UTVOR Vol 31

CONTENTS FEATURES

16 CAN-AM COMMANDER 1000 XT

With almost a year of testing, we give you our insights on the CanAm Commander 1000XT. This UTV has a great start and can only get better with time.

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Project commander

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honda big red muv 700

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polaris ranger ev

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yamaha rhino 700 fi

We transform our Commander 1000XT test vehicle with 20 of the greatest products, improving the overall look and function of the machine.

The Honda Big Red receives some nice new upgrades that make this utility vehicle worth taking a look at for work or play.

Going green doesn’t make you a pansy. We review the more than cabable off-road and utility function of the only electric UTV on the market.

We test the Yamaha Rhino in snowy conditions.

46 hunting & outdoor buyer’s guide

Get your hunt on. Check out some products and UTVs you just may need for your next hunting expedition.

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EVERY ISSUE

08 EDITOR’S NOTE 12 INDUSTRY NEWS 60 OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS 66 READERS RIDES 68 THE OFF-ROADERS 72 WHEELIN’ & DEALIN’ 73 RACE SCHEDULE

58 CUSTOM RZR4 XP 900

What if Polaris came out with an RZR4 XP 900? The crew at TMW OffRoad shows us what it might look like. Yeah, we want one.

ON THE COVER We put the Can-Am Commander 1000XT through the paces to see how it holds up in a variety of terrain in our long-term test review.

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RAMBLINGS

As I write this, Apple is now the world’s most valuable brand, surpassing search engine major Google. For some this may be surprising, but for people like me that have been experiencing the superior product that Apple produces, it comes as no surprise at all. My first experience with Apple was when I was in high school after seeing a demo at a local Radio Shack. The demo showed the ease of how to create graphics, compose letters and other stuff. This was shortly after I took a semester course in computer programming, all of which I have long since forgotten. It was easy to see then that this was the direction the computer would eventually take.

It wasn’t until a few short years later when I landed my first job out of high school that I would have the opportunity to use this amazing tool to create t-shirt designs. At that point in time, I was not very computer literate, nor am I really that computer savvy today. The great thing is that I didn’t need to be. I just searched through the menus until I found what I wanted to do, much like I do with any new program I purchase. I’ve yet to read a software manual in the 24 years I have been working on an Apple computer. Does that make me smart? Nope. The computer is the smart one. Since then I have been loyal to the Apple brand and have had no regrets.

So how did Apple reach the top? Is it because of their great ad campaigns? Yes and no. You can have the greatest ads to drive you to the product, but if your product doesn’t meet the expectation then all is lost. Fortunately for Apple, they have a great product with better design, functionality, fit and finish than any other computer company with a reputation for excellent customer service.

This is just my opinion, of course. Up until the other day, I really saw Apple as a brand that is geared toward the younger crowd with the invention of the iPod, iPhone and the new iPad, unless you have grown up with the brand like me.

It wasn’t until I visited my local Apple store to play with iPads -- as I like to do from time to time until I can justify buying one myself -- when the iPad table was completely full. Just my luck, they were training people on how to

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navigate through the different screens and show off all the bells and whistles the iPad has to offer for customers that recently purchased this technology.

What really caught my attention was that the pupils in this class were not young. In fact, I would guess that they were all over the age of 60. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for my elders, and after witnessing what I saw, I have even more respect. I thought to myself how amazing this was and that I am now behind the eight ball in this technology. I no longer had the feeling that I need to get one of these because that is what all the young cool kids are getting and I don’t want to get passed by; I felt like I was passed by and need to get with it. Mind you, this was just one day, one moment in 324 stores across the globe. In fact, over 19 million people have passed me by as I’m just starting to feel comfortable with my smart phone.

The reason I bring this up is that technology can pass us by just like life.

Technology is amazing, and it has improved our lives in many areas to some degree. Take for instance UTVs. They are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were just a few short years ago. They help people every day to either have fun or work more efficiently. Whether it is out on the trails, getting to your favorite hunting spot or making a living, UTVs have affected our lives or the lives of our friends or family in one way or another, and they are here to stay.

People are out enjoying themselves, old and young. And just like technology, you have to wonder what next year will bring, or what the next five years have in store for us. While it took decades for Apple to finally get the recognition they deserve, I can’t help but think which company, which brand, will be the iPod, iPhone or iPad of the UTV industry? Don’t say iUTV just doesn’t work. I have my notions, but you will have to wait a few years before I will tell you, because you just never know for sure.

Troy Merrifield Editor-in-Chief troy@utvoffroadmag.com

UTV Off-Road Magazine // Issue 31 // June/July 2011

Publisher:

Editor-in-Chief:

Advertising Exec:

Advertising Exec:

Finance:

Financial Advisor:

Contributing Editors: Contributing Photographers:

Troy and Don Merrifield Troy Merrifield - troy@utvoffroadmag.com Don Merrifield - don@utvoffroadmag.com 480-990-2143 Tracey Waslefsky - tracey@utvoffroadmag.com 480-229-9602 Amy Smith - amy@utvoffroadmag.com Gary Goff/North Star Marketing Group Alan Cooper, Jeff Henson, Matthew Elmer Jeff Henson, Matthew Elmer

Subscriptions: 480-229-9602 or tracey@utvoffroadmag.com Inquiries & Change of Address write: Please notify us of any change of address. All subscription correspondence should be addressed to: UTV Off-Road Magazine 20280 N. 59th Ave. Ste. 115-245 Glendale, AZ 85308

UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE® is published bi-monthly (6 times a year) by Open Matrix Group, LLC. Exclusively distributed by Curtis Circulation Company, LLC, New Milford, New Jersey. 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.

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One-year subscription rates (6 issues) US $19.95 Two-year subscription rates (12 issues) US $29.95 payable to: Open Matrix Group, LLC Please allow 10-12 weeks for delivery.

Editorial contributions are welcomed, but editors recommend that contributors contact us first.

Contribution must be accompanied by return postage, and we assume no responsibility for damage or loss of material. Manuscripts must be typewritten, and all photos have to have captions.

Photo model releases of all people in photos must accompany manuscript. UTV OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE reserves the right to use material, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet publication requirements. E-mail contributions or inquiries to: troy@utvoffroadmag.com.

WARNING: Some of the photos in this magazine portray actions performed by professional drivers under controlled circumstances. We are not responsible for the actions of our readers. We encourage safe and responsible operation at all times. Wear a helmet and safety restraints while operating a UTV/Side-by-Side 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. ©2010 Open Matrix Group, LLC Printed in the USA

UTV Off-Road Magazine is printed on 20% recycled (10% post-consumer waste) paper.

All inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards. www.utvoffroadmag.com

LATEST UTV & SIDE-BY-SIDE

industrynews

Set Your Calendars

Making the podium at the Silver State 300 Lasher Motorsports Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Mike Lasher Grabs a Podium at the Silver State 300

For more than a dozen years the Sand Sports Super Show has been the biggest and most exciting dune and dirt sports EXPO in the world.

Come each September, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the OC Fair & Event Center in Orange County, California to celebrate and marvel at the latest gear for sand sport enthusiasts.

From Sand Cars to Side-by-Sides, Trucks and 4-Wheelers, to RVs and Trailers, Motorcycles and Performance Parts, Clothing and Recreational Gear, and much, much MORE! Truthfully, the only things you won’t find at the Sand Sports Super Show that you will see in Glamis (or wherever your favorite dune location happens to be) are the huge piles of sand.

With five buildings full and outside exhibits covering 5 acres, the Sand Sports Super Show is the place to be!

Mark your Calendars for the 13th Annual Sand Sports Super Show September 16, 17, & 18, 2011 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Orange County, California.

Also don’t forget to come check out the 2nd Annual OC RV Boat and Ultimate Sports Show happening the same weekend.

See what’s new in recreational vehicles, boats, street customs and every toy imaginable for the family.

That’s two shows in one! September 16th, 17, & 18th, 2011.

You can visit us online at www.sandsportssupershow.com and www. ocrvboatandultimatesportsshow.com

RZR XP joins the rental fleet at Idaho Dunes RV Park Idaho Dunes RV Park features new 2011 Polaris RZR XP in ATV rental fleet during 2011 season.

Idaho Dunes RV Park’s on-site ATV rental provider, Performance Motor Sports, will offer guests the largest fleet of ATV rentals in the area dur ing the upcoming 2011 season. “We are the only company in St. Anthony to offer the newest 2011 Polaris RZR XPs in our rental fleet this year,” says Nate Rydalch from PMS. “This is the fastest side-by-side on the market and set up perfectly for the massive St. Anthony sand dunes!”

This year’s rental fleet consists of Polaris Outlaw 450s, Outlaw 525s, RZR-S, RZR 4 EPS, and RZR XPs. The entire rental fleet is meticu­lously maintained to like-new condition to ensure guests have the best possible experience in the dunes.

To check prices and availability or to reserve your ATV rental today, contact Performance Motorsports at (208) 390-3223.

Contact Idaho Dunes RV at (208) 624-3275 or www.idahodunesrv.com Contact PMS Dune Rentals at (208) 390-3223 or www.pmspolaris.com 14

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Lasher Motorsports Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Mike Lasher blasted across the Nevada desert in his Kawasaki Teryx to finish third in the Bilek Racing Silver State 300. Located 180 miles north of Las Vegas, NV, near the town of Alamo, Round 2 for the UTV class of the Best in the Desert series proved to be a high-speed, action-packed race. The 305-mile course consisted of tough desert terrain packed with every type of obstacle imaginable. From wide-open fire roads to tight rocky mountain trails, this diverse course even included two water crossings.

Although the sky was clear and sunny, the weather was freezing cold the morning of race day, with temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The demanding race’s combination of speed and jagged terrain would take out two of Lasher’s tires and a wheel before the end of the race. After almost eight hours speeding through the desert, Lasher and his co-driver Rick Wallace outran 13 other UTV teams to finish on the podium in third place.

New King XP Shocks King Shocks has just completed extensive desert testing of their new performance coilover shock kit for the Polaris RZR XP900. The XP900 is delivered as a long travel machine direct from the factory, yet King’s race-proven damping performance takes it to a whole new level. King’s Performance series shocks boost wheel travel from 14 to 15.5 inches in the rear and from 13.5 to an incredible 16.5 inches in front. The increased wheel travel, when combined with King’s highly refined damping control, lets you tap every ounce of performance from the RZR and its potent 88 horsepower, 900cc, twin EFI powerplant. King Shocks test drivers were amazed by the modified RZR’s ability to devour the roughest terrain at speeds approaching that of many purpose-built racecars. King’s shock kit for the XP900 delivers unparalleled high-speed performance without sacrificing comfort or control at lower speeds. If you want the ultimate performance from your RZR, you need the durability and performance that King Shocks can provide.

industrynews

New Southern Nevada Guidebook Strike a Motherlode of Adventures with new Guidebook for Southern Nevada’s Backcountry Ringing slot machines, elaborate, star-studded shows, and glamorous hotels may come to mind when you first think of Nevada, but the state has a bounty of riches to be found outside of the city centers. Discover Adler Publishing’s latest release Nevada Trails Southern Region, and explore Nevada’s amazing backcountry, all for less than the price of a tank of gas.

Skirt a section of the Nellis Air Force Range, the 3.1-million-acre, government-owned site that encompasses Area 51, the Nevada Test Site, and Yucca Mountain. View wild horses in their natural habitat. Enjoy a drink in the Santa Fe Saloon, a historic watering hole located in the old mining town of Goldfield. Explore the ruins of southern Nevada’s many ghost towns. Travel through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and enjoy stunning views on the shore of the lake, south of the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam. This book includes 44 of southern Nevada’s most scenic routes and best off-road trails, located near the towns of Las Vegas, Laughlin, Tonopah, Goldfield, Beatty, and Pahrump. Each trail includes a fascinating history of notable Nevada places and residents, with a focus on the state’s boom and bust mining days. Hundreds of color photos bring the trail to life, while numerous historical photos allow you to compare today’s landscape with that of the past.

Like the other guides in the Trails series, Nevada Trails Southern Region provides a helpful, concise chart for each trail, listing the starting and finishing points, mileage, driving time, and elevation. Difficulty ratings make it easy to match trails with your skill level, while remoteness ratings will help you determine just how far the trail veers off the beaten path, so you can prepare accordingly. Detailed trail descriptions and directions, complete with GPS coordinates, ensure that no matter how remote the trail, you’ll never get lost. For that extra bit of reassurance, topographic maps illustrate almost every bump, turn, and jog along the trail.

Traveling the ‘Silver State’ with Nevada Trails Southern Region as your guide, the odds are in your favor that you’ll strike pay dirt with an unforgettable backcountry adventure!

For more information regarding Nevada Trails Southern Region and other books in the series, visit www.adlerpublishing.com, call 800-660-5107, or check your local book or map store.

The book retails for $24.95.

LATEST UTV & SIDE-BY-SIDE

industrynews

HOLZ RACING RZR 4 TAKES 1ST MATT PARKS and MARK HOLZ WIN AT SILVER STATE “300” in UTV PRO CLASS Lynden, WA (May 1, 2011) - Under sunny skies Matt Parks and Mark Holz started 5th in the Bilek Racing Silver State “300” Pro UTV Class. Held April 29-30 & May 1 outside Mesquite, Nevada, the race is the fifth event in the Best in the Desert racing series. Driving Parks’ “Baja Bobsled,” a custom 2-seat RZR 4 built by Holz Racing Products, the duo maintained a calculated, steady pace during their 300-mile ride. “The Kroyer Stage 3 motor ran great and everything went pretty well until pit 5,” Mark said after the race. “Our crew was MIA! Matt and I bummed some fuel then got a flat before pit 6. We managed to catch up to the Jagged X car before the finish line.”

Matt Parks will race his Parks Racing/Holz Racing Polaris RZR 4 next at the Epic Bluewater Grand Prix, part of the Best in the Desert Series, May 13-15 in Parker, Arizona. Mark Holz will race his Holz Racing/ Motoworks/DWT Can-Am Commander at the World Off-Road Championship Series Round 5 May 27-29 in Payette, Idaho.

Commander Long Travel Xtreme Machine and Fabrication introduces their newest long travel kit for the Can-Am Commander After finishing a successful race season building some of the most winning UTVs on the track with 76+ top five finishes resulting in 6 different championships in multiple classes the engineering team at XMF set their sites on the Can Am Commander.

Their latest endeavor was increasing the stabilization of the Commander by developing a plus 6” long travel kit. Front arms +0 forward and rear +3 back.

The kit comes complete with axles, hardware and Walker Evans shocks. Kit is constructed of Chromalloy tubing for the front arms and boxed arms for the rear trailing arms. Kit also utilizes the stock sway bar.

RANGER RZRs One, Two, Three at Cahuilla Creek WORCS Race

Polaris RANGER RZRs had another clean sweep of the top three positions in the Side-by-Side Class 1, at the Cahuilla Creek WORCS race this past weekend, in Anza, Calif.

National Guard Polaris Coastal DragonFire Yokley Racing Team Driver William Yokley finished second and continues to lead the points for the class. First place went to Beau Baron and third to Ryan Piplic, both also racing RANGER RZR XP 900s. National Guard Polaris Coastal Yokley Racing Team Driver Scott Kiger had to miss the race due to emergency surgery.

Next race for Yokley will be the GNCC race in Gosport, Indiana, on May 14-15.

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industrynews

Arctic Cat Brand hits Fifty Arctic Cat will celebrate the brand’s 50th Anniversary as thousands of loyal Arctic Cat enthusiasts converge upon Thief River Falls, MN on July 29th and 30th. The celebration will be open to the public and all events are free.

Arctic Cat’s 50th marks a major milestone which began in 1961 when Edgar Hetteen founded Polar Manufacturing in Thief River Falls. There he began producing snowmobiles that reflected his dreams.

One year later he changed the company name to Arctic Cat, and began a series of innovations that transformed hulking snow “machines” into small, playful snowmobiles.

Arctic Cat has two days of nonstop activities planned with the central location sharing space between the Pennington County Fairgrounds and the Ralph Engelstad Arenas. Highlights will include factory tours on Friday and Saturday, the world’s largest Arctic Cat product display called “Years of the Cat” which will be open to all Arctic Cat – related products regardless of model or year, an Arctic Cat-only swap meet, ATV and UTV demo tracks, special 50th Anniversary clothing and memorabilia will be sold, autograph sessions with Team Arctic heroes, race truck displays and several events for kids, plus music, food and much more.

Hotels are already filling up quickly, so make your reservation now. For a listing of local lodging and camping opportunities in Thief River Falls, please log on to www.visittrf.com.

For other nearby areas: www.visitcrookston.com, www.visitgrandforks.com and www. shootingstar.com.

4800 mile UTV ride across America

John Angel from UTV Inc has been wanting to do the Trans America Trail for years, and it looks like this is the year. The Trail starts in Northeastern Tennessee and ends at the Pacific Ocean in southwestern Oregon. The plan is to end up at Dunefest by Aug 2nd after a grueling 4800 miles of mostly off-pavement riding.

John and three other hearty souls will be leaving AZ on July 6th and starting the ride from Jellico, Tenn on July 9th. Going with John will be Tim Brindley/2008 RZR, Tom Lehr/2010 RZRS and Tim Farris/2010 Teryx. If you’re interested in riding for an hour or a day with the group, you’re more than welcome, but you have to understand you will need to be self reliant, as they will not stop for hours or days at a time to repair your UTV. John will be driving a 2011 RZR XP 900 that he has custom built for the trip and had to be street legal in most of the states.

For more information on the Trail, go to: http://www.transamtrail.com

LONG TERM TEST

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2011 BRP Can-Am Commander 1000 XT

CAN-AM

COMMANDER 1000 XT WORDS BY ALAN COOPER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TROY MERRIFIELD

Living with the big Canadian beast

In the last year there have been some big advancements in the UTV/Side-by-Side arena, and we couldn’t be happier. With the introduction of the Can-Am Commander 800 & 1000 line, and new offerings from Polaris at the start of 2011, it opened up new offerings for off-road enthusiasts wanting a little more out of a UTV, wanting more improvements such as power, comfort and suspension without the added cost of aftermarket products to get there. Can-Am brought to the stables a great unit with much of this philosophy. Can-Am set out to build a vehicle that would be positioned in between the Kawasaki Teryx and the Polaris RZR-S, and after spending the better part of the last year with our test unit this is where we feel the Commander does indeed fit in.

In the suspension department, the Can-Am tackles the trails with 10 inches of wheel travel in the front and rear. It exceeds the Kawasaki’s travel (7.5”) by 2.5 inches, but 2 inches less than the Polaris RZR S (12”). As to be expected by the hard number facts, the Commander XT indeed is smoother on the trail by a big margin over the Teryx but is outperformed by the RZR S in our testing. On our XT we experimented with multiple combinations of shocks, including the standard Commander X Fox Racing shocks, Elka Stage 4 shocks, Walker Evans Racing, and a set of Fox 2.0 remote replacement shocks tuned by Magnum Offroad. With days of testing we have concluded that the Commander with a simple shock upgrade will handle jumps and whoops as well as the RZR S. With that being said, we were not able to match the supple ride of the S when it came to slow speed cruising.

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LONG TERM TEST

When it comes to the heart of the Commander, the 976cc engine producing around 85 horsepower is 227cc’s more than the Teryx with about 40 more horsepower and 216cc’s more than the RZR S, or 30 more horsepower. With these numbers the Commander beats the competition, but through our testing is slower off the line than the RZR S. The Commander’s V-twin Rotax powerplant supplies ample horsepower and torque, and pulls hard through the entire rev range. The Commander positions the throttle body- placing it under the dash in conjunction with the drive by wire system has created an odd throttle lag, keeping it from launching off the line. Step on the gas, and you have to wait for that 85 horsepower to spool up and hit. The Commander would be a lot more fun to drive with a quicker-responding powerplant. Once the Commander’s power kicks in and the CVT spools, it leaves a big trail of roost and rock behind it- the acceleration is downright impressive. Some aftermarket companies have been working on ECU setups to decrease the throttle lag and remove the power limiter that kicks in when the rear wheels spin too fast, which cuts the power over jumps and big whoop sections. We have even felt it kick in during photoshoots under hard full-throttle turns. With the correct aftermarket setup, the Commander is a formidable weapon.

TO HAUL OR NOT TO HAUL?

One of the main functions Can-Am toted about their Commander is its utility prowess. With a dual-level cargo bed that can carry up to 600 lbs of whatever you can fit, it was a shining trait to those who needed the room. We have enjoyed the bottom level option on our test unit, finding valuable to stash items quickly without the need to strap it down in the bed. The bed has held up well in our testing, and we have not experienced any flaws or weak points to speak of. We have yet to bend any suspension or frame parts, even during hard suspension testing that includes jumping, heavy hauling, rock crawling, and more. We also haven’t had any driveline problems with CV joints, axles, differentials, or the drivetrain, although our 20

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shifter has received two adjustments so it would go into gear properly.

Our rear shocks wore out very prematurely and would blow through the stroke and bottom on even small whoops. We have tested Elka and Walker Evans replacement units, and they both improve the handling and bump absorption qualities of the suspension greatly. On the upgraded X model, the Fox suspension lasts much longer and rides far better than the standard model and XT shocks do, so if you’re thinking about purchasing a Commander, throw down the extra $400 for the X package. You get a ton of upgrades for that $400, including a set of Fox Racing shocks, a set of beadlock wheels and Bighorn tires, rock sliders, a front swaybar, and some cool graphic options. Trust us, it will save you both time and money in the future.

ALL ABOUT APPEARANCE

One of the biggest attractions we had to the Commander is its beautiful interior. Over our 110 hours of hard testing, ours has held up well. The seats are some of the most comfortable factory seats on the market, an option we appreciate while we go through our testing stages.

They retain a new look and our only complaint is that they are heavy and awkward to manage while removing them from the vehicle. Some of our many plastic fasteners have come loose and fallen out around the engine cover, which is something we have not experienced with other UTVs. The belts, hold points, and nets have all held up well, even with constant removal and reinstallation. One thing we constantly ran into was the seat belt speed limiter- when moving the Commander around the shop or loading it in and out of trailers, we ran into the low-speed limiter often. The exterior plastics and trim have held up well, but if you are planning to add aftermarket products that require removal of any plastics, plan on some extra time as this can be challenging with the amount of fasteners access.

The headlights work like a charm at night- the four projector bulbs create a huge light spread that works well for fast-paced night rides.

2011 BRP Can-Am Commander 1000 XT

Our Commander XT spent the life of testing with the stock shocks, but the latter half or our testing we ran a few aftermarket shocks to get a feel for the full potential of the suspension. Stock replacement shocks from Elka, Walker Evans or Fox will bring the fun factor to the Commander.

The Commander does great in the dunes with stock tires, although it does feel a bit heavy at times. Slap on a set of paddle tires and the Commander will dune with the best of them.

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LONG TERM TEST

2011 BRP Can-Am Commander 1000 XT

SERVICING

We have changed the oil in our Commander twice, and removal of the skidplates to do so was simple. We have yet to find any troubling signs of engine wear in the oil, and there is no valvetrain or transmission noise to have us worried about reliability. We have also yet to burn a belt, or break any drivetrain component for that matter. The steering is still tight and responsive, the tires have plenty of tread left, although we did severely puncture the sidewall early on in our test and we had to patch the tire and put an inner tube in to continue. They have held up fine as well. As a whole, the machine is still in great shape with a few trail scars from rocks on the lower passenger and driver side lower plastics. The brake pads have plenty of life left upon recent inspection, and there is no belt slip detectable whatsoever.

ALL-TERRAIN TESTING

We have taken the Commander through just about every weather condition and terrain we have access to- snow, rain, water crossings, sand, rocks, desert, trail, and more. It has fared quite well in all these conditionseven with the exhaust fully submerged and water over the door sills, the belt never slipped or squealed, and there was no sign of water or sludge in the airbox. The Commander loves the sand- put it in 2WD, and it will drift around the dunes like a champ! The four-wheel drive system worked well in most of our testing, but in some tight rocky conditions, the wheel we wanted to lock wouldn’t engage via the Visco-Lok system. We had to renegotiate a couple conditions, which we didn’t think we would have, but the Commander never got us into a situation we couldn’t get out of. It trudges through thick mud and sand with ease, and if you start sinking, a quick stab of the throttle gets it right back up on top of the terrain. While our XT model came optioned with a Warn winch, we never had to use it to pull the Commander out.

While rock crawling, we would leave the Commander in 4WD low with sport mode off. With sport mode engaged, the Commander would spit a gob of power out too quickly and spin the tires, either launching us up over the obstacle or sucking us into a position we didn’t want to be in. With the normal throttle mode activated and 4WD engaged, it’s a blast in tight rocky conditions. The 10 inches of wheel travel supplied by the dual A-arm front and trailing arm rear suspension works very well in conditions where you need articulation, dropping a wheel in between obstacles for traction and climbing power.

WRAPPING IT UP

In our year-long relationship with the Commander, we were impressed with Can-Am’s first attempt at a UTV. There are some bugs that will need to be worked out, but it’s a great first offering that will fill a lot of customers’ needs. Depending on what is important to you is where your decisions lay. If you want the top-of-the-class UTV that can play and work, then the Commander is at the top of the class. With great styling inside and out, the Commander’s fit and finish is automotive in nature. The engine is impressive, and the exhaust note sounds aggressive even more so when you add on an aftermarket pipe, we just wish for quicker response times. In regards to suspension, we have discovered that huge gains can be made in the overall performance with changing out the shocks. Our choice of Commanders would be the “X” package for the shocks alone because of the type of terrain we ride in. If you spend your time on lower speed trails, then any Commander in the line-up will be great. With hours of seat time, we enjoyed the comfort of the seats, seat and steering wheel ergonomics, roomy interior, well placed controls and especially the position of the digital dash just behind the steering wheel. We prefer the side nets to any in the industry with quick latch and unlatch features yet to be matched.

We consider the Commander a cross-over vehicle with a dual purpose in mind—it’s capable of working but designed with the off-road performance driver in mind. The dumping bed is the key-deciding factor over the solid stationary bed of the Polaris RZR line. It does both well and we look forward to what Can-Am will come out with in the future. If they make a utility vehicle work this well, imagine if they set their efforts on making a pure sport vehicle, and we’re sure Can-Am is hard at work ensuring their UTV will continue to impress!

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We had plenty of opportunities to air out our test unit.

With a 10-gallon fuel tank and great fuel efficiency (around 18mpg), the Commander will take you deep into the wilderness and back.

an-Am’s Commander UTV has proven to be a brute force powerhouse- both engine choices (800 and 1000cc V-twins) provide a massive amount of thrust that put the Commander at the head of the speed game until the recent release of the Polaris RZR XP. As the availability of Commander units remains a little short, the aftermarket hasn’t quite hit the huge boom it has with other UTVs; however, there is still quite a bit of great product available to turn your Commander into a custom hot rod. We have compiled a group of some outstanding products we had to have for our Project Commander, and have put them through rigorous testing to give you the lowdown on how they really change the look and feel of the machine. All of the products we’re showing you here are available to the public as you read this, so hop on the web or pick up the phone and dial yours in!

UTV Inc Fire Extinguisher & Mounts Retail price: $169.95 The last thing you ever want to see is your expensive UTV go up (or down rather) in flames. We’ve seen them burn up a few times, whether it be from spilled fuel, brush buildup, or a random electrical fire (usually not contributed to OEM parts). We like to carry fire insurance with us in the form of an extinguisher, and the UTV Inc mount and extinguisher combo is definitely the trickest piece we’ve come across yet.

Using huge billet aluminum clamps that bolt up to the rollcage in pretty much any spot you can fit it, it won’t come undone or bounce around on the trail.

The extinguisher is painted a matching silver color, and features quick-release pins with red rings that unlatch the fire extinguisher in seconds. Not only does it provide ample protection in case of emergencies, it looks beautiful!

Installation time: 5 minutes Installation difficulty: 1/5 ~UTV Off-road Rating: 5/5 WORDS BY ALAN COOPER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TROY MERRIFIELD

HMF Dual slip on Exhaust - Retail Price: $939.95

Exhaust systems are among the most popular additions to UTVs, and with engines that sound as good as the Commander’s thumping 1000cc V-twin, we understand why! HMF has released a dual slip-on exhaust system that features a trick X-pipe between the mufflers, allowing for broader power gains across the RPM range. The stainless steel exhaust system weighs 6 pounds less than stock, and the muffler cans can be powdercoated the color of your choice. HMF also offers a Swamp exhaust system that is more utility oriented; the dual slip-on system is made for sport and race applications. Installation is straightforward yet a bit difficult: this is contributed to the location of the stock exhaust system’s collector flanges.

Slipping the exhaust on was no problem, but installing the long springs that hold the sections together was strenuous due to their locations. HMF advises using a long piece of electrical wire stretched between your hands to pull the springs- have a friend help! The exhaust bolts up nicely and looks great, but it nearly kills the dump bed’s function. Because of clearance issues, HMF includes a limit strap that only allows the bed to tilt to less than half of its normal angle, which left us scratching our heads. If you don’t use the dump function often, you will have no issues with the exhaust. It is loud- we would order up some of their quiet inserts when you buy the system, as it will allow conversations to still be had in the cab. The exhaust looks and sounds mean, and it gives the Commander the attitude it strives for. HMF also sells a plug-in fuel optimizer that is pre-programmed with the best fuel trim settings to complement the exhaust- this will yield more power and a smoother- running machine. The price for the optimizer is $329.95.

Installation time: 60-90 minutes ~ Installation difficulty: 4/5 ~ UTV Off-Road Rating: 3.5/5 24

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Holz Racing Skid Plate Kit Retail Price: $289.95

Skidplates are an absolute necessity for anyone who owns a UTV. It will keep sand, mud, and debris from gathering in the undercarriage, and also prevents against rocks and tree stumps. Trust us, the last thing you want is to have a rock infiltrate its way into your engine case. The Holz skidplates are made from 1/4� UHMW polymer- that stands for ultra high molecular weight. It’s a blend of plastic-like materials that offers low friction and high strength to slide over obstacles rather than hang up on them like aluminum does. The skidplates were designed with minimal drain holes to allow less debris to build up and to alleviate the skidplate catching on trail junk. Holz also claims that its UHMW blend will outwear carbon steel 10 to 1, making this an extremely durable product. It bolts up in the stock locations using the stock hardware, too!

Installation time: 30-45 minutes Installation difficulty: 2/5 UTV Off-road Rating: 5/5 UTVOFFROADMAG.COM

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Rigid Industries Dually LED Lights Retail Price: $199.99 for a set of 2 Lighting is an important factor to consider, whether you plan on doing a lot of night riding or not.

Getting stuck in the dark once without adequate illumination will have you clamoring for a good set of lights for the next trip! These 4-LED pods from Rigid Industries offer a good amount of light output in a small package, and the 3x3” lights fit great on the Commander’s front bumper. The lights only pull 15 watts, which is far less than any comparable HID or Halogen light at this output. The lights offer 1100 lumens of output each, which is comparable to a 50W halogen light, in a low-draw package! The billet aluminum housings look great, don’t weigh much, and are nearly bulletproof- just check Rigid’s YouTube videos! Rigid offers a variety of mounting and powering options, as well as rechargeable battery packs! The best part- the lights are backed by a lifetime limited warranty!

Installation time: 45-80 minutes, including wiring Installation difficulty: 3/5 UTV Offroad Rating: ??

Turnkey UTV Performance Series Tie Rod Kit Retail Price: $254.95 We have heard reports of Commander tie rods bending quite easily in rock crawling and racing conditions. To avoid getting stranded with a tweaked rod, we optioned for these sweet TurnKey Performance Series tie rods. They are machined from high-strength 6061 aluminum, and the clevis that attaches to the rack is machined from 4130 chromoly for strength. Both ends use strong heim joints for durability and smooth operation, and the hardware is rated at grade 8 for high strength. The spacers on the spindle side are machined from stainless steel and look wicked, adding even more flair to the bright yellow tie rods. They are also available in raw aluminum and satin black finishes, and they are a direct bolt-on replacement for the stock rods. The TurnKey parts are much stronger than stock, so they won’t leave you stranded in the rocks or on the trail! We cut the small lip off of the rack boot to allow the clevis to slide directly through it, then reattached the boot to the rack with high-strength zip ties. Take some time to align the front end correctly when you install the tie rods- we added about 1/8 of an inch of toe-in for added stability. Our only gripe- the steep price.

Installation time: 60-80 minutes (with alignment) Installation difficulty: 3/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 4/5 26

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1. Holz Racing Aluminum Roof Retail Price: $399.00

This trick 2-piece roof kit from Holz Racing will add some definite attitude to your Can-Am. Made from .090” aluminum, the roof is both lightweight and strong. It bolts to the Commander’s rollcage without any modifications using billet aluminum clamps, and the roof is powdercoated in a textured black finish. We give extra props for the tail wings on the rear of the roof- they add a stylish touch that stands out. Installation tip- use foam tape or weatherstripping material where the metal contacts itself and the rollcage for a rattle-free installation! Billet clamps and all hardware are included with the kit. The roof keeps the sun and rain off of you and your passenger, making for a more comfortable cabin in any temperature.

Duners may have a little trouble with the front of the roof cutting into the driver’s sightline at steep incline angles, but it isn’t too severe.

Install time: 30-45 minutes Installation difficulty: 2/5 UTV Off-road Rating: 4/5

2. AMR Racing Graphic Kit – Tribal flames Retail price: $399.95

Adding flair to your UTV’s plastics can be done without dropping huge money for an aftermarket paint job. Graphics kits protect the plastics from scratching and fading, offer a removable and customizable look, and are a fraction of the cost of custom paint. The Tribal flames graphic kit we received from AMR Racing is digitally printed with UV-resistant inks that AMR guarantees not to fade for up to 5 years.

AMR’s graphic printing process provides up to 16.5 million colors for a deep finish and vivid images, and they use a super-thick clear vinyl overcoat for scratch resistance. The AMR graphics are offered in many color and design options, and can be customized to order. Check out AMR’s website for more information! Fitment is good, and the graphics stick well, but take your time installing them!

Installation time: 1-2 hours Installation difficulty: 3/5 UTV Off-road Rating: 4/5

3. XMF Side Mirrors Retail Price: $112.00 each, Clamps $24.99 each

Seeing behind your UTV while driving can be a real pain in the neck (literally), especially if you have harnesses installed. These 4-inch billet mirrors from Xtreme Metal Fab mount to the cage using billet clamps, and look like works of art. The mirrors use a balljoint type mount for easy adjustment, and they don’t vibrate or rattle out of adjustment. The clamps are sold separately as they offer many different sized mounts for various cage tubing diameters, and the Commander cage uses a 2” mount. They are available in polished aluminum or black anodized finishes: both look great! Our only complaint: at nearly $140 a piece with mounts, they’re a pricey piece!

Installation time: 5-10 minutes Installation difficulty: 1/5 UTV Off-road Rating: 4/5

4. KW Machine Works GoPro Mount Retail Price: $89.95

Since the GoPro camera has been released, YouTube videos of UTV fun have exploded into a frenzy. KW Machine Works has made mounting the small camera to your UTV a breeze with this trick billet aluminum mount, shown here in single form. They offer a ton of mounting options, including a double and triple camera mount for capturing up to three viewing angles at once! All of KW’s parts are machined from high-strength anodized aluminum, and look as great as they function. Check out KW’s website for some more awesome billet products for your UTV! Installation time: 5 minutes Installation difficulty: 1/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 4/5

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5. Pro Armor Doors Retail price: $649.95

Nets are great for safety from a manufacturer’s standpoint, but we definitely prefer the solid feel of doors. Pro Armor has recently introduced a set of suicide doors for the Commander that really add a trick look to the machine. Made from lightweight aluminum tubing, the doors resist bending well and add passenger protection from outside branches, roost, rocks, and other trail debris. On the Commander, the door installation is a timely process that involves removing a lot of screws from the bodywork to access mounting points for the door latches. Pro Armor includes stamped aluminum mounting bracket reinforcement plates that mount to the Commander’s frame via self-tapping screws, so some drilling is required. Once installed, the mounting plates provide quite a bit of strengthening to the latch assembly. The doors close using Pro Armor’s slamlatch system, which allows you to close the door without having to align the post latch. Take some time during the install when the bolts are still loose to align all the parts correctly- you’ll thank us when the doors don’t bind under load! Set aside the better part of an afternoon to install the doors, as it’s a timely process. Once installed, the doors look wicked and compliment the Commander’s lines well.

Installation time: 2-4 hours Installation difficulty: 5/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 4/5

6. Raceline Tires & Wheels Retail Price: N/a

Raceline’s new A8 wheel and SXS MT tires make for a sweet package that offers ample traction, tough construction and a custom look. The machined finish on our A8 Monster wheels features a two-tone silver/ black design, and Raceline has a variety of offsets available. We ordered up a set of 12x7 wheels to add some extra tire sidewall for more rock resistance, and the SXS MT tires are tough as nails. While 12’s don’t look as sharp on the Commander as 14-inch wheels do, they won’t bend or break as easily if you come in hard contact with some big rocks, as there is another inch of tire between the rim and the obstacle. The SXS MT tires we ordered up came in 27x1212 rear and 27x10-12 front sizes, providing huge grip and a giant contact patch. The tall, stepped lugs are widely spaced, so they do well in rocky and muddy conditions, but sand and hardpack will cause the front end to push a little. The tough 6-ply tires hold up well even with low tire pressure, allowing you to run them soft for sand and thick muck. We didn’t flat a single tire during our testing on the King of the Hammers test course!

Installation time: 10-15 minutes (if pre-mounted) Installation difficulty: 2/5 UTV Offroad Rating: Wheels: 5/5 Tires: 3/5

CONTACT LIST: Holz Racing Products...www.holzracingproducts.com...(360) 398-7006 UTV Inc...www.utvinc.com...(623) 924-3070 AMR Racing...www.amrracing.com...(702) 312-2217 Pro Armor...www.proarmor.com...(888) 312-7667 Xtreme Metal Fab...www.xtrememf.com...(623) 465.9689 KW Machine Works...www.kwmachineworks.com...(951) 676-1377 Rigid Industries...www.rigidindustries.com...(480) 655-0100 Raceline Wheels...www.racelinewheels.com...(800) 52-WHEEL Walker Evans Racing...www.walkerevansracing.com...(888) WEE-RACE HMF Exhaust...www.hmfracing.com...(216) 631-6980 Day X Day Toyz...www.d2tusa.com...(480) 840-3083 TurnKey Performance...www.turnkeyutv.com...(775) 283-9950

Original Commander

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Walker Evans Racing Shocks Retail Price: $443.99 each

Day X Day Toyz Retail Price: Dash Trim $40, Shifter plate $90, Passenger Handle $70 Everyone likes a bit of bling. UTVs are like custom cars- if it’s stock, it’s boring! Day X Day Toyz has released some trick billet accessories that will shine up the cab of your Commander, including this trick machined shifter plate and huge passenger grab handle. We also installed an adhesive-backed aluminum dash trim kit that matches the look of the other pieces, and altogether, it took less than 30 minutes. The parts are all machined from aluminum stock, and they look trick! The shifter plate has aluminum gates for a more positive feel. The passenger grab handle is a much thicker (and shinier!) piece than the stock rubberized plastic bar, and features a billet top plate that covers the mounting bolt.

If you’re looking to spice up your interior, check out the billet toys from Day X Day- and add some flair to your Commander!

Installation time: 20-30 minutes Installation difficulty: 2/5 UTV Off-road Rating: 5/5 30

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One of the Commander XT’s biggest weaknesses is the stock shocks. The rears blow through the stroke far too quickly, providing bucking and bottoming motions that don’t inspire much confidence in rough terrain or fast driving. These new adjustable units from Walker Evans provide a great alternative to long travel kits. While they don’t increase the amount of wheel travel available from the Commander’s suspension setup, they increase the quality of the travel tremendously. We tested a preliminary set that Walker sent out, and the damping was spot-on. We ran the rear compression at 7 clicks out and the fronts at 9 clicks out, and it provided a controlled ride through big whoops and G-outs without being too harsh on the low-speed jitter. The Walker shocks are preload and compression adjustable, so if you add more weight to your Commander with cargo or aftermarket accessories, you can adjust the ride height and damping to suit your needs. The single knob-type adjuster for compression is easy to access and manipulate. During hard testing, the rears softened up slightly as they got hot, but never faded to a level we felt uncomfortable with. They help cut the Commander’s body roll for more stable handling, and keep the back end flat in the whoops, especially under hard throttle. The shocks were our favorite addition to our Project Commander, as they increased the drivability and driver confidence in every terrain type we tested.

Even skying big dune jumps with the Commander produced little drama upon landing, making this sub-$2K investment well worth the time and money spent.

Installation time: 30-60 minutes Installation difficulty: 3/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 5/5

7. UTV Inc Harness bar Retail price: $139.95 Since the Commander doesn’t have a place to strap four or five-point harnesses to, a few companies have released easy bolt-on harness bars that allow you to fit the shoulder straps securely and safely to the cage. For any type of fast-paced sport riding, harnesses offer a lot more security and comfort than the OEM threepoint automotive belts do. The UTV Inc harness bar is made from 1-1/2” mild steel with 2” round clamps that bolt directly to the Commander’s upright cage bars behind the seat via 12 allen head screws. The tubing is powdercoated to match the stock cage’s finish, and looks factory when installed! Buckle up!

Installation time: 5-10 minutes Installation difficulty: 1/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 5/5

Pro Armor 5-Point Harnesses Retail Price: TBA Brand new from Pro Armor are these trick 5-point harnesses that offer some really cool features. Using a standard latch system, the sewn belts we tested offer a single-latch closure with a velcro retainer. We left the 5th (crotch) belt off, as the stock Commander seats don’t have a passageway to mount them. The chest closes using a large plastic buckle that is adjustable for width, and the belt straps are wide and thin for strength and comfort. On the padded shoulder straps, there are two pouches; one is an open mesh material, the other a closable pouch. These work wonders for holding your cell phone, walkie talkie, MP3 player, or other small items, and it was a feature we really enjoyed when testing the belts. They’re comforable, strong, and look great- what’s not to love? When installing the belts on the Commander, some plastic pieces must be removed, and the buckle must remain in the driver’s side seatbelt receptacle in order to drive the unit. We have seen racers solder in resistors to bypass the circuit, but we took the easy way out to retain the ability to return the belts to their stock configuration.

Installation time: 45-60 minutes Installation difficulty: 3/5 UTV Offroad Rating: 5/5

HONDA

BIG RED MUV 700

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2011 Honda BIg red MUV 700 For an OEM manufacturer, designing an all-new UTV is a bit of a daunting task. Concepts take a few years to half a decade to bring to fruition, and even after a new model is brought to market, many small tweaks and changes must be made to keep it competitive in the eye of the public.

Honda is no exception to the rule. Despite their reputation for spot-on fit and finish, attention to detail, and practicality, the Big Red never made a huge splash in the UTV market. Overshadowed by the sales figures of the workhorses from Polaris and Yamaha, Honda went back to the drawing board to assess a few areas of concern that both the media and the paying public had brought to their attention. What was the result? A re-worked and refreshed version of the Big Red “MUV”, complete with double the hauling and more towing capacities of the outgoing version!

FUNCTION OVER FORM One of the most apparent differences in the new Big Red’s cockpit layout is the bench seat- it replaces the two short buckets Honda originally designed for the BR. The dense foam seat pad has an adjustable backrest as well, which ups the comfort level significantly. Despite having a single bench seat, passenger capacity remains at two, and there is no center seat belt for a third. The parking brake handle has been relocated to the panel directly below the center section of the bench seat, and Honda claims it will hold the ‘Red at full capacity on a 35degree incline. During the press introduction at Irvine Lake, California, we got the opportunity to test the brake’s holding power with a bed full (1000 lbs) of cargo- it didn’t budge a bit.

Getting in and out of the new bench seat is made easier via a new set of roll-up nets on either side of the cab. Quick release clips allow you to roll the nets up and out of the way, and doing so while standing outside the vehicle is a breeze. This design is a definite improvement over the last generation, considering that the old nets couldn’t be entirely removed without a handful of tools and a bit of a hassle. Nets no longer are a nuisance!

The Big Red’s running gear hasn’t changed much, but that’s not really a problem.

The 675cc OHV fuel injected engine first found in the Rincon ATV has proven itself a workhorse when coupled with Honda’s three-speed automatic transmission.

Using a hydraulic torque converter and sophisticated electronics, the Big Red’s transmission automatically chooses the optimum gear for the current driving scenario, just like a modern automobile. Stomp the fast pedal, and the transmission kicks out a downshift and builds revs quick- we wish Honda would use this technology to build a lighter, sporty UTV with the same transmission, as it’s fun to shift it through the gears and listen to the engine click off revs as it shifts.

fe new

e atur

s!

The gears have a tall feel- with only three forward speeds to work with, the Big Red doesn’t scream off the line and bang through the gears like their Rancher 420 AT quad does. Driving the Big Red around the mountains in Southern California, the transmission seemed to shift a lot later than anticipated in most situations.

There is still plenty of low-end torque to play with, and the motor downshifts with authority when you step on the throttle hard. The transmission makes the most of the Big Red’s tame amount of power, allowing it to tow up to 1,500 pounds this year!

Along with the load-bearing parking brake test, Honda had 1,300 lb trailers on hand at the introduction to test its towing prowess. Despite the trailer nearly matching the Big Red’s 1,433 lb curb weight, it pulled the load without issue around the trail, and keeping it in four- wheel drive makes for a stable feeling when pulling and stopping a heavy load on loose or slippery terrain. The Big Red features 200mm hydraulic discs front and rear, which make for some major stopping power. The feel at the pedal is firm and confident, and when combined with the now standard-issue Maxxis Bighorn tires, the Big Red hauls a load down from speed in a hurry. For owners looking to use the Big Red for hauling, the new updates will be immediately recognized.

The engineers had one Big Red loaded up with the new 2011 capacity of 1,000 lbs and after our test drive with the trailer, We had an interesting idea. Approaching the engineers, we sheepishly and half-jokingly asked if we could hitch the trailer up to the unit with the fully loaded bed and take it out for a drive. After sharing some initial concerned glances amongst each other, they told us to “go for it.”

Engineers really are big kids with bigger toys – they were as curious as we were.

One brave soul at the introduction decided to hook up one of the trailers to a Big Red that had 1,000 pounds of cargo in the bed and go for a drive- while it’s in no way condoned by Honda, the unit handled the load with confidence and seemed to hardly struggle pulling 2,500 lbs of cargo and trailer!

As far as suspension goes, the 2011 unit only received a few updates to the shock settings, as the variable-damping shock absorbers still provide the same amount of wheel travel (5.9 inches up front and 7.1 out back). The travel numbers on the Big Red are clearly overshadowed by all the J-model sport/utility UTVs and the American products, but Honda has a different philosophy than most when it comes to suspension design. Working with less suspension travel equates for a stiffer shock setup with less body roll, and while it may not work for sporty play riding, it does for utility work. On the trail, the shocks provide enough smooth damping to cruise at a decent speed. But remember, the Big Red is first and

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2011 Honda BIg red MUV 700 foremost a work vehicle, not one made to glide over undulating terrain or carve dunes.

When it comes to safety, Honda has the Big Red dialed. The ROPS (roll over protection structure) on the Big Red is certified to meet the requirements of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for occupant safety, and it’s strong enough to handle a good bashing should you ever be unfortunate enough to have to test it. We did some slow-speed trailer handling tests with the Big Red and found that with its super-tight turning radius (a scant 13.8 feet), we could actually jack-knife the trailer when moving forward at full lock.

Thankfully, the tires are the first contact point, so don’t be surprised if you rub a little paint off your trailer tongue should you forget how tight the BR turns.

Ergonomically, the Big Red is a breeze to operate. Up on the dash, you have two levers- one that selects Forward, Neutral, or Reverse, and the other engages 2WD, 4WD, or 4WD with diff lock. For $199.95 Honda offers a small digital meter kit which replaces the low-tech selector lights in the dash located directly above the steering column. The digital meter gives the driver information such as speed, gear position, and parking brake activation warning.

Keeping you strapped into the seat are the automotive style three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts and ergonomically placed footwells which help brace the rider on bumpy trails. Other features in the cab include a 12V power outlet for accessories and a lockable splash-proof glove box.

Other accessories are available for the Big Red straight off of the showroom floor, including a roof, windshield, and half-windshield. The windshield option is excellent for keeping dust out of your face while riding or working, and the

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roof provides a much-needed sun cover for the hot summer months. Honda also developed front and rear bumpers for protection, and optional spotlights to make working in the dark a bit easier. Optional bedrails offer more tie-down points, and a rear-mounted gear bag further increases cargo capacity.

TIME TO PLAY Out on the trail, the Big Red’s size comes into play a bit when the trail gets tight. At 64 inches wide and 114.7 inches long, it’s the same width as an RZR XP, but a half-foot longer overall. This certainly limits its ability to fit on tight, wooded trails, so keeping the Big Red out in the open or on wider fire roads is a good idea. It does offer an ample 10.3 inches of ground clearance despite its relatively small tire size and suspension travel, which helps on rocky and rutted terrain. The gargantuan width of the Big Red lets it shine on off-camber trails, as even when it’s fully loaded, the unit doesn’t seem to feel top heavy or tipsy.

In 4WD with the differential locked, the Big Red transforms into the Big Red Mountain Goat, as it seems to laugh at steep, nasty hillclimbs and downhills.

The upgrade to Maxxis Bighorn tires makes for a much more surefooted feel on slippery terrain, and adds a bit of handling prowess to the Big Honda.

As a pure utility vehicle, the Big Red offers a comfortable, well-made, stable platform to work with. The three-speed transmission alleviates the problem of burning belts when working the vehicle hard, and it’s a capable hauler with plenty of get-up to play around on the trail. And with a starting MSRP of $11,669 and three color options available (Big Red, Big Green, and Big Camo), it’s a viable alternative to some of the already well-known workhorse UTVs we’ve grown to love.

2011 Honda BIg red MUV 700

The new Big Red can haul 1,000 pounds of cargo in the bed and has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Above: The 2011 has new rear shocks with adjustable preload to help with the increased payload capacity.

Left: Comfortable 2passenger contoured bench seats are new this year and provide easy entry and exit.

Right: Big Red features composite doors with an automotivestyle double latching system.

Engine/Transmission

Honda MUV700

Displacement/HP

675cc

Engine Type

OHV, single-cylinder, four-stroke, Liquidcooled

Compression Ratio

9.2:1

Bore & Stroke

102mm x 82.6mm

Induction

EFI, 40mm throttle body

Coolant Capacity

4.8 qts / 4.5 ltr

Starter

Electric

Clutch

Automatic

Suspension Front Details

Dual A-arms, non-adj. shocks/5.9” travel

Rear Details

Dual A-arms, preload-adj. shocks/7.1” travel

Front Suspension

5.9 inches of travel

Rear Suspension

7.1 inches of travel

Tires (front/rear)

25 x 10-12 / 25 x 10-12 Maxxis Big Horn

Dimensions/capacities/weights Fuel Capacity

Digital Meter is a great add-on accessory, but we wish it came as standard equipment.

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7.9 gal.

Wheelbase

75.7 inches

Ground Clearance

10.3 in

Length / Width / Height

114.7/64.0/76.9

Curb Weight

1431 pounds

Bed Capacity

1000 lb.

Tow Rating

1500 lb.

Body Color options

Red, Olive, Natural Gear® Camouflage

MSRP

$11,699, $11,999 (Camo)

POLARIS

RANGER EV A Purpose Built Electric Vehicle For

Meat Eatin’, Boot Wearin’ Ruffians

WORDS BY JEFF HENSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TROY MERRIFIELD & JEFF HENSON

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2011 POLARIS RANGER EV You know why electric vehicles and “smart cars” haven’t made a more significant and positive impression on the auto-buying public? Neither the vehicles, nor the manufacturers of these vehicles, are at fault. With gas quickly approaching five dollars a gallon, hybrids and electric vehicles certainly deserve consideration.

However, it’s the typical, know-it-all drivers purchasing these vehicles that have created their own taboo. You know – the ones that brag loudly about their reduced, sandal-wearing, carbon footprint. “What have you done to protect Mother Earth today,” they ask through protein-starved gums, pointing at you with a callus-free, manicured finger. The express lane probably isn’t the safest place for a smart car owner, but it’s precisely where I tend to find them, and usually twittering.

We hear ya! You don’t want to be that guy.

Fortunately, for the rest of us barbarians that require a strong and efficient horse, rather than a status symbol, Polaris has designed an “electric vehicle” that crushes the elitist electric vehicle definition – the Ranger EV. Trail and Street Smart Options “But smart cars can be driven on the road,” you say. Well, so can the EV, especially if you purchase one equipped with an LSV package. There are a few on-road limitations. With a top speed of twenty-five mph and a range of no more than fifty miles, you won’t be driving it on any freeways or cross-country vacations. However, the LSV model does come with everything required for on-road travel; a horn, turn signals, driving/brake lights, windshield, mirrors and D.O.T-approved tires that are very suitable for moderate trail use. That’s everything you need when getting from one trail head to the next requires a little on-road travel. You can even use it to run up to the corner store or pick your kid up from school.

For our testing, however, we opted for the base model without all of the onroad accessories. We’re all about dirt! Paved roads are just a tool to get to the fun stuff.

ALL ELECTRIC

!

Comfortable and Convenient A wide, two-person bench seat offers easy access and plenty of elbow room.

All of the controls are within reach of the driver, including several toggle switches that control a variety of features.

Direction Selection – there is no standard gear selector like that found in the gas- powered Rangers. You press the three-way electric toggle switch up to go forward, down for reverse, or centered for neutral.

Mode Selection – Choose the electric power output that best suits your needs; High, Low or Max. High range allows for top speed; Low range is all about climbing and towing; and the Max selection offers the most miles with the least amount of drain on the battery.

Drive selection – The EV can be operated in two-wheel drive mode or allwheel drive. And then there is lawn-friendly turf mode, which only drives one rear wheel.

Also in reach is a dash mounted parking brake, a battery life indicator, driving light switches and a twelve-volt power port.

Trail Capable We took our EV up into the Bradshaw Mountains near Prescott, Arizona to test its ability over different terrain types, and to see how it adapts to climbing and navigating technical trails. Almost right away, we decided the max mode power selection wasn’t exciting enough, and we quickly switched to low range. “That’s much better,” I said as we made our way up the first steep mountain trail. In low range, and with all-wheel drive selected, the thirty-horse electric motor really shows where its power lies. It claws at the rocks and steep obstacles, pulling itself up over everything in its path. On steep descents, the electric motor also resists wild free-wheeling. It crawls downward slowly, always leaving the driver feeling in complete control.

As the trail opened up, we flipped the power mode into high and mashed the accelerator pedal to the floor. Twenty-five mph might not seem fast, but the

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2011 POLARIS RANGER EV EV gets up to speed in a hurry. Polaris claims the range of the EV to be anywhere from twenty-five to fifty miles, depending on the load, trail conditions and the manner in which it’s driven. We’re going to have to say that twenty-five to thirty-five miles is more realistic. We know how our readers like to drive –fast, like us! Better to make it safely back to the truck than get stuck walking. Gas cans won’t help you with this machine.

At 1,700 pounds, the EV is heavy; over 650 pounds heavier than the mid-sized, gaspowered Ranger models. While the extra weight might hamper its range, it doesn’t have much effect on cornering and handling. The bulk of the weight – the motor and batteries – is placed low in the frame cradle. Even at speed, the EV corners flat and precise. Braking is also improved with the use of dual piston calipers on the front discs.

The ride is never jarring at any speed. MacPherson struts provide eight inches of travel up front, with nine inches at the independent rear suspension. Ten inches of ground clearance is plenty for most every trail, job or terrain type, assuming you’ll stay out of waist-deep mud holes.

The Workhorse The Ranger EV is rated for 500 pounds in the rear dump box and 1,250 pounds of towing capacity. We placed ten 50-pound bags of horse grain in the bed to see for ourselves if the EV was up to the task. You definitely feel the extra weight under load, but steering control remains constant. On top of that, the horses really appreciated the virtually-noiseless engine. This should be a key selling point for hunters looking for a rugged off-road vehicle that won’t scare away potential game.

The dump bed is also a pleasant feature to have, especially when the cargo is a full load of horse manure. The gas assist bed and truck style tailgate make easy work of even the heaviest loads.

We’ve got to say, though, that our favorite work-related feature about the EV is that it’s always ready, provided we remembered to plug it into a 110-amp outlet the night before. (Polaris has an optional “quick-charger” available for customers that require longer electric cycles). There are no gas cans or oil filters cluttering up the barn that houses a Ranger EV. Going Green Doesn’t Make You A Pansy… …in fact, this vehicle really isn’t about green politics at all. It’s a matter of convenience for the farmer, a stealthy elk hauler for the hunter and a slick new way to enjoy off-road trails for the adventure seeking enthusiast. Electric power has its place in the off-road world. You don’t have to be a pasty faced twit to appreciate it.

MSRP: As tested $10,999, Polaris Pursuit Camo package $11,399, Polaris EV LSV On-road Package $11,999

2010 RANGER EV

Performance Motor Configuration

Single 48 Volt, High Efficiency, AC Induction motor

Motor peak HP

30hp

Controller

650 - Amp Sevcon Gen IV controller with multi-mode driving and regenerative braking.

Battery Pack

11.7kW battery pack at 48V DC; Eight 12-volt US12VXC batteries in series-parallel configuration

Top speed

25 MPH

Range

50 miles. *Range is in ‘Max Range’ driving mode, flat ground and may vary depending on driving conditions

Throttle

Redundant, Non-contact, inductive sensing pedal

Onboard Charger

9.0 gal/34 ltr

Charge Time

8 hours (Dependent on depth of discharge)

Drivetrain Transmission

Direct Drive motor to Transaxle with low noise gears

Drive

On Demand AWD, 2WD, Turf Mode

Suspension Front Suspension

Independent Macpherson Struts with 8” Travel

Rear Suspension

Dual A-Arm with 9” Travel

Tires (front/rear)

25x9-12 Carlisle All Trail II

Features Cup Holders

Dual cup holders

Indicator Panel

Indicates Directional Selection, Park Brake, and Motor or Controller malfunction

Charge Meter

Indicates battery charge remaining (Digital)

Hour Meter

Indicates cumulative hours on vehicle (Digital)

Auxiliary Power

12 volt accessory outlet

Passenger Restraints

Automotive-Style 3-Point Seat belts

Multi-Mode Switch

Three Operating Modes - L (Low), M (Max Range), H (High)

Lighting

Dual 50 watt headlights, Tail Lights, and Brake Lights

Storage

Glove box

Dimensions Wheelbase

72” (182.9 cm)

Turning Radius

150” (381.0 cm).

Dry Weight

1700 lbs.

Ground Clearance

10”

Length/Width/Height

108”x56.5”x73”

Brakes

“4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc w/Dual Bore Front Calipers”

Parking Brake

Dash-mounted; Lever activated mechanical parking brake

Load Capacity

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Box Dimension/Capacity

L-37” X W-51” X H-11” (94.0 X 129.5 X 27.9 cm) / 500 lbs

Payload Capacity

1000 lbs.

Hitch Tow Capacity

1250 lbs.

Cargo System

Lock & Ride.

Seating

2

Skid Plate

Plastic

MSRP

Blue $10,999, Polaris Pursuit Camo $11,399

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YAMAHA

RHINO 700FI PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW ELMER

W

ay back in 2004, Yamaha released an off-road vehicle that would send a shockwave through the OHV industry. Starting with an all-new chassis, Yamaha engineers placed two bucket seats side-by-side and sandwiched a reworked Grizzly 660 ATV engine between them. Using a continuously variable transmission system, the new vehicle negated the need for shifting or a clutch pedal, allowing pretty much anyone to slide behind the steering wheel and have some fun. A truckstyle dump cargo bed was fitted to the rear of the vehicle, as well as a double A-arm suspension setup front and rear that boasted an impressive 7 inches of wheel travel. By today’s standards, this isn’t much- but at the forefront of the UTV movement, the Yamaha Rhino punched a big hole in the OHV industry and left a mark as the father of the sport we have all grown to love.

Fast forward seven years, and the UTV industry has come a long way. This year, we saw the introduction of a sport machine that breaks new ground for us UTV fanatics, and the Rhino, while constantly updated, has yet to see a sport or four-seat variant as others have provided. A few years back, Yamaha updated the powerplant in its flagship Rhino to the 686cc fuel-injected mill first found in the Raptor 700 sport quad, once again adapted with a CVT transmission feeding power to all four wheels. Yamaha uses a special sprag clutch inside the transmission casing that keeps constant pressure on the CVT’s belt to prevent slippage and burning, and it’s one of the most bulletproof systems on the market. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) works by connecting two separate clutches with a large reinforced rubber drive belt. The clutch that attaches to the engine’s crankshaft is called the primary clutch- it uses a spring and roller system to squeeze two machined sheaves together, causing the belt to ride on a surface where diameter increases with engine speed.

Attached to the transmission is the secondary clutch, which uses spring tension to separate the sheaves, reducing the size of the belt’s

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2011 YAMAHA RHINO 700FI “sprocket” on the secondary. What this does is effectively alters the gearing of the transmission at a constant engine speed, as opposed to a regular automatic or manual transmission which the ratios remain constant until you shift. In layman’s terms, the more throttle you give it, the faster it goes- no shifting or clutching necessary.

COMFORTABLE LIVING FOR TWO The Rhino has long been touted as one of the most comfortable UTVs for trail riding- its dual bucket seats are a low-back design, which makes them easy to slip in and out of if you’re working. The large, open cockpit has a flat floor, making climbing in and out of the Rhino less bothersome than some of the tighter sport UTVs. Yamaha also started including half-doors on the Rhino a few years back, and had a free update program extended to any Rhino owner who wanted the new doors fixed to their unit- just take it to the dealer, and they’ll install it free of charge. Our testers have always spoken well of the Rhino’s light, responsive steering, and the new unit is still the same- there is no power steering option, but we have rarely ever seen the need for it. Passenger handholds include a ski-pole style handhold on the passenger’s left side, with a rope and handle attached to it. We would much rather see a T-bar above the glove box, as the one in the RZR has proved to be the best passenger grab bar in the industry. The Special Edition Rhino we tested had the optional Sport shocks, which are compression, rebound, and preload-adjustable KYB units that help keep the Rhino sane in rough terrain.

They work very well for the tame amount of wheel travel the Rhino exhibits, but hardcore desert or trail riders will have to buck up and get a long travel kit for fast-paced driving.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY... …is not how the Rhino does things. While the Rhino is primarily a trail vehicle, it will haul a load around without breaking a sweat. Yamaha initially designed the Rhino to be an all-around work and play solution; and it worked well. Haul 400 pounds of dirt, hay, bricks, logs, or whatever you can fit in the Rhino’s steel dump bed during the work week, and unload it to go play in the hills on the weekend. We would like to see increased carrying and towing capacities for the Rhino next year, as nearly every sport/utility UTV on the market now boasts higher load ratings, even those with much smaller engines (such as the Polaris Ranger 500). We have hauled plenty of weight

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in the Rhino’s bed over rough terrain, and the independent rear suspension setup soaks up the bumps and keeps the load level well. If you’re going to be carrying loads a lot, bump up the spring preload and compression damping on the rear shocks to help limit the body roll and keep it from bottoming out. The 686cc fuel-injected four stroke single churns out enough power to pull its 1,199 lb claimed wet weight around well, topping out at 43 mph in our testing. If you’re loaded down, the Rhino takes its time getting up to speed, but it doesn’t feel like you’re taxing it too hard, even at max capacity.

EARNING ITS SPORT MONIKER The engine shoehorned between the Rhino’s framerails is a fairly new design that showed up first in Yamaha’s Raptor and Grizzly 700 ATVs. In the Raptor, the engine is featured with a manual 5-speed transmission, a freer-flowing cylinder head design, and a hotter camshaft. The Grizzly adaptation saw a reworked cylinder head and cam profile to produce more bottom-end torque, with less peak horsepower and a much different power spread. Yamaha also grafted a CVT transmission to the giant single-cylinder powerplant for ease of use, which is what we now see in the Rhino. While the engine doesn’t make much power on the dyno (low-mid 20’s at the wheels in our testing), it has enough power to get the rear tires to break loose on some loose hardpack and get a little sideways. However, this isn’t where the Rhino is most comfortable- slip it into low gear, lock the front differential, and climb up a gnarly, rocky streambed, and it will really make you smile. With over a foot of ground clearance and selectable four-wheel drive with diff lock, the Rhino should have been called the mountain goat! We have put the Rhino through some incredible climbing challenges many times, and we always come away impressed with its crawling prowess.

Aim the Rhino down a steep, slippery downhill, and the results are just as impressive. With its all-wheel engine braking system and four-wheel disc brakes (twin piston up front, singles out back), it has no problem stopping at any chosen point upon descent. The brakes have a beautifully weighted feel that promotes confidence when driving fast, and the aggressive Maxxis tires lend a ton of grip to stop quickly in nearly any terrain type.

As part of a CPSC ruling a couple years back, Yamaha removed the rear swaybar from the Rhino and added wheel spacers to the rear hubs. While

2011 YAMAHA RHINO 700FI this makes the Rhino much more compliant over bumps and off-camber ruts, it took away some of the sharp, sporty handling and softened up the rear suspension quite a bit. With the slight increase in leverage provided by the wheel spacers, we turned in the rear compression adjusters four clicks to keep the rear up in its travel. As long as you’re not trying to slam whoops or big G-outs with it, the Rhino won’t have any problems. The most fun we have had with the Rhino is on tighter, technical trails where big width and huge suspension aren’t needed. Slip it into four-wheel drive, snake through the trees, and climb some rocky carapices, and you’ll have a permanent goofy grin stretched across your face. Our unit came equipped with a roof, front bumper, hood rack, and half-windshield, which further increased the carrying capacity and comfort of the unit. The roof is a great asset in all weather conditions, and personally, we think all UTVs should come standard with one. It keeps the rain off the passengers and cuts down on heat in the summer months, while also deflecting branches and other debris that would otherwise end up in your lap.

The half-windshield deflects a small amount of wind from your chest, but instead pushes it up near your face- this is fine in most conditions, but in snow, rain, or sleet, it doesn’t help much. Funny thing is, the Rhino was made to traverse these nasty conditions, so opting for a full windshield in harsher climates is a good idea. Whether it’s sand, mud, dusty hardpack, or fresh powder, the Rhino makes its way through tough terrain with grace. It will easily outclimb some larger, faster UTVs on tight, technical tests where traction is scarce; with tractable power and a better four wheel drive system, it will traverse some terrain that will leave others stuck winching up the climb.

LIFE WITH THE RHINO One of the beautiful things about the Rhino is its reliability- with a proven engine and transmission design that never really seems to produce any

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problems, a strong steel chassis, and easy-to-access service compartments, it makes life easy on the owner. The hood flips forward with the removal of two rubber latches, exposing the brake fluid reservoir, radiator, coolant overflow tank, battery, fuses and air intake. The foam air filter features toolless access and easy removal, making servicing a breeze. Unbolt the center plastic skid plate, and changing the Rhino’s oil can be done in minutes. A screw-on, automotive-style oil filter and easy to access drain plug make oil changes a snap. All in all, it’s a well-engineered unit that should require very little attention to keep running over a long life.

WHERE IT FITS IN We had the Rhino out for some snow play and ice fishing, and the ability to cross harsh terrain left us thoroughly impressed. Even in 1-2 feet of fresh powder, the Rhino didn’t have any problems smashing through snow banks in 4WD, even without the diff locked. The aggressive Maxxis tires and welldesigned drive system kept it from getting stuck, and even driving on ice felt comfortable as long as we kept the speeds low. Big tire ruts in the snow are the Rhino’s only demise- if you hang up the frame and can’t make contact with the ground under the tires, you’ll have to dig it out. Owners who live in harsh snowy conditions will want to swap out the stock treads for a set of taller tires to increase ground clearance. The bumper also works well for pushing banks of snow out of the way- just make sure there aren’t any obstacles hidden underneath the powder before you go barreling through!

While the Rhino isn’t a terrain-devouring, brutally fast trailblazer like the Can-Am Commander or a half-ton-plus capacity, power steering equipped workhorse like the Polaris Ranger HD, the Rhino slides nicely into the middle of the segment as an all-around performer. It isn’t fast, doesn’t have crazy suspension, and it’s not insanely expensive- which is what makes it so appealing to so many owners. If you don’t need huge power, over a foot of suspension travel, or the capability to haul more cargo than the truck you tow your UTV around with can, the Rhino may be right up your alley. With a comfortable interior, well-designed and balanced chassis, and a reputation for reliability, it’s one unit that we can say hits its mark.

Hunting & Outdoor Buyer’s Guide Grab some gear and a vehicle and just get out and hide.

Cub Cadet Volunteer

Bigger . Stronger . Tougher .

Powerful Utility . Extreme Versatility .

Whether you’re hauling lumber, maintaining large grounds or transporting people, Volunteer’s series of 4x4 utility vehicles has everything you need for an ultimate experience. An on-demand 4x4 system gives you the strength of 4-wheel drive in the flick of a switch. And with loads of premium features packed into every 4x4, you’ll be able to take on any challenge, no matter which utility vehicle you choose. . Go to: www.cubcadet.com

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The QuickShot Universal Spare Tire Mount

Polaris Ranger Doors for the Outdoorsman

The QuickShot Universal Spare Tire and Accessory Mount is the most versatile product on the market for your UTV, off-road vehicle, trailer, SUV, or truck. Quickshot’s revolutionary mounting plate allows you to mount hundreds of essential products in various ways. With the option of mounting your QuickShot both horizontally and vertically, finding a place for your QuickShot to mount is simple.

You’ve never seen a spare tire mount like this. With the QuickShot you’re getting much more than your standard spare tire mount. You are now able to outfit your favorite off road, safety, farm, work, and play accessories onto your spare tire with the quickfists included with your QuickShot. The included jack – mounts right to your QuickShot base.

These doors are all aluminum construction to save weight and ensure strength and durability for any type of riding or racing. The doors are direct bolt-on to your Ranger with no drilling. They have a 3-point mounting system, making them the strongest and best design on the market, period. The doors are available with sheet metal skins or nets and are fully interchangeable. The latch is a positive detent spring loaded latch and is easy to use. These doors not only make your ride look that much better with the state-of-the-art design, but also make it much easier to enter and exit your Ranger. We offer these doors in brushed aluminum or powder coated black. *Suicide doors *All aluminum construction to save weight and ensure strength and durability.

Go to: www.proarmor.com or Call: 888.312.7667

Go to: www.proarmor.com or Call: 888.312.7667

Yamaha Rhino / Kawasaki Teryx Roof Additional storage space and protection from the elements were exactly what Moose Utility Division had in mind when creating the all-new roofs for the Yamaha Rhino and Kawasaki Teryx UTVs. Made from durable polyethylene, these roofs protect from the sun and rain while increasing the amount of available storage via molded cargo trays. Specially formed drains help keep cargo dry by allowing water to run off and the durable construction will ensure protection for years to come.

Product Features • Durable polyethylene w/ UV stabilizers • Extremely durable in cold weather • Molded in cargo tray allows for extra storage with bungees or cargo net • Molded in drains allow water runoff from storage area • Fits Teryx and Rhino models • Retail Price: $139.95

Expedition UTV Gun Scabbard Quality universal gun sheath and storage system with riveted carrying handle adds true sportsman functionality to your ATV. • Universal mounting system includes two adjustable elastic cords and detailed instruction set. • Modular concept design bag has six sturdy D-rings that facilitate easy attachment to other Moose Utility bags. • Large, padded storage sleeve resists moisture and keeps the elements at bay to protect your firearm. • Handy, external elastic mesh storage pockets, designed to hold a variety of objects (binoculars, drink bottle, etc). • External shotgun shell holder (holds more than 20 shells), and a handy tool holder, puts what you need at your fingertips. • Two large, foam-lined pockets with weatherresistant flaps keep the elements at bay and away from your cargo.

• Retail Price: Black $73.95 • Retail Price: Mossy Oak Break-Up $78.95 Go to: www.mooseutilities.com

Go to: www.mooseutilities.com

Rugged Radios 2-Place Headset/Intercom System with Music Input Port Keep communication clear, comfortable and enjoyable with this special kit from Rugged Radios.

Compatible with all 2-way radios, you can listen to your music while scouting and hunting. The moment you speak, the music mutes for clear conversation. Includes headsets, intercoms, and total-shield cabling as shown for reliable and clear communication.

Additional features include music mute switch, volume control on each headset, dynamic, mic circuit, and 24db NRR performance. 3.5mm music cable included.

Part #350-2P-H22 / $599.00 www.RuggedRadios.com / (888) 541-7223

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Hunting & Outdoor Buyer’s Guide

Electronic Power Steering Hunt with ease.

SuperATV has done it again.

Introducing EZ-Steer power steering, our kits are designed to make your life easier. Using the industry’s latest technology, EZ-Steer kits are engineering to provide you with a smooth ride and effortless steering while virtually eliminating bumper steer.

Multiple models available Easy, bolt-on application Connects to 12-volt power source MSRP : $599.95

Polaris RZR Canvas Cab Enclosure Stay warm during your outing. SuperATV’s heavy-duty cab enclosure is sure to make your trips even more enjoyable. Keep the wind, snow, rain, and sleet on the outside while keeping yourself warm and dry.

Kit includes: • Canvas Cab Enclosure and Doors • Under Dash Kit • Full Windshield MSRP : $649.95

Go to:www.superatv.com or call 812.574.7777

Go to:www.superatv.com or call 812.574.7777

Garmin’s GTU 10 Tracking Device Garmin’s GTU 10 is a small, lightweight and waterproof tracking device. It easily attaches to your UTV. Use it so others can track your whereabouts when you’re out on a remote trail, or use it as a theft prevention device.

The GTU 10 comes with one year of standard coverage, so you can track your side-by-side virtually anywhere in the U.S., right out of the box. View the location of your GTU 10 on a map from your computer, or download the free Garmin Tracker app for your iPhone or Android mobile device. The GTU also offers geofencing capability, so it can alert you when your device exits or enters a pre-determined area.

Go to:www.garmin.com or call: 800-800-1020

Garmin’s NEW GPSMAP 62 Camo RZ Mask Hunting: 585 yards... Nearly six football fields.. Over 1700 feet..

No matter how you say it, this large distance represents the distance to which a deer can smell human scent.

With scent being such an important thing in hunting, why not effectively cover the source of most odor, the mouth?

The RZ Mask is your cure. Made from soft neoprene, this mask is equipped with an N99 active carbon filter that prevents scent from escaping. The mask is also designed to keep your face warm and protect it from the elements on a cold November day in the deer stand.

Go to:www.RZMask.com

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Garmin’s newly designed GPSMAP 62st handheld navigator comes preloaded with 100K topographical maps, which includes coverage of the full U.S. For even more detail, users can load highly detailed BirdsEye Satellite imagery onto their unit to view the narrowest trails and other geographic features. The totally waterproof GPSMAP 62st features a 3-axis tilt-compensated compass, a barometric altimeter, and a quad helix GPS antenna for unparalleled reception. You can even wirelessly transfer waypoints and routes to your riding partners with the GPSMAP 62st.

Go to:www.garmin.com or call: 800-800-1020

Hi-Lift UTV Jack As the “Powerhouse” in the off-road market for many years, the Hi-Lift® jack is now available to meet the everincreasing demands and requirements of the UTV market with the release of the Hi-Lift® UTV jack. In addition to the obvious off-road applications, imagine the benefits to farmers and ranchers, and the general outdoorsmen. UTVs are commonplace on farms and ranches, and the UTV jack can be used to pull fence posts, lift tractors and implements, and even aid in freeing up stuck trucks and equipment. The HiLift® UTV jack can be used for a host of rescue and extrication applications.

Go to:www.hi-lift.com or call:(800)233-2051

Kolpin Stealth Exhaust The Stealth Exhaust is a secondary muffler designed to be used in conjunction with your stock system. It is not a replacement for your existing muffler! · Reduces ATV and UTV exhaust noise by up to 5-7 decibels with no loss in performance! · Universal design fits most ATV’s or UTV’s with a four-stroke engine · High flow/low restriction muffler uses baffled design - no packing to burn out · All mounting hardware and detailed instructions included · No need for cumbersome welding or vehicle modifications (in most cases) · Honda Models require an additional adapter (not included) · Dimensions: 12.25” x 4.5” · Available in Black or Stainless Steel Go to: www.kolpin.com or call: 877.9KOLPIN

VIAIR 450P Automatic Portable Compressor Check out the first 100% duty cycle, automatic portable compressor, the VIAIR 450P-Automatic. VIAIR Automatic Portable compressors automatically shut off, simplifying tire fills. Rather than going from each tire to the compressor to shut off between tires, just let the compressor run. The unit will shut off for you. The 450P is rated to 150 PSI, comes with a gas station-style tire inflation gun with air pressure gauge. These heavy-duty compressors also come with heavy-duty battery connection cables, inflation tips kit, rubber overmold sand tray and a heavy-duty carrying bag.

Go to: www.viaircorp.com or call: 949- 585-0011

Kolpin In- Bed Double Gun Boot Mount • 20005 Fits models: Polaris Ranger, Polaris Ranger XP, Kawasaki Mule, Arctic Cat Prowler • 20010 Fits models: Yamaha Rhino, Polaris Ranger 400, Kymco UXV, Kawasaki Teryx • Secure mount cradles two Kolpin Gun Boot® 6.0 cases (sold separately) in the bed of your UTV • Mounting location does not interfere with rear visibility • Compact design allows plenty of bed space • Accommodates Gun Boot® 6.0 cases only (sold separately) • 20005 - Bed dimensions: 47.5” min - 55” max • 20010 - Bed dimensions: 43.5” min - 48.5” max Go to: www.kolpin.com or call: 877.9KOLPIN

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Hunting & Outdoor Buyer’s Guide New Expedition Rack by UTV inc UTV Inc is proud to introduce our newest line-up of EXPEDITION parts & accessories for the explorer, hunter, camper in all of us! This clamp-on roof rack will attach to most aftermarket 4-seat cages and features tie down spots on the floor and the sides of the rack. Made from mild steel and tig welded for appearance and strength. Comes powder coated satin black and will allow you to store and haul anything and everything you need. $649.95 Go to: www.utvinc.com or call: 623.934.3070

TrailArmor GUNRACK-RZR/S Black powder coated mount easily installs to roll cage back with four U-bolts Two air-ride gun racks have cushioning rubber fingers which conform to different gun stock sizes for a snug ride.

Rubber straps hold guns in.

Does not interfere with dump bed capability Can also be used to carry bows, fishing rods, shovels, etc.

Mounting hardware and installation instructions included MSRP: $98.95 Go to: www.trailarmor.com or call: 662.462.4222

Trail Armo Mud Flap Fender Extensions for RZRS style Fender Flares for the Polaris Ranger RzR/S and RZR4 • Extends the RZRS OEM-style fender flares to protect you from mud splash.

Greater coverage in the rear than other mud flaps on the market.

• Made of HDPE plastic (textured on face side) custom cut to work with the RZRS OEM-style fender flares.

• Mounting hardware and instructions included.

MSRP: $184.95 Go to: www.trailarmor.com or call: 662.462.4222

Seizmik Hood Racks All Seizmik hood racks feature flip forward design for easy access under the hood, all steel construction and a quick, easy installation with no drilling necessary. Seizmik hood racks allow riders to secure their gear easily. They accept a wide variety of accessories to hold guns and gear by using multiple mounting points. Placing your equipment in a hood rack allows you to dump your bed without unloading or rearranging equipment.

Seizmik Hood racks add 30% more cargo space by carrying equipment efficiently. Now available for mid-size and full-size Polaris Rangers, Yamaha Rhinos and Kubota RTVs. Suggested Retail Price: Rangers and Rhinos: $249.99; RTVs: $349.99 Go to:info@seizmik.com or Call:919-957-0044

NEW Side x Side Cameo Graphics Kits from AMR Racing Graphics

“AMR Racing Graphics has partnered with Mossy Oak to produce a new camo line of Side x Side graphic kits. These graphics have amazing detail and the same great quality and thickness that AMR Racing is known for. Graphic Kits can be purchased at www.amrracing.com and selected motorsports dealerships” Go to: www.amrracing.com or Call: 702.312.2217

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New UTVs in Camo and green for 2011 Cub Cadet Volunteer’s Camo Edition An on-demand 4x4 system gives you the strength of 4-wheel drive in the flick of a switch. And with loads of premium features packed into every 4x4.

Independent dual A-arm suspension with coil-over shocks provides 8” of wheel travel for an unbelievably smooth ride. You’ll cruise over the most challenging terrain for a remarkably comfortable experience that you only get from the best utility vehicles. With a 1,400-lb. towing and payload capacity. You’ll have the power to haul heavy-duty loads in fewer trips, so you’ll have the most time to do anything you want to do. With three engine sizes available, there is a Volunteer 4x4 that will fit your needs, work around large property or work through the woods to haul your game out. It was built tough to traverse rough terrain, haul heavy loads and always be ready for whatever you’re up to.

Go to: www.cubcadet.com

Polaris Ranger EV Camo Edition Sharing the same chassis as the Ranger 400, the all-new Ranger EV electric side-byside is a first for Polaris. The unit features the largest battery pack in the industry (11.5 kilowatts) and has the longest range of any electric Midsize. Built for clean and quiet operation, and full of hardest working, smoothest riding features, the Ranger EV is perfect for hunters and homeowners with acreage. With its 30 horsepower electric motor, 35-45 mile range, 25 mph top speed and two hours of riding time between charges, the Ranger EV will transport hunters and their gear to and from their hunting site with fewer disturbances to game. The Ranger EV has a 500 lb. Lock & Ride cargo box with 1,250 lb. towing and 1,000 lb. total payload, making hauling hunting gear or game a breeze.

For more information, Go to: www.polarisindustries.com

New Prowler 700HDX Camo All-new chassis with 85”wheelbase. (10” longer than 700 XTX) for improved ride and hauling capabilities, but retains same 118” overall vehicle length. Electronic Power Steering with Variable Assist and 5position tilt steering. Redesigned cab with 40/20/40 sculpted seating for three occupants. 41”L x 55”Wx 10”D tilting cargo box with 1,000-lb cargo capacity, multiple tie-down areas and detachable bedsides.

30 percent more cargo box volume than the competition. Spacious leftand right-side wheel well storage compartments. Park-In-Gear feature with dashboard-mounted shifter. Fox FLOAT Air-Assist shocks provide Industry Leading ride and hauling. 14-in. aluminum wheels rated for Heavy-Duty hauling.

Colors: TungstenMetallic and Advantage Timber Camo For more information, Go to: www.arcticatinc.com

Kymco UXV 500i 4 x 4 The 2012 KYMCO UXV 500i 4X4 Side-by-Side receives fuel injection this year to it’s already peppy 498cc engine. With the addition of an EFI the UXV has overall improved throttle response, smoother acceleration and more low-end grunt.

This all works in your favor whether it is on the farm, job site or out traversing the roughest terrain with your buddy. With 12.2 inches of ground travel and 7.5 inches of front and rear wheel travel the UXV will get you there in comfortably.

This unit can tow up to 1200 lbs and haul 420lbs of cargo. With a price tag of $8,799 for the base EFI 4x4 and only $7,699 for the carbureted version the UXV is a great budget work and play vehicle. There are four color options (green, red, gray and black) available on the lower end models while the SE and LE models are available in blue and metallic Silver respectively.

For more information visit www.kymcousa.com

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New Prowler 700HDX Camo The XT™ package offers all the standard Commander 1000 features, PLUS: 4,000-pound [1,814 kg] winch with roller fairlead, wired remote control and integrated remote storage 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels Maxxis Bighorn∞ 2.0 tires Front : 27 x 9 x 14 in / 686 x 229 x 356 mm Rear : 27 x 11 x 14 in / 686 x 279 x 356 mm Heavy-duty front bumper Rugged bed rails Mudguards Analog / digital gauge Custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center piece Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $14,899 US (Camo) Available in July, 2011 Go to: www.can-am.brp.com

Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Auto 4 x 4 Comfortable interior with automotive-type controls: Stylish steering wheel, left-side foot brake pedal/right-side foot accelerator pedal, centermounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights and 12volt accessory outlet.

686cc liquid/oil-cooled, four-stroke engine. Industry-exclusive fully automatic Ultramatic® transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse. Industry exclusive all-wheel downhill engine braking. Industry-exclusive three-position On-Command® In/Out 4WD feature lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD— all with the simple push of a button.

Fully independent four-wheel suspension: double wishbones front and rear deliver 7.3 inches of wheel travel and 12.1 inches of ground clearance; five-way preload-adjustable shocks provide maximum tire contact and amazing comfort while navigating rough terrain.

Thick bucket seats and that great long-travel suspension system work together to provide the smoothest ride in the industry.

Designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. Go to: www.yamaha-motor.com

Polaris Ranger 400 Camo True AWD keeps you moving, automatically engaging all four wheels when you need more forward traction and reverting back to 2WD when you don’t. When in 2WD, the VersaTrac Turf Mode switch unlocks the rear differential for easier, tighter turns that won’t tear up your grass. Built to fit in the bed of a truck, so you can take it with you without having to tow a trailer. Smooth Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) has 9” of travel and five-point adjustable preload so you can stiffen the suspension for heavy loads. The MacPherson Strut independent front suspension has a long 8” of travel. A black ignition key maximizes engine power and top speed, while a yellow key lowers the top speed to 23 mph. Outstanding driver and passenger comfort, with extra legroom and easy cab slide-through design so two adults can get in and out quickly. Rear dump box has gas-assist dumping operation and features exclusive Lock & Ride cargo system that accommodates many hard-working accessories that can go on and off in seconds. Polaris pursuit camo - $8,599 U.S. MSRP Go to: www.polarisindustries.com

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Honda Big Red Camo Edition Has there ever been a machine where class-leading performance, safety and convenience come together so perfectly? (That’s a rhetorical question.) The Big Red was built with you in mind, which is the only way Honda knows how: tough, rugged, and as packed with performance as it is with industry-leading features. Like 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts inside a stout, secure four-pillar cab built with 1.6”diameter tubing. Separate brake lines that ensure stopping power even if one of your lines gets damaged or severed. Fully independent front and rear suspension coupled with a wide stance for superior handling. And perhaps best of all, knowing that it’s a Honda, with all the standard-setting quality and reliability for which we’re legendary.

For more information, Go to: www.powersports.honda.com

Kawasaki Teryx Camo Edition The recreation utility vehicle world will never be the same again.

A new breed has evolved with a mix of working UTV traits and sportier ATV genes — the Kawasaki Teryx™ 750 4x4. This new full-sized RUV is the first to have V-twin power and combines its Kawasaki heritage of efficient CVT and integrated occupant protection with superior ground clearance, cargo capacity, and sport handling to become the top performing RUV on the market.

The tall tires offer good rough terrain handling and contribute to its class leading ground clearance and ability to ercome obstacles.

However, the Teryx 750 4x4 isn’t all play and no work. It is equipped with a 500-pound capacity cargo bed that is ideal for hunters, yet versatile enough for work and hauling with tie down hooks in all four corners and comes with a cargo net to keep the goods secure.

For more information, Go to: www.kawasaki.com

Brand new Gator™ XUV 825i . Boasting 50 HP, it is the highest-powered engine in its class with superior low-end torque for taking on even the toughest tasks, trails, and terrain. Horsepower is delivered by an 815cc, liquid cooled, inline 3-cylinder engine featuring 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and electronic fuel injection. The 825i can travel at speeds up to 44 mph, All the new Gator XUV models have a completely re-designed front and rear independent suspension system that delivers a superior ride through rough terrain. Designed for less body roll and superior side-hill stability with either no-load or maximum cargo. Also, all the models sport an entirely new braking system The Gator XUV also features 1500 lbs. of towing and 1400 lbs. of payload capacity. The all-new hybrid metal and composite cargo box offers 16.4 cu. ft. of capacity, the most in its class, and an available factory installed spray-in bed liner with 20 integrated tie downs to help keep cargo in place. The sides of this cargo box are removable as well, giving the user a flat bed that’s easy to load and unload from any side.

All Gator XUV models are available in one of three different finishes: olive and black, Realtree Hardwoods™ HD Camo or traditional John Deere green and yellow.

All models are available exclusively through the John Deere dealer network or Goto: www.JohnDeere.com.

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Polaris RZR Trail Edition NEW! 800 H.O. EFI Engine with 53 horsepower. Aggressive new front styling that increases airflow by 29%. NEW! Engine Management System for better driveability and a 30% improvement in range.

More cargo space in rear bed and an In-cab glove box with easier-touse side nets.

Only trail capable side-by side at 50 inches wide with on-demand, true AWD and sporting the lowest center of gravity in its class for ground-hugging performance.

Lightest side-by-side at 945 lbs. with independent rear suspension.

All the utility you need with 300 lb. Lock & Ride® cargo bed, and 1,500 lb. towing capibility. ROPS Certified Cab. Available in Red and Polaris® Pursuit Camo.

Go to: www.polarisindustries.com

RANGER XP 800 EFI XP Hardest Working Features 50 hp with a top speed of 55 mph/88.5 kph. NEW! High/Low beamheadlights, 800 EFI engine, full instrumentation and on demand AWD with Turf Mode.

Big 1000 lb./453.6 kg storage box, 1500 lb./680.4 kg total payload. One ton//907.2 kg towing capability, industryleading storage with a removable under-seat storage.

ROPS Certified Cab. Lock & Ride® cargo system.

NEW! Easy-buckle driver and passenger safety nets.

Adjustable dual A-Arm front suspension, independent rear suspension with 9.6 in/24.5 cm front travel and 9 in/22.9 cm rear travel.

12 in/30.5 cm ground clearance.

Seating for three. Work-enabling ergonomics including tilt steering, easier steering effort and seat back angle.

Available in Sage Green, Solar Red and Polaris® Pursuit Camo. Limited Edition models include Crimson Red, Northwoods Green and Browning Edition Pursuit.

Go to: www.polarisindustries.com

New ! Polaris Ranger Crew 500 Multi-Passenger 4-Seat Midsize.

32 HP, 500 EFI engine with 44 mph/70.8 km top speed.

On demand AWD with turf mode.

500 lb./22.68 kg box, 1,250 lb./568 kg total payload and 1250 lb./ 567 kg towing.

Heavy duty front end protection with inset lights and the most protection for critical components. ROPS Certified Cab. Lock & Ride® cargo system.

MacPherson front suspension with independent rear suspension. 8 in/20.3 cm front travel, 9in/22.9 cm rear travel and 10 in/25.4 cm ground clearance. Easy-buckle driver and passenger safety nets. Seating for four.

Available in Sage Green, Solar Red and Pursuit Camo.

Go to: www.polarisindustries.com

Looking for a Camo wrap? Contact on of these dealers. www.camo4u.com www.camowraps.com www.jerseycamoskins.com www.kycamo.com www.amrgraphics.com 58

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www.powersportswraps.com

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RZR XP4 900

TMW Off-Road takes the XP to new lengths WHY AN XP-4 900?

A lot of people ask why would you build a 900 XP 4-seater when Polaris will most likely come out with one in the fall? Our answer is simple… WE just couldn’t wait for Polaris to come out with it! We started on a Friday and took a brand new 900-XP and cut it in half. After taking the side plastics off the standard RZR-4, we used it as a guide in extending the frame. We added exactly 26.5” to the 900, and all the factory floorboards from the standard RZR-4 fit right in place. The stock drive shaft was a little short, so we had a drive shaft custom made with an extra carrier bearing for support. Extending some brake lines, wires and shifter cables were all pretty standard.

One of the big obstacles was the skid plate. We could make one out of aluminum, but we love the UHMW skid plates from Factory UTV. So we called them up and explained our challenge. We thought it was a long shot since no one has seen an XP4. But it was no challenge for Factory UTV. After giving Bob some measurements over the phone, three days later we had a custom skid plate that fit our 4-seater perfectly.

After a couple days, we had an XP4 that looked like it came from the factory! We knew then that it was time to really do it up. We built a custom low profile cage that is 4 inches lower than our standard RZR-4 cage. We also decided to make a version of our RZR-4 side panels, but 5 inches higher than our standard side panels. This allowed us to have Cortez Vehicle wraps to carry the color through the side panels which completed the overall look. Next came a pre-runner bumper to hold the four Rigid Industries D2 Dually lights that put out 2500 lumens each. We added the TMW race brace to stiffen up the front end and built a hand formed custom aluminum hard top.

To give our XP a little boost, we called Muzzys Performance Product to see if they could help us get this thing moving a little faster. They sent us out their new dual exhaust for the standard 900 XP, and it was a flawless install, as Muzzys always is. Plus, we picked up about 12 hp to the rear wheels. When it came to the seats, we went with the new X3 seat package from TripleX that they make for the RZR-4. The extra cushion and support they put in the new X3 is well worth the extra money. The addition of Simpson 4-point harnesses, Billet Equipped shifter knob and steering wheel helped complete the interior of our one-of-a-kind ride.

To finish off the build, new tires and wheels were in order, so we called Dave at Fullerton Sand Tires and Bones at OMF Performance. They sent us these amazing beadlock wheels with smooth buff fronts and 26” STU sand blaster rear paddles, 16 paddles per tire. They really got us up on top of the sand and the XP-4 moving.

This was a really fun build because we got to do it exactly the way we wanted to, and we ended up with a really unique RZR-4. We are really blessed to go to work every day doing exactly what we love to do. Take time to play…

If you want your own RZR XP-4 900, contact TMW Off-Road at: 480-969-9261 60

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Cutting the frame

Muzzys dual XP exhaust

Letting it fly

X3 seats from Triple X

UTV & SIDE-BY-SIDE

off-roadproducts High Lifter Products Raises the Bar with the 5” Lift Kit for 2011 Polaris 900 RZR XP

Commander “Black Box” from Muzzy’s

High Lifter Products Inc., the leader in custom aftermarket ATV accessories and products, today announced its newest addition to the lift kit lineup.

The High Lifter 5” Signature Series Lift Kit for the 2011 Polaris 900 RZR XP meets the growing demand from UTV owners who want additional ground clearance and more room for larger tires.

The High Lifter team created the largest kit available for the 2011 Polaris 900 RZR XP that maximizes lift while maintaining the stock axles. The 5” Signature Series Lift Kit relocates the shock mounts providing additional lift, making room for larger tires. The end result is an easy-to-install, bolt-on application that consistently measurers truer over competitor products.

Each piece of the Signature Series Lift Kit is laser precision-cut from quarterinch steel and comes with a High Lifter nameplate. Signature Series lift kits for the 2011 Polaris 900 RZR XP are powder coated red to match the Polaris red for a clean looking lift that’s durable and reliable in any environment.

Price is $379.95 per kit.

Go to: www.highlifter.com or call: 800.699.0947

The Commander’s onboard computer is designed to cut the throttle if it senses excessive wheel spin. This can be extremely limiting, especially to competition racers who rely on maximum power delivery whenever they need it. The Black Box is the answer to this limitation. After installation, you’ll never have to worry about the throttle cutting out during power turns or after installing aftermarket performance upgrades. The single plug design makes installation a snap.

P/N 0015-00131 Commander 1000 “Black Box” throttle cutout eliminator $149.95 Go to: www.muzzys.com or call: 541.385.0706

EPI Performance Severe Duty Belts

Benz Silent Rider for a Quieter Ride

The Silent RiderTM dramatically reduces exhaust noise emissions, contributing to a more enjoyable and productive riding experience.

The Silent RiderTM silencers are designed to quiet exhaust noise on major brands such as Polaris, Arctic Cat, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and others.

Go to: www.ATVsilencer.com or call: 336.285.6934

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EPI is the recognized leader in the CVT drive belt business with our exclusive line of Severe Duty Belts. As the ATV/UTV industry grew and enthusiasts found more ways to modify and use their machines, we saw the growing need for a “Severe Duty” belt that could withstand the stress and heat of severe applications. All of our Severe Duty Belts are constructed to our specifications using the highest quality materials and the latest technology.

The result of this testing and development is the EPI Severe Duty Belt that outperforms any other belt you can buy. Developed and tested alongside our Clutch Kits, our Severe Duty Belts are a great way to upgrade the performance and reliability of your CVT system. Install one today and hit the trails worry-free! EPI Severe Duty Belts are available at your dealer, or contact us at www.EPIperformance.com. Prices starting at $124.95.

UTV & SIDE-BY-SIDE

off-roadproducts Eagle Eye Lights 4” Internal Ballast HID New Polished Black Chrome Finish Back by popular demand, the all-new HID505 and HID608 lights will be offered in a new polished black chrome housing!

Our polished black chrome housing is unlike anything else on the market and will be a great fit with any application and vehicle color.

Coupled with the high intensity lights and the sleek new polished design, the black Chrome HID505 will be a great addition to any light bar or front bumper!

The universal mounting bracket is durable and made for the off-road industry. It is made from stainless steel and was tested in the most extreme off-road terrains in the world! It is available in both the Eagle Eye Lights 4” Internal ballast and 6” Internal ballast Slim HID lights. The HID505 and HID608 are available in driving, spot, and flood beams. The other housing options are a polished stainless steel and a powder coated black steel housing.

Clear covers, which can be left on the light while in use, are sold separately.

Go to: www.eagleeyelights.com

KIng Shocks NEW Performance Coilover Shocks

Wolfsnout All Sport Rider Filter Wolfsnout ATV dust masks are a unique approach to dust protection for the rider. Designed not to restrict breathing and to be cool for hot summer use. Works perfectly with a helmet and goggles.

• Fits under any helmet • Stays cool while moving • Works well with goggles • Super easy to breathe • Soft comfortable face seal Go to: wolfsnout.com

Bling Star Custom Roof and Rack

King Shocks has just completed extensive desert testing of their new performance coilover shock kit for the Polaris, RZR, XP900. The XP900 is delivered as a long travel machine direct from the factory yet King’s race proven damping performance takes it to a whole new level.

King’s Performance series shocks boost wheel travel from 14 to 15.5 inches in the rear and from 13.5 to an incredible 16.5 inches in front.

The increased wheel travel, when combined with King’s highly refined damping control, lets you tap every ounce of performance from the RZR and its potent 88 horsepower, 900cc, twin EFI powerplant. King Shocks test drivers were amazed by the modified RZR’s ability to devour the roughest terrain at speeds approaching that of many purpose-built racecars. King’s shock kit for the XP900 delivers unparalleled high-speed performance without sacrificing comfort or control at lower speeds.

If you want the ultimate performance from your RZR, you need the durability and performance that King Shocks can provide.

Go to: www.kingshocks.com or call: 714.530.8701 64

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Custom billet mounting brackets with laser cut logo 6061 Aircraft grade aluminum Carries gas cans, camping gear, tires and more Universal platform to allow most light bar applications Built-in whip mount Built-in tie-down hoops No rattling Low enough to fit in most toyhaulers Made in the USA Price $784.95 Go to: www.blingstar.com or call: 866.412.5464

UTV & SIDE-BY-SIDE

off-roadproducts New Trinity Racing Polaris RZR XP900 Dual Exhaust

The Trinity Racing Polaris RZR XP900 Dual Exhaust System grants maximum horsepower increase over stock exhaust. Our exhaust systems are tuned for serious power increases when matched with our additional performance parts such as our new billet cylinder and big bore kit.

Includes: Stage IV Dual Exhaust system, CNC bracket(s), hardware, a Lifetime Warranty, and 30-day Performance Gaurantee Price: $899.99 Go to: www.trinityracing.com or call: 1-877-FASTOYS.

NEW UTV Topper for the Rhino

Protect your gear and your dog while you’re riding with a UTV topper

by Galley Graphics, the same company that offers hydrographic printing services to the power sports industry. These ultra tough, Made-In-USA toppers feature a rear hinged tailgate window, side windows and a front window. The UTV topper is not only good looking but large and functional, sporting 36” of vertical inside height and nearly 30 cubic feet of storage. Available in black or the Realtree pattern to match your camouflage Rhino. Installs permanently or with optional quick release latches. Go to: www.galleygraphics.com or call: 303-408-0250

Factory UTV RZR XP 900 UHMV Rock Sliders XMF Teryx Rear Tower Kit

Factory UTV, the first name in UTV undercarriage protection introduces another industry first with their Polaris RZR XP 900 UHMW Rock Sliders. These sliders are constructed from ultra tough UHMW providing that rugged yet very slick UHMW protection to your vulnerable and exposed RZR XP 900 rocker panels. These sliders offer extreme protection for the xtreme performance XP 900 without robbing you of much needed ground or side clearance. You won’t find any low hanging hardware common on other rocker panel protection products, these mount high and tight with no drilling or cutting required. Combine them with FUTV’s other UHMW protection products for the ultimate RZR XP protection package.

Go to: www.factoryutv.net or call: 1-916.207.8335.

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Want more out of your standard XMF Teryx Plus 5 Kit. Simpliy add our Rear Tower kit. Kit includes rear bolt on tower and new 8” stroke shocks for the rear.

You must run a bed delete kit or clearance your stock bed to allow tower clearance, you will also have to trim your fenders to allow for the 16” of wheel travel this upgrade will give. You can order a new Tower kit or upgrade your existing XMf kit.

Go to: www.xtrememf.com or call: 623.465.9689

Sponsored by

Black Beauty VEHICLE: 2009 Yamaha Rhino 700 SE OWNER: Bryce Poff Performance: MSD, Muzzys, Stage 1 cam, CP 11:1 Piston, Fix Powersports Machined Sheave, 1mm Shim, 16g greaseless weights, Gold Spring, Snorkels, Radiator Relocated Fabrication: Custom 2 seat cage and bumper, Full and Half Windsheilds, Summit Racing Heater, LED Backup lights, Full Aluminum Skids and floor plates, Maier Fender Flares.

Tires/Wheels: 27.5 Pitbull Growlers, Douglas Diablo Beadlocks Other Parts: Lonestar Mid Travel Suspension, Fox Shocks, , Rubberdown Customs 2” lift, 16” of ground clearance, Warn RT 40 Winch, VDP Stereo, HID Headlights, Crow 4pt Harnesses, Crossover Storage Box, and Lots of Chrome!

SAND BLASTER VEHICLE: 2008 Kawasaki Teryx OWNERS: Jimmy Nagel Seats: Twisted Stitch seats Performance: FST 840, FCR 39mm carbs, V Force John stage 3 clutch, Dynatek cdi and coils Fabrication: XMF cage, Custom bed delete, Other Parts: Rugged radio, Lowrance IWAY GPS

Old Faithful VEHICLE: 2009 Polaris RZR LE OWNERS: Jim & Lena Berkuilen Seats: Stock Performance: K & N pre-charger and filter EPI clutch Fabrication: Custom top and rear cargo cover, my own snorkel set up, front windshield made from 3/8 Lexan sheet, front hood scoop, all fabrication of parts done by me.

Tires/Wheels: Stock Polaris rims with ITP Baja Cross 26x9x12 fronts 26x11x12 rears Other Parts: Custom pre runner front bumper with Warn winch, beer keg reserve tank holds 7.75 Gals. of fuel,

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Old mud and Guts VEHICLE: 2008 Yamaha Rhino OWNER: Neil Davidson SEATS: Beards Sport Seats Suspension: Progressive suspensions 425 HD series shock Performance: Gibson Slip on Fabrication: EMP’s HD Rear bumper, floor board protectors, and radiator guard. Cognito Motorsports Heavy Duty Spindles, Maier Custom Hood and Plastics, Quadboss Slimeline roof and stereo enclosure, Pro Armor Baja Bumper Tires/Wheels: DWTs new MOAPA’s mounted on their new Sector beadlocks also GBC Grim Reapers Other Parts: Baja Designs 6” Prerunners, Side X Side Customs Plug and Play HID’s, Ricochet Offroad full skid plates, Modquad Billet frame support plus their billet gas+brake pedals, UTV Crap lowering seat bases, Crow Four point harnesses, Speed Industries

RZR TUFF VEHICLE: 2009 Polaris RZR S OWNER: Steve Johnson Suspension: Stock Performance: Stock Fabrication: Custom cage by; Jeremy Laufer of NightkrawlerKustoms.com Tires/Wheels: 27 x 14 Maxiums 2.0

ENTER YOUR UTV See your vehicle in print and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from UTV Inc. to be used on your next purchase.

Let’s face it, we love to check out what other people have done to their UTV. This is your chance to show everyone your cool ride.

We dig all UTVs, so send in your entries whether your UTV is stock or not.

UTV Off-Road Magazine’s staff will choose what they feel is the best Reader’s Ride to receive a $100 gift certificate. (Hint: Action shots are the best, but to be considered for print in the magazine the driver and/or passenger MUST be wearing a helmet.) Even if you don’t think you have a chance, send it in anyway. Who knows, you may be the only entrant for that particular issue. We will choose one winner in each 2011 issue and print all entries.

As a bonus, we’ll choose the best overall Reader’s Ride and do an in-depth article and photoshoot in the later part of 2011.

What do I need to do?

1) Send in a photo(s) of your vehicle. Digital images should be no smaller than 1600 by 1200 pixels (2 megapixels). Images can be a JPEG file (saved at maximum quality), a TIFF or PDF file.

2) Send in your information.

Vehicle? (Year, Make and Model) Owner? (Name, city & state) Suspension? Stock/Long Travel/Lift/Shocks Engine Performance Mods?

Tires/Wheels? (size, make, model) Cage?

Best accessory/product you added?

What would you change?

Next major purchase?

3) Email to: don@utvoffroadmag.com.

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wheelin’anddealin’

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LATEST EVENTS & RACING WHEELIN’ANDDEALIN’

utvschedule JAMBOREES June 29-July 3 .....................Sandfest, N. Bend, OR www.originalsandfest.com Aug 3-7 . .................Dunefest,Winchester Bay, OR www.dunefest.com Aug 11-13 ............UTV Jamboree, Marysville, UT www.utvjam.com Sept 2-4 ...................SxS Roundup, Brimstone, TN www.sidebysideroundup.com Sept 6-11 ....AZ ATV Outlaw Trail Jam, Eager, AZ www.azatvoutlawtrail.com Sept 19-23 ..Rocky Mountain ATV, Richfield, UT www.atvjam.com Oct 12-15 .......................Rally on the Rocks, Part 2 Location TBA, www.rallyontherocks.com Nov 21-27...............Thanksgiving at Glamis, Glamis, CA www.glamisdunes.com RACE SERIES 2011 Can-Am GNCC Series Dates: June 25-26 ........................................Snowshoe, WV July 9-10 . .................................................Milfield, OH Summer Break Sept 10-11.........................................New Berlin, NY Sept 24-25 . ............................................................TBA Oct 8-9 . ............................................St. Clairsville, IN Oct 22-2........................................ Crawfordsville, IN www.gnccracing.com WORCS 2011 ATV SCHEDULE Aug 20-21..........................................Washougal,WA Sept 16-18.................................................Devore, CA Oct 21-23...............................................Adelanto, CA Nov 11-13................................................Surprise, AZ Contact: 435-635-1597

2011 SCORE ATV/UTV SCHEDULE June 2-5...................................Ensenada (500) Baja Nov 17-20..............................Ensenada (1000) Baja Contact: 818-225-8402 BITD 2011 ATV/UTV SCHEDULE Aug 18-20...............Las Vegas 2 Reno, NV Oct 14-16 . .............Parker (Dez Challenge) AZ* Dec 2-4....................Henderson (250) NV Contact: 702-457-5775 *UTV Only LOORRS 2011 UTV SCHEDULE June 25-26........................................................Tooele, UT Aug 6-7.............................................San Bernardino, CA Sept 24-25.....................................................Surprise, AZ Nov 5-6........................................................Las Vegas, NV Dec 10-11..................................................Chandler, AZ* *Dec 11 Challenge Cup is no points Contact: www.lucasoiloffroad.com MUD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP MUD RACING June 11....................Cobbtown, GA July 2........................Doles, GA Aug 6........................Forest, MS Sept 3.......................Wiggins, MS Oct TBA....................Jacksonville, TX Nov TBA...................Dozier, AL Contact: 706-675-3503 HIGH LIFTER PRO SERIES June 11....................TBA July 9........................TBA Aug 16.....................TBA Contact: 800-699-0947

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