2022 UTV Off-Road Magazine December Issue 92

DRIVER: BROCK HEGER

WARNING: Certain action photographs depicted in this magazine are potentially dangerous. The drivers and vehicle occupants seen in our photos are experienced professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a Side-by-Side/UTV, and never drive beyond your capabilities.

DECK IT OUT, ’ CAUSE WHY NOT?

Turbo-charged is taking on a whole new meaning with more than 300 accessories that are up to speed with the latest and greatest from the Maverick X3. From 200 hp to advanced air ow dynamics, consider the game changed. Looking to turn up the good times? The audio roof has you covered. Anywhere you roam, the Maverick X3 answers the call with capability and add-ons that tackle any terrain in style. Here’s to living like you mean it.

CAN-AMOFFROAD.COM

© 2022 Bombardier

Inc. (BRP).

®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its a liates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change speci cations, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. CAN-AM OFF-ROAD VEHICLE: Some models depicted may include optional equipment. For side-by-side vehicles (SxS): Read the BRP side-by-side operator’s guide and watch the safety DVD before driving. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. SxSs are for o -road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety, the operator and passenger must wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on di cult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely.

Recreational Products

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2022 MAVERICK ™ X3 X RS TURBO RR WITH SMART-SHOX ™

2023 POLARIS GENERAL LINEUP

Featuring the all-new GENERAL XP 1000 Sport

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY POLARIS

Designed and purpose-built as the ultimate machine for riders and their gear, the Polaris GENERAL is the perfect machine for adventurers seeking new destinations.

New in 2023, Polaris expands its lineup to include the GENERAL XP 1000 Sport, which will be available in both two- and four-seat models. As the entry-level model, this new Sport trim makes GENERAL XP 1000 even more accessible to riders, while still offering the same classleading capabilities, comfort and style.that the RAZR XT is built with a high-density, double steel-belted carcass to enhance stability over impacts at high speeds. Built for less carcass deflection and a more planted feel, the RAZR XT truly does add a level of confidence at high speeds.

Sport LINEUP

GENERAL XP 1000 ULTIMATE

Starting at $29,299 ($35,999 CAN), available in 2-seat and 4-seat

GENERAL XP 1000 PREMIUM

Starting at $26,999 ($33,299 CAN), available in 2-seat and 4-seat

GENERAL XP 1000 SPORT

Starting at $24,499 ($29,599 CAN), available in 2-seat and 4-seat

GENERAL 1000 SPORT

Starting

HERCULES

TIS OFFROAD UT1 UTV TIRES

STORY / PHOTOS: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD

Hercules Tires, who has been developing and manufacturing car, truck, trailer, industrial and specialty tires since the 1960s, has jumped into the ever-growing UTV space. In collaboration with TIS Offroad Wheels, the new Hercules TIS UT1 tire/ wheel combination is here and we had an early opportunity to test it.

We mounted up the new Hercules TIS UT1 combo on our Kawasaki KRX 1000 and took off to one of our favorite test locations. This mountainous trail is filled with many different kinds of terrain from hard packed dirt, sand

washes, rain ruts, steep hills and descents and a whole bunch of “gotchas” in the form of sharp rocks and sticks.

We opted to run a 32X10-15, which is a great replacement for the majority of high performance UTVs. They’re also available in 28x10-14, 30x10-14, 32x10-14, 30x10-15 and a soon to be released 35x10-15. Each 32” tire weighs in at 40 pounds. Its big name competitors, the Maxxis RAZR XT weighs in at 43.7 lbs, the BFGoodrich KM3 weighs in at 44.3 lbs and the System3 RT320 weighs in at 41.6 lbs.

Our Hercules TIS UT1 Tires measure exactly 32” tall and 10.25” wide (¼” wider than the website suggests). We began testing the tires at our preferred 20 psi for desert-type terrain, then dropped down to 18 psi to provide extra traction and a more comfortable ride. We slid through rocky corners, drove through sharp bushes and put the tires through a thorough evaluation without any failures.

The rounded profile of these tires provided a predictable ride and gave our KRX a sense of confidence when pushing the traction limit. We definitely prefer rounded edges over more of a squared edge truck tire in the desert. The tread ratio is balanced and smooth with subtle biting edges that help pull through the sand and loose fire roads.

We love the look of the single beadlock TIS Offroad Wheel. It’s a tad flashy, but the red accents matched our KRX perfectly. The main disadvantage with a non-beadlock wheel is that you’ll definitely need to invest in a spare tire/ wheel combo to throw in the bed or on a rack. Not

saying the tires aren’t stout, only making sure that you make it back to camp if you slash a side wall. Overall, we’re impressed with the looks, handling and quality of the new Hercules TIS UT1 Tires. We’re also pleased with the Hercules Performance Promise which is a 24-month limited protection policy for workmanship and materials. The tire prices start around $170, which also puts these tires at the lower end of the market compared to other big name competitors.

SHOCK THERAPY

Billet X3 Race Steering Rack & BSD Tie-Rod Kit

Can-Am’s Maverick X3 is one of the best UTVs on the market, but they’re not without their faults. Like most high performance machines, they have a few weak links that need to be addressed. Two issues we’ve experienced have been blown out OEM steering racks and excessive bump steer. We’ve recently installed the Shock Therapy Billet X3 Race Steering Rack and Bump Steer Delete Tie-Rod (BSD) Kit to help solve these issues.

We installed the Shock Therapy Billet X3 Race Steering Rack with BSD Tie-Rod Kit on our Can-Am Maverick X3 Pre-Runner which is primarily driven

on incredibly abusive Baja terrain. Over the course of these 10,000+ miles, we’ve replaced multiple worn out OEM steering racks and have had difficulties eliminating bump steer. The stock rack has a ton of play, which causes feedback in the steering wheel and significantly hurts the longevity of the rack. Bump steer is basically when your car’s front alignment moves in or out as the suspension moves through the travel. This makes the steering wheel feedback even worse especially through cornering and over whoops. You want your alignment to stay as close as possible throughout the stroke. Shock

Therapy has a great breakdown of bump steer here:

spindle using adjustable misalignment spacers. After a couple adjustments, we were able to take our X3’s one-inch of bump steer down to 1/8”. This combination is amazing. Our new smooth and consistent steering matched with almost zero bump steer is going to save us a lot of time and money on replacing worn out racks, heims and uni-balls and has greatly improved the comfort in the car. Here’s everything else you need to know about the rack:

Not every Maverick X3 has excessive bump steer and not everyone will want to spend the money on the billet rack, but Shock Therapy offers different configurations. If you only want to focus on your bump steer issue, which also helps with steering feedback substantially, you can purchase the BSD kit separately for $195.95. You’ll have to update these tie-rods if you decide to install a Billet Race Rack later on, but you’re only buying a couple new inner heims. The Shock Therapy Billet X3 Race Steering Rack runs for $1995.95 without tie-rods and $2250.20 for the full kit.

The Shock Therapy Billet X3 Race Steering Rack’s $2,000+ price tag is a tough pill to swallow for the casual trail rider, but you will be blown away with the difference. Our X3 Pre-Runner is a whole new machine! You can literally drive the car with one hand now. The rack eliminated nearly all of the play in the steering wheel and the Electronic Power Steering module appreciated the upgrade as well. We also love that it eliminated the weak inner tie rod points and replaced them with a heavy duty and adjustable flag. The inner tie-rods now utilize 5/8” heims and bolt right into the flag for easy maintenance. The Shock Therapy BSD Tie-Rods allows you to move the outer rod end into 3 different positions within the

The Shock Therapy Billet X3 Race Steering Rack with BSD Tie-Rod Kit was time consuming but simple to install thanks to easy to follow instructions through the videos below.

Shock Therapy is one of the best aftermarket companies in the industry especially when it comes to steering and suspension. Each of their products are put through countless hours of testing and development and it certainly shows in the quality and performance of their products.

POLARIS

RANGER LINEUP

The 2023 Polaris RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Trail Boss comes packed with new upgrades specifically designed to meet the demands of hardworking riders. The NorthStar Trail Boss gets a new LED rear work light to illuminate the bed of the vehicle and make it easier to work in lowlight conditions. A new 12V cargo box power port provides mobile power for seamless, convenient operation of sprayers. NorthStar Trail Boss also receives a new overhead switch panel so customers

can add additional lighting and other accessory switches easier than ever before. Last, this model will come factory-installed with the new RIDE COMMAND+ technology. All other RANGER XP 1000 and 1000 customers can also purchase the new LED rear work light, 12V cargo box power, overhead switch panel as optional accessories. The 2023 Polaris RANGER lineup receives additional upgrades so customers can work and play in total confidence. To improve performance

in low-light conditions, RANGER installed LED headlights to all Premium trims, now including the RANGER SP 570 Premium, RANGER 1000 Premium, and RANGER XP 1000 Premium. Additionally, the RANGER SP 570 Premium, RANGER XP 1000 Premium, and RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar will come stock with a USB charging port in the dash so customers can stay connected and charge small electronic devices while on the go.

RANGER XP 1000: Starting at $20,299 ($24,499 CAN)

RANGER XP 1000 CREW: Starting at $22,099 ($26,199 CAN)

RANGER SP 570: Starting at $11,699 ($14,799 CAN)

RANGER SP 570 CREW Starting at $13,499 ($16,999 CAN)

POLARIS

RZR LINEUP

The Polaris RZR lineup continues to push the limits and accelerate beyond the everyday with industry-leading technology, performance and design.

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY POLARIS

The high-performance, next-level strong, 2023

Polaris RZR Turbo R will feature new black fenders and rockers, plus two new colorways. Whether you’re looking to make a statement on the trail or fly under the radar with a dark and menacing look, the RZR Turbo R can suit either desire as it’s now available in

Orange Madness and Matte Onyx Black. The multiterrain RZR Pro XP also features a rugged design to take on tough terrain, while still providing all-day comfort. In 2023, the RZR Pro XP Premium trim will now feature a PMX head unit by Rockford Fosgate to take your audio experience to the next level.

YAMAHA

VIKING LINEUP

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY YAMAHA

LINEUP 2023 YAMAHA

ALL 2023

VIKING & VIKING VI VEHICLES RECEIVE:

Yamaha’s extremely reliable Ultramatic CVT, backed by an industry-exclusive 10-Year Belt Warranty.

Yamaha On-Command drive system with 2WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD full-differential lock.

Yamaha’s speed- and torque-sensitive EPS.

1,500-pound towing capacity via the standard 2-inch hitch receiver and a 600-pound-rated bed capacity.

Hydraulic piston-assist dump bed with a rugged rubber cargo bed mat for added convenience and durability.

Both 2023 Viking models are available in Tactical Green with the 3-seat variation starting at $15,699 MSRP and Viking VI at $16,499 MSRP. 2023 Ranch Edition models are available in a Copper Metallic painted bodywork with a color-matched interior, under-seat storage, cast aluminum wheels, comfort-grip steering wheel, overfenders, center rearview mirror, rear grab bar, and distinct Ranch Edition badging starting at $16,399 MSRP.

YAMAHA

RECREATION UTV LINEUP

Yamaha’s 2023 Recreation UTV Lineup features the Wolverine RMAX2 1000, Wolverine RMAX4 1000, Wolverine X2 and Wolverine X4 offered in a variety of different trim and upgrade packages. These are Yamaha’s most versatile vehicles with the perfect blend of sport and utility, ideal for any task from farming and hunting to exploring and overlanding. All Wolverine models are available in two configurations: a two-seat chassis paired with a hydraulic piston-assist dump bed, providing excellent utility on the ranch or on a hunt, while simultaneously allowing owners direct access to the engine for easy maintenance; and a four-seat chassis, with simple-to-stow full-size rear seats, giving users the option of additional cargo space, passenger capacity for up to four occupants, or a combination of the two.

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY YAMAHA

All 2023 Wolverine R-Spec models are available in Cyan / Yamaha Black starting at $15,799 MSRP for the X2, $18,399 MSRP for the X4, $23,999 MSRP for the RMAX2 1000, and $26,399 MSRP for the RMAX4 1000.

Yamaha’s extremely reliable Ultramatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), backed by an industryexclusive 10-Year Belt Warranty.

Yamaha’s rugged On-Command drive system with 2WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD full-differential lock.

Yamaha’s exclusive torque- and speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS), providing light-effort steering, balanced feedback, and precise steering-character to further reduce vibration and driver fatigue.

Yamaha-exclusive Speed Management System, seamlessly limiting the vehicle’s top speed to 25 mph by simply turning a removable key, ideal for worksites and other specialized operating conditions (on select models).

Bright LED headlights, marker lights, and taillights (with class-exclusive reverse lights on RMAX 1000 models).

2,000-pound towing capacity via a standard 2-inch hitch receiver.

600-pound-rated bed capacity with easy-to-operate automotive-style tailgate.

Prewiring for Yamaha Adventure Pro, WARN® winch, and additional Yamaha Genuine Accessories (on nonequipped models).

The 2023 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 is the ultimate off-road adventure machine capable of traversing a wide variety of terrain with the power of its advanced 999-cc twin-cylinder engine. Its premium chassis features a rugged, eye-catching exterior combined with a comfortfocused automotive interior designed for all-day driving with industry-exclusive soft touchpoints to reduce fatigue, and interior lighting and backlit switches for driving in low-light conditions. To meet the varying demands of drivers and terrain,

All Wolverine XT-R models are available in Desert Tan / Tactical Black painted body work with color-matched interior and are equipped with a WARN VRX 45 winch and Yamaha Adventure Pro (prewired on X2/X4).

The Wolverine RMAX2 1000 Sport is available in Team Yamaha Blue starting at $25,899 MSRP and features highly adjustable, sport-tuned FOX 2.0 piggyback shocks with preload and high/ low speed compression adjustability, 30-inch GBC Terra Master SQ 10-ply rated radial tires with an asymmetric design, and 14-inch cast aluminum beadlock wheels.

Yamaha’s D-Mode optimizes the RMAX 1000’s full engine power, adjusting throttle response and engine braking to provide three distinct powerdelivery options: Crawl, Trail, and Sport (prewired on R-Spec). Performance can be personalized even further with 3-way adjustable FOX® QS3 shocks (R-Spec and XT-R models) or three-position – Comfort, Medium, Firm – in-cab electronically adjustable Fox iQS shocks (LE models), all mounted to wide-arc A-arms for performancetuned damping and maximum ground clearance.

YAMAHA

RECREATION

2023YAMAHAWOLVERINEX2&X4

The 2023 Wolverine X2 and X4 deliver superior handling, especially on tight, technical trails. Smooth, ultra-quiet power comes from an 847-cc twin-cylinder engine housed in a sporty, compact chassis. All Wolverine X2 and X4 models are equipped with 27-inch GBC® Dirt Commander radial tires with eight-ply rated construction for increased ground clearance, traction, and durability.

Large 207mm vented disc brakes with two-piston

calipers provide exceptional stopping power on all four wheels with excellent feel. Independent double-wishbone suspension with an anti-sway bar offers 8.7-inches of travel in the front of X2 and X4 models, and 9.3-inches of travel in the rear on the Wolverine X2. Exclusive to the Wolverine X4, the rear suspension includes innovative self-adjusting shock absorbers that automatically regulate to varying passenger weights and cargo loads.

RMAX 1000 XT-R models start at $27,199 MSRP and include Maxxis® Carnivore tires on 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels and a factory-installed SSV® audio system.

The Wolverine RMAX 1000 Limited Edition (LE) models start at $27,699 MSRP and include Titan / Midnight Blue painted body work, color-matched interior, WARN VRX 45 winch, Yamaha Adventure Pro, plus FOX iQS shocks and higher-grade audio system with 2 additional speakers for rear passengers in the RMAX4 1000 LE.

The Wolverine X2 and X4 XT-R models start at $17,399 MSRP and are further enhanced with fully adjustable KYB® piggyback shocks (self-leveling rear on Wolverine X4).

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY YAMAHA

The 2023 Yamaha YXZ1000R Lineup is here!

YXZ models are the pinnacle of pure-sport, high-performance SxS vehicles, built to handle a wide variety of terrain – from open deserts and dunes to muddy trails and rough, rocky terrain. The YXZ is powered by Yamaha’s industry-first 998-cc triple-cylinder engine and a sequential five-speed manual transmission with either a clutch pedal and center-console shifter for the ultimate directconnection experience in a SxS, or an auto-clutch with Yamaha’s Sport Shift (SS) technology, which allows drivers to seamlessly shift via aluminum paddles mounted on the steering column.

The 2023 YXZ1000R SS and YXZ1000R are available in Yamaha Racing Blue starting at $21,899 MSRP. The 2023 YXZ1000R SS XT-R is available in Desert Tan / Tactical Black painted bodywork with a color-matched interior, plus a suntop, center-mount mirror, centerline pod light, enhanced underbody protection, Maxxis Carnage radial tires on true beadlock wheels, and a custom front grab bar with a heavy-duty WARN VRX 45 winch and integrated dashboard switch for $24,699 MSRP.

All 2023 Yamaha YXZ1000R SS and YXZ1000R models receive:

■ Yamaha’s rugged On-Command drive system with 2WD, 4WD limited slip, and 4WD fulldifferential lock.

■ Yamaha’s exclusive torque- and speed-sensitive EPS, providing light-effort steering, balanced feedback, and precise steering-character to further reduce vibration and driver fatigue.

■ Fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks with dual-spring-rate adjustable crossovers.

■ Compatibility with the Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing (GYTR) Turbo Kit, utilizing the renowned Garrett GT2554R turbo to meet Yamaha’s high standards of durability and reliability (available at ShopYamaha.com and Yamaha Dealers).

■ A high-flow intake, exhaust, and oversized rear-mounted radiator for maximum airflow and engine cooling.

■ Four LED headlights adding to the aggressive appearance and a bright LED taillight for increased visibility.

■ Non-XT-R models include 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn 8-ply rated radial tires.

■ All-wheel disc brakes with large 255mm rotors in the front and 245mm rotors in the rear for excellent braking power.

■ Prewiring for Yamaha Adventure Pro, WARN winch, and other Yamaha Genuine accessories (on non-equipped models).

CAN-AM 72 HOUR SERIES: CHRIS BLAIS

Chris Blais was at the top of the dirt bike game, winning some of the toughest races in the world, when everything changed in a flash. In this new episode of the Can-Am series 72 Hours, jump in the cockpit with Can-Am Factory racer Chris Blais as he prepares to compete against off-road riders in the longest one-day race in the US. See how his racing career changed after a spinal cord injury at Vegas to Reno 15 years ago.

STORY: STAFF OF UTV OFF-ROAD PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY CAN-AM

72 HOUR SERIES: CHRIS BLAIS 2022 CAN-AM

Chris Blais was born and raised in the high desert of Southern California by a hard-working blue collar family. At an early age, Chris found his way onto motorcycles and from that grew a passion for racing. Chris went on to make quite a name for himself in the world of motorcycle racing, becoming a highly-touted motorcycle desert racing specialist.

He raced and won numerous events like the Baja 1000, San Felipe 250, Tunisia Rally, and many others. In 2007, Chris became the first American to score stage wins at the Dakar Rally and earn an overall podium in the race on a motorcycle, finishing third. Just as he was hitting his stride on the global stage, Chris’ motorcycle racing career came to a screeching halt while he was pre-running for the 2007 Vegas to Reno desert race, where he struck a rock in a sand wash at high speed and suffered a spinal cord injury that left him with no feeling below the waist.

Despite the tragic injury, Chris was determined to make the most out of his new situation and find a way to get back into the sport that he loved, desert racing. Coincidentally, Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) were just finding their ways into desert racing at this time, as manufacturers began producing sport UTVs. Chris jumped right into four-wheel desert racing and found success very quickly, winning the 2010 WORCS UTV Class 1 Championship, along with numerous other championships in series like the DP4 Off-Road series and Best In The Desert (BITD), leading him to join the Can-Am Factory Racing Team, making him one of the most successful adaptive athletes in off-road racing history.

In 2021, Chris went back to the Vegas to Reno BITD race, but this time in his Can-Am Maverick X3 and won the race that ended his two-wheel racing career.

ULTIMATE TERRAIN

For Brandon Semenuk, four-time and defending Red Bull Rampage champion, gear matters. As such, Polaris GENERAL tapped Jefferies Performance to build Semenuk’s dream mountain biking side-by-side using the versatile GENERAL XP 1000.

PHOTO: FERNANDO AVILES (@RAM_FER)