9 minute read

AIM MX UTV DASH LOGGER

An all-in-one data center for your UTV

The ability to properly monitor all of your UTV’s parameters in real-time may not be at the top of every driver’s needs list, but for the racers in the crowd, that information is paramount. OEM gauge clusters are getting more detailed as the years go by, but there is still a vast difference between the amount of information shown on a race display versus that of an OEM gauge cluster.

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Enter AIM Sports, a company well-versed in racing data acquisition and display technology. AIM has put together a simple and effective data capturing solution for your UTV that allows you to see and log real-time data from the ECU’s own inputs. The AIM MX UTV dash also allows you to install and monitor auxiliary sensors, such as belt temp, differential temperatures, wideband O2, and whatever else you can think of. The basic kit starts at $599 and is available through a handful of race shops online.

AIM Sports markets the MX UTV dash logger as “absolute freedom” when it comes to data acquisition. Specifically designed for the off-road market, the MX UTV plugs into your OEM electronics to receive signals from your UTV’s ECU. It also comes with an infrared sensor kit to monitor belt temperature. Note that you will have to drill a hole in your UTV’s plastic CVT cover to install the sensor. If you own a UTV that does not utilize a CVT (like the YXZ100R), the infrared sensor can be repurposed. The AIM MX UTV dash logger can capture the following signals from your UTV’s ECU:

MODELS CHANNELS

Polaris RZR

CAN-AM

Yamaha YXZ 2016

Yamaha YXZ 2017

Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT*, TPS*, Brake SW*, Fuel rate Polaris RZR turbo Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT, TPS, Brake SW*, Fuel rate, Boost Pressure, Charge Air temp Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT, TPS, Brake SW, Instant fuel flow CAN-AM turbo Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT, TPS, Brake SW, Instant fuel consumed, Boost pressure, Intake Air Temp Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT

Speed, RPM, Gear, ECT, TPS, Brake SW

(ECT* Engine Coolant Temp, TPS* Throttle Position Sensor, Brake SW* Brake Switch)

The MX UTV logger is customizable via laptop, and some settings can be changed on the device itself. There are two programmable RGB alarm LEDs that can be set to light up at warning and critical levels for any parameter. A horizontal tachometer displays RPM, with a 5-LED programmable multifunction bar across the top of the unit. These 5 LEDs can be programmed as either a progressive shift light/rev limit display or as a progress bar during GPS-linked lapping sessions. The AIM dash has built-in GPS data, which allows the unit to capture speed, position, time of the day, and lap times. Simply record a start position and do a full lap, and the AIM dash will save the GPS data into the device and start timing you.

The AIM dash is packaged with a RAM mount, which makes installation a breeze. Simply clamp it around the A pillar of your UTV, route the custom pigtail to the factory harness, and plug it in. The dash backlight can be adjusted and the color can be changed for customization. We installed ours on a Maverick X3 Turbo RR, which came with many OEM logging parameters pre-programmed.

The AIM dash did everything promised, without fuss. It is easy to read in the sun or in the dark, and the design of the display is clean and compact. Our one gripe with the unit itself is that the screen did take on moisture a couple of times after very rainy and humid days. After letting the unit dry out in the sun, there was no visible damage and it functions normally.

After datalogging, the AIM MX UTV dash logger can transmit data wirelessly to your PC, allowing you to view logs and ECU information without digging out cables. AIM’s Race Studio 3 software is extremely advanced, and it even allows you to overlay your data logs on top of GPS data. The opportunities for easy data capture and manipulation are plentiful with this kit, and all of it was easy to access in our time testing.

AIM’s MX UTV dash logger is also expandable! The unit comes with three ports: ECU, IR belt temp sensor, and other (lambda controller, HD camera). The last port can be wired directly to one of AIM’s accessories for further monitoring or video capturing capabilities. When coupled with AIM’s “SmartyCam HD”, the MX UTV can overlay vehicle data on top of video in real time.

After spending a few weeks with the AIM MX UTV dash logger, we can confidently say that this is a great first step into data logging for any UTV enthusiast. Whether you’re just trying to pay more careful attention to how your machine is running, or searching for that last 1/10th with your racing setup, the AIM MX UTV makes logging and interpreting data easy.

www.AIMSports.com

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

SUPERATV

Maverick X3 Skid Plate

Sport Utility Clutch Kit (Can Am X3)

Dirt Commander 2.0 (30X10X14)

Price: $624.95

One of the best insurance policies for any UTV is a quality skid plate. This SuperATV offering is made of a proprietary compound called ARMW. It is a hard plastic compound that is very similar to UHMW. The ½” thick plating will absorb some serious impacts and flex right back into shape much better than aluminum.

EPI

Price: $319.99

You can unlock the performance of your machine quickly by upgrading your clutch. EPI offers a multitude of kit configurations for almost any machine. The kits are specially designed and calibrated for driving styles like mud, rock crawling or even sand dunes.

GREENBALL

Price: $218.86

The Dirt commander 2.0 tires are a tough 8ply radial offering from GBC. The tread design and square shoulder lugs will tear into and over any terrain you can find. The Dirt Commanders come stock on many machines including the new Yamaha RMAX.

NELSON RIGG

RG-1085 Trails End Large Tool Roll

Price: $39.96

A tool roll is a convenient way to carry tools and/or parts on your ride. The Trails End has a variety of different size pockets for any size tools you might need to get you moving.It is made of heavy duty UltraMax® fabric and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

HMF

Titan Exhaust (KRX 1000)

Price: $459.95

This Titan series slip on exhaust provides great benefits to any UTV. First, it is significantly lighter than the stock exhaust. (15lbs lighter than the KRX stock system) You can choose between a beautiful stainless steel design or an HMF “Blackout” version. HMF also offers loud and quiet versions of this system that are 3 decibels different from each other. Fuel tuning is required with this system.

CST

Apache Tire (30X10X14)

Price: $186

The CST Apache was designed to overcome the toughest desert conditions. The Apache’s steel belted, 8 ply radial carcass, absorbs large impacts while maintaining a comfortable ride at high speeds. The tread design and aggressive shoulder pattern give this CST offering great traction and stability.

212 PERFORMANCE

RUGGED RADIOS

212 Impact Airmesh Gloves

Price: $48

The Impact Airmesh gloves are cut resistance, abrasion resistance, impact resistant, and breathable, all in one nice looking package. The material was selected specifically for highly dexterous activities like wheeling your rig.

TEXIERA TECH

Maverick Rear Sway Bar

Price: $649

This race tested package dramatically improves the handling characteristics of the Can Am Maverick X3 specifically by reducing body roll. The torsion bar is made from spring steel and the arms are made from 7075 billet aluminum. This quality american made product will keep your machine planted in corners for many rides.

Rugged Radio Ready Pack

Price: $368

Using radios are a great way to enhance your off road experIence, They can be used to make sure the group stays together, call out hazards and maybe even talk a little trash to your buddies. The Rugged Ready pack is the perfect “Grab-n-Go” kit for any situation. It comes with 2 V3 dual band radios, batteries, chargers and long range antennas.

AJK OFFROAD

Honda Talon Spare Tire Carrier

Price: $699.98

The AJK spare tire carrier is a heavy duty carrier that can accommodate up to 35” tires. The carrier bolts directly to the stock cage with spring loaded locking pins that allow the carrier to be mounted in 3 different positions. This allows someone to have access to their UTV bed while still carrying a spare tire.

PRO EAGLE

Phoenix Co2 Jack

Price: 399.99

The Phoenix Jack packs a lot of power in a small frame. This lightweight, portable Co2 powered jack is specifically made to carry on UTVs. It can lift any machine up to 24” off the ground to make tire changing a bit easier. Additionally this jack looks great with its brushed stainless steel construction.

Mitchell Alsup drove his new Alsup RD Can-Am Maverick X3 to the first ever Pro Open UTV class victory at the 2021 Best in the Desert Parker 250. We featured his new turn-key racer in our January issue. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out!

PHOTO: HARLEN FOLEY

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