Rhinos are pretty tough! Andy Short St. George, Utah
Send it in:
Rhino Art
This is my rhino after the new long-travel kit and a little bit of Photoshop work. Scott
Tree Climbing Teryx
This is my new (4.2 hr.) TERYX in a tree. This is the first TERYX that Monroe Motorsports in Monroe, WA. got and now it's mine. This thing is a kick in the butt. I have never owned a Side X Side before, but this one seems to do well. It's fast and four-wheels nicely. Ed Moore
Family Traditions
My Prowler in front of my cousin’s Rhino out in Glamis, CA. This is pretty much the view that he sees the whole time we dune.
How would you like to win an awesome prize just for taking a picture? It’s simple. Snap a picture of your adventures with your Side X Side, send it in, and, if we choose your picture as our favorite, you could be the winner of our monthly prize! It’s that easy!
Send To:
cody@ sidexsideaction.com
Garrett
Southern Club
We are the newly formed Southern SXS Riders group and forum, this pic is from our first ride at Windrock ORV area in Oliver Springs, TN. We had a great turnout, 26 Rhinos and 1 Prowler along with 9 ATVS. Our group welcomes all brands of SXS and can be found at southernsxsriders.com Thanks for the great mag!! David Roggers
This month’s prize is a hitch cover from Pro Armor. Stick it in the receiver of your truck, SUV, or Side X Side. www.proarmor.com
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
11
side x side news
[ Podium News]
WPSA’s Oak Hill Opening Round
White Bear Lake, MN (Feb. 21, 2008) –The WPSA’s PowerSports ATV Championship Tour will kick off the 2008 season at Oak Hill Raceway in Decatur, Texas on May 3rd and 4th with the ProTaper/MSR/QuadBoss ATV Open Championship. Jeff and Dawn Oldenburg, new owners of the facility, continue to upgrade the track amenities as the season opener approaches. The Oak Hill facility features one of the most ATV-friendly and motocross0challenging tracks in the nation. Excellent viewing, over 200 RV spots, and plentiful “flat” parking areas are just a few of this nationally recognized facility’s attributes.
“We have enjoyed a highly workable relationship with Jeff and Dawn Oldenburg since way back in the 90’s,” said Scott O’Malley, President of PowerSports Entertainment, Inc. “We had our initial conversation with the Oldenburgs about a year ago. With Tucker Rocky coming on as a series’ sponsor and it being literally in Tucker Rocky’s backyard, we wanted to spread our footprints around the nation. We all decided that Oak Hill would be an excellent venue to host the opening round this year.”
The Oldenburgs have been race promoters in the Minnesota area for almost twenty years before acquiring the Texas track. Through their involvement in snocross and motocross in the Minnesota region they have become popular promoters of racers and fans in the area. They have continued to raise the bar in promoting off-road racing and now, with the Oak Hill MX facility in Texas, will be able to bring their collective expertise to the WPSA’s PowerSports ATV Championship Tour. “We are extremely excited to host the opening round of the WPSA PowerSports ATV Championship Tour here at Oak Hill Raceway,” Jeff Oldenburg said. “Quad racing has long been a part of our program and to bring this toplevel event here is just plain awesome! We are looking forward to seeing this event here in the great state of Texas.”
The WPSA’s Scott O’Malley added, “We had heard great things about the Oak Hill Raceway, so we sent a representative out to take a look at it. We found that the infrastructure was great and that the track would be a phenomenal track for us in both Quad Terrain and MX. In addition to that, we’re working side by side with Tucker Rocky to enhance the promotion of the event in the area and we’re expecting great things to happen when we kick off the season in May. To put it plainly…It’s the right place to go at the right time of the year to start off our season.”
Oak Hill Raceway is located in Decatur, Texas, just a few miles northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more information on Oak Hill Raceway go to www.oakhillmx.com.
12 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
RANCHO® TAKES ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE, INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS INTO NEW CATEGORY LONG BEACH, CALIF, Mon., Feb. 28, 2008 – Rancho – one of the world’s top performance suspension brands – has launched a brand-new long-travel suspension system, a complete line of RS9000XL ProSeries coilover shocks, and a line of Rancho RockGEAR accessories for the popular ATV/UTV markets. The new products offer coverage of the hugely popular 2007-08 Polaris RZR and Yamaha Rhino models. Rancho, a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) award-winning brand in the automotive aftermarket, is the performance suspension, shock absorbers, and accessories brand of Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN). Rancho will make its introduction into the powersports marketplace at the upcoming Dealer Expo, Indianapolis, Ind., in February. “This is an exciting opportunity for Rancho,” said Rancho General Manager Joe Pase. “We’re expanding the performance abilities of these vehicles while answering the suspension and accessories needs of an entirely new customer.”
The new Rancho long-travel suspension system, available for Yamaha Rhino, increases suspension travel, improves ground clearance, and enhances stability. Completely compatible with the Rancho RS9000XL coil-over shock series, the kit features billet 6061 aluminum upper control arms with contrast machining, HSLA steel lower control arms, Delrin control arm bushings, and precision high-strength rod end and uniball. To learn more about the brand-new line of accessories for the ATV/UTV market or any other Rancho products, please contact your Rancho retailer or visit www.GoRancho.com
Polaris Announces New Limited Edition 2008 RANGER Models
Minneapolis, Feb. 8, 2008 – Polaris Industries today announced its new hardest working, smoothest riding 2008 Limited Edition (LE) RANGER Side by Sides. The lineup includes five customized models which will be available at select US and Canadian dealerships starting in February. New Polaris LE RANGER models include: 2008 RANGER XP, Painted Orange Crush Rally
The Painted Orange Crush Rally XP has all the extreme off-road performance of RANGER XP with a 700 EFI engine, new handoperated parking brake with shift interlock, and one-ton towing. Additional features on the limited edition model include: -Painted Orange Crush hood with Rally stripes, dash, glove box, suspension springs and rear A-arms -Cloud Silver cab frame, bumpers and screen -Custom cut and sew stitched orange/silver/black deluxe seat -14-inch cast aluminum rims with Goodyear MTR radial tires The MSRP (US) is $11,499 and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,199. 2008 RANGER XP, Midnight Red
Due to the Midnight Red XP’s extreme popularity, Polaris has brought it back again for 2008. Unlike its predecessors, this Red includes the new hand-operated parking brake with shift interlock and one-ton towing. Additional features on the limited edition model include:
-Painted Midnight Red hood, dash, glove box with custom Matte Black hood accents -Silver suspension springs and rear A-arms -Wrinkle Black painted bumper screen and cab frame -Custom cut and sew stitched red/silver/black deluxe seat 12-inch Black painted aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires The MSRP (US) is $10,999 and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,599. 2008 RANGER XP, Black Metallic
The same ultimate performance as the RANGER XP, the Black Metallic RANGER XP screams Xtreme. Additional features on the limited edition model include: -Painted Black Metallic hood, dash, glove box with Silver hood accents -Silver painted cab frame, bumper, grill, suspension Custom cut and sew black/silver seat -12-inch Black painted aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires
//Rhinoworld.net Name Change//
The MSRP (US) is $10,999 and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,599.
2008 RANGER XP, Mossy Oak™ Browning Edition
No RANGER limited edition line up would be complete without a hunter edition. This machine has all of the features of the RANGER XP with the addition of a Mossy Oak™ patterned body and Browning Buck Mark accents. The RANGER XP’s Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) coupled with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) will ensure a great hunt regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way. Features on this limited edition model include: -New Mossy Oak™ New Break Up design (hood, dash, rims, decals) -Custo cut and wew Browning seat with Buck Mark decal -No-shine Wrinkle Black paint (cab frame, bumpers, screen) -Factory installed 4000 lb. Warn winch -Dual Lock & Ride® Mossy Oak Gun Scabbards
The MSRP (US) is 12,299 and the MSRP (Canada) is $16,199. 2008 RANGER CREW, Turbo Silver
Haul all your friends in style with the new RANGER CREW in Turbo Silver. Along with RANGER CREW’s six-people capacity and massive under-seat storage, additional features on the limited edition model include: -Turbo Silver hood, dash, glove box with custom Matte Black hood accents -Silver suspension springs and rear A-arms -Custom cut and sew stitched silver/black deluxe seat -12-inch rear, 9-inch front cast aluminum rims with Polaris PXT radial tires
The MSRP (US) is $11,999 and the MSRP (Canada) is $15,499.
Contact; www.polarisindustries.com Or contact your local dealer for more information.
Rhinoworld.net = sidexsideoutfitterz.com RhinoWorld.net is proud to announce the addition of the Polaris RZR to their line of adventure rides. With the Adventure Teryx coming this summer, all of our models and products will carry the “adventure” logo. With this, our name has changed to sidexsideoutfitterz.com to accommodate all UTVs. We are looking forward to more adventures in 2008. WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
13
Tips & Tricks
>
Free Teryx Power Gain Unrestrict and let ‘er rip!
The Kawasaki Teryx is plugged up pretty bad from the factory. The really small exhaust outlet is great for quiet riding, but really holds back the power potential from the 750cc v-twin. If you ride in an area that does not require a spark arrestor, a quick way to gain a few horsepower is to remove the spark arrestor. Just remove the three bolts on the tip and it slides right out. We tested the Teryx on the dyno and gained more than a couple horsepower just by taking the spark arrestor out, so we would expect some big gains from an aftermarket exhaust. *If you’re riding in an area that requires a spark arrestor then do not remove!
Clutch House Cleaning
If you’re riding your SXS in muddy and wet conditions where the engine is being submerged then you may want to do some spring cleaning. Mud and debris will get into your clutch housing through the breather tubes and will muck up your clutch sheave. When dust, water, and debris get into your clutch sheave they leave residue on the grease inside the sheave and will dissable the weights from rolling back and forth freely. This will cause your engine to rev out at low speeds and hinder performance.
Fill In The Cracks
Anyone who has ever ridden in muddy conditions knows that mud will get into everything. It may not seem like a big deal, but once mud clings to your machine it starts to add weight. During a recent short-course race in Arizona we collected an extra 40 lbs. of mud on our stock RZR. There are many holes and cracks in the RZR where mud can collect and start to build up. By using a sealant foam spray you can fill in these areas and mud will not be able to collect. Most of these foam sprays are waterproof and will stick to any surface. You can purchase this sealant at your local hardware store or online. Cost $14.88 a can. http://www.downwindmarine.com
Ranger XP Power Upgrade
Looking to get some more power from your Ranger XP 700 but don’t want to spend a bunch of money doing it? No problem. Simply remove the head pipe from the engine and dremmel some of the excess metal on the inside of the head pipe. The stock header is restricted from the factory and by dremmeling out this excess metal you can help your XP breathe a little better, giving you more power!
14 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
//Polaris RZR Plastic Meltdown//
The black plastic behind the passenger seat on my RZR melted from the heat of the exhaust. My RZR was under warranty, so I got a new one from the dealer. Unfortunately, the replacement piece I got was for a Gen 1 RZR, but you can still see how to fix this before your plastic melts. << You can see the melted plastic near the exhaust. This is the panel behind the passenger seat. This panel is called "Panel - Divider, Rear, RH, Black". You can get >> reflective tape from Lowes or Home Depot. We used Reflectix brand tape. You can call 800-8793645 to order. Here you can see the old panel and the new panel with the tape applied.
You will notice that the diagonal bar that runs in front of this panel comes from the factory with reflective tape on it.
This Month: On The Web LOOKING FOR VIDEOS? CHECK THIS OUT >
This brand new section on our website is perfect for those looking to re-live their Side X Side adventures while they’re stuck at home or work. You’ll find the icon on our home page; click and let the adventure begin. You can even submit your own video for everyone to see on our site. To submit your own Side X Side Action videos, email: nicholls@pgimedia.net. www.sidexsideaction.com/wp-gallery2
Daily Updated News & Product Section
Cast Your Votes!
Every month we have an online poll question where you can cast your votes for your favorite products, machines, and places to ride. This month’s poll question: “Do you service your own vehicle?” The winner this month with 75% of the votes is........Yes. Second place with 16% of the votes is maybe. Save that $200 dealership oil change and put it to good use on your next trip! If you didn’t vote then log on and vote! Also check back on our poll for a new prize section that will be added, where you can earn free prizes just for voting! www.sidexsideaction.com
Looking for more industry news? We are constantly updating our news section! As soon as the mail comes into our inbox, it’s up on our website the same day. This section also includes new SXS products. This month we’ve featured products like UTV Concepts new Rhino line, Dragon Fire Racing’s new long-travel kit, and much more! If you’ve got news you’d like to submit or a product that you would like to see us review, drop us a line: pr@pgimedia.net
Side X Side Action Digital
If you haven’t already checked out our new digital edition of the magazine, what are you waiting for? You can download individual issues to view at the privacy of your own computer, or you can subscribe to our digital edition for only $12.95 for a one year subscription. Not only do you get your magazine up to two weeks before it goes on newstands (and save a tree in the process), but you can also view digital edition exclusive content such as: video clips, extra photos, and sound clips. You even have the ability to click on web addresses that will link you directly to that website. See more: www.sidexsideaction.com/subscribe WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
15
Show Stoppers
We traveled to the 2nd Annual ORBA (Off-Road Business Association) Supershow to see what was hot on the West Coast. BY // JON CROWLEY
Most people cannot even find a Kawasaki Teryx to buy, yet Custom Creations has already fully decked out theirs!
The ORBA Supershow was held February 9 – 10, 2008 at the Del Mar Fairground near San Diego, CA. After their successful show last year, ORBA switched venues to Del Mar and from what I saw, it was a great move. Although not as big as the Sand Sports Super Show, the ORBA Supershow is filling a nice void for off-road enthusiasts and businesses. Last year there were quite a few businesses showing off their UTV products, and I was happy to see that grow for this year’s show.
My favorite UTV from the show was a 2008 Kawasaki Teryx built by Custom Creations. The Teryx has only been available for a few weeks, but this one was already decked out with Custom Creations long-travel arms and roll cage, Sway-A-Way air shocks, Summers Brothers axles, PRP seats, and Baja Designs LED lights. A big name in the off-road industry has now entered the UTV market. Rancho Suspension is huge when it comes to suspension for full size vehicles, and they are now making long travel kits, shocks and other bolt-on products for UTVs. There were also some new products that caught my eye at the show:
• aFe was showing off their Kawasaki Teryx and Rhino 700 EFI airboxes. • Gibson Performance had a new exhaust for the Polaris RZR as well as their Rhino setup. • UMP & Mafia Industries have a nice replacement intake for the Polaris RZR. • The Fabtech booth had a nice RZR with their new longtravel kit and front & rear bumpers. • Staun Products had an internal beadlock that looked promising, especially for desert and short course racing.
Congratulations to ORBA on a great show. I am looking forward to a repeat performance in 2009!
If you own an off-road related business and are not a member of the Off-Road Business Association, please check them out. ORBA is a non-profit association of off-road related business owners who have united to preserve the sport of off-road recreation. If you are an off-road enthusiast, please support the members of ORBA by spending your money with ORBA members. The off-road playgrounds you enjoy depend on it. More information about ORBA can be found at: www.orba.biz or by calling 661.323.1464.
16 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Rancho Suspensions new A-arm kit & shock.
[
New Fabtech RZR long-travel kit and rear bumper. See more of this kit on page 48.
]
Want to see more show coverage? Check out what’s new from the Dealer Expo on page 70.
UMP air kit for the Polaris RZR.
Internal beadlock from Staun Products
AFE air intake kit for the Teryx.
Baja Designs new LED HID light.
Gibsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new RZR exhaust.
ABOUT ORBA
//////////////////////////////
ORBA is a non-profit association of off-road related business owners who have united to preserve the sport of off-road recreation and to resist the efforts of environmental extremist organizations whose goal is to eliminate off-road recreation under the pretense of protecting the environment. WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
17
N E X T
Arctic Cat’s Prowler XTX The Sleeper.
The Fastest 700 in Its Class Power-wise this 695cc Prowler gives the 766cc Ranger RZR a run for its money. The newly designed Prowler XTX 700 H1 is a new form of raw power that we have never felt before in a Sport Utility SXS. Don’t let the pretty silver plastics fool you. It will bite. COMMENTARY // CODY FLETCHER
18 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
SIDE X SIDE ACTION PRESENTS
You could use it as a tool around the property like this guy, but we found that the 700cc engine was much more fun rippinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; down the trail. WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
19
A
ARCTIC CAT
PROWLER XTX 700 H1 EFI
rctic Cat’s sales success in the UTV industry has been monumental since the introduction of the Prowler XT in 2006. Combining sporty features while not losing any of its functional “work” qualities, the highly agile Prowler line is chock full of all the rugged functionality found on an Arctic Cat ATV, but packaged in a chassis scaled for power, maneuverability and ease of side-by-side driving. For 2008 Arctic Cat expands to a three model lineup with the addition of the Prowler XTX 700 H1 EFI. The cab of every Prowler is equipped with dual bucket seats and driver/passenger seat belts, a center console complete with drink holders, and dual 12v accessory plugs. The open air cab has a full canopy and various storage compartments like a dash-mounted tray shelf, glove box with door, and an easily accessible molded tool kit located under the passenger seat. Keeping true to Arctic Cat ATV her-
// The
Hardcore jobs and hardcore fun are only executed when provided with Arctic Cat-built engines, drivetrain, and suspension systems. Born and bred at Arctic Cat, you can now choose between two powerhouse motors: the 650H1, a 641cc, 4stroke torque monster; or the new 700 H1 EFI, a 695cc, 4stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection for positive performance in most temperature or elevation changes. The Duramatic automatic transmission has dynamic engine braking with Low, High, Neutral, and Reverse. The Prowler is just as easy to use as an Arctic Cat ATV; just gas it and go.
Prowler is just as easy to use as an Arctic Cat ATV; just gas it and go. //
itage, the Prowler was designed to conquer any job when it comes to storage and hauling capacities. Lift the hood on any Prowler and you will find a storage compartment that can hold 25 lbs. of hunting supplies or tools. It also doubles as a cooler to store ice. The composite cargo bed resists rust and cracking, so you can throw in 600 lbs. (325 lbs. for XTX) of the harshest payloads and the Prowler won’t even whimper.
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Arctic Cat engineers have laid to rest the claims of “best” suspension travel and ground clearance by other manufacturers. The front and rear suspensions are fully independent with a double A-arm front design and a double A-arm rear design with 10” of suspension travel
for sure-footed offroad prowess. Spring preload adjustable shocks are used on all four corners for the ultimate in terrain and load adjustability, while off-roading capabilities are enhanced by 13” of ground clearance, a front locking 4WD differentia,l and rear-mounted swaybar for improved trail driving. Those wanting a more turf-friendly UTV will love the new Prowler XTX with Turf Saving Auto Locking rear differential – The rear differential remains open unless wheel slip is sensed, then both rear wheels lock for improved traction with no buttons or levers to pull like the competition.
Cast aluminum 14” wheels with black painted inlays are standard on the XT and XTX. Steel 14” wheels come standard with the Prowler. All of the Arctic Cat units are stocked with 26X8R14 Goodyear MTR front tires and 26x11R14 Goodyear MTRs in the rear for the ultimate in off-road traction.
Once again, Arctic Cat provides a new category entrant that holds true to the “More to Go On” slogan. The Prowler lineup provides more comfort, more motor choices and more fun in a variety of prices.
//LIMITED EDITION COMES STANDARD//
A top speed of 55 MPH gives the Prowler XTX 700 the fastest top speed in its class. Items such as a tilt steering column, digital dash, 14” aluminum polished wheels, and disc brakes all come standard on the XTX. No upgrades are required to get a great-looking, high-peformance vehicle.
Arctic Cat also offers a full line of accessories for the Prowler. These accessories range from snow plow packages all the way down to a full line of camoflauge gear.
ENGINE Type
695cc, SOHC 4-Stroke
Fuel System Top Speed
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Horsepower
45
55 MPH
DRIVE-TRAIN Drive System
Automatic CVT w/EBS 2/4WD + Diff Lock
SUSPENSION
A-arm Liquid Cooled Drive System Front (Type, Travel) Double 686cc, 4-Stroke, 10.0 inches / 25.4 cm of travel
Rear
(Type, Travel)
BRAKES Front Rear
Double A-arm 10.0 inches / 25.4 cm of travel w/rear sway bar Hydraulic Disc, Twin Piston
Hydraulic Disc, Twin Piston
DIMENSIONS Length/Width
115"x61.3"
Height
77.5”
Wheelbase 75” Ground Clearance 12.5" Fuel Capacity Dry Weight
Bed Capacity Towing Capacity
BODY
8.2 Gallons 1,165 LBS. 350 LBS.
1,500 LBS.
Under Hood Storage Extra Storage 25 LBS. Max
Bonus
14” Tilt Steering Wheel
Retail Price
CONTACT
$10,999.00
ARCTIC CAT www.arcticcat.com WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
21 17
TECH
FREE POWER How to increase your RZR’s top speed by as much as 10 MPH for free! >>It is becoming increasingly more popular for RZR owners to modify their units by removing the plastic spacer that is on the crank shaft in the drive clutch assembly. This can increase an RZR’s top speed by as much as 10 MPH.
The RZR’s transmission is a pulleybased constant velocity transmission (PVT) that consists of three major assemblies: the drive clutch, the driven clutch, and the drive belt. The drive clutch and the driven clutch both consist of two conical-shaped pulley halves called sheaves. The transmission operates by sensing centrifugal force that causes shift weights to push against rollers that push the moveable sheave closer to the other sheave to pinch the drive belt. The closer the two sheaves are pushed together the further out the belt is pushed.
Removal of this spacer allows the two sheaves to come completely together where the belt would move out to the largest diameter on the sheaves. We have found this will increase an RZR’s top speed anywhere from 5-10 MPH. Some will say this is going against the original design of the transmission, but we speculate that it was designed without the spacer and was added later as an easy way to limit the RZR’s top speed for liability reasons. We have heard some arguments that removal of this spacer will decrease the life of your drive belts, but we have yet to have any issues. A proper break-in period at lower speeds for the first 100 miles on a new RZR or after a new belt is installed is highly recommended to ensure a longer belt life. Removal of the plastic limiting spacer is a simple process that requires a clutch compression tool
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which can be purchased through your local Polaris dealer (part # 8700220).
1. Remove driver and passenger seats.
2. Remove panel that is behind the seats to gain access to the outer clutch cover.
3. Remove the push rivets and fasteners holding the rear seat base and remove from vehicle.
4. With a screw driver, loosen the
clamp that holds the clutch outlet duct to the clutch cover and slide it off.
5. Remove outer clutch cover
screws and remove clutch cover.
6. Remove drive clutch assembly by removing the clutch retaining bolt that threads into the crank shaft. (Facing the rear of the vehicle, the drive clutch is the clutch assembly on the left.) To remove the clutch retaining bolt you will need to secure the drive clutch assembly (a.k.a. the spider cage) to keep it from spinning. A wooden hammer handle slipped into the spider cage works well for this. The clutch assembly is pressed onto the crank shaft and can be fairly easy to knock loose by tapping on it with a rubber hammer. (This is where the factory service manual would tell you to use a drive clutch puller, which you can order through your local dealer, part # PA-48595.) 7. Once the drive clutch assembly
is removed, take it to a workbench where you can install a spring compression tool. Once it is clamped down, you can loosen the 6 3/8’s bolts that hold the clutch cover
plate. Once the bolts are removed, you can then loosen the spring compression tool (unloading the clutch spring) and then remove the cover plate. Before removing the cover plate, use a permanent marker to mark where it is aligned with the drive clutch assembly. They need to be bolted back together the same way because it is the way they were balanced from the factory.
8. After the cover plate has been
removed you can slide the main clutch spring off and then remove the plastic spacer that sat inside it.
9. With the plastic spacer now
removed, slide the clutch spring back on; then, with the clutch spring tool, compress the assembly back together until you can get the 3/8’s bolts started. Tighten them the rest of the way torqued to 20 ft. pounds.
10. Reinstall sheave assembly by
sliding it back onto the crank shaft; then reinstall the clutch retaining bolt that threads into the crank shaft. Be sure you have the lock washer, thick washer, and the plastic collar on the way they came off making sure the plastic collar centers in the clutch shaft as you tighten. This bolt needs to be torqued to 40 ft. pounds.
Tech Information provided by:
RZR Headquarters www.rzrheadquarters.com 903-593-2900
{Product} Reviews
SXS Products UTV Concepts
Rear Light Bar & Stereo Rack
$459.00
(Rear Light bar only)
The Low Down:
Our Thoughts:
UTV Concepts has added to their roof accessories with two great products. The "plug and play" Rear Light Bar comes complete with two rear LED tail/brake lights, two cargo bay lights, two license plate lights, one interior dome light and license plate inserts. The "plug and play" Sound System comes complete with four high performance speakers and and marine grade AM/FM, CD stereo that is MP3 ready. Both of these items are designed to work with the UTV Concepts roof. Available for the Rhino, Ranger, RZR, Prowler, Teryx, Mule and more!
The LED tail lights and back up lights came in handy on our evening after dinner cruise. We even utilized the dome light to check the glovebox for a screwdriver. Much easier than having to find the flashlight first, and then the screwdriver! The stereo was very impressive. We played the radio most of the time, and then got brave and switched over to a CD. No skipping even bumping through the dunes! I was extremely nervous when I heard the rain pouring down outside, and realized that we didn't have anything to cover the stereo equipment with...the perfect test. The next day, after we assessed all of the flood damage, we turned the stereo on and it worked!
Plus:
Easy to install and looks great mounted and when in use.
Contact
Minus:
The stereo elements are open to the weather and to the public.
(866) 575-9876; www.utvconcepts.com
Ferguson Fabrication
Ranger XP Seatbelt Bar
$99.99
The Low Down:
The Ferfuson Fabrication seatbelt bar is a great addition to any Ranger XP that is used for off-road recreation. This bar allows the user to add three 4-point harness’ to the front seat without any fabrication work to the stock cage. Simply drill, bolt, and go!
Our Thoughts:
I recently purchased an ‘08 Ranger XP and was excited to go test it out in the nearby desert. Seatbelts are a great concern for me and my family so I started looking into mounting 4-point harness belts. The Ferg Fab bar was one of the cheapest mounts I could find and was just what I wanted. The bar shipped in 2-days (standard shipping) and came with all the hardware. You have to drill through the cage, but this offered a sturdy mounting point for the bar. It bolted up in minutes and the 4-point belts bolted to the rest of the existing seatbelt mounting locations. This is a must have if you’re looking to install aftermarket seatbelts.
Plus:
Great price and the color matched the stock cage perfectly.
Contact
Minus:
Make sure you’ve got a drill handy to install the kit. It would be nice to have a clamp style mount so you don’t have to drill into your cage.
(877) FERGFAB; www.fergfab.com
24 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
{Product} Reviews
SXS Products Baja Designs
Soltek LED Light
$449.95
The Low Down:
The new Soltek LED light is revolutionizing off-road racing. In fact, the superior LED forward lighting prototype doubled the number of lumens from any previous LED offering in the market. The refined product available today provides focused light for more than 35,000 hours of operation compared to 2,000 hours for HID and 500 with halogen lights.
Plus:
LED light output used less draw on the battery. 100 times better than stock lighting!
Minus:
Bulky and heavy. These would be best suited on a large vehicle.
Contact
With 2880 lumens of raw lighting horsepower, the Soltek LED's proprietary, off-road specific beam pattern provides unrivaled smoothness and even light distribution. In addition, Groteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LED WhiteLight technology provides a perfect color temperature that produces a natural contrast most like sunlight. The pattern and color temperature combine to reduce eye fatigue and dramatically increase driver comfort.
Our Thoughts:
We tested two of the Soltek LED lights with driving beam patterns on a 2008 Polaris Ranger XP and boy what a difference these lights made. The new LED output is very bright for the minimal amount of energy it uses. We were able to run both lights off the power current and never had flickering or diming. While these lights did not seem as bright as the Baja Designs Fuego light, they did produce a very close lighting output.
(760) 560-BAJA; www.bajadesigns.com
PU Products
Quick Whip Flag Bracket
$39.99
The Low Down:
Custom Engineered to be the ULTIMATE Buggy Whip Bracket. Excellent for all OHV Vehicles! Made of the finest components, the QWIK WHIP has been designed to QUICK RELEASE. No more looking for wrenches! Great for fast exits and entries into your toy trailer, skimming under a train trestle while on a ride, so easy a kid can do it! As an added bonus: Top section fits right into your air compressor and makes a great nozzle for blowing off the sand!
Our Thoughts:
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to see a new product like this. This is probably one of the most functional products we have tested. For those of you who use a whip antenna this takes the chore out of having to install and remove the whip before or after each use.
Contact
w w w. p u - p r o d u c t s . c o m
26 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Plus:
Makes attaching your flag a breeze. After the initial installation, attaching or removing your flag only takes a second.
Minus:
Over extended use sand could enter the quick disconnect making it hard to operate.
Good Guys Wear Black So Do Their
UTVs
When we think of UTVs we think of Racing, Search & Rescue, and Recreation. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day and age, many police departments are also finding that these little vehicles can perform a multitude of tasks never before thought possible in a wheeled police vehicle. Up until now, there were very few opportunities to obtain professional training for the tasks the police could face with such a vehicle. It was also a problem because of the varying patrol assignments and the requirements held by individual departments. Each one of them had different SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
28 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Good Guys Wear Black, So Do Their UTVs
“Why use an UTV, as opposed to using an ATV for police work?” This problem has been solved by a tactical training company located in Connecticut that addresses the many facets of the complex deployment options of a Police UTV. Each department first attends the basic UTV training course which hones the skills of the operators, teaches them the limitations of their machine, and reinforces the importance of teamwork. Once that has been accomplished the teams’ deployment requirements are addressed. These can range from patrol procedures with a UTV, ambush avoidance, fugitive searches, using the UTV for cover, searching for EDPs (Emotionally Disturbed Person), and Search & Rescue. A graduated response option is offered for each scenario. As with all the training this company provides, the UTV training is realistic in nature. The courses are
30 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
designed from the experience of the instructors and draws from the military and police professionals. An example scenario might involve sending a team out in the woods to find and retrieve an EDP. Once the EDP is found, the police officer approaches to talk to him. Everything is going well at first but, as any police officer will tell you, when it goes bad it does so at warp speed. This calm, almost friendly EDP becomes violent and the police officer must decide on the force option needed to control this individual. The scenario is designed so the police officer must deploy his/her taser. (A taser-certified master instructor is used for this scenario, which demonstrates the high caliber of the instructors involved with this training.) Another very popular scenario is one with police officers on a routine
patrol in the wilderness when they stumble into a drug operation. Sometimes they are shot at; other times they may run into a booby trap. Naturally, this is all done safely using Airsoft equipment. Again, only POST-certified instructors are used.
Many calls come in from departments asking, “Why use an UTV, as opposed to using an ATV for police work?” To begin with, the ATV is a great “scout” vehicle, but tactically is not the best choice. It is piloted by only one officer. This officer is open for attack from the rear with very little or no protection. While it is certainly possible to deploy more than one ATV, sooner or later someone will be the last person in line and again be in a dangerous position. Next, you are very limited as to how much gear you can carry and, as previously mentioned, limited to only one officer. There are some
Good Guys Wear Black, So Do Their UTVs UTVs rated for two people, but tactically responding to a threat is still difficult. The one advantage of ATVs is that they are smaller, quicker, and more maneuverable.
The UTV is much more secure for the police. The operator can be protected by the navigator, who can also be the shotgun. If needed, a rear gunner can be added. With a UTV, officers have the ability to not only go out in the wilderness after a suspect, but once found and apprehended they can bring him back. If it is used for wounded officer evacuation, this vehicle can carry several victims out of harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. If it is a long operation, supplies can be transported effortlessly with a UTV. UTVs are more stable and can be rigged for all-season operation with fully enclosed cabs, heaters, air conditioning, etc. The police get calls to respond not only between 8 & 5 on a nice summer day, but at all times of the day or night and in all types of weather. This UTV School has that covered as well, as it is operated yearround and, being in the North East, they deal with all the weather Mother Nature can dish out.
One type of training found lacking for the police responder with UTVs is what is often called Night Ops. Dark is not dark until you are out in the woods in the middle of the night trying to change a flat tire. If it can happen in the daylight and on a nice sunny day, it can also happen at night during the rain.
One of the most important aspects of this training company is that they are Mission-Oriented and the missions are completed no matter what. The fact that a team was sent out on a mission means that the officers, their machines, and their equipment MUST be up to the task. An example would be winter operations in the North East. Last season, the area was inundated with more ice storms than snow. The wheeled vehicles had to actually crunch their way through the crust. Only the hardiest UTVs with true four-wheel drive could accomplish this. However, adding a set of Mattracks (Mattracks.Com) to the vehicles greatly enhanced the response capabilities and they were able to travel effortlessly over the ice crystals, even while towing the less fortunate vehicles that could not make it.
During the course, participants also learn what should be carried onboard a police UTV at all times. A basic list of essential equipment is provided, which is then adjusted depending on specific departments. A simple thing such as an extra key can be very important. It is equally important to have an extra fuel filter and know how to change it. A UTV should be equipped with a set of tools and should also have a winch. UTV operators should know how to use all of the equipment and be able to do more than basic repair work, even plugging a fuel tank should it become punctured. These are just some of the areas covered to ensure that the officers can get the job done in a safe, professional manner.
The photos in this story are of the New Canaan Police Department in Connecticut. We respect and salute all the men and women in our Emergency Responder Services.
32 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Additional Information:
Tom Ashmore Ent. Inc. P.O. Box 883 Woodbury, CT 06798-0883 Phone: 203-263-5656 Fax: 203-263-5771 Web: ASHMOREENTINC.COM E-Mail: TAENTINC.COM Story: Tom Ashmore Photos: Randy Ashmore
-HOURS 8 OF DARKNESS SXSA
RACING
WORCS 8-HOUR PIAA ENDURANCE RACE. GOT LIGHTS?
BY MIKE LASHER PHOTOS CHARLENE BOWER
S
o what do you do when you look at the schedule and realize that you have a free weekend and four Side X Sides sitting at your disposal? Well, we set out to find something to do. We found that WORCS was running their first 8-hour endurance race in Surprise, Arizona. The race is the kick-off to their 2008 season.
After reviewing the rules, we decided that the stock class was the most appropriate category. We had two Polaris Ranger RZRs and two Yamaha Rhinos. The rules stated that you could bring a back-up unit to support the race vehicle, so we figured that we would field two teams and put the Rhino and RZR head-to-head in an endurance race. Each team was allowed to have three drivers so that you could rotate through the eight hours. We gathered our six who offered a wide range of talents: Tim Orchard from OMF Performance; Garren Injijian, our newest addition to the Side X Side Action staff; Nick McFayden, our publisher; Chris McFayden, avid Class 1 off-road racer; Derrick Elliott, my brother-in-law
and race enthusiast; and me, a UTV racer with a few miles to my credit.
The rules were pretty straightforward for the stock class. You had to keep the cars stock, no mods whatsoever, but, you had to add at least 4-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher. A trip to the hardware store and we had our fire extinguisher requirements met. We called our friends over at Team Simpson and they set us up with their new D3 seatbelts to keep us in the cars. The D3 seatbelts are nice because they have the shoulder and lap belts joined together at the clasp, which makes getting in and out of the car a breeze. To mount the belts in the Rhinos, we needed a cross bar. We made a call to black Rhino and they provided us with two of their harness bars. Being that this race was at night, we need lights. Having four cars that need lights, we opted to outfit one team with lights from PIAA, the main sponsor of the race, and the other team with Baja Designsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fuego and Soltek lights. Every racer will tell you that one of the most important components of a racecar is the tires. For this race, we chose to run ITPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SS
wheels and their Terra Cross tire. We felt that the tread design and depth would give us the best performance for the conditions of the track.
The race started at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Our plan to leave the office early Friday afternoon turned into an 8:00 p.m. departure. Just like a majority of our road trips, this one started a little late. We drove through the night and pulled into the outskirts of Phoenix about 2:00 a.m. and found a hotel to catch a couple of hours of sleep. Saturday morning we arrived at the track and got our pits set up. We had the perfect pit stall, right at the end of the row, the last one before the corner. This would make it easy to find the pit when coming in and it provided a quick out not having to worry about where the car in front of us was. After getting the pit organized, we headed to registration and sent the cars through tech. So what do you do when you realize that everyone else racing in the Side X Side class has entered in either the Modified or Unlimited classes and you have the only two vehicles for the stock class? WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
35
We decided that it would be more fun to enter our back-ups in the race, too. Of course, that meant we were all doubling our drive time, too.
With the 8-hour time limit on the race, all of the classes race at the same time. There were Quads and Side X Sides on the track together. Man, those Quads haul! The Stock class UTVs were the last ones off of the line. WORCS starts the race off with a parade lap so that you can become comfortable with the track. Because of the length of the race, they put an incredible amount of water down to condition the tracks. After the parade lap, all of the vehicles were the same shade of mud. We had to make sure that we wiped the number plates frequently so that we didn’t miss getting counted for a lap. The course was a 5 mile loop that consisted of a little bit of everything. If you liked the tight whoops, wide drifting sweepers, tabletop jumps, and long washes – you were in luck.
Our two Razors were off to an early lead, pulling away from the two Rhinos. The power they had out of the corners and the top end really made them a blast to drive. However, at about lap 5 the RZR became saturated with mud and the shocks began to heat up, causing the oil to thin out. It was then that the two Rhinos caught up. The Rhinos we had were sport editions with the piggyback reservoir shocks. While they may not have the top speed of the RZR, you could drive them faster through the rough terrain of the course because of the better suspension. The RZR’s fender wells have more nooks and crannies than the Rhino’s fender wells, which caused them to hold more mud as well. The other issue was that there is not a solid partition from the hood to floorboard in the front of the Rhino. The foot well of our green RZR actually filled with mud, so much so that we couldn’t push the accelerator all the way down.
On Lap 14, our red RZR was the first vehicle to go down. The output shaft on the front differential came loose and started banging around, making all kinds of noise and draining the oil out of the case. Nick limped it back into the pits and we assessed the sit-
36 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
uation. As any racer will tell you, there are a ton of options that go through your head when you’re racing in an event like this. We looked at every option to fix the thing, which included removing the axles and drive shaft. About the time we were getting ready to dive into a major teardown, the green RZR came in on lap 15 with a wobbly front driver’s tire. The splines had separated from the hub and changed the shape of the wheel. We scavenged parts from the red RZR and got the green RZR back under way. This left us with our first wounded soldier sitting in the pits. The pit stop cost us about 5 laps and took us out of the running for the lead but still guaranteed us a third place position in the class.
The two Rhinos were running strong all night. They didn’t seem to be affected by the changing conditions of the track. As the night wore on, the track continued to get rougher and rougher and they picked off laps one by one. As we were approaching the seven-hour mark on lap 25, our first problem for a Rhino came about. The passenger side front upper A-arm cracked and broke. Garren tried limping it in to the pits, but before we could make it all the way around and complete the lap to get back to the pits, the shock shaft broke and ended the night for our first Rhino. The second Rhino ran a great race with no problems and finished first in the class, with an amazing second place overall in the Side X Side class. It was Travis Peterson of Mafia Industries in his Polaris RZR who took the Unlimited class win and the first place overall title with 29 laps in a time of 7:54:11. He was one lap ahead of us at the finish of the race.
Logging in over eight hours at the PIAA Endurance race was a blast. Everyone definitely got their share of seat time for the night. If you have ever thought about racing your Side X Side, I would recommend checking out one of the WORCS Series races for your first race. The classes they have set up for the Side X Sides will accommodate all types of vehicles. The tracks are great and the promoters are great to work with, too. I will be looking forward to next year’s event, and hope to see you there, too.
Check out www.worcsracing.com for more information.
1st place winner Travis Peterson
Chris
Mike Tim Garren Nick Derrick
“I really need to get my front end aligned” Travis coming in for the win.
The stock shocks are already blown
Jon Hockin from Ramona, CA put his second seat to good use
On the prowl for some quads
Cory Sappington racing against the sun.
Fixing a front axle in the pits
Lending a helping hand to buckle up
The unlimited class vehicles like these worked great right off the bat but many were out by lap 12
Rudy Ledeke coming in on the final stretch
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Me and SpongeBob just want to go homeâ&#x20AC;?
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
37
built forit
Jagged X built this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 RZR to be a competitive CORR racer. Turns out it is also a serious sand dune shredder
1
4
6
2
5 38 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
The Goods
2008 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 Owner: Jagged X Exterior 1. CRB Fabrication Custom Aluminum, panels, roof, and rear cover 760-855-0799 MSRP: Varies
8
2. Jagged X Custom Long-Travel W/Elka Shocks www.jaggedx.com MSRP: TBA
3
3. Two Brothers Racing V.A.L.E. Slip-on Exhaust www.twobros.com MSRP: $399.98 4. CR Designs Custom Paint www.rathracing.com MSRP: Call For Price 5. OMF Performance Two-piece beadlocked wheels www.omfperformance.com Price: $429.95 6. Vision X Off-Road HID Headlights www.visionxoffroad.com MSRP: $399.95 Interior
7
7. DJ Safety 5-point Safety Harnesses www.djsafety.com MSRP: $105.00
PHOTO > MIKE LASHER
8. Jet Trim Custom 1-Piece High Back Race Seats www.jettrim.com MSRP: $350.00 WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
39
40 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
L KITS
BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL
WINDOW SHOPPING
long-travel kits
ONG-TRAVEL
>> OPENING BY CODY FLETCHER
Two years ago,
if you were in the market to buy a long-travel kit for your Side X Side, there were really only a handful of companies that you could go to. Some of the long-travel founders like So-Cal Fab, Long Travel Rhino, Rhinocraft, Dragon Fire Racing, and Jagged X, just to name a few, were all hard at work trying to R&D the perfect kit. If you owned a Rhino, finding a kit was pretty easy and most of the kits would bolt-on. However, if you owned any other SXS, you were pretty much out of luck. SHOWN: HYDRODYNAMIC’S 6” + PHANTOM KIT >>
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
41
BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL
WINDOW SHOPPING
N
>> FAST FORWARD
ow two years later, the aftermarket industry is flooded with long-travel kits, and while some may look similar, they all have their own special features. The Rhino is not the only machine that you can find a LT kit for anymore. You can find LT kits for the Arctic Cat Prowler, Polaris Ranger XP & RZR, and even the newly introduced Kawasaki Teryx. The options for longtravel kits have also changed dramatically since their humble beginnings. Now there are more choices than ever regarding the width, material type, construction, travel, bolt-up style, axle assembly, and even mounting locations. So what’s the big deal with long-travel kits anyway? An LT kit is fairly expensive compared to the price of the machine, ranging anywhere from $600 for a basic Aarm only kit, all the way up to $8,000 for a complete kit with all the best components. A long-travel kit has many pros, but also has its cons. For wide-open terrain like desert or wide mountain trails, a long-travel kit can definitely come in handy. The extra width between tires that LT kit offers is a big stability improvement over the stock width. Anyone who has cranked the wheel at higher speeds knows that a Side X Side can be put on its side if you’re not careful. A long-travel kit limits and, in some cases, almost eliminates the rollover possibili-
long-travel kits ty when turning sharp or side-stepping a hill. Along with the extended width, long-travel kits also offer more wheel travel. Since the A-arms are now longer, the lower shock mount can be moved and a longer shock can be installed. A longer shock allows for a longer shaft length, which equals more travel in the shock. Now that the A-arm is longer you can also accommodate longer axles, which will not require as much angle in the CV when the suspension is cycled. So for highspeed terrain with lots of bumps and steep angles, a long travel kit can help out immensely. It will give you a much smoother ride due to the extra wheel travel obtained, along with making the machine much more stable. The biggest drawback to a long-travel kit is that the overall width of the machine can now hinder places that you may want to ride. Some trails will only allow vehicles under a certain width, and even trails that are wide-open can have narrow spots where a wide vehicle cannot pass.
Hopefully, this long-travel kit buyer’s guide will give you a good idea of the types of kits that are available and the manufacturers that are offering those kits. There are plenty of kits out there. Make sure you find a kit that will work with the majority of riding you will be doing, and one that fits into your budget. See ya on the trails!
PROCRAFT STEALTH - RZR
Procraft’s new Stealth 5" long-travel kit is the most advanced kit on the market with 13.5” of “Real” wheel travel. It has been through months of testing to ensure a great ride on & off the track and we at Procraft are very happy with the performance, look and overall quality of the kit. Procraft long-travel suspension system is built for performance, handing & gives your RZR awesome corner speed for the driving style you need. Laser-cut for accurate fit and finish. CNC bent for fitment and accuracy. Hand Tig welded for strength, accuracy and appearance. This kit will bolt up and is 100% made in the USA. If you are looking for a quality longtravel kit then this is the one. Kit includes: front & rear extended brake lines, tie rod extensions, front and rear axles for use with stock CVs and hardware, front upper & lower uniballs w/stainless steel uprights for superior strength, front upper & lower boxed a-arms, rear upper & lower boxed a-arms, rear sway bar mounts and new delrin bushings. Includes powdercoat.
+6” RHINO KITS ALSO AVAILABLE!
42 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE 32 www.sidexsideaction.com
PRICE: $3900.00 w/out shocks Shocks are an additional $1990.00 - $4,300.00 depending on the adjustment and level. CONTACT: www.rhinocraft.com
+5” RZR
LONESTAR RACING
The RZR +8 kit is 8” wider per side and 1.25” rearward placement for better handling. To achieve optimal wheel travel and shock geometry the kit includes front and rear shock towers that mount under the plastics to achieve over 16” of travel. The frame is also braced with bolt on gusset plates that change the lower A-arm to a dual mounting system that provides more stability. All brackets will be included as well as axles and brake lines.
+8”
+6.5” RHINO KITS ALSO AVAILABLE!
PRICE: TBA CONTACT: www.lsracing.com
RZR FABTECH
+6”
RHINO
PRICE: $4,992.00
CONTACT: www.fabtechmotorsports.com
PRO-ONE
Fabtech announces the release of their Long-Travel Suspension System for the 2008 Yamaha Rhino. Fabtech's popular Long-Travel Rhino Suspension System is now available for the 2008 Model Year. Designed as a complete system, the kit features 1.25" OD x .120 wall Chromoly tubular control arms w/dimple die gusset plates for additional strength riding on graphite impregnated Delrin bushings. The front upper arms utilize 3/4" Teflon-lined heim ends while the lowers receive 7/8" uniballs for an unrestricted 13" of useable wheel travel. Steering rod extensions with 1/2" heim ends accommodate the added track width. At the heart of the system are Fabtech's legendary Dirt Logic 2.0 Reservoir Shocks. Utilizing components from Fabtech's race shock line for maximum durability, these units are ready for aggressive off-road driving, yet still provide a comfortable low-speed ride for cruising around the campsite or pits.
+6” RZR KITS ALSO AVAILABLE!
Bolt on a Pro-One Long-Travel Suspension Kit and give your Yamaha Rhino the ultimate ride! Our custom Billet Aluminum A-arms are CNC machined from 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum in our own facility and polished to a mirror finish. Our Long-Travel Suspension Kit dramatically increases stability over the stock suspension by adding 4" of width per side and also adding 4" of overall wheelbase length. Our 5/8" Rod Ends, 3/4" Uniball Joints on the front A-Arms, and Billet Tie Rod End Extensions make this kit the strongest on the market. Best of all, our Long- Travel Suspension Kit provides 11.5 inches of wheel travel. Includes all hardware and complete instructions. To complete the package, Elka Shocks, Gorilla Axles, and Braided Stainless Steel Brake Line Kits are also available separately.
PRICE: TBA CONTACT: www.pro-one.com
+4”
RHINO
BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL
WINDOW SHOPPING
long-travel kits
HRT MOTORSPORTS
Yamaha Rhino kit - Sheet metal boxed arms, 6" longer per side, adds 4" to wheel base (2" forward & 2" back), choice of Fox or iShock shocks, choice of 300M axle or Gorilla Axle/CV combo. 13" wheel travel.
+6” RZR KIT & +6” TERYX KIT ALSO AVAILABLE!
+6”
RHINO
PRICE: TBA
PRICE: $5,399 Complete Kit CONTACT: www.hrtmotorsports.net HOUSER RACING
The A-arm system was designed to provide about 12” of wheel travel, which is a 33% increase over stock. The rear A-arms use a stock shock mounting location, but aftermarket shocks will be required to achieve wheel travel. The front A-arms shock location was modified to use a shock that is about 3” longer than stock, 19.18”. The extra length shock will be easier for fine tuning. The front A-arms are caster adjustable. The A-arm set includes: ball joints, new extended front and rear drive shafts, and tie rod extenders.
CONTACT: www.houser-racing.com
How to choose the right long-travel kit for you:
With so many different choices, how do you pick the right one for you? Well, some people like to go on looks alone, but if that’s not you then here are a couple things to consider when choosing the right kit for your needs.
1.On what terrain do you most often drive your Side X Side? If wide open desert and fire roads are the majority of your riding, then a 6” over kit with maximum wheel travel would be a good choice. But if your main riding consists of backwoods trails with tight obstacles then a 3”-4” kit with more ground clearance would be the kit for you. 2.Price Range. Consider the amount that you want to spend on suspension. Remember that when you buy a long-travel kit you will also have to buy shocks and axles, if this is not built into the price of the kit. 3.Feedback. Unless you’re the first one to buy the kit, there are people out there who have many miles on the kit and their experience may be of interest to you. Ask around or ask online for feedback. You may find that the kit you want is not all it’s hyped up to be. 4.Builder Reputation. With so many new companies building long-travel kits it’s hard to tell who has done their homework and who is just out to make a quick buck. The company selling the kit can sometimes be just as important as the kit itself. If you ever have problems, or need help installing the kit, a reputable builder will always step up to the plate and help their customers. 5.Preference. There are many different ways to mount and assemble a long-travel kit. Pick a kit that has many of the things that appeal to you such as: material, powder coating, A-arm design (box or tube), and overall design.
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+4” RZR
MASON MOTORSPORTS
Our kit is 100% Cad-engineered to maximize travel and minimize bump steer and wheel scrub. The durability and function of this kit is race-proven. Specs: 6” over 14.7” of wheel travel Fully boxed 4130 Chromoly arms, powder coated. 7/8” uniballs Uses all original shock and arm pivot points Tie rod extensions with outer Heim joints
PRICE: $5,775 W/Piggy Back Shocks CONTACT: www.masonmotorsports.com
+6”
RHINO
XTREME MACHINE FABRICATION
+6”
XMF has developed a long-travel suspension kit to meet the demands of taking your Rhino to higher speeds and rougher terrains. Our race-winning kit has been proven on the track, in the desert, and in the dunes. This kit is one of the most agile on the market! The adjustable camber and +0 forward on the front arms allows this kit to corner with ease. With 13 ¾” of wheel travel front and rear and 16 way adjustable Walker Evans shocks, you can rip through the whoops and cruise around camp in comfort all in the same day. The kit installs with ease. 100% bolt-on requires 4 5/16” holes to be drilled if you use the billet shock reservoir mounts.
PRICE: $4,750.00
+6” RZR & +5” TERYX KITS ALSO AVAILABLE!
CONTACT: www.xtrememf.com
RHINO HYDRODYNAMICS (ISHOCK)
iShock doesn't simply offer extended A-arms; we present you with the industry’s most comprehensive UTV suspension packages. From a variety of stock replacement shocks to +3.5" Long-Travel Kits to the radical new +6" racing system, each and every component has been designed and tested by HydroDynamics USA engineers with the very same Kinematics, Cosmos and Data Acquisition software utilized by leading off-road race and NASCAR teams. Every nut, bolt, A-arm and shock is designed and tuned by one manufacture under one roof for a complete offering of components designed to work flawlessly together. Never again settle for "mix matched" suspension components. One manufacture, one complete kit, one low price, one lifetime warranty, your one stop shop for "suspension made simple"...iShock.
PRICE: $5,499.00
CONTACT: www.hydrodynamicsusa.com
+3.5” RHINO
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL
WINDOW SHOPPING
long-travel kits
TWISTED LABORATORIES
Twisted Labs +6" wider per side 1 " forward 2" back to extend wheelbase to give your Rhino the ultimate ride. You will have 14.5 inches of "Real wheel travel" on your Rhino. Rebuild able pivots with high performance Delrin bushings, spherical bearings and utilizes a complete replacement tie-rod with HD uni-ball joint and all hardware needed. Uses OEM rear sway bar. Twisted Labs Long Travel Kit is built for performance, handing & gives your Rhino an awesome new ride and style that you need. Hand Tig welded for strength accuracy and appearance. Powder coated in silver. Complete Kitincludes: -A-arms -Steering extensions -All bushings - Hardware.
+4”
RHINO
PRICE: $3,995.00 Complete Kit CONTACT: www.twistedlabs.net
DIECAST PLAYCARS
A fully long travel system with optional OEM bolt-on or upper shock mount kit that provides 12-inches of wheel travel. Aarms fabricated with Chromoly plating, fully boxed, TIG welded. Complete Sway-A-Way axles with new hardware. No cutting or welding needed. Product Options for Long-Travel Kits Specs may be altered at customer’s request. Diecast Playcars and Fabrication is a full off-road shop that can provide installation, maintenance service, and custom products.
PRICE: $5,200.00 CONTACT: www.diecastplaycars.com
The Many Faces of Long-Travel:
PROWLER
There are many different types of long-travel kits on the market today, and they accommodate a variety of vehicles along with offering different types of mounting and structure.
A-arm Design and Composition- When you talk about long-travel, the first thing that comes to mind is the actual A-arms that make up the kit. These A-arms can be very different in design, and the design will ultimately determine the strength and durability of the kit. Right now there are three different types of A-arms: Boxed, Tubular, and Billet. Boxed A-arms are plated on top and bottom and are more “boxy” in shape. Tubular A-arms are comprised of a tube-shaped Chromoly, similar to most stock A-arms that are on the market. Billet A-arms are made completely out of billet aluminum. This type of A-arm is designed in a CAD program on the computer and made with a CNC machine, and there is no welding involved.
Mounting Locations- A lot of the A-arm systems on the market will mount to the stock A-arm locations. However, there are some kits where the upper shock mount is in a different location or the bottom A-arm mounts are modified. There are pros and cons to both of these kits. The pros of a kit that moves or modifies the A-arm mounting locations is that it can give the kit more wheel travel and sturdier mounting points. The problem with this type of kit is that you may need to have it custom welded or drilling to the chassis may be required. An A-arm kit that uses the stock mounting locations is great because it is very user friendly and can be shipped and installed by the customer. The downfall to this type of kit is that you can only achieve a certain amount of wheel travel and are limited to the shock length.
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+4”
HOT RIDE 4 U / FIREBALL RACING
Hot Ride's New Long-Travel is now ready for the serious racer or someone who just wants the best suspension available for the Polaris RZR. We only use top-quality parts, 300m Heat-Treated Axles, Bilestein or King Shocks, and Eibach Springs. The A-arm's width +6" on each side and +1" on the front forward and the rear is +2" This extends the wheelbase to 80" with a Wheel travel of 14". These changes make the RZR much more stable through the rough terrain and prevents the RZR's rear end from floating and coming around on you, giving you a much safer vehicle at high speeds.
The kits come powder coated and plated hardware comes standard. Kit include axles, A-arms, shocks, steering extension, steering stops, Heim joints and studs, stainless steel braided brake lines, all hardware needed to assemble and the frame stiffening plate. You may choose a single coat powder coating color of your choice to match your ride. In stock and ready to powder coat and ship. Made in the USA by engineers at HotRide4U and Fireball Racing who love to race and play hard. That is why our long-travel will perform.
PRICE: $5,899.98 W/Bilstein Shocks CONTACT: www.hotride4u.com www.fireball-racing.com
+6”
RHINO
*Options may vary between supplier check websites for details.
LONG TRAVEL INDUSTRIES
+6”
RHINO
PRICE: $5,495.00 CONTACT: www.longtravelrhino.com
TIP!
When adding a long-travel kit, be sure to check your CV & CV boots regularly. Non-greased CVs can lead to big problems with high angle CVs.
CONSTRUCTION: Our long-travel system was designed as a 100% bolt- on kit. No drilling is required for any of the Aarm pivots on the frame side as well as any of the hub carrier points. It is constructed from a combination of .095” and .188” wall thickness box tubing and fully TIG welded for the ultimate design in rigidity and toughness, delivering a suspension system that will take all the abuse you can throw at it. Back that with our unconditional lifetime guaranty on all A-arms and you have the best long travel kit available.
SPECIFICATIONS: After extensive R&D, we finalized a 5.0” over stock increase in A-arm length per side with a wheel base alteration combined total of 3.5” to minimize push in the corners and give ample tire clearance with an aggressive look. The 5.0” over arms also allow for loading and hauling your Rhino in the bed of your full-size truck when stock tires are installed.
PERFORMANCE: Wheel travel was kept to a conservative 12.5” in the front to prevent CV binding at full droop with the wheels turned and a 13.0” of travel in the rear to keep the back tires from hitting the bed sides. Don’t be fooled by ads stating 14.0” plus inches of wheel travel. Those kits put the front outboard CVs in a bind at full droop and put the rear tires into the bed sides at full compression. WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
47
BUYER’S GUIDE SPECIAL
WINDOW SHOPPING
long-travel kits
+6”
RHINO DRAGON FIRE RACING
PRICE: $5,400.00 CONTACT: www.dragonfireracing.com
//UPGRADE//
Billet Aluminum Heavy-Duty Spindles
Hart’s Rhino Motorsports is proud to introduce their new heavy-duty billet replacement spindles for the Yamaha Rhino. These new spindles have been professionally designed using 3D CAD software for full strength and durability in the toughest conditions. The design also ensures minimal bump steer and full radius turning. The spindles have been tested in all conditions from racing, to rock crawling, and big air in sand dunes.
The spindles are available in two versions one for long-travel kits that use a uniball on the lower A-arm and another for the stock lower ball joint. S.S. taper pins are available upon request.
PRICE: $895 *per set CONTACT: www.hartsrhinomotorsports.com 48 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
Made for the desert and the serious off-road racer, DragonFire Racing’s new 6 Over Kit is 4130 tube and plate. It is all Tig welded, the upper A-arms utilize Heims for final adjustment, the rest of the suspension is bushings and crush sleeves. No cutting or welding. Comes complete with Fox Shocks and replacement axles. 14” of travel allows this 4 wheel drive LongTravel Kit to dance over the roughest terrain. Complete Gorilla Axles and CVs for an additional $1500.
THE LIST
While we were able to get quite a few long-travel suppliers to submit information regarding their kit, we were not able to get them all. Here’s a list of more suppliers, including the ones in this guide. Happy shopping!
Bullet Proof CBC Custom Creations Diecast Playcars Direct Concepts DragonFire Racing FabTech Fireball HCR Herzog Hot Ride 4 U HRT Jagged Lonestar Long Travel Industries Long Travel Plans.com Mafia Industries
Mason Motorsports ProCraft Pro-One Rhino Tech RZR Tech Shawz Metal Fab So Cal Fab SSR Industries Tech One Todd's Custom Billet Twisted Labs Twisted Tin Xtreme Machine Fab Houser Racing Newline Products i-shock
COMPANY
[ UTV CRAP ]
IT’S LIKE COSTCO FOR YOUR SIDE X SIDE! UTV Crap may have a crash name but the products are anything but.
W
BY SHARI TATMAN-SCHOLTE ith a name like UTV Crap, this company’s focus is deliberately clear. Nick Wilson of UTV Crap describes the business as The World’s Largest Stocking Aftermarket UTV Parts and Accessories Dealer. Their 5,500
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square foot showroom is loaded wall to wall with parts and accessories for almost every UTV on the market: Yamaha, Artic Cat, Kawasaki, and Polaris. UTV Crap carries numerous brands of each accessory. For example, they have seven different long-travel kits, five different shocks, and just as many suspension components. Not only do they carry different brands, they have several of each in stock ready to walk out the door – no more waiting and no more backorders. In fact, they are the largest UTV dealer of both PRP Seats and OMF rims/beadlocks. They also stock one of the biggest inventories of Skat-Trak
tires in the country. UTV Crap installs aftermarket accessories, performs routine service maintenance, and offers repair work as well, including insurance work. They are a one-stop shop. For those of us who are not in Arizona, UTV Crap can also be found on the web at www.utvcrap.com. There you will find the same products that are available in the store, along with some extras, such as a gallery of customer units and a calendar of upcoming UTV events. UTV Crap is 100% invested in the UTV industry. In addition to their parts and accessories business, they
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
53
COMPANY also have a two-unit race team. Nick Wilson and his best friend, Shawn Aksamit, race in the CORR series and the M4SX Side X Side Nationals. In fact, Nick is the 2007 Arizona UTV Pro Class Champion and Shawn is the 2008 Dragon Fire World Cup Open Pro Champion– just further proof that UTV Crap knows their stuff.
The storefront
Just a couple of the wheels in stock
Visit UTV Crap in the showroom or on the net. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s a pretty safe bet they will have it. He looked at that wall for hours UTV Crap has a full selection of off-road tires and sand tires
Need some painted plastics today? If you’re looking for new seats then look no further
//CONTACT//
UTV Crap
4244 W. Dunlap Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone. 623.934.3070
Web. www.utvcrap.com Store Hours. Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
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Polaris RZR Buildup Project – Safety By Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net
It was time to address a few safety items on our project RZR after the successful install of the long-travel kit. Although the extra stance and additional travel gained from a long-travel kit helped make the vehicle more stable, blasting 50+ MPH in the dunes will leave you feeling a little nervous with the stock components. Thankfully, there are a lot of aftermarket businesses that fill the void with bolt-on products to make UTVs safer. Roll Cage
First up for my RZR was the “roll cage.” Besides being less than attractive, the stock cage sure didn’t give me the warm and fuzzies that it would hold up well in a serious rollover. I wanted to stay as light as possible and didn’t want to take up any of the limited bed space with bars that attach to the bed or rear frame. The roll cage that caught my eye was made by Hot Ride 4 U. The cage is computer designed and tested before the first bend is made. It has a good amount of cross bracing for added strength without adding so much that the additional weight will start affecting performance.
The installation of the roll cage went well. The stock cage removed easily and the new cage lined up with the stock mounting holes with just a little persuasion. The fit and finish of the Hot Ride roll cage is nice and I have received lots of positive compliments on the cage since the install.
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A few things I would change if I were to do it again is to add another whip flag mount on the passenger side, and I would change the way the shoulder harnesses mount so they wrap around the tube behind the seats instead of bolting to a tab.
Lights
Although the factory lights on the RZR only have one beam selection, they aren’t that bad for OEM lights. Of all the ATVs and UTVs I have owned, I can actually see better at night with the RZR than any other stock vehicle I have owned. That being said, I can’t imagine ever going on a night ride without more lights. I just can’t see well enough with stock lights to feel safe. Since the RZR is a relatively small UTV, I decided to just try it out with two additional lights on the A-pillar part of the roll cage instead of doing a light rack with four lights
Polaris RZR Buildup Project – Safety up on the roof.
I had very good luck with lights from Baja Designs on my Rhino, so I decided to see how two of their 4” Fuego wide-cornering lights would do as the sole additional lights. I used a set of billet clamps from Baja Designs to mount the lights to the roll cage. The clamps made the installation nice because I can move the clamps around to suit my needs after the cage was already welded up and powder coated.
In my opinion, the Baja Designs 4” wide-cornering lights are the perfect light choice for a UTV. They really fill a good area in front and to the side of the RZR with light. And although they don’t shine as far as a driving or spot beam, I am not driving 80 MPH through the dunes in my RZR so it doesn’t really matter.
Mirrors
Just like most other UTVs, the RZR doesn’t come with rear view mirrors. I don’t know about you, but I am always trying to keep track of the vehicles in our group or watching for traffic behind me. In my opinion, side-mounted mirrors with a convex surface offer the greatest rear view.
Seats and Harnesses
I decided on a set of billet side view mirrors from Machine Trix Unlimited. The convex surface provides for a really wide rear view. The mirrors bolt up real nice without any drilling and once they are tightened down, they do not vibrate or come loose like some other mirrors I have seen.
I cannot imagine doing any serious riding with the OEM seat belts in a UTV. Although they are easy to put on and off, they don’t protect you well enough in a rollover or sudden stop. I decided to try a set of 3 x 2 harnesses that combine into a Y from Premier Racing Products (PRP). The harnesses are real easy to install in a RZR, even with a stock roll cage. Unlike the Rhino, the mounting points for the lap belts in a RZR are in the proper location and new harnesses are easily attached. I found the 3 x 2 belts with sewn-in shoulder straps to be easier to put on and off than harnesses that have separate attachments. Next time I buy harnesses I will probably go with 3 x 3’s so I can have a bit more padding on my shoulders over rough terrain.
I also decided to swap out the flat and hard stock seats for a set of low back, adjustable headrest seats from PRP. Fitting a suspension seat in the RZR isn’t easy due to the limited space. Since I am 6’ 1”, leg room in the RZR is at a premium. I searched around for RZR seats and then ended up talking with Mitch at PRP. They went through quite a bit of R&D on the RZR and came up with a seat that maximizes the space without sacrificing on comfort.
The seats take a bit more effort to install, but I would rather take an extra hour during the install to save a few inches of legroom. The seats are very comfortable and the high sides hold me in place much better than the stock seats.
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WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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Polaris RZR Buildup Project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Safety The PRP suspension seat for the RZR requires a bit more work than a "normal" UTV seat installation. The stock seats have the seat latch in the back. That is great for the stock seats that have a large opening between the back and seat part, but suspension seats don't have a hole there.
The solution is to move the latch from the rear to the front. This takes a bit more time to install, but allows the seat to sit farther back (more legroom) and allows easier access to the seat latch.
The biggest drawback to this setup is you must modify the seat mount in a way that stock seats will not work again. The seat latch must be removed from the OEM seats and installed on the new seat base. Then you need to modify the seat mount. First, you remove the mounting loop from the front and add a new tab in the rear. Then the pin is moved from the rear to the front. Now the lever is on the front of the seat and is more accessible.
Removing mounting loops for new bracket.
A new bracket will be installed for mounting loops to be in the rear. This will be the new seat base with the seat latch removal now placed in front.
One extra I added to my seats was a heating element. There is nothing like a heated seat on a cold winter ride. Even though Mitch called me a wimp, I decided to see if a UTV 12V charging system could handle the draw from heated seats. Stay tuned for a write-up on adding 12V accessories to your UTV and I will fill you in on if it works or not.
In future articles, I will be addressing performance and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll add a few more accessories to dress up and help protect my RZR. Until then, ride safely!
Contact Information:
Hot Ride 4 U www.hotride4u.com 661-587-7702
Baja Designs www.bajadesigns.com 800-422-5292
Machine Trix Unlimited www.MachineTrix.com 602-547-9416
Premier Racing Products (PRP) www.prpseats.com 800-317-6253
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With the new base plate installed you are now ready to hit the trails again.
RHINO 700 >> WRITTEN BY CODY FLETCHER & SXSA STAFF
HEAD-TO-HEAD l //APRIL 2008//
2008 YAMAHA
IN THIS CORNER: Weighing in
at 1,208 lbs. and boasting a 686cc fuel-injected engine, this machine’s got moxie.
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V
RZR 800 >>
RANGER
AND IN THIS CORNER:
Weighing in at 1,100 lbs. and boasting a 760cc fuel-injected engine, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little machine that packs a punch.
S.
2008 POLARIS
WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
63
OME HAVE SAID THAT
Brains Vs. Brawns
These two machines are ready for battle.
the Rhino vs. Ranger RZR
debate is like
the old Ford vs.
Chevy war, a debate that has
had die-hard fans of each manufacturer arguing for years. In
reality, this match-up is a little
more complicated than a truck vs. truck scenario. The Rhino
and the RZR both have two very
different attitudes and, in our
minds, both belong in two sepa-
rate categories: The Rhino in
the Sport Utility category and the Ranger RZR in the Sport
category. However, the debate
still rages on, so, let’s see how the two Side X Sides compare.
POLARIS RANGER RZR
The Ranger RZR is one of the newest SXSs on the block and has quickly become the crowd favorite among throttle junkies around the world. With a 760cc fuel-injected engine and weighing in at a mere 945 lbs., the RZR was bred to be a lean, mean, dirt-eating machine. This tenacity of power and performance lead us to naming the RZR as our 2008 Sport SXS of the year. Due to its small, but useable, cargo bed and ultra-low, sporty seating configuration, the RZR ditches the utility aspect its sibling the Ranger XP has and focuses its attention strictly on fun.
VS. YAMAHA RHINO 700
It’s been said that the Yamaha Rhino 660 is the machine that started the whole Side X Side trend. Even though it wasn’t the first SXS on the market, the Rhino name has always reigned supreme in the competitive aftermarket arena. In 2007, Yamaha heard the cries of customers and released their ’08 Rhino 700 with a new and improved 686cc fuel-injected engine. This new and more powerful power plant coupled with some much recognized safety improvements make the ’08 700 model a completely new Rhino.
The Rhino 700 is one of the most versatile machines on the market, changing like Superman from a sporty trailblazer to a rugged ranch hand in just minutes. This versatility made it the prime candidate for our 2008 Sport Utility SXS of the year.
Both the RZR and the Rhino have cornered the aftermarket industry, offering just about anything you could imagine in the way of bolt-on performance, bling, and safety. The RZR has truly changed the way people look at the SXS market. Breaking through the stereotypical utility confines and unleashing a new breed of recreational Side X Side, the Ranger RZR blazes a new trail towards a more sport-oriented SXS market.
THE TESTING
For our comparison we took a
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brand new 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition and a 2008 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 and put them head-to-head in the desert region of Barstow, CA. Barstow is an outlet center oasis in between Las Vegas, NV and Ontario, CA. While Barstow may be best recognized primarily for its outlet malls, off-roaders know that this barren land offers much more than just cheap perfume and discounted Tommy Bahama shorts. Every year, thousands of off-roaders flee to this desert Mecca for sanctioned off-road races and hundreds of miles of wide-open riding.
The two machines were tested by a panel of three drivers, all of whom are different in size, shape, age, driving style, and preference. If you caught the last issue of SXSA, you may have read our 25-page Side X Side shoot-out and gotten an introduction to our judges and these two machines.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
For some people, first impressions are everything; to us they’re just the beginning. A first impression of a SXS can be a few different things: the initial first glance, the first time you sit in it, and the first test drive. Usually, you can get a pretty
PHOTOS > DANE KING
S
HEAD-TO-HEAD l //APRIL 2008//
HEAD-TO-HEAD l //APRIL 2008// RHINO
RZR
RHINO
RZR
RHINO
RZR
very appealing look to it. Clean lines on the hood, bed, and interior give it a very free-flowing appearance for such a rugged machine. The fit and finish on the Rhino is seamless; nothing stands out as being out of place and each part of the machine compliments the other. The new doors that have been added to the Rhino are a great feature for a true crossover vehicle. Getting in and out is simple, and once you sit down the padded seat gives you the support and comfort you need. The stock seats in the Rhino seemed a little hard in comparison to the seats in the RZR, but had more lumbar support than those of the RZR.
The first thing that comes to mind when taking that initial glance at the RZR is speed. The RZR immediately emanates a glow of fun, with its low center of gravity, sporty sharp edges, and built-in safety restraints. The RZR doesn’t flow quite like the Rhino does, but you can tell that the designers wanted the RZR to be more sharp than smooth. Getting in and out of the RZR is a little difficult and takes some getting used to. Once inside, though, you feel like you’re in a cockpit of a fighter jet, exactly the type of configuration you want when driving a sporty machine.
INTERIOR
good feeling of a Side X Side after only 15-minutes behind the wheel. However, first impressions aren’t everything. The versatility of these machines are everything, so to get a real feel for how much you’re going to like a SXS can change after every drive. Right off the bat the Rhino has a
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The interior on the Rhino is very well thought out and open. Once you’re inside and buckled up, everything is easy to reach and view. The switches and controls on the Rhino are much different than those on the RZR. The Rhino uses more mechanical buttons and knobs, while the RZR uses switch-type controls. The controls on the RZR were easier to use, since it was a simple on/off switch, except the controls were easier to reach in the Rhino for all of our drivers. The fit and finish on the inside of
the Rhino is very clean. There are no gaps in the plastic, holes, or screws that look to be out of place. The fit and finish on the inside of the RZR was clean, but it didn’t seem to be as complete as the Rhino. Looking straight ahead to the dash and controls on the RZR everything is well organized and appealing, but once you look toward the floor and the center console it seems plain and incomplete. Both machines use a lap and shoulder harness, which we found was a nice feel over a traditional lap belt. The harness on the Rhino seems to constrict the driver more than that of the RZR and can be harsh when driving through rough terrain. The passenger grab bar on the RZR is a nice touch; it adds to the fast and sporty element of the rest of the machine and gives the passenger an anchor point so they are not jarred over uneven ground. The steering wheel on the Rhino is in a perfect location and gives the driver a comfortable seating stance while driving. In fact, it’s probably one of the most comfortable stock steering wheels on the market. The steering wheel on the RZR is comfortable, yet plain, but the RZR does offer an adjustable steering column, a very nice feature for a variety of different drivers.
DRIVING
The Rhino has a very smooth power curve that can be felt from the initial take-off. Whether you smash down on the gas or gently ease into the gas pedal, the power feels calm and steady. The RZR is a little different with its power curve and has a strong bottom end power that can be felt right off the bat. The gas pedal is a lot touchier on the RZR and reacts too fast for slow-moving obstacles. The power on the RZR overpowers that of the Rhino and it is
apparent as soon as you hit the gas that the RZR was designed for speed. The pull throughout the whole power curve on the RZR is impressive and there is never a feeling of being underpowered on the uphill climbs. Many of the hills we tested the RZR on could be climbed easily in 2WD simply due to the power of the engine and a high-speed approach. The power on the Rhino is strong and constant throughout the whole curve. While it didn’t have the top speed and high-speed power that he RZR had, it did seem to have a smoother power delivery.
The Rhino felt to be much sturdier during initial testing and offered a comfortable driving experience over any type of terrain. The RZR was sturdy as well, but even with a low center of gravity felt “tippy” over highspeed maneuvers. The high speed and power of the RZR was not matched with the stability of the machine, and during testing caused one of our drivers to roll it onto its side. The Rhino felt like it could tip over, but handled itself better than the RZR.
Suspension on both machines seemed to be equal, although the rear suspension on the RZR was a little softer than that of the Rhino. During initial testing, the shocks on both machines held up very well over highspeed bumps and slow-speed articulations, but after extensive testing the shocks on the RZR started to fade and became softer, causing the machine to bottom out easier. The suspension on the Rhino didn’t change regardless of the abuse and the compression and rebound of the shocks stayed steady over long periods of constant bumps. Even though the suspension was a hair better on the Rhino, the ride felt smoother in the RZR due to the seating configuration.
>>
Steering on both machines was superb and they handled uphill and downhill turning like champs. The RZR would push a little bit more in corners, but the steering responded faster. Even though the steering response was faster on the RZR, it was a little loose and wasn’t as steady as that on the Rhino. Slowspeed turning was easy and effortless on both machines. When in 4WD, the Rhino’s steering was hindered more than the RZR in 4WD. Once into 4-wheel diff-lock, the Rhino became very stiff and was difficult to steer. The RZR’s steering in 4WD was only mildly affected. Both the Rhino and the RZR went everywhere we pointed them. The whole 4WD setup on the Rhino is nicer than the 4WD system on the RZR, but is harder to use and engages slower than that of the RZR. The Rhino offers 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD + Diff-lock, while the RZR offers 2WD and on-demand 4WD. When climbing, the Rhino relies more on traction and low-end power, while the RZR relies more on raw speed and power. The Rhino was easier to control when climbing, but the RZR would beat the Rhino up any hill we tested.
CONCLUSION
The Yamaha Rhino 700 and the Polaris Ranger RZR 800 are two very different vehicles. The RZR is a strongly suggestive play vehicle that will leave you with a smile on your face after only a 5-minute drive. The Rhino is a great all-around vehicle that can hang right along with the RZR out on the trails. The Rhino seems to be a better-built and more thought-out machine, while the RZR gave us a more youthful and energetic feeling. If you’re looking for a fun play toy, then the RZR is a great buy. If you’re looking for a machine to
RHINO
RZR
RHINO
RZR
use constantly as an everyday driver for play and chores, then the Rhino 700 is a great choice. The Rhino is like your daily driver car, whereas the RZR gave us that mid-life crisis car feeling. So when it comes down to it, your personality will really determine which vehicle you will buy. Both of these machines are fun to drive and offer unlimited possibilities. It’s no wonder why they are the two most popular Side X Sides out there.
Turn the page for
scoring, specs, and more! WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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HEAD-TO-HEAD l //APRIL 2008//
‘08 Rhino 700 Engine
Suspension (F&R)
Dimensions (LxWxH)
4-stroke; SOHC, 4-valve. 686cc
Double A-arm (7.3” & 7.3”)
Wheelbase
Ground Clearance Bed Capacity
Towing Capacity
1/10th Mile Speed Tested Weight
113.6x54.4x73”
75.2”
12.1”
400 lbs.
1,212 lbs.
38.4 mph.
1,208 lbs.
‘08 Ranger RZR 800 Engine
Suspension (F&R)
4-stroke; twin-cylinder. 760cc
Dimensions (LxWxH)
Double A-arm (9” & 9.5”) 102x50x69”
Wheelbase
77”
Ground Clearance Bed Capacity
Towing Capacity
1/10th Mile Speed
Tested Weight
8.125”
350 lbs.
1,500 lbs. *not tested
‘08 Rhino 700
45.4 mph. 1,100 lbs.
TURNING
STOPPING
ACCELERATION
EASE OF DRIVING
ROOM (2 PEOPLE) INTERIOR
USING 4WD
EASE OF GETTING IN OVERALL APPEAR.
FABRICATION QUALITY SAFETY
MSRP - $11,999.00 *AS TESTED www.yamaha-motor.com
‘08 Ranger RZR 800 TURNING
STOPPING
ACCELERATION
EASE OF DRIVING
ROOM (2 PEOPLE) INTERIOR
USING 4WD
EASE OF GETTING IN OVERALL APPEAR.
FABRICATION QUALITY SAFETY
MSRP - $10,299.00 www.polarisindustries.com
Check out the next issue of SXSA magazine for another head-to-head comparison. 68 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
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SIDE X SIDE ACTION COVERAGE
}
WHAT’S
NEW FROM THIS
EXPO? YEAR’S DEALER PHOTOS & TEXT // SXSA STAFF
While Guitar Hero may
have been this year’s “big thing,” Side X Sides were still the talk of the town. Everywhere you looked there was another machine or another product. Some of it, the same stuff we’ve seen before, but this year brought out a whole new level of aftermarket accessories and new machines. Since this show is closed to the public, we thought we’d sneak you in with us to check out some of the latest and greatest the industry has to offer. 70 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
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SIDE X SIDE ACTION COVERAGE
DEALER EXPO l //APRIL 2008//
The largest power sport show of the year was held over President’s Day Weekend in Indianapolis, IN. The manholes giving off steam proved how cold it was outside, which kept all of us inside looking at some of the hottest Side X Side products to hit the market. Creating a list of the 20 most innovative new products for Side X Sides was quite a challenge. Here’s our list, but be sure to check out our website for even more great aftermarket additions for your UTV.
PREMIER PRODUCTS PRESSURE WASHER Five stars go to the group at Premier Products for a 12V pressure washer that is mounted under the stock Rhino seat with no additional drilling or hardware! The 60 PSI pump has a 4-gallon water tank and a quick-disconnect, adjustable nozzle with a coil hose that fits right in your glove box. Finally, there’s a discrete onboard water source available for cleaning the mud off of your goggles, hands, radiator, and windshield. Sorry, it’s only available for the Rhino right now, but they are working on other models as we speak.
PRICE: $399 CONTACT: www.premieruv.com
RANCHO SUSPENSION
1-330-928-6562
The Indy show is the land of product launches and Rancho, leader in the truck suspension world, appeared with their brand-new long-travel suspension system for the Polaris RZR and Yamaha Rhino models. They are also extending their product line to include front and rear bumpers and other bed items as well.
PRICE: TBA CONTACT: www.gorancho.com
CURTIS INDUSTRIES
1-734-384-7804
Transform your Rhino in a matter of minutes. (Trust me; I saw it happen before my own eyes.) Five component pieces take it from an open-air ride to a fully enclosed hard cab system: windshield, roof, rear window, hard doors, and door windows. You can build it how you want it depending on the season changes and your needs.
PRICE: Complete Cab System - $2995 (Individual items also available.) CONTACT: www.curtiscab.com 800-343-7676
SEIZMICK ALUMINUM HALF DOOR KIT
200 lb. test: Passed - door still opened. Pull and jerk test: Passed door still opened. Now that is what trade shows are about. Not a static picture in a catalog, but someone showing the true capabilities of the product. You can buy the entire door system with the upper and lower section (with the skin) for full enclosure or you can purchase the separate units.
PRICE: Entire Door System - $699; Lower Section - $480; Upper Section w/skin - $240
CONTACT: www.seizmik.com 72 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE
1-919-957-0044
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DIAMONDBACK TRUCK COVERS
DiamondBack introduces a full diamond plate, lockable cover for your Rhino. The top hauls up to 250 lbs. and uses the existing mounts. Remove the cover in seconds, but keep the diamond plate tailgate. It’s a cool look, with a very functional use.
PRICE: $389 CONTACT: www.diamondbackrhino.com
1-800-935-4002
WARN XT40 WINCH
Strong is certainly one word to describe Warn’s line-up for your Side X Side, starting with a bumper that gives your UTV that big, bold look you’ve been wanting. Install the specially designed XT40 Winch with 4,000 lbs. of pulling power from a wireless control system to get you out of any predicament. Round out the upgrade with their complete line of body armor to keep the underside of your Side X Side protected and dingfree.
PRICE: $830 CONTACT: www.warn.com
1-800-543-9276
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DEALER EXPO l //APRIL 2008//
VERTICALLY DRIVEN PRODUCTS
After years in the Jeep business, creating quality products for Side X Sides was simply an issue of fitment. Cover up the bare roll bars with sports bar covers, attach some grab handles, then add a solid or mesh top. VDP has a full line of products for the Rhino, Ranger, RZR, Mule, Prowler, and Kubota.
PRICE: Multiple items shown. See website for complete list. CONTACT: www.vdpusa.com 1-562-438-5112
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION
High-performance UTV suspension does not have to mean a high price tag! These shocks are aimed at the user who has added a rear cage with seating or is hauling heavy loads. They also designed a front sway bar to decrease the roll rate and it looks just like stock.
PRICE: $349 A Pair CONTACT: www.progressivesuspension.com 1-877-690-7411
KOLPIN
A company that breeds innovation (not imitation) brings a large line of mounts for all of your needs. From gun boots and chain saws to gas cans and more, Kolpin has a solution for storage and transportation. Also shown are their padded seat covers for which, rumor has it, there will be a heated option in the near future.
PRICE: Multiple items shown. See website for complete list. CONTACT: www.kolpin.com 1-877-956-5746
BLINGSTAR BUMPER
Blingstar, leader in ATV bumpers, has a new bumper available for the Rhino. In fact, it is so new that they didn’t even have a name for it, so they held a contest at the show where the person who came up with the winning name would get a free bumper. And the winning name is Gladiator, chosen by Brad Moore of Moore Racing, IN. Congrats!
PRICE: $312.95; Textured - $354.95 CONTACT: www.blingstar.com 1-866-41-BLING
CLUB CAR
Their motto is “Built for Extreme Expectations” and their booth at the Indy show certainly represented this motto to a tee. The units on display were everything from stock to built-up, with many of their accessories installed on them. From farming to hunting, they have a vehicle decked out for your needs.
CONTACT: www.clubcar.com
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1-800-CLUB-CAR
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MAMMOTH SOUND
Finally a sound system specifically engineered for your vehicle. This system mounts to the UTV OEM roll bar which puts surround sound just inches behind your head. The systems are made specifically for the Rhino, Ranger, and RZR headrests. Use an iPod or satellite radio for the tunes and, with two dials, each person can adjust the volume to their own needs.
PRICE: $599 CONTACT: www.mammoth-sound.com 1-800-519-1172
CYCLE COUNTRY RHINO TAILGATE EXTENDER
Cycle Country has the perfect tool for the rancher. The Tailgate Xtender increases the storage capacity of your Rhino in the most innovative way we have found so far. When pivoted out, it adds valuable cargo space and, when pivoted in, it securely holds three 5-gallon buckets in place. No more worrying about your buckets dumping over in a turn.
PRICE: $199 CONTACT: wwww.cyclecountry.com 1-800-841-2222
WIDE OPEN COMPANY/RANGERWARE FULL CAB ENCLOSURES
Take an Orange 4-seat Ranger Crew, add the RangerWare full cab enclosure with steel doors and dual rear wheels — and don’t tell me you won’t be the talk of the town. This Side X Side was certainly the talk of the show…. “Have you seen that orange dually yet?” The interior is custom with everything from seats to a drop-down TV screen for the passengers in the back. The dual rear wheel setup is very impressive, along with the hydraulic dump bed system.
PRICE: Full Cab Enclosure with Steel Doors $5800; Without Doors $1849 CONTACT: www.rangerwarewps.com 1-888-927-9722
PREMIERE PRODUCTS ICE CHEST
Pack the whole group’s lunch and cold drinks and keep them cool in the double-walled, foam-constructed ice chest with gas shocks for the lid. Styled like an old ice chest, you can put ice and cold drinks in one side while keeping your sandwiches and cookies dry in the center storage tray. It mounts easily into the bed of the Teryx and Rhino, and with a quick-disconnect system, it is also easy to remove.
PRICE: $399 CONTACT: www.premieruv.com
1-330-928-6562 WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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SIDE X SIDE ACTION COVERAGE
DEALER EXPO l //APRIL 2008// TEAM JOYNER
Joyner released its full line of camo Side x Sides at the Indy show. With optional gun rack mounts and other utility-based options, the Joyner crew is making a statement in the utility market. They also brought their border patrol and police units to show the versatility in their product line.
CONTACT: www.teamjoynerusa.com 1-866-441-6363 OVERFIELD
Want the construction and comfort of a truck in the Side X Side that you choose? Well, here is your American-made option. Overfield is utilizing full-size truck tires, aluminum wheels, and full-size automotive bucket seats for comfort. With a top speed of 30 MPH, it is designed for the utility market that needs a “built tough” Side X Side.
CONTACT: wwww.overfieldusa.com 1-479-439-6109
ATK
This machine has been built to go 70,000 miles. ATK has taken the best from proven reliability and put it into a machine that remains at a price point everyone can afford. The engine is a Chevrolet Geo Storm motor with a top speed around 70 MPH using Dana gears in the rear end for support. 100% of this unit is American made in Kansas (except for the tires).
PRICE: $6,900 CONTACT: www.atkusa.com
1-801-298-8288
REDLINE TS750
We have seen their single-seat model on the market for a year now and were excited to see the launch of the highly anticipated Side X Side at the Indy show. The Redline TS750 is a sporty fuel-injected SXS that can reach speeds of up to 60-70 MPH, capturing 18” of front suspension and 16.5” rear suspension. These strengths make it a great vehicle for the trails or for the sand.
PRICE: $19,999 CONTACT: www.1redline.com
1-218-346-7790
JIM’S HEATHEN
We saved the most extreme of the weekend for last…Harley fanatics, this one is for you! The Heathen’s drivetrain is straight off the Drag Strip and delivers the ultimate in American Made V-Twin Performance. We were invited to the release party and boy are we glad we went! The door to the trailer dropped, and then it started. You could hear the 2147cc Twin Cam Race engine for blocks, and then it appeared. A colossal Side X Side hit the pavement ready for anything you could throw at it.
CONTACT: www.heathenvtwin.com
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1-805-482-6913
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On The
Lookout F Fire
“ or
Fire in Black Hills Raging Out of Control”
We see the headlines in the news, we see the dramatic pictures on CNN, but what happens on the ground floor is a different story. BY CHARLENE BOWER // PHOTOS DANE KING
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// Fire lookout is a big deal when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with an area this large. Each of these trees is a matchstick in disguise. //
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one of eight sites still used. At 6,647 feet, on a clear day from the Cement Ridge Lookout you can see Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and North Dakota. Each lookout is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the peak fire season, with their eyes always being alert to any sign of fire.
W
hile visiting the Black Hills area, we got our first glimpse at how the Forest Service works to eliminate potential fire hazards and stop fires before they burn out of control.
The Black Hills Forest is composed of 1.3 million acres in South Dakota and Wyoming. Try to imagine the complexity of covering an area 125 miles long and 65 miles wide. This is terrain that includes rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, streams, deep lakes, unique caves, and a maze of trail systems leading to historical ghost towns and structures. It is easy to see the challenge that is put in front of the Forest Service and the volunteers who protect this environment every day.
Charles and Sallie took us on a trail ride through the Black Hills just outside of Spearfish, South Dakota. An amazing set of trails led us to our destination: the Cement Ridge Lookout. Fire lookouts assist in early detection of over 200 wildfires annually. Early detection and response are essential in keeping these fires small during the dry summer fire season. Cement Ridge Lookout is
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Unfortunately, we arrived at the end of the season and had just missed meeting one of the attendants. It is a long day up there in the middle of no where with nothing but trees. Charles’ son manned the Cement Ridge Lookout for two summers. The commute alone up to the top of the ridge every day could get interesting, but then having to sit in a tower for eight hours made for one of the most boring jobs he ever had! The stone tower on Cement Ridge was constructed in 1940-41 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC manned and built many of the 20 or more fire towers in the Black Hills from 1933 to 1942. Some of these towers have been torn down. A few, including Harney Peak, are no longer used to spot forest fires, but are being preserved for their historical significance. Cement Ridge is also being preserved for its unique construction and its relation to the CCC era. The original tower dates back to the 1800’s, when Cement Ridge was the site of a small two-story wooden structure. This tower could only be accessed by horseback until 1927, when they finally attempted to drive a Model-T up to the tower.
‘lots’ of trees to help clear and thin down certain areas to prevent additional fire danger.” The markings signify different things and they vary depending on the area. For example, in this area an orange ring around the bottom and another around the mid-section means it is a tree that has to be left alone, but they can take the tree behind it. If the paint is vertical, it represents a boundary marker or the edge of a sale lot. Each sale is different and it all depends on the needs of the forest. Some of the sales are directly along access roads so they can cut the trail wider, which allows a safety crew to get to remote locations easier. The road also acts as a fire break. Interestingly, the first sale of timber from any National Forest occurred in the Black Hills National Forest in
// At 6,647 feet, on a clear day from the Cement Ridge Lookout you can see Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and North Dakota. //
After taking in all of the sights from the lookout, we hopped back into our Rhinos and started the descent back into the forest. Along the way, I noticed trees that were marked with spray paint. I was thinking that it had to do with logging, but being unsure, I asked about them. Charles explained, “The Forest Service sells
1899. Since that initial timber sale, the Forest Service and other active management groups have maintained resources necessary to keep the forest active, yet safe.
Side X Sides are a great choice for getting around the trail system in the Black Hills National Forest. They are useful in fighting fires, as well as transporting crews who work to prevent fires from starting in the first place. The maneuverability of the Rhino 660 that we were using enabled us to reach the lookouts and then go down to where fire lines had been drawn. The towers can assist with the majority of the fire
// We sat up near the tower for a while. Charles gave us a history lesson about the tower, as well as the area surrounding the tower. It was calm on top of the mountain; there was no traffic, no smog, and no Starbucks. Everything felt right in the world from up here. It is akward to imagine a fire roar through this area in a matter of hours. //
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prevention, but they can’t see down in all of the valleys, which is where the volunteers come in with their Rhinos to monitor the trails.
Charles is one of the first to introduce the Rhino to this area. He uses it on his farm as a daily workhorse, but when called to fire watch, his Yamaha Rhino reports for duty, too. Charles has quite the reputation on the fire line for being a heavy equipment operator. The Rhino allows him to, shall we say, “commute” back and forth as needed to designated areas. And, as a resident of the area for almost 70 years, his expertise makes him very helpful when trying to get personnel to specific locations. They are also finding many other uses for the Rhino. In critical moments during a fire, they can easily carry equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from the line. Maybe one of the most important uses of the Rhino is as a Search & Rescue vehicle. The safety factor and the load capacity make a Side X Side the perfect replacement for the ATV they have been using for years. Once a fire is contained, they now use a Side X Side instead of an ATV to run the boundaries with a GPS. These GPS coordinates allow them to mark the official area of the fire and calculate the true acreage
// Spark Arrestors in Pipes // Fire doesn’t come from natural causes alone. Unfortunately, our vehicles can sometimes be the cause. The Forest Service requires all vehicles entering the forest to have spark arrestor exhausts. The spark arrestor does exactly what it states; it is generally a mesh lining that defuses a spark emanating from the exhaust. Make sure that you have a U.S.F.S.-approved spark arrestor on your exhaust before you enter the forest. It is the responsible thing to do, and it’s the law!
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burned.
As we wound down the trail toward an old mining town that Charles wanted to show us, the sky began to sprinkle. Then it started to rain. And then we heard it, the sounds of thunder with the strike of lightning right behind it.
This is an example of why you would bring a chainsaw with you.
A tree that has been On average, lightning struck by lightning. strikes the earth about 100 times every second. Trees are the most frequent conductors of lightning to the ground. Lightning is one of the worst forces posing fire danger in any area, but especially in a dense forest. All lightning is dangerous, This is an example but there are different of a marked tree. types. Positive lightning bolts are typically of smoke. six to ten times more powerful than negative bolts, last around ten times As we headed into the eye of the longer, and are considered the most storm, I had to ask myself if this dangerous and most likely to start a was the best decision after just fire. There are different discharges learning all of the workings of lightof lightning, including cloud-toning and the potential hazards. My ground, ground-to-cloud, and cloudeyes were focused as we stood in to-cloud. Cloud-to-ground is the the rain trying to dodge pea-sized second most common type of lightrain drops. We could either go on ning behind cloud-to-cloud, but it is the new trail back to the house the most common striker of forest through the storm or double back. fires. The rain didn’t bother us, so I left it in the hands of the professional, When lightning strikes a tree or Charles. He was very serious when somewhere in the forest there is the he said, “I don’t mess with lightimmediate strike danger. The tree ning!” So we turned and doubled takes all of the current and may back instead of going further into erupt into flames at that moment. the heart of the storm. But what few know is that it may actually take three to four days for Riding through the trails of the for“sleepers” or embers to spark. It is est is a great escape from just similar to a cigarette butt where the another day. The Forest Service wind or kindling get just right and takes great pride in protecting this the fire emerges up to several days area from potential fire hazards. I later. never knew the complexity of it until my ride with Charles and Sallie. The towers and ground volunteers With so many trails to cover and so play a very important roll in the days many wooded acres that could after a lightning storm. The Forest potentially burn, it is the hard work Service hires airplanes to fly grids, of the Forest Service and fire fightground units utilizing Rhinos access ing volunteers that keep the dramatthe area, and the towers watch ic headlines to a minimum. above all for the slightest indication
ICE FISHING WITH YOUR SIDE X SIDE BY CHARLENE BOWER PHOTOS BRAD DANBOM
Who would of thought that staring at a hole in the ice could be fun? Is “fun” really the correct word to use? Absolutely.
L
et us introduce you to West Lake Okoboji. Located in Northwest Iowa, it is approximately five miles long by three miles wide and is part of the lake system known as the Iowa Great Lakes. It is a natural glacial lake reaching depths up to 140 feet, making it the deepest lake in Iowa and second in size. What is most significant about this particular lake is that it is considered to be one of three blue water lakes in the world. A blue water lake is one that has such clarity that you can see straight to the bottom. The water is so amazing that you can drop a quarter down and it actually magnifies it so you can see if it lands with the head or tail up. To compare, the two other blue water lakes are Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Lake Louise in Canada. Fishing is one of the attractions of this lake. The main catches in the lake are Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Walleye. It also contains significant populations of Northern Pike, Muskie, Crappie, and Bass. The biggest fish caught in the lake set a state record - a Muskie that was 55” long and weighed 52 pounds. There are fishing seasons at this lake - December, January, and February make for the best ice fishing months. In March, all of the icehouses are pulled off the lake by trucks and winter coats are hung to dry. As the ice melts to clear water again, the fish spawn until May
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“
when the fishing boats launch into another season with sun caps and suntan lotion.
Today we go pan fishing…a beautiful 20 degrees out (yes, that is below freezing) with the sun shining above. Don’t let the pictures fool you…it is still freezing…note the big coat! The Iowa winter has been cold this year. We pull out the 10” ice auger from the back of our new Rhino and start to drill. 28” of ice later, we finally hit water that goes down another 12 to 15 feet below. The ice hasn’t been this thick in years – It has been a really cold winter.
are just pan fishing, angling for small fish the size of your hand, nothing smaller, but nothing much bigger either. We are ready to drop the line down past the 28” of ice to the fish swimming excitedly below.
No more tipping a bucket over to sit on. We have gone high-tech with a Cycle CountryTM 2” receiver chair. (Buckets are still important, however. Loaded with poles, equipment, bait, and more, we use them to
The ice hasn’t been this thick in years – It has been a really cold winter.
As we pull out the auger, most of the ice shavings come with it, but we still have our fine- tuned tool called the Dipper. We pull it out of the bucket and get to work clearing the rest of the shavings. Dip and clean, dip and clean. And now we are ready to bait. Worms don’t do so well in the freezing waters of Iowa, so we opt for a Berkeley Gulp – the plastic version of a fly maggot. (Yes, a fly maggot.) We take our lightaction rod and reel with 4-pound test line and a tear drop jig and carefully attach the Gulp. Today we
pack for our ice fishing adventures. Later, the buckets are used to hold the fish on the trip home. Strap three of them in the bed of your Rhino with the Cycle CountryTM bed extender rotated in and your catch is secure.) With the traditional “bucket seat” gone, my long-john covered rear was very comfortable resting on the specially designed fishing chair. With an armrest, swivel base, drink holder, and a spot to keep the Gulp, we dropped the line into the water. And then we waited
for a tug.
The world at large was introduced to ice fishing in the movie “Grumpy Old Men,” which set a standard of behavior on the ice and around icehouses. But ice fishing has been around since the beginning of time. Only recently have Side X Sides been introduced as a tool for the pastime. Although it is common to take your $45,000 truck out on the ice, it comforts some to take their $10,000 Side X Side out instead. Not only do Side X Sides have a functional use, they are also fun to drive around on the ice.
Several times a year, as you are focused on the hole that your next big catch will come out of, the water starts to rise and splashes up towards you. What does that mean? It means someone has drilled on thin ice and crashed into the water. This always attracts a crowd, well, from a distance. The tow truck comes out and backs up as close to the hole as they feel they can on the tender ice. Then the scuba team is called to go down and hook the cable to the vehicle. And up it comes. If you are lucky, you may just catch a fish that day - in the cab of your truck!
One of the best fishing stories was when our host Matt and his buddy grabbed one of the biggest chub that he could find – about 10” – and used it for bait. His buddy said that they wouldn’t catch anything with it. But that didn’t bother them as they laughed and walked out to the Rhino to ride around on the ice for a visit with their neighbors in other icehouses. When they came back, they were surprised to see that the line had released. As they reeled up the line, Matt said, “Who’s laughing now?” when a 36” Northern came popping to the surface. Big fish stories, a key ingredient to ice fishing.
ting on ice. It’s still cold, no matter how you look at it.
We took the Rhino out on a quick spin to see Matt’s icehouse. Some of the best ice fishing stories came from the walls of this little building. We got to visit his permanent 8’ x 12’ shack that is pulled onto the ice in December and back off again in March. Friends and family come from hours away to fish with Matt. He has even hosted the Dooby Brothers. His icehouse has a fold-down bed for full weekend adventures, a heater, and a huge supply of equipment. There is a 2’ x 2’ hole in this icehouse that allows them to fish for Northerns, Muskies, and Walleyes. After the tour of a real icehouse, we took the Rhino back to our ice hole to spy on the status of our setup. Nothing. We jumped back into the Rhino and started visiting all of the neighbors so we could at least get a picture of a fish to show you, but none of the neighbors had caught any either. So, not a great fish catching day, but any day on the lake is a good one!
Special thanks to our host Matt Sewell. www.cyclecountry.com
We kept checking the line as the fishing stories continued to flow. Nothing was happening in our ice hole. Then the wind started to pick up and we decided to put up the portable ice fishing house that fit perfectly into the bed of the Rhino with the bed extender rotated out. The icehouses help to cut the wind chill. There is room for a small propane heater and you can pull the cover all the way over to block out the cold…but remember, you are still sitWWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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GALLERY PHOTO KINNEY JONES
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To view more photos from this shoot, visit our gallery page.
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THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING: Recently we were invited out to Sand Hollow, UT for Kawasaki’s unveiling of their new Teryx “RUV”. If you’ve followed the magazine, you may notice that we sometimes like to take things to the extreme. Case in point, this 40’ jump over a red laced sand dune. The aftermath of the jump was no more than an ectatic editor and a great shot for our gallery. WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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New Products Stee ring you in the right direction Unisteer Performance Products
Unisteer Performance Products is a leading manufacturer of steering systems for UTVs, RUVs & high-performance Hot Rods. They have been manufacturing steering systems for companies such as Polaris, John Deere, Cub Cadet/MTD, GEM Car & many more. Unisteer is now offering Electra Steer™, which is a bolt-on 12v electric power steering system for many current and older UTVs.
They have the bolt-on retrofit kits for Rangers, Rhinos, Gators, Mules and many more to come. The Electra Steer™ kit offers a more comfortable and controlled ride by reducing steering effort and dampens out bump steer and kickback caused by impact to the wheels. The system works immediately and doesn't put a power drain on the engine. It operates as soon as the ignition key is turned on and installs in about an hour.
Ph.1.800.338.9080 or www.unisteer.com
Ultimate UTV Winch Warn Industries, Inc.
Warn Industries, the leader in powersports performance accessories, has raised the bar again by creating the ultimate winch for UTV and side-by-side enthusiasts! Introducing the latest addition to the Extreme Terrain winch lineup: The WARN® XT40.
The XT40 showcases a number of amazing features, such as a Wireless Control System, 50’ of lightweight, easy-to-handle synthetic rope, 4,000 lbs. of pulling power, a patented disc brake, and a sealed all-metal three-stage planetary geartrain. These features add up to the ultimate UTV winch, making the XT40 a must-have for the side-by-side rider looking to take their vehicle to the next level.
Ph.503.786.4424 or www.warn.com
New Secure Rack Strap locks Steelcore
Steelcore has designed new security tie downs for the evolving OffRoad, ATV, and Sand Sports industries. Its design makes it easy, fast and will accommodate anything the end user wants to secure both for transport and from theft. Steelcore has added a neoprene cover to the locking buckle to seal out dust and dirt for off-road use. No need to worry about how big or small the load is; the strap adjusts to the desired length. Also included is one zipper lock per strap which locks the contents inside the bag. All Steelcore products are Key Locking Security Tie Downs made with cut-resistant. SEW (Steel Encased Webbing), a new strap material made with steel that is harder to cut than a security cable.
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714.879.7999 or www.steelcore.com
Polaris 800 Razor Slip-On Exhaust Hot Seat Performance, Inc.
Hot Seat Performance, Inc. is very proud to announce the release of our new Polaris 800 RZR Slip-On Exhaust Kit! This kit will add some serious edge to your already sharp machine! Our Slip-On Exhaust Kit comes complete with all the necessary mounting hardware and installation instructions. Price: $265
651.982.6020 or www.hotseatperformance.com
Protec t your re ar
Extreme Metal Products
Protect the rear of your Kawasaki Teryx with this heavy-duty rear bumper. It is made from 10 ga. steel and powder coated for superior protection. It is laser cut and the ends are welded and ground smooth for a finished look. It installs in minutes and will tilt with the dump bed. Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $199.99
216.267.5335 or www.extrememetalproducts.com
Kawasaki Teryx Race Level CDI Dragonfire Racing
57 MPH Top Speed; 31 Rear Wheel Horsepower at 9000 RPM • Shipped with machine specific harness that plugs directly into factory wiring harness. • Toggle switch on the unit allows user to switch between two preloaded setups. • Multi-Spark Discharge (MSD) allows for maximum power and virtually eliminates misfires, while giving you easy starts and crisp throttle response. • Preloaded performance map allows the machine to run cooler, produce more horsepower, and more torque, while minimizing fuel consumption. • Default preloaded map keeps factory limiters (speed) and similar power when the toggle switch is in position #1. When the toggle switch is in position #2, all limiters are disabled, and the timing is optimized for maximum power on 87 octane fuel. Setups and maps can be changed and optimized for different fuel grades via the USB Memory Interface (sold separately).
800.708.9803 or www.dragonfireracing.com WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM
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Upcoming Events April
April 4-6, Off Road Expo Pomona, Pomona, CA, www.offroadexpo.com April 4-6, West Coast Hunters Expo, Newport Beach, CA April 12, Tri-Far Championships Round 2, Phoenix, CA April 19, SXS Nationals Round 3, Lake Elsinore, CA April 25-27 Best in the Desert Terribles Town 250, Primm, NV www.bitd.com April 26-27 Championship Off Road Racing, Pomona, CA www.corracing.com
MAY
May 4-5 BORE UTV Races, Wendover, NV May 10, SXS Nationals Round 4, Lake Elsinore, CA May 14-18 Moab UTV Rally, Moab, UT May 16-18 Best in the Desert Blue Water Grand Prix. Parker, AZ May 16-18 Extreme Motorsports Expo, Costa Mesa, CA May 17-18 Championship Off Road Racing, Primm, NV
Do you have an event that people should know about? email it to: mike@pgimedia.com
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Photo By: CHARLENE BOWER
Location: Surprise, AZ
o G e h T On > o t o h P
Racing at night doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, until you’ve been racing for seven hours straight. The PIAA 8-Hour Endurance Race tests both a racer’s mind and body.