3-Piece wheels have been a big ticket item in the automotive world for some time now, but it looks as though they might be making their way to the Side-by-Side world now.

These photos aren’t great, but the guys over at RZRForums.net have dug up a couple of grainy spy photos of what looks to be a new wheel soon to come!

Checkout the photo after the jump or visit the following link to discuss the directly: http://www.rzrforums.net/wheels-tires/66743-new-3-piece-utv-wheels-spy-shots.html

The all new 2012 John Deere Gator is out and looks to have more performance in mind!

While the RSX 850i is definitely the more sports oriented machine, the good folks at Deere also released a smaller more utility XUV 550. From what we hear the XUV 550 is a smooth riding machine and a nice lower cost machine that gets the job done.

The RSX 850i with it’s beefy 62 HP V-twin 4 cylinder gasoline engine knocks off 0-30 times in the 3 second range. This machine tops out at 53 MPH and is the first RUV powered by a motorcycle engine!

If you’re as excited as we are about these new models then head over to GatorForums.net to discuss them.

BRP’s Can-Am Commander SxS, driven by Francisco Lopez and co-pilot Claudio Troncoso, won the Morocco Rally in the UTV category after covering 2,000 kilometres of challenging African terrains. The duo made international headlines last week due to their impressive finish in the Morocco Rally, becoming the only SxS competitor to complete the six gruelling stages of the 2011 edition, in addition to placing 21st within the car category.

Lopez and his Can-Am Nextel Team attributed their victory to the pilots’ experience, the Can-Am Commander SxS’s outstanding performance, and the unwavering support of Jaton Racing, a Spanish company that prepared the side-by-side vehicle for the race, and provided mechanical assistance through its duration.

“Our starting objective for the race was clear: test the Can-Am Commander SxS’s capacity in difficult terrains to ensure a solid performance in the 2012 Dakar. We weren’t aspiring to win,” Lopez commented after the race. “By the last day, we had a new objective: become the first SxS vehicle in the history of the UTV class to finish the Morocco Rally.”

The Can-Am Nextel Team, who drew substantial media attention during its first appearance in the 2011 Dakar, set their sights on the Moroccan desert in early 2011. The purpose was to learn from BRP’s Can-Am Commander SxS’s performance in a rally that would allow them to adapt the unit and ensure a victorious 2012 Dakar appearance in the UTV category.

“BRP’s Can-Am Commander SxS reflects our DNA in its purest tradition,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. “This very unique side-by-side has been designed to bring a new level of power, cutting-edge design and meaningful innovations. To finish first in its category in its first test – the only SxS to complete the race – certainly delivers on our promise.”

The Can-Am Nextel Team will take the wheel of a 2011 Can-Am Commander SxS in a quest to secure its second international rally victory in the UTV segment at the 34th edition of the Dakar Rally.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries.

www.brp.com

Discuss this race and all things Can-Am Commander over at CommanderForums.org!

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced Pure Polaris is offering accessory doors for all two-seat RANGER RZR vehicles. The doors are part of Pure Polaris’ extensive and ever-expanding accessory offering for the hottest recreational side-by-side line.

To provide RANGER RZR 570, 800, S 800 and XP 900 owners the best in comfort, quality and style, the new doors are designed with a lightweight aluminum skin and durable steel hinges. The doors offer superior ergonomics and increased protection from mud and debris. Compared to competitive doors that can take hours to install, the Pure Polaris doors take less than 45 minutes, with no cutting, drilling or welding of the chassis giving the rider more time on the trails. For a more complete look, the brushed aluminum finish complements Pure Polaris’ aluminum accessories, and the doors fit with all Pure Polaris products.

The new doors retail for $599.99, and will be available soon at nationwide Polaris dealers and online at purepolaris.com.

Discuss these cool new factory doors here.

All the Performance, Style, Function and Fun You Expect from a Teryx 750 4×4 – with Room for Four!

Twice as much of a good thing is always better, right? Absolutely. So you knew Kawasaki would eventually double the Teryx’s substantial fun and function factor by adding two seats – enough for more friends, extra help or the whole family.

The result is the all-new 2012 Teryx4™ 750 4×4 – a top-of-the-line four-seat RUV with truly amazing capabilities.

Of course, Kawasaki didn’t just bolt two extra seats to the Teryx 750’s chassis and call it a day. Engineers figured out exactly what was needed to do the four-seat Rec/Utility concept right, redesigning the entire machine from tip to tail with an all-new chassis and a thoroughly reworked V-twin engine pumping out extra power for the additional load the Teryx4 will gladly carry.

The foundation of any top-tier RUV four-wheeler – especially one with four seats and significant carrying capacity – is its frame, so Kawasaki engineers used detailed computer analysis and loads of off-road testing when developing the Teryx4’s all-new square-tube steel frame. Unlike the more conventional designs found on many lighter-duty two-seat RUV models, the Teryx4 features a Double-X frame design with two X-shaped cross members bridging the box structures from corner to corner.

Like the frame, the Teryx4’s 749cc V-twin four-stroke engine is also new, offering 15 percent more power than the already stout unit in the 2-seat Teryx, along with all the durability to deal with the rigors of spirited fun in challenging off-road environments. The V-twin design is revered for its stump-pulling power and easy-to-harness flexibility, which makes it the perfect powerplant for a machine like the Teryx4, which thrives on instantaneous and controllable low- and mid-range response partnered with eye-opening hauling ability. In fact, engineers purposely gave the big Vee a bit of a dual personality: there’s exciting, arm-straightening yank when ridden solo or with a single passenger, but plenty of torque and grunt for carrying more people or heavier loads – much of it due to revised camshaft profiles and equal-length exhaust headers.

Liquid cooling – assisted by a large-volume radiator and large-diameter fan – keeps temperatures down and reliability up with help from an array of superb engineering: optimized piston-wall thickness; special surface treatments to piston pins, small and big end bearing surfaces; idealized crank journal bearing sizes; robust transmission design; and much more.
Electronic fuel injection – featuring new fine-atomizing 12-hole injectors – offers easy starts and perfect throttle response at sea level and at the higher elevations you’ll want to discover again and again. The FI system offers automatic mixture compensation, automatic idle adjustment and easy, choke-free starting via a sophisticated array of sensors for inlet air pressure, throttle position, crankshaft position, rpm and coolant temperature.

The Teryx4’s 90-degree V-twin engine is also super-smooth, its perfect primary balance keeping things comfortable for driver and passengers all ride long. Routing all that impressive and usable power to the wheels – and ground – is the latest in modern drivetrain technology: a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a category-first centrifugal clutch assembly and an electrically selectable 4WD system featuring instant-switch access to 2WD, 4WD and 4WD+Front Differential Lock system. The CVT is well known for its quick response and direct engine “feel” in sportier riding situations, where engine power is used to control the chassis while turning and in rough conditions. The key to the Teryx4’s dual-mode personality is its category-first centrifugal clutch, which offers an extra degree of precision slow-speed power manipulation and smoothness, which is ideal for tricky terrain (rock crawls, etc.) or slow-speed work where precise throttle manipulation is key. The oil-bathed clutch design also contributes to improved CVT belt life by lessening shock and belt deflection.

The electronic 4WD system allows drivers to easily change between three different drive modes for most situations they find themselves in: 2WD (light steering) for maximum sporty performance, 4WD for enhanced traction while keeping steering relatively light, and 4WD+Differential Lock for maximum traction situations. A dash-mounted switch makes switching between these modes easy, and changes occur instantaneously so the driver remains in complete control at all times. So whether it’s climbing a slippery and rocky uphill trail, negotiating a wet stream bed, hauling lumber for fixing fences on the farm, or hauling butt down a wide-open two-track, the Teryx4’s got the traction and drivetrain mode to handle it.

All this superb handling ability is aided by a number of factors, including a wide-track/wide-body chassis design that contributes to superb cornering characteristics. A wide track resists the body roll that accompanies cornering forces, and helps the chassis cope with rough terrain at speed. The Teryx4’s mid-ship engine placement also helps by centralizing the vehicle’s center of mass and minimizing the inertia that accompanies direction changes.

Of course, sport-focused independent suspension helps, and the Teryx4’s got plenty. Again, engineers opted for a dual-mode design; that is, the suspension works in a comfortable way with four passengers aboard, but also performs like a sporting RUV in a solo mode or with a single passenger. It’s a difficult combination to get right, but high-grade componentry helps out. Up front are high-performance single-chamber gas-charged and preload-adjustable shocks complemented by an anti-roll bar, which allows an ideal front/rear roll balance and added ride comfort. In back are fully adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs, which offer additional oil flow for cooler temperatures and more stable damping performance.

With all this speed and handling potential, excellent brakes are a must, and the Teryx4 delivers in a big way. High-performance hydraulic discs up front using 200mm rotors gripped by dual-piston calipers offer exceptional feel and stopping power. The brakes are recessed within the wheels, protecting them from dirt, water and debris, while durable steel-braided lines help keep lever feel crisp and progressive. In back is Kawasaki’s unique sealed internal wet brake, similar in design to the highly acclaimed disc system used on our award-winning ATVs and two-seater Teryx models. Internal components are completely sealed from mud, water, dust and debris, the result being ultra-reliable braking performance in most conditions. The combination of powerful discs up front and the sealed system in back is ideal, and contributes once again to the Teryx4’s wide-ranging overall performance.

Large 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires are the largest available in the RUV category, and offer the type of ride comfort, control and traction you’d expect from an RUV this capable in so many different environments. Their tread and carcass design help maximize forward traction while at the same time optimizing control for aggressive cornering.

The Teryx4’s unique chassis dimensions help in the areas of turning, climbing and working, too. Its relatively short (compared to other four-seat RUVs) 85.7-inch wheelbase affords it a surprisingly small 16.7-foot turning radius, which makes tight turns an easy affair on trails or in tight spaces. The unit’s substantial ground clearance (10.8 inches) helps keep it from bottoming when cresting a ridge or rolling an obstacle, while high approach and departure angles (79 and 65 degrees, respectively) thanks to minimal bodywork overhang reduce the possibility of smacking the front bumper when approaching a steep slope or scraping the tail when exiting one.

Did someone mention work? The Teryx4 excels at all sorts of 9-to-5 or leisure-oriented jobs, from hauling to transportation to towing, from small jobs to really big ones. Its 250-pound-capacity cargo hold is sizeable, measuring 18 by 48 inches, with an 8.5-inch depth. The flat-bottomed space is big enough for a large cooler, spare fuel cans or other large objects, and four tie-down loops help secure cargo safely. The rear wall is shorter in the center, which makes it easier to load and remove items. Towing capacity is a staggering 1,300 pounds.

Convenience features include DC sockets – one in front, another in back – providing a total of 120 watts of electrical power, while nearly 8 gallons of fuel capacity offer substantial range, enough for a long day of work or trekking. There’s a drink holder for each of the four seats, while an auto-style parking brake activates the sealed rear brake setup, to aid parking even on a slope. Getting at the front suspension, coolant reservoir, air filter and electrical equipment is easy thanks to an easy-open front hood, which is part of a body package that’s stylish, rugged and rugged-looking.

Those powerful and purposeful good looks start up front, with a stylish hood, beefy steel front guard, headlamp and fender design that gives the Teryx4 a no-nonsense look that says “sporty” and “functional” in the same breath. Standard doors front and rear are easy to use, look good, and offer a level of mud protection. Scratch-resistant bodywork and textured paint on the ROPS framework and front guard help keep the Teryx4 looking good for a good long time, too.

You’ll enjoy riding in the Teryx4 for a good long time, too, because it’s the most comfortable RUV in its class by far. Its roomy interior gives driver and passengers room to spread out, with plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom. High-backed bucket seats and three-point seatbelts offer a high degree of comfortable security, while urethane cushioning and cold-resistant elastic seat material provide all-day plushness. The adjustable front seats offer three positions in one-inch increments, while the back seats are mounted slightly higher than those in front to give passengers a better view forward and an easier time getting in and out. Handholds integrated into the frame give passengers extra security, while comfort mounts and an anti-cinch feature on the seatbelts helps prevent over-tightening when the belts lock during sudden deceleration (or when the tilt sensor is activated). Helping ensure riders wear their seatbelts is a handy seat-belt use reminder light, which remains lit if the driver’s belt isn’t buckled.

Instrumentation is top-notch, and includes a multi-function electronic display that provides a ton of useful information: Speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and hour meter, clock, dual trip meters, 2WD/4WD indicator, front differential indicator light, parking brake indicator, water temp and fuel injection warning indicators, reverse indicator light, etc. – everything you need to know.
Power. Comfort. Convenience. Hauling and towing ability. Reliability. Four wheels. And now, four seats. Our Teryx model line has always been a pinnacle of off-road fun and function. And for 2012, there’s twice as much to like about it.

A large selection of authentic Kawasaki Accessories is available through Kawasaki dealers for the 2012 Teryx4 750 4×4. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages RUV drivers to drive responsibly and to respect the environment.

Discuss the all new Teryx4 over a TeryxForums.net

ATR Caleb Moore Polaris RZR Backflip Attempt

Caleb Moore along with All Terrain Research team will be attempting the first ever UTV back-flip in a Polaris RZR. The backflip attempt is scheduled for November 2nd at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Xperience set for week of SEMA at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Caleb Moore had approached ATR with the concept of how to backflip a Polaris RZR and the team immediately got to work designing the ramp and custom UTV based on Caleb’s concept.

“We had always thought that a backflip could be done with a UTV, when Caleb came to us with his idea we jumped on board right away and started coming up with design ideas,” said ATR’s owner Jeremy Bratcher.

Over the course of several months Caleb Moore and All Terrain Research collaborated to fabricate a monstrous freestyle ramp and one of the wildest UTVs ever designed. The stage is set for this stunt to be performed in front of thousands of people at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Xperience in Las Vegas, NV November 2nd. It is time to put this Polaris RZR 30 ft in the air and upside down with the ATR Polaris RZR Backflip Project performed by Caleb Moore!

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information, photos, and video about the Polaris RZR Backflip Project visit RZRForums.net

Polaris Industries today announced the company received three separate awards exceeding $12 million dollars to supply MV700 ATVs, MVRS700 Side-by-Side vehicles and associated spare parts to the U.S. military and its allies.

“Polaris vehicles appeal to the military due to our ability to modify our commercial off-the-shelf vehicles with additional accessories for different military missions,” said Rich Haddad, general manager of Polaris Defense. “The features and superiority of our product make them highly sought-after for military applications.”

The MV700 ATV and MVRS700 Side-by-Side both feature a 700cc, Electronic Fuel Injected engine with an automatic transmission, true all-wheel drive and run flat tires to tackle any type of terrain. The MV700 also has front and rear winches, 600 lb rack capacity, 1,500 lb towing capacity, dual fuel tanks and is air droppable and sling capable. The MVRS700 Side-by-Side seats two soldiers and also features a nine-gallon fuel tan, rear bed with fold-down sides, D-rings and tie downs and a rugged, steel Exoskeleton. Information about Polaris’ military vehicles can be found at www.polarisdefense.com.

EPI is the recognized leader in the CVT drive belt business with our exclusive line of Severe Duty Belts. Now available for the 2011 Polaris RZR XP 900, 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

Price: $124.95

[RZRForums.net]

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has long touted its ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles as being the toughest of their kind, and now a third party study conducted by ADP Lightspeed has proved that claim. More specifically, the ADP Lightspeed study shows that Yamaha has the most durable belt driven drivetrain in the industry.

“A lot of companies say they make the toughest ATVs, but now Yamaha can clearly prove that claim in our CVT transmission system,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager. “The ADP study proves once and for all that our vehicles have the best CVT drivetrain reliability in the industry.”

Yamaha’s claim is based specifically on an ADP Lightspeed competitive comparison study of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt components reported in warranty and non-warranty repair order records for 2007 to 2010 model year CVT belt-driven 4×4 ATVs with engines 400cc and above.

Yamaha’s reliable Ultramatic® automatic transmission system features an exclusive centrifugal clutch that allows the drive belt to remain under constant tension providing a key point of durability – something that sets it apart from competing models. Also exclusive to Yamaha’s Ultramatic system is the one way sprag clutch that not only aides in durability but provides the most natural feeling four wheel engine braking for maximum traction and rider confidence. This exclusive system is used in Yamaha’s toughest, most off-road capable ATVs and SxS vehicles including the Grizzly 700 ATV, Grizzly 550 ATV, Grizzly 450 ATV and Rhino 700 SxS vehicle.

A video on Yamaha’s website demonstrates how the Ultramatic system works as compared to the competition:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/advantages/534/1/0/advantages.aspx

ADP is a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to auto, truck, motorcycle, marine and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the world.

About ADP Lightspeed
ADP Lightspeed, based in Salt Lake City Utah, is a part of ADP Dealer Services, which provides integrated computing solutions to over 25,000 auto, truck, motorcycle, heavy equipment, powersports, and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. ADP, with nearly $9 billion in revenues and about 560,000 clients is one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. For more information www.adplightspeed.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com

Discuss the Yamaha Rhino and Grizzly at the following sites:

RhinoForums.net

GrizzlyCentral.com

Choosing the right oil is critical to keeping Polaris ATVs and RANGER/RZR Side-by-Sides running in peak condition. To better protect the engines in these vehicles, Polaris has expanded its 4-cycle oil line to include PS-4 Extreme Duty; oil engineered to provide maximum protection in hot weather conditions.

Designed for ATV and RANGER/RZR customers who ride their machines in harsh conditions and hot temperatures, PS-4 Extreme Duty is a full-synthetic, newly-developed formulation to be used in temperatures ranging from 0°F up to 120°F. While it may seem an easier choice to turn to automotive oils for your ATV or RANGER/RZR, these oils are not designed to provide the protection Polaris engines demand. In addition, they don’t provide the high RPM shear stability or the corrosion protection needed to keep internal parts working properly.

Without any industry standards for ATV and Side-by-Side oils in place, Polaris sets its own standards. Thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of miles of severe field testing have proven PS-4 Extreme Duty provides the ultimate protection for Polaris customers in hot climates and extreme applications.

• Ultimate hot weather performance
• Increased corrosion & rust resistance
• Extremely shear stable
• Formulated specifically for Polaris 4-cycle engines

To watch a video about the development of PS-4 Extreme Duty oil, follow this link:

http://www.purepolarisoil.com/videos.asp?vid=5

Visit a Polaris dealer to find PS-4 Extreme Duty oil and oil change kits or find them online at www.purepolarisoil.com.