TURBOTALON ISSUE 80 JAN/FEB 2019
THE THIN E N I L N E E R G
RZR
UP S TA N D I N G F OR OHV ION C ONSERVAT
>> BA JA X3 E R U T N E V D E >> RMAX A ID R 'S Y E N A H FEATURES: C
ISSUE 88 MAY/JUN 2021
WOLVERINE® RMAX™4 1000
REIMAGINE EVERYWHERE. REIMAGINE EVERYTHING.
The all-new Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup sets a new benchmark in the off-road world. Class-leading standard features include: a new 999cc parallel twin engine; aggressive tires; and an automotive-style cabin with unmatched comfort points. Features on select models include: high-performance FOX® iQS in-cab adjustable suspension; all-new D-Mode to optimize power delivery; and a dashboard-integrated Yamaha Adventure Pro. With the Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup, experience the real world-tested Capability, Comfort and Confidence of Yamaha’s Proven Off-Road promise.
WOLVERINE® RMAX™2 1000
Visit YamahaMotorsports.com Professional riders on closed area. Side-by-Side models shown are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. ©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
MACHINES
12 202020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 XRS TURBO RR 262021 HONDA TALON 1000R TURBO LIVE-VALVE 12 322020 POLARIS RZR XP PRO ULTIMATE 2020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 TURBO RR 42 522021 YAMAHA YXZ SS XT-R 2021 YAMAHA RMAX ADVENTURE 320-Mile Arizona Desert Excursion
Baja Pre-Runner Build Sheet
Jackson Racing Turbo Kit Review
Lt. John Nores Jr. (Ret) UTV Build Review
Kyle Chaney's KOH-Winning Program
Ultimate Terrain
FEATURES
24 20 DYNOJET POWER VISION 3 30 48GARMIN TREAD REVIEW
RUGGED RADIO RRP242 MOBILE INTERCOM Mobile radio communication & intercom system
LON
TURBOTA ISSUE 80 JAN/FEB 2019
ISSUE 89 MAY/JUN
2021
IN THE TH LINE GREEN
RZR
UP DING STAN HV FOR O ION RVAT CONSE
JA E >> BA NTUR ADVE RMAX DE >> EY'S RI CHAN : ES FEATUR
26
ICK X3 MAVER
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.
Powerful Tuning Tool
Off-Road Navigation & Communication
ON THE COVER
This month’s cover features John Nores driving the Thin Green Line Polaris RZR for Mike Weaver of Refine Media.
32
40
Take your ride from standard to outstanding.
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FROM THE EDITOR Full Speed Ahead! BY LANCE SCHWARTZ
I
n this issue, we have a ton of killer content and imagery to throw your way. If you have a passion for overlanding, you’ll love our Arizona Peace Trail adventure featuring a trio of Yamaha Wolverines and some amazing sights. With the King of the Hammers (KOH) competition recently unfolding, we were also able to get an inside look at Kyle Chaney’s incredible Can Am Maverick X3 he drove to a championship. Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a turbo-charged Honda Talon? If so...we have that covered for you as well! We also feature the Thin Green Line Polaris RZR project and take a look at how retired Lieutenant John Nores is promoting off-roading and conservation in his fight against illegal drug cartel activity. Looking toward the future, we also have a ton of other cool happenings going on behind the scenes. With the Covid debacle seeming to improve ever so slightly each month, we’re finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Postponed races and off-roading events are finally starting to occur again, new UTV’s are starting to arrive in dealer showrooms, and the list of “hard to get” items seems to be shrinking. We’re also approaching that time of the year where the “rumor mill” about new machines begins to fire up! The microprocessor and production shortages have certainly pushed back the release of some new products, but we’re excited for what we hope is coming right around the corner. If you’re not sure what production delays we’re talking about, stop by a Ford dealership and ask them when the Ford Bronco is going to arrive….and then turn around and run as fast as you can! Regardless of the craziness going on around us, summer is finally within clear sight and there has never been a better time to go explore the outdoors. So round up your family, pack a few snacks, grab your helmets, and get ready to make some adventures. As always, I hope to see you and your family out on the trails!
6 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
May/June 2021 Edition
CARPE TERRA TREAD VICTORIOUSLY
THE NEW RAZR XT
FREE DIGITAL
SUBSCRIPTION! WWW.UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
UTV Off-Road Magazine // Issue 88 // May/Jun 2021 Publisher: Bradley Howe - bradley@utvoffroadmag.com Editor-in-Chief: Lance Schwartz - Lance@utvoffroadmag.com
Feature Editor: Cody Hooper - cody@utvoffroadmag.com
Art Direction: Handsome Rabbit - handsomerabbit.com
Advertising Sales: Mary Hannah Hardcastle – mh@utvoffroadmag.com
The Collective R + D Katie Dudek - katie@thecollectiverd.com Ashley Roberts - ashley@thecollectiverd.com
Website Director: Eric Boughner - Information Technologies Contributing Editors: Greg Thomas
Contributing Photographers: Adam Campbell, Harlen Foley
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE® is published bi-monthly (6 times a year) by Howe Media, Inc. Reprinting in whole or by any means- electronic, graphic or mechanical, including photocopying or information storage and retrieval systems is forbidden without written permission from the publisher. 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. Do not drink and drive while operating a UTV. We also encourage you to “Tread Lightly” while respecting the outdoors and other outdoor enthusiasts. Use your head and enjoy the ride.
©Howe Media, Inc.
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30x10.00R14 32x10.00R14 30x10.00R15 32x10.00R15 33x10.00R15
APACHE A/T ■
Steel belted radial construction
■
Rugged 8-ply-rated carcass
■
Our most technically advanced SxS offering
May/June 2021 Edition
10 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
UTV REVIEW
RMAX
ADVENTURE Finding inner peace with a 320-mile excursion in Yamaha’s beloved RMAX 1000 STORY/PHOTOS: CODY HOOPER
T
he Arizona desert can be a cruel, unforgiving place. Featuring thousands of square miles of sprawling rocky landscapes with temperatures reaching well over 120 degrees in the summer months, it is a place thought uninhabitable by many. For those in the off-road community, Arizona is a dream destination: mountainous landscapes lead into massive low-desert valleys, with lakes miraculously placed like mirages in the basin of the sandy desert floor. Lately, we have been spending quite a bit of seat time in Yamaha’s new Wolverine RMAX 1000. First tested in our January/February 2021 Issue (link here), the RMAX 1000 was an instant hit with all of our testers. From hauling camera gear to weekend chores, trips up the rocky canyons of Jawbone to fire-road rallies in California City, the RMAX delivers the goods. This made for an easy choice when Yamaha rang our offices and asked if we were up for a threeday excursion across the Arizona backcountry –
“Yes” was our only response! 12 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2021 YAMAHA RMAX ADVENTURE
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 13
With three Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 units at our disposal, we got a good feel for each trim level. They’re all fantastic, but we would definitely recommend optioning for the D-mode throttle controller. The two-seat XTR model was our favorite of the group to drive. Deep silt makes a mess, but it doesn’t even slow the RMAX down.
We began our trip by meeting for a quick dinner and briefing the evening before departure in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. There, we met our trail guide, Casey Cordeiro. Casey had been carefully mapping and prerunning this 300+ mile trail loop for months, choosing the optimal lines across the Arizona wilderness for maximum fun (and sightseeing). At 8 AM Tuesday morning, we met at base camp, which was situated at the Mohave Trail head. There, we began loading three Yamaha RMAX 1000 units with all our food, water, camera gear, clothing, and camping supplies necessary for the trip. The first unit, which was most heavily loaded down, was a 2021 RMAX 4 LE with the rear seats in the stowed position. Once the
seats are moved forward and out of the way, the cargo area of the RMAX 4 opens up into a massive space. It was large enough to fit a massive amount of gear, as shown by the checklist image below.The other two RMAX units that came on our trip were two-seat models. One was a base RMAX that had been upgraded with various Yamaha accessories and the Yamaha D-mode throttle controller. The other was an XTR model, and all three had 30-inch tires mounted so the spare tires would work for any car in the group. Setting off, we headed southeast towards our first stop, a place aptly named “Window Rock”- a formation carved by wind and desert grit that looks like it belongs under the ocean. After a quick hike to the top Founder’s Cabin, or better known as the Dollar Cabin, is a remote place to stop and have lunch or relax in the shade. If you look hard enough, you’ll likely find a name you recognize written on a dollar bill here.
Here’s a small screenshot of our camping inventory – it’s a good idea to make a list of items you’ll need on the trail beforehand. We weren’t left wanting for anything during our 3-day trip! 14 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
RMAX ADVENTURE 950 SPORT 2021 CFMOTO YAMAHA ZFORCE to stretch our legs, we hopped back in the RMAX units for a rip out to Dollar Cabin, also known as Founder’s Cabin. The trail sections that linked these two destinations took us across wide-open sandwashes, tight two-track, and eventually deep into a cove in one of the main riverbeds. We stopped at Dollar Cabin to have lunch, tag our own souvenir dollar for the trip, and chatted with some other riders that were there from Michigan, enjoying a break from the snow back home. With the units loaded back up, we set off for two more mining cabin destinations that day- McGuffie Cabin, which is about 25 miles from the nearest highway as the crow flies, and a remote hunt-
ing cabin just off of the coast of Alamo Lake. McGuffie’s cabin sits nestled in a rocky canyon in wild burro country, positioned Southeast of an old copper, gold, and silver mine. It would have been quite the accomplishment to trek all of the materials to this spot in order to build the cabin, especially since it was built back around the 1960s. Towards the evening of our first day on the trail, with about 80 miles on the trip meter, we made it to our riverbed camp spot along Alamo Lake. Here, we parked the RMAX units for the night, and proceeded to set up camp for our overnight stay. We brought along gear from the outdoor gurus at Klymit and Camp Chef to make
things a little easier. Klymit is a high-end adventure gear company that supplies serious camping gear for ourdoor enthusiasts that are concerned with their gear weight and size. The Maxfield tents we took on our trip are pricey, but they are incredibly strong and fold up into a surprisingly small, lightweight package. We paired the Maxfield tent with Klymit’s Static V inflatable sleeping pad, KSB 15 sleeping bag and Drift Camp memory foam pillow. This combination was extremely comfortable in the mild Arizona weather, allowing us to sleep with the rain fly left off to enjoy a sky full of beautiful, bright stars. Look for more on our Klymit camping gear in a future issue!
McGuffie Cabin still stands today, nestled in the hills far from civilization. Inside, appliances and furniture are still whole, as this place has been largely respected by off-roaders who visit.
A beautiful view of Alamo Lake complimented the view at our first-night camp spot.
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 15
UTV REVIEW
High-end gear like the Klymit kit we took with us on this trip is definitely nice to have, but you don’t always have to drop big coin to camp with your UTV. Thanks to Klymit, we were comfortable camping trailside and could easily pack four tents and all our gear with us. Sometimes packing tighter and lighter is necessary, which is why high-end gear like Klymit’s makes sense.
Camp Chef’s Rainier Grill and Sherpa table organizer make packing in all of your food prep items very simple. We were able to fit all of our cooking utensils and equipment in the Sherpa organizer, complete with a flat top grill and coffee pot!
16 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2021 YAMAHA RMAX ADVENTURE Here you can see just how much stuff is able to be crammed into the back of an RMAX 4: pictured here are a Yeti 45 quart cooler, Camp Chef Rainier grill and Sherpa organizer, four Klymit tents, sleeping bags, pillows, sleeping pads, and folding chairs, personal and camera gear for two, 6 gallons of water, a 50 quart tub filled with tools, a full medic kit and two tripods.
The McCracken Mine is home to yet another cabin in great condition – besides the obvious wear and tear from being left out in the elements, these buildings are well taken care of and house lots of interesting items to look at.
The next morning, we awoke to the sound of wild burros braying near the tents, signaling it was time to pack up and cook breakfast. Our guide broke out a full Camp Chef Sherpa collapsible table and organizer, complete with a grill and griddle. After bacon, eggs and coffee trailside, we loaded our camping gear back into the RMAX units and headed off for day two on the trail, which would be our
longest mileage day. We got on the trail early and headed to the shores of Alamo Lake for a pre-planned fuel stop at Wayside Oasis RV park, which was only a 15 or so mile cruise from our camping spot. Day two had us heading for McCracken Mine, a massive operation founded in 1874 that still houses a ton of inactive mining equipment and lodging. We traversed over 130 miles of trail on
day two, ranging from tight desert sand wash to shale hill climbs and everything in between. One of the highlights from this trail day was the quiet, desolate stop we made in Signal Ghost town, just outside of Wikieup, Arizona. Here, we found a cemetery, multiple mining cabins and old building foundations, and some active properties where relatives of those who mined here long ago still reside. UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 17
UTV REVIEW
The RMAX loves mountain trails, especially when loaded down with a little gear. The absence of a rear swaybar on 2 seat models makes articulation incredibly smooth.
After exploring the washes and desert basins near Signal and making the climb to McCracken Mine, we filled up the RMAX tanks in Wikieup and headed up in elevation for our second night stay, this time at the Hualapai Mountain Lodge. We were greeted by one of the longest, smoothest graded-road climbs I have ever seen, climbing 4,000+ feet to the lodge up in the hills. Here, we
got our first big weather swing and scenery change, as the yucca and cactus-filled basins slowly turned to pine trees and conifers. The last few miles of trail before the lodge were spectacular, filled with rocky, cliffside hill climbs that snaked up the side of the mountain. The RMAX really shines here, as no amount of articulation or off-camber crawling seemed to phase the big Wolverine.
At the Hualapai Mountain Lodge, you can pull your UTV up and park it right in front of your room. With a general store and a restaurant on-site, this is a great destination for UTV adventures.
This mountain ridge line running from the Hualapai mountains to Boriana Mine is incredible, as it runs along the very peak of this mountain range for what seems like 20 miles.
At the Boriana Mine, the RMAX units look tiny alongside the decrepit mining equipment. 18 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2021 YAMAHA RMAX ADVENTURE We ended day two with a fantastic dinner, a much-welcomed shower, and a good night’s sleep at the Hualapai Mountain Lodge. This spot is ATV/UTV friendly, but they do not have a gas pump, so bringing your own fuel is recommended. After filling up the RMAX units one last time, we began our third and final day, a 110-mile stretch back to base camp on a single tank of fuel. We started the morning off with a climb through the trees to the top of an endless ridgeline road, taking us along the top of the Hualapai mountains towards Boriana Mine.
We trusted Rugged Radios V3 handheld radios for communications on our trip. Using their Moto Max Kit (Part number MHKIT-V3), we were able to wire the radios up to any helmet to make hands-free communication on the trail a blast. The kit retails for under $300 and can talk car-to-car with handheld VHF or in-dash radios.
This retired mine site is massive, sprawling up and down levels of the mountainsides with plenty of old equipment, cars, and tailings to explore. The Boriana Mine was one of the largest tungsten-producing mines in the early 1900s, and operated up until around 1980 when it succumbed to old age and lack of new investment. Many of the old rigging is still in place, offering lots to see and learn here. Upon setting off from Boriana Mine, we made our way down the valley center towards Cedar, Arizona, where we would make our final mine stop on the trip.
Three RMAX UTVs, four people, and 320 miles of the most beautiful two-track trail Arizona has to offer. This is what dreams are made of!
The final trail day took us across some of the most scenic parts of our trip- large rock formations that are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon lined both sides of the trail as we blazed through marvelous sand wash and mountain road trails. The RMAX units did not skip a beat the entire trip, bringing us back to base camp and rounding out our 317.5 mile round-trip without so much as a flat tire.
Our guide used Leadnav to plot this whole journey, then uploaded the GPX files to the Adventure Pro GPS units in the RMAX so we could all have waypoint markers along the way. During our 3-day stint in the RMAX, we crossed many parts of the Arizona Peace Trail, a massive trail system that covers hundreds of off-road miles through the AZ backcountry.
We learned a lot about Yamaha’s new RMAX 2 and 4 over our 300+ mile journey in just three short days, and our initial review opinions have only been made stronger with more seat time. The RMAX is a UTV built to tackle anything you can throw at it, while keeping its occupants comfortable, safe, and smiling. Plentiful power, plush suspension, and legendary durability come together to pro-
duce one of our favorite UTVs of this year, and one that should be on every adventurer’s wishlist. Yamaha installs a badge on the center console of the RMAX that reads “Proven OffRoad”, and it earned the right on our journey. No matter what the trail throws at you, the RMAX will take you to some amazing places, allowing you to Realize Your Adventure in your own way. UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 19
BUILD SHEET
CAN-AM
MAVE
BAJA PRE STORY: CODY HOOPER PHOTOS: DREW RUIZ
I
t's no secret that we enjoy our time in Baja. Our Publisher, Bradley Howe, who shares driving duties with the Monster Can-Am Race Team, relies heavily on his 2020 CanAm Maverick X3 Xrs Turbo RR for pre-running the course at the Score-International World Off-Road Championship Series. Extensive preparation and
great quality products are the key to any successful adventure, but even more so for the rough, desolate terrain that Baja offers. You must be ready for anything. Here are the products that have helped this Maverick conquer over 5,000 miles of Baja pre-running and stay tuned to utvoffroadmag. com for updates throughout the 2021 season.
Click here for video highlights from the 2021 Score Baja 250.
20 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2020 CAN AM MAVERICK X3 XRS TURBO RR
ERICK
X3 Xrs XRS X3
E-RUNNER
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 21
23 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
BUILD SHEET UPPER FRONT CONTROL ARMS
ARD
$1,333.75
LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARMS
ARD
$957.43
TRAILING ARMS
ARD
$2,303.65
RACE UPPER RADIUS RODS
ARD
$479.38
RACE MIDDLE RADIUS RODS
ARD
$479.38
RACE LOWER RADIUS RODS
ARD
$479.38
RADIUS ROD DOUBLE SHEER PLATE
ARD
$133.33
NUT PLATE KIT
ARD
$200.00
SIDEWINDER MIRRORS
ASSAULT
$299.99
FRONT SWAYBAR LINKS
ASSAULT
$129.99
REAR SWAYBAR LINKS
ASSAULT
$139.99
SQUADRON PRO AMBER LIGHTS
BAJA DESIGN
$209.95 EACH
LINQ PIVOTING RACK
CAN-AM
$469.99
ADVENTURE ROOF RACK
CAN-AM
$549.99
HIGH POSITIVE BEADLOCK WHEELS
OMF
$649 EACH
EAGLE PHOENIX AIR JACK
PRO EAGLE
$649 EACH
1.5 GALLON FUEL CANS
ROLLPAX
$169.95
RADIO / INTERCOM KIT
RUGGED RADIOS
$1,641.00
SHOCK GUARDS
SEALSAVERS
$39.95 PAIR
RHINO 2.0 AXLES
SUPERATV
$229.95 EACH
RT320 TIRES
SYSTEM 3 OFF-ROAD
$187 EACH
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 23
PRODUCT REVIEW
RUGGED RADIOS RRP242 MOBILE INTERCOM Powered by battery or 12V, this mobile intercom allows you and a passenger to converse just about anywhere.
M
any of us enjoy UTV outings with someone in the passenger seat. Whether it’s a significant other, family member, friend, or kid, it’s nice to be able to chat along the ride. As UTVs become more popular, so do radio communication and intercom systems. Rugged Radios is a tried and true name in the coms industry, and as the owner describes, “If you want to talk where there’s loud ambient noise, we have you covered”. Most systems require hard-mounting and wiring the intercom into the vehicle, which is a very permanent solution, albeit the cleanest and most reliable one. For those looking for a less expensive, portable way to talk to a passenger, the RRP242 delivers. In our line of work, we can be in and out of multiple UTVs in a single day, often times back-to-back for testing purposes. We have been putting some miles on our RRP242, first using it during a DP4 Offroad race in Johnson Valley, California. It allowed us to communicate with a passenger via helmet-mounted speakers and microphones (sold separately) no matter what car we were in. Installation is quite simple: the RRP242 can be used with either two 9V batteries (not included), or the supplied 12V adapter. An auxiliary cord is included as well, allowing you to pump your own music into your headsets. When you or your passenger presses their PTT (Push To Talk) button on the radio or keys the mic via voice, the music will automatically fade to allow clear communication. It’s all very seamless and easy to use. We found that using the VOX knob to fine-tune voice activation was easy, but we wish there was a way to lock the knob so it didn’t get bumped during the ride. Finding a spot to put the RRP242 is pretty easy in most UTVs, but we recommend buying a small bag or dust-resistant box to 24 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
keep it clean on the trail. You will need to purchase cables separately, and we recommend rugged’s CS-OFF-6 cable. This 6 foot intercom cable is the perfect length to run from the RRP242 to your helmet lead. For the helmet speaker and microphone kit, we recommend Rugged’s HK-OFSP-AA Alpha Audio headset kit. It offers clear communications and easy installation, but we do recommend using a hot glue gun to secure the headset kit to the interior of the helmet.
Rugged’s RRP242 allows inter-passenger communication without the cost or commitment of a dash-mounted, hardwired system.
Voice clarity is great with this little powerhouse, and it comes pre-wired to adapt to a 2 way radio, should you want to expand your communication capabilities to include other vehicles as well. Rugged Radios has a massive amount of options available, so visit their brand-new website linked below to shop by vehicle, use, industry, product type, or more. Their website makes finding parts easy, and their phone staff is always helpful. If you want to talk in loud ambient noise, this portable RRP242 intercom is worth every penny!
RRP242 Intercom: $349 CS-OFF-6 intercom cables: $45 ea HK-OFSP-AA Offroad Wired Helmet Communications Kit: $105 ea
www.RuggedRadios.com
Matt Burroughs Monster Energy's Championship winning
RT320
Can-Am X3 MAX
Sizes 28”- 35”
Race-ready, non-directional mixed terrain design 8-ply rated carcass is lightweight and features a wide contact patch High-mileage rubber compound for long life Our products are sold through authorized dealerships and online retailers through the exclusive distribution of Tucker Powersports. Ask your favorite vendor about System 3 products.
JACKSON RACING
HONDA TALON 130 MILES FLAT-OUT IN A BONE-STOCK TALON WITH A JACKSON RACING TURBO KIT
STORY: CODY HOOPER PHOTOS: DREW RUIZ
O
ccasionally, we get to drive a car that we
modifying Honda cars and bikes in the 1970s and
just cannot pry ourselves out of. That
have gone on to win races and championships in
bug struck particularly hard during our
multiple racing disciplines from SCORE Off Road
noticeably short stint with this 2021 Honda Talon R Live Valve complete with a Jackson Racing
to Ice Racing, SCCA and World Rally.
Aside from the Jackson Racing Turbo decals, this
turbo kit. We took delivery of the car with only its
car is stealth. The giant air-to-air intercooler and
break-in miles on the odometer, the whole thing
fan assembly are tucked neatly under the bed, so
smelling like fresh rubber and showroom shine.
far up that you can’t see it unless you duck under a
The quality of the Jackson Racing turbo kit
fender. The turbo manifold mounting rod is about
is near flawless, as it should be for a company
the only piece of the kit that doesn’t look like an
whose expertise lies in high-budget, OEM backed
OEM piece, only because it’s a billet rod finished in
worldwide racing efforts. Jackson Racing is a
a slick black anodizing. Turn the key, and this Talon
company with a lot of history, and specifically a
purrs to life like a stock car. Heck, at low speeds, it
lot of history with Honda. Jackson Racing started
feels identical to a factory car.
26 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2021 HONDA TALON 1000R TURBO LIVE-VALVE
N
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 27
Jackson Racing’s bolt-on kit is an aftermarket add-on that can be purchased through many dealers or online. It is 50-state legal, meaning even Californians can purchase the kit, and installs in 4-8 hours depending on your skill level with a wrench. It costs $5,799 and includes absolutely everything you will need to turn your non-turbo Honda Talon 1000R or X into a fully-fledged, fire-breathing turbo monster. Jackson racing claims a 60% increase in horsepower, which equates to an additional 55 or so horsepower at the tire. On a vehicle that makes around 90 wheel horsepower in naturally aspirated trim, this is a massive jump in power, and it feels every bit of 60% stronger. Jackson Racing tunes the ECU as well as the transmission control module for the Talon’s dualclutch automatic. It is the symmetry in tuning between these components that really delivers the goods with this kit. Acceleration and shift timing are so perfectly matched that we spent 5 minutes in manual shift mode before switching back to Sport Auto and leaving it there for the remainder of our drive. The car is always in the right gear, ready to pin you back in the seat and rocket to the next corner. Driving the Talon 1000R with the Jackson Racing turbo kit is a lot like riding a fast sport ATV or dirtbike. Its strength lies in its corner-to-corner acceleration ability. It absolutely jumps out of the hole, often scrambling for traction until well past 60 mph. We longed for a taller tire or overall gear with the turbo kit installed, as the Talon rips right up to an indicated 76 mph and hits a speed-governed wall. When it hooks, it pushes you back into the seat every bit as hard as a Maverick Turbo R and makes a lot crazier noises while doing so. The combination of turbo spool, engine RPM, boost dumping and pops on full throttle upshifts turn the Talon R into an all-encompassing rally experience. Power is only as good as the chassis it is harnessed in, and for this iteration, Jackson Racing picked the right base model to work with. Honda’s 2021 Talon 1000R with Live Valve is a riot off the 28 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2021 HONDA TALON 1000R TURBO LIVE-VALVE showroom floor, delivering a strong balance of acceleration performance, usability, reliability, and suspension compliance. The JR Turbo kit does not throw that balance off, but rather enhances it- the Talon’s reflexes seem sharper in every dimension, and the chassis takes to the extra power and momentum very well. We opted to weight the bed down, as the Talon in stock form bucks and deflects a bit when fully unloaded. With about 70 pounds in the bed, we achieved a good mix of compliance and bottoming resistance. The Talon is a great braker, which allows you to really throw it deep into a corner and set the front end. With the extra power, the car weight transfers a little better, pivoting on the outside tire under throttle. Whether you roll on the throttle or mash
it, the engine comes to life with no hesitation and no hiccups. It is all power, all the time, and it ramps up in a hurry, allowing you to lighten the front end or wheelie over crests if you keep your foot in it. We came away incredibly impressed with the Jackson Racing turbo kit. While a turbo kit is a large investment for most UTV owners, this is one that we can wholly recommend, as it transforms the driving experience of the Talon and is designed with long-term durability in mind. While Honda does not sanction the turbo kit installation officially, the end product you get is on par with OEM parts. Check with your local Honda dealership to see if they are a Jackson Racing dealer, and for some great information on the turbo kit, click here:
Talon.JacksonRacing.com | Price: $5,799.00
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 29
PRODUCT REVIEW
A powerful tool for the tuner, whether professional or not
PV3: $399.99 Wideband Kit: $349.99 | The Power Vision 3 is a great tool. It offers up to 16 channels of data monitoring in real-time, as well as push-button datalogging. | The PV3 also has a builtin code reader, allowing you to diagnose engine trouble codes.
For more information, go online to
DynoJet.com or call the experts at (800) 992-4993! 30 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
P
icture this- a plug-andplay device that nets you 10 additional wheel horsepower on a bone-stock N/A car, a cooler-running engine, and infinite tuning capabilities for future engine modifications. Now, picture that unit at a price of less than $400. Meet DynoJet’s Power Vision 3, the latest in a long line of engine control computers from the EFI masters themselves. With multiple tuning options on the market, sometimes it is hard to pick the right device for your closed-course or competition-use-only UTV. There are many reputable tuning companies that offer packages for the consumer looking for ease of installation, but not many devices that allow a user to make large tuning adjustments themselves. DynoJet prefers a different approach- they will gladly sell you a pre-tuned module, but they will also allow you to download and use their Power Core software to datalog and make adjustments to your tunes. During our testing, we worked on a custom map with the exhaust gurus at HMF Racing for our YXZ1000R. Using HMF’s full Performance Series Blackout exhaust and the DynoJet Power Vision 3, we datalogged and reformed the map until we had a solid-running unit making about 20 wheel horsepower over stock. We used DynoJet’s
$349.99 “WB-PV22-1” Yamaha Wideband Kit for Power Vision 3 to read air/fuel trims during data logging. Note that if you would like to read air/fuel trims with the PV3, you will need to purchase the correct wideband adapter for your machine, as it is sold separately. The user interface on the PV3 is very easy to understand, and the installation couldn’t be easier- it’s one plug and play cable. The PV3 unit can be dash-mounted and used as a gauge or stored, and it has a mini USB port on the side for easy connection to a laptop. Once connected to a computer, you can load or edit maps and data logs using some of the most powerful tuning software available to the public. If you’re the type that used to rejet your own carburetors and likes to turn wrenches, or you just want to learn more about how your engine’s fuel management system works, the Power Vision 3 is a great, inexpensive place to start. The Power Vision 3 can hold multiple maps, and it only takes a few minutes to tune the car. It’s easy enough to do trailside if you are so inclined, but we found ourselves using the DynoJet PV3 for an additional gauge when driving, and only updated the tune files when we made revisions. The highcontrast screen is easy to see even in daylight, and the unit itself is built fairly tough.
UTV BUILD
GREEN LIN THE THIN
Promoting environmental resource protection through OHV adventures
RZ
BYLINE: LT. JOHN NORES JR. (RET.)
Prelude: June 2013 - Soloing the Baja 500 Pure excitement was all I could feel when finally seeing the city lights of Ensenada through the dust and silt generated by the handful of trophy trucks and race buggies ahead of me. Knowing those lights marked the finish line and I was close to conquering one of my most challenging and dangerous objectives to date, adrenaline kicked in again. Just shy of 16 hours into soloing the SCORE International Baja 500 race on a Yamaha YFZ450, I was less than an hour from being the first solo ATV rider to successfully finish the race. I had attempted this solo endeavor in 2010 and missed reaching the finish line in time by a heartbreaking 22 minutes, due to a race ending crash and breakdown close to this very spot. The
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mix of emotions in that moment were intense. Exhausted, yet exhilarated, I navigated the final miles of the course as Jeff (my life-long buddy, Baja racing teammate and excellent rider that soloed the 2010 Baja 500 in record time on his motorcycle) followed me in. Jeff had my back as we crossed the finish line together, sharing in the victory as the checker flag dropped well before the 22-hour deadline. Successfully soloing the Baja 500 and getting that monkey off my back was one of two lifetime accomplishments in 2013 I will be eternally grateful for. While I didn’t realize it at the time, that would be my last Baja race because of a much more significant and relevant development a month later.
2020 POLARIS RZR XP PRO ULTIMATE
NE
ZR
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 33
UTV BUILD
July 2013: The Thin Green Line goes special ops Within a few weeks of the Baja adventure, another significant event was taking place in my life. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s launched a new “Marijuana Enforcement Team” (MET) pilot program throughout the Golden State of California, with a Delta sniper unit shortly following. Being the co-founder and team leader of those units (and the 24/7 commitment required from all of us at the time), most everything else outside of family duties was sidelined, including Baja races. The MET’s development, and operations have been featured in previous issues of Recoil and Recoil Off Grid. My latest book, titled “Hidden War”, covers the MET’s development and first six years in operation. In a nutshell, the MET is a conservation/special operations unit comprised of highly trained and skilled game wardens, K9’s and snipers that was developed specifically to combat the drug cartels that operate illegally within US borders. Those cartel operations threaten our public’s safety and decimate our wildlife, wildland and waterway resources throughout the US.
March 2020: The Recoil Thin Green Line RZR – Expanding Conservation Outreach Since retiring from active duty in December of 2018, I have continued to promote the challenging, dangerous, and important work that these units do to protect America’s public and environmental resources from cartel destruction and other environmental threats. Besides current and conventional outreach mediums, an exciting and unconventional way of unifying and educating our nation’s outdoor enthusiasts has developed – the Thin Green Line RZR! With the generous support of a diverse mix of sponsors (Recoil, Recoil Off Grid, Recoil TV, Polaris, Montana Power Products in Libby, 34 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2020 POLARIS RZR XP PRO ULTIMATE Montana, Stitch2 wrap, Gun Digest, VNIVES, OMF Performance Products, XTC Motorsports, Hayes Taxidermy Studio, KUIU Ultralight Hunting, Allterra Arms, Kestrel Ballistics, Nosler Inc., LAG Tactical holsters, Triumph Systems reactive targets, Glock Inc., Sig Sauer, Eotech, American Zealot Productions and Hill Shadow Pictures) the Thin Green Line Polaris 2020 XP Pro Ultimate RZR was born. With age comes a cage, and after riding and racing ATVs for decades, it’s exciting to be in the caged cockpit of one of the most hi-tech and capable production side by sides on the market. The TGL RZR will be used throughout the US at conservation, second amendment, patriotic, veteran, LEO, other first-responder and charity fundraiser events. We will be there to represent, educate and promote Thin Green Line topics as they relate to protection of our nation’s wildlife and environmental resources. The RZR will also be featured in upcoming episodes of our Thin Green Line film series.
The Recoil Thin Green Line RZR Exterior – Bold look and essential survival accessories Starting with a stock RZR XP Pro Ultimate, a few immediate changes were necessary before our sponsors at Stitch2Wrap draped the RZR in vinyl. To keep the RZR hidden from any unwanted attention, all red and other bright-colored accents were removed and coated matte black. When looking at the before and after photos, the transition is incredible. The transformed exterior of the TGL RZR is beautiful, with thin green line features throughout. The wrap team did a beautiful job building bold TGL American flags on both the driver and passenger doors, with both flags appropriately facing forward. The rest of the machine is wrapped with a black multi-cam base color to make our sponsor’s graphics contrast and pop. Some sponsor graphics retain their original UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 35
UTV BUILD
look and colors, while some were changed up to tactical color schemes to blend and contrast nicely with the matt black and OD green dark multi-cam base colors. The thin green line American flag punisher image is prominent on the center of the RZR’s hood cowling and placed subtly on other parts of the interior and exterior of the machine. This is nostalgic, since the TGL flag image is a former MET unit logo and honors our worldwide conservation warriors fighting to stop wildlife resource destruction. The TGL flag punisher graphic is also on all five wheels (counting the full size spare and TGL bead lock wheel mounted strategically above the rear truck and cargo box area of the machine) centered cleanly on the hub cap of each Pro Armor bead lock tire and wheel combination. Each black bead lock ring on all five wheels has also been treated in a matching green color to match other TGL features on the RZR. Other external accessories added include full doors, a fully-wrapped poly roof, Rigid 32-inch LED flood/spot combination light, and Rigid Ignite cube lights for added illumination behind the RZR. Other essential additions are the quick detachable front and rear poly wind shields (critical in the colder months here in the Pacific Northwest), Polaris’s 4500-pound winch, and convex rearview and adjustable folding side mirrors. The side mirrors are sleek, compact, easily adjustable. For RZR protection in rough and rocky terrain, we added Polaris’s lower profile front and rear bumper systems, as well as a set of their low-profile rock sliders below each door. These lower profile protectors yield a sleek profile for the machine and look great wrapped in the black multi-cam color. With protected storage critical in a small two door side-by-side, we added Polaris’ durable 70 liter and 40-liter polymer front and rear cargo boxes in the trunk area of the TGL RZR, with the smaller 40-liter integrated box working as a cooler when needed. Both boxes are modular and quickly attach and detach from the bed with Lock N Ride clamps. Between the two cargo containers, I am able to fit 36 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
enough food, sleeping bags, and other survival supplies to sustain a multiday overland journey in comfort.
The Thin Green Line RZR Interior – High tech styling and comfort When sitting behind the wheel in the TGL RZR’s cockpit, the styling and ergonomics of this machine are impressive. The nicely padded seats are comfortable and four-point racing harness restraints are beefy, padded, and secure. After turning the key and firing up the fuel injected turbo charged 181 horsepower motor, the array of dashboard lighting and demo images on the LCD screen sparks an instant grin. The controls are almost as elaborate and every bit as well laid out as my Gen 2 Ford Raptor, with a gauge selection button and volume controls built into the steering wheel for the sub-woofer enhanced Bluetooth and USB accessory capable sound system. For the passenger, a comfortable
2020 POLARIS RZR XP PRO ULTIMATE
and confidence-inspiring grab bar that is fully adjustable for length of pull sits just under the dashboard. Also on the steering wheel are control buttons for the three Dynamix suspension settings including comfort (soft for smooth to moderate speed road conditions), sport (most off-road conditions at moderate speeds) and firm (rough terrain, high speed conditions). Next to these suspension control buttons is a separate red “lockout” emergency button that instantly locks the Fox Live Valve suspension system to its firmest setting regardless of suspension status at the time of lock out. Used for emergencies when operators get in over their heads on rough terrain or when catching air and separating the RZR from the ground, this lockout activation ensures the safest and most controllable outcome for the conditions. Other tech features included are a Polaris Ride Command system featuring in-dash GPS, front and rear cameras, Bluetooth phone integration, audio controls, active suspension dynamics for the Fox
Live Valve suspension system and a wide array of other customizable screens. The group ride (cellbased or GPS based) communication feature is great, and the topographic mapping, bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity are useful. Other features include AM/FM and weather radio, invehicle communications with optional headsets, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with two tweeters, two front mid-range speakers and external 400W amp to drive your sound. A benefit of Polaris machines is their wide range of OEM accessories and, for the 2020 RZR specifically, the list is massive. Along with the external cargo boxes, we added essential storage compartments throughout the interior. The formed and carbon fiber-look door pockets are stylish, spacious and hold an array of essentials. My Sig Sauer .300 ACC Blackout Rattler pistol with Sig Romeo RDS optic and 30 round magazine fit in the pocket snugly while allowing enough space for a smooth and efficient draw should it be necessary.
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 37
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The Thin Green Line RZR – On and off-road performance All the technology and design features of the TGL RZR add up to more than just an eye-catching show pony, as this machine is an absolute blast to ride. Up here in Montana we can license our OHV’s and run them on the street as well as off road, so the true test of how the TGL RZR handles and performs was conducted over various terrain, ranging from paved streets to desert sand based terrain, rocky and rutted mountains everything in between. The machine performs well in all of these conditions. The TGL RZR’s powertrain has more power on tap than needed in most conditions and a power curve that is snappy, but linear enough to be predictable and controllable when speeds climb quickly. The machine sticks to the ground exceptionally when you need it to, even at high speed in rough, uneven terrain. The shift-on-the-fly two wheel and four-
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wheel drive modes are quick and smooth during transition and this beast can climb just about any incline when the rear differential is locked and the machine is locked in low range. These handling qualities are largely due to the incredible Live Valve Fox suspension system on the TGL RZR. By using electronic vehicle sensors, Live Valve instantly adapts the machine’s suspension performance to ideally match the terrain, speed and conditions driven at any given moment while maximizing handling, comfort, and bottom-out resistance. Regardless of the suspension mode the machine is in, the Live Valve system is constantly reading the terrain and vehicle’s sensors to make nano-second changes in real time. After hammering through rough terrain at high speeds and hardly feeling the big bumps, I was amazed at how effective and smooth the machine handled with this suspension system.
2020 POLARIS RZR XP PRO ULTIMATE The Thin Green Line RZR: Expanding the conservation network As my friend, TGL film series sponsor and OMF Performance Products founder Tim Orchard recently pointed out, the TGL RZR project is an effective tool in spreading our message. It broadens conservation education and outreach beyond the traditional groups within the firearms, hunting, angling and tactical communities to previously unaware groups, in this case the offroad OHV and racing community. While Tim has recently become an avid hunter and worldwide conservationist, his background has always been within the off-road racing community. Here in our industry exist millions of outdoor enthusiasts that are largely unaware of the threats to our public and wildlife resources that the cartels represent stateside. Our goal is to spread awareness to help educate off-road enthusiasts and protect our nation’s wildlife, wildlands and pristine water sources. The TGL RZR will expand the message while helping unify outdoor recreating groups in all areas for the good of us all.
Editor’s Note: John’s book, Hidden War, can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million (BAM). John is an avid conservationist that is fighting to promote a cause not many of us even know exists, so find out more at www.JohnNores.com! UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 39
UTV BUILD
KYLE CHANEY'S KOH-WINNI
MAVERICK X3 STORY: CODY HOOPER PHOTOS: DREW RUIZ
TURBO R
2 RACE WINS. 1 CAR. 0 MECHANICAL FAILURES. CHANEY RACING’S X3 PROGRAM IS DIALED!
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2020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 TURBO RR
ING
3
RR
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 41
UTV BUILD
BUILD SHEET CHASSIS
FACTORY CHASSIS MODIFIED BY CT RACE WORX
CALL FOR PRICING
A-ARMS
CT RACE WORX
$1,500
UPRIGHTS/ KNUCKLES FRONT:
FACTORY KNUCKLE W/ DIRT LAUNCH POWERSPORTS PERFORMANCE KNUCKLE KIT
$300 PER SIDE
UPRIGHTS/ KNUCKLES REAR:
HESS MOTORSPORTS BILLET KNUCKLES
$750 PER SIDE
TRAILING ARMS
CT RACE WORX
CALL FOR PRICING
RADIUS RODS
CT RACE WORX
$925
SHOCKS
FOX WITH NOST INTERNALS
CALL FOR PRICING
SKID PLATE
FACTORY UTV
$878
SWAYBAR
E2R (DOUBLE E RACING)
$649
STEERING RACK
FACTORY
-
AXLES/CV’S
FACTORY
-
TIRES
MAXXIS ROXZILLA 35X10X15
$230 EACH (APPROXIMATELY)
WHEELS
METAL FX HITMAN 2-PIECE BEADLOCK RACE WHEEL
CALL FOR PRICING
TIRE SEALANT
MONSTER SEAL
STARTS AT $19.99
BRAKES
FACTORY
-
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2020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 TURBO RR The fact that the Optima Batteries King of the Hammers 2021 race happened was a man-made miracle. Despite the world coming to a grinding halt last year thanks to Covid-19, event organizers were able to work overtime to meet the demands of one of the strictest state governments in the US and pull off what many thought was impossible: getting Hammertown up and running in the age of social distancing. With Hammertown in place, Kyle Chaney and his crew traveled across the US from Ohio to California to take on one of the toughest
rock races in existence. He and his co-driver lined up for three races during the week of the Hammers, taking home the gold medal in two of them, and finishing 11th overall in the big King of the Hammers 4400 race against the baddest rock-racing cars on the planet. We caught up with Kyle for a little Q&A, and picked his brain on a full build sheet for his massively successful Can-Am Maverix X3 Turbo RR. Congratulations Kyle, Can-Am, and the Chaney Racing team on winning the Toyo Desert Challenge and the UTV King of the Hammers 2021!
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 43
UTV BUILD AIR FILTER
FACTORY
-
FRONT DIFF
FACTORY
-
DRIVELINE
FACTORY
-
CARRIER BEARING
FACTORY
-
MOTOR MOUNT & TUBE
FACTORY
-
TRANSMISSION
FACTORY
-
TRANSMISSION OIL
FACTORY
-
MOTOR
FACTORY
-
MOTOR OIL
FACTORY
-
FUEL
SUNOCO 110 OCTANE RACE FUEL
AROUND $8.50/ GAL
EXHAUST
EVOLUTION POWERSPORTS
STARTING AT $599
TURBO
FACTORY
-
CLUTCH
FACTORY CLUTCH, G BOOST TECHNOLOGY
$89.95 (ROLLERS)
ELECTRONICS
LOWRANCE HDS 7 LIVE $1,249 BAJA GPS
BATTERIES
ENERGY COIL ECR$489 COMP 1200 AMP COMPETITION BATTERY
RADIO & INTERCOM
PCI
STARTING AT $1,024
LIGHTS
DIODE DYNAMICS STAGE SERIES 50" LIGHT BAR
$480
SEATS
PRP DELTA COMPOSITE $889 EACH COMPETITION SEAT
HARNESSES
PRP 5.3 HARNESS
$139 PER SEAT
FLOORBOARD TRACTION PADS
CT RACE WORX
CALL FOR PRICING
NETS
CT RACE WORX
CALL FOR PRICING
SIDE MIRRORS
CAN-AM
$99.99 EACH
PIT MATS
WALMART
$29 EACH
RACE JACK
PRO EAGLE PHOENIX C02 AIR JACK
$399.99
FLOOR JACK
PRO EAGLE 3 TON BIG $469.99 WHEEL "KRATOS" JACK
DUMP CANS
HUNSAKER 11 GALLON $100 EACH QUIKFILL DUMPCAN (JUG ONLY)
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2020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 TURBO RR
UTVOR: We noticed that you are still running quite a bit of OEM Can-Am driveline parts, even with the massive Maxxis tires in the rocks. Some of your competition chooses to go all-aftermarket, yet your car seemed to hold up extremely well. Are there any secrets to keeping it together? KC: Smooth throttle control and light braking. Be light on the inputs and smooth so you don’t hurt the car. I tend to look real far ahead and start to slow down early. In all 3 races, the only part we broke was a winch line! A lot of times the OE parts are as strong or stronger than aftermarket. UTVOR: What was the one performance modification you made to the car that made the largest difference in your race pace, or at least the one that sticks out the most? KC: Every little thing counts for sure, and it all adds up. We worked really hard on shock setup.
Having a good shock setup that isn’t hard on the car really helped. If you get your suspension set right, it’s easier on the rest of the components. If your car is too stiff, it’s hard on parts. If your car is too soft, it’s hard on parts. If your ride height is set too high or too low, it’s hard on parts. Having the right setup is key. UTVOR: It was clear you came to win this year at Hammers. What is your practice regimen for KOH? KC: Living on the east [far from Hammers], we don’t have rocks like that. We went out October or November testing with Mitchell and Blurton. We have to use our time wisely, as we can’t just run out and test in that environment. We made changes after our prerun, and really got our shocks dialed. I raced the same car in the UTV rock race [King of the Hammers] and 4400, and the crew replaced UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 45
UTV BUILD
46 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
2020 CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 TURBO RR replaced almost the whole driveline between races, even though nothing broke. That includes front differential, axles, belt, center drive shaft and tires. We had to use an aluminum ramp that was tied down to the car to get up the face of Sledge. There was a huge pileup and a line to get over the obstacle, so while we waited I changed out a rear axle that had a tear in the boot just because we had the time. UTVOR: What would you like to improve on the car for next year’s race? KC: We went over the formula with CT Race Worx, and honestly not much will have to change. We will probably add a larger winch for 4400. We will be building another car so we don’t have to use the same car in multiple classes, which will cut down on wrenching time in the pit. It will pretty much a replica of this year’s race-winning car with a few minor adjustments, which we can’t give out! UTVOR: What race are you most excited for in 2021? KC: King of the Hammers is now the race I look forward to most, but as of right now, we are really excited for Crandon, where I race Pro Mod and Pro 4. UTVOR: What would you say is the most important thing to remember when racing? KC:“To finish first, you first have to finish”. That’s a tough one- UTVs have come a long way, but they are still fragile compared to some classes. Keeping the car together is the key. In the 4400 race, we just went out to finish. We didn’t push too hard, because we didn’t think we could compete with the big trucks. Once we were on course, we were passing trucks and buggies left and right. When we started lap 2, we found a good pace and ran up to about 5th physically. We got to Outer Limits, which we didn’t prerun since the UTV race wasn’t running the whole obstacle. When we got to the top, we made a mistake and put the car on its side. It exhausted us completely. Luckily Hunter Miller and Chad Hughes came by and helped us get the car back on the tires. Later, we were able to return the favor when they tipped. It’s crazy how much that race wears you out, even if you don’t have to get out of the car. UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 47
PRODUCT REVIEW
GARMIN TREAD REVIEW
PowerSport Navigator with Ride Radio STORY & PHOTOS: LANCE SCHWARTZ
48 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM
Garmin is a name that is synonymous with adventure! For years, they have been creating products that help folks find and track new experiences. Recently, Garmin introduced a new product called Tread. On the surface, Tread looks like an ordinary off-road GPS unit. However, while definitely offering GPS capability, Tread offers plenty of additional features that put it in a class of its own. After an initial setup, Tread allows users to track members of your group, talk to them, and also integrates the control of some really cool new Garmin accessories! Encapsulated behind the 5.5” IPX7 weather resistant touchscreen is a communication hub that integrates a number of different technologies together. The Tread unit features preloaded topographic and street maps of North America with U.S. Forest Service roads and trails, as well as Motor Vehicle Use Maps for full-sized 4x4s, sideby-side, ATVs and motorcycles. You’ll also have the ability to track public land boundaries for national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), wilderness areas and more. Downloadable high-resolution BirdsEye Satellite Imagery can occur directly via Wi-Fi® connectivity, with no annual subscription required. Furthermore, using the Tread app will allow users to sync waypoints, tracks, routes and collections across your devices, including your mobile device, computer and Tread navigator, as well as import and share GPX files with friends. Additionally, it comes preloaded with iOverlander points of interest and public campground information. One of the highlights of Tread is the ability to integrate group tracking for up to 20 separate riders. Depending on the terrain, this range is typically
good for up to a mile in wooded environments, and up to 2 miles in open terrain. The unit includes a push-to-talk mic that can be used to communicate with the whole group. Tread can also integrate with any Bluetooth headset system. One of the benefits of Tread is that communication can still occur even when no cellular signal is present. The Garmin Tread comes with a mounting system that easily allows the mount to be attached to a roll cage and nicely integrates power and an antenna into the system. The Tread unit can then be quickly attached/detached from the mount. Another unique feature of the Garmin Tread devices is its integration with a few new accessories from Garmin. Through an interface on the Tread unit or with the Tread App on your phone, Tread can control PowerSwitch, Inreach Satellite Communicators, or BC40 wireless cameras. The PowerSwitch is a remote controlled digital switch that can power countless 12v devices. Cycling their power on/off is a simple click away. InReach is Garmin’s satellite communicator that allows two-way text messaging and weather updates where no cell service exists. The BC40 cameras are available with both a flat or tube mount, making it easy to mount nearly anywhere. This camera has a 26’ viewable area and is powered by two AA batteries. If you are looking for the latest and greatest method to navigate off-road, communicate with your riding buddies on your adventure, and control accessories all with a few screen clicks, the Garmin Tread is a really cool new piece of off-road technology to add to your arsenal!
$799.99 | Garmin.com
UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 49
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THE RIGHT TOOLS Easily Access Your Valve Stems To Manage Your UTV’s Tire Pressure
PRO FILL AIR CHUCK TM
Part No. 08-0602
Adjust the Pro Fill Air Chuck for the best working angle
Pivoting angled head design
@motionpro
@motionprofans
Unique design allows you to reach difficult to access tire valves on ATVs and UTVs
Find your local dealer at MOTIONPRO.COM
Yamaha's 2021 YXZ1000R SS XT-R splashes through a river crossing at Alabama's beautiful Stony Lonesome OHV Park. Learn more about Yamaha's complete XT-R Side-by-Side Lineup at utvoffroadmag.com. Photo provided by: Yamaha.
ULTIMATE TERRAIN
YXZ ®1000R SS XT-R
YXZ ®1000R SS SE
PURE SPORT, ALL-TERRAIN
PERFORMANCE.
The YXZ1000R is the most focused, high-performance side-by-side, delivering an unmatched pure sport driving experience. The new 2020 YXZ1000R SS XT-R comes equipped with factory installed WARN® VRX 4500 Winch, Special Edition paint, color matched wheels and Yamaha-exclusive 29” Maxxis Carnage tires.
Visit YamahaMotorsports.com Professional riders on closed area. Side-by-Side models recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Always avoid paved surfaces and never ride on public roads. And be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Some models shown with optional accessories. ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.