Polaris officially dropped their new 2011 lineup on us today! Although their aren’t any drastic changes to the performance numbers, they have made some nice cosmetic and ergonomic changes. Checkout the videos below and stay tuned for a complete press release.

It was perhaps the most anticipated and long awaited performance UTV launch in the history of the UTV category. With rumors running rampant for months and in some cases years of a forthcoming performance UTV from Can-am, the Commander is finally reality and the UTV community is salivating and awaiting its arrival in dealerships this fall. Fortunately, if all goes to plan at Holz Racing Products, you won’t have to do the same when it comes to the latest suspension, chassis and performance parts for the Can-am Commander.

Holz Racing Products is now ready to tip their hand too, giving interested early Commander buyers a first look at the Holz Long Travel Suspension Kit for the Can-Am Commander. In addition to the long travel kit, Holz is also developing other Commander performance products such as Half Doors, Rock Sliders, Front and Rear Bumpers, a Skid Plate Kit and more. Working with Team Motoworks, a Can-Am equipped off-road racing effort based out of Vista, California; Mark Holz designed and developed the all-inclusive long travel kit earlier this spring. Since that time, the kit has been exposed to on-going testing by the Motoworks team.

“We designed the long travel kit to be a simple bolt-in solution,” said Mark Holz, owner of Holz Racing Products. “Just like our successful and respected Polaris RZR Long Travel +4 Kit, the Commander Kit will include all necessary hardware in one complete package.”

Like virtually all Holz Racing Products, the Holz Commander Long Travel Suspension kit will feature precision, made in the USA craftsmanship and will undergo rigorous testing both on the track and off to ensure quality is industry leading. To achieve such high standards, the Holz Commander Long Travel Suspension Kit will feature tig-welded, chromoly construction; will include necessary hardware such as tie-rod extensions, longer brake lines and axle shafts; and will be finished in a durable black powder coat.

While final details and pricing are being ironed out at this time, Holz and his crew of precision fabricators are pleased with the results thus far and are on-target to deliver the Commander Long Travel Kit to market in unison with the Can-am Commander arriving in dealerships this fall.

“We are working through the final details now,” said Holz. “The performance of the kit even in its early stages was very good, now we’re working on final calibrations.”

As those calibrations are completed, Holz Racing Products is also busy working on additional Commander products including skid-plates, rock sliders, half doors, bumpers and more. Holz is hoping to have many of those products available as the Commander arrives in dealerships this fall.

For more information on Holz Racing Products or to sign-up for their newsletter to stay abreast of the latest developments visit their website at www.holzracingproducts.com and click on UTV products or you can discuss this kit directly with them at CommanderForums.org!

About Holz Racing Products:
For the past 10 years, Holz Racing Products has engineered and extreme tested the finest quality, most effective performance parts available for UTV, ATV and snowmobile applications. Manufactured in the USA and race tested around the world, HRP leads the field in Polaris, Ski-doo, Can-Am, Kawasaki and Honda accessories and performance products. For more information visit their website at www.holzracingproducts.com or call 360-398-7006.

In this ever changing world, the option to have a utility vehicle to meet a wide array of demands is more appealing than ever. Purchasing a vehicle purely as a toy might fit a few, but imagine a functional machine that also packs enough punch for weekend fun! Kawasaki’s motto for the Teryx has been, “Unleash your inner outlaw” and it will do just that. So, when faced with the ultimate showdown between work and play, the Teryx should be your weapon of choice for this duel! When the dust settles and the fun begins, the Kawasaki Teryx will be your Huckleberry.

So what better place to test the Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport than in the great Southwest! Where there are miles of wide open places, dusty trails, rugged terrain and scattered old ghost towns. Any outlaw should feel at home here and we put the Teryx through the ringer to see if it did just that.

Our test Teryx Sport is considered as the hot rod of the Kawasaki RUV (Recreation Utility Vehicle) family, but don’t let the Sport badge fool you. This workhorse has a tilting cargo bed that has a 500-pound capacity and its reinforced bed frame offers maximum rigidity for excellent durability. Don’t think the bed is just for hard labor, it also makes for a pretty nice table or seat for tailgating while out on the trail or around the campfire. This feature was very popular, especially around other UTV owners in the gang as they were left standing while I had the luxury to kick back and relax. Another big utility oriented feature that comes standard on the Teryx is the full size 2” receiver hitch. This sounds like a no brainer, but there are other UTV’s on the market that come with a puny 1 1/4” receiver. With the Teryx you can quickly connect any 2” sized hitch that you might have laying around from your car or truck and tow up to 1,300 lbs of sweat equity or even your most prized possession. 1,300 lbs is a significant amount, but at the heart of this trusty steed is a 749cc SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-valve-per-cylinder fuel-injected, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin engine. This air ingesting, gasoline pumping power plant will give you enough giddy-up-and-go to scoot through the country or pull those hefty loads with ease. Pulling might be one thing, but stopping is another! The dual front 200mm disc brakes are clinched by rigid-mount 27mm twin-piston calipers and provide powerful, fade-free braking. The rear brakes are sealed in an oil-bathed multi-disc system that provides worry free braking in almost any condition. Since the rear brakes are sealed to outside contaminants, there is less maintenance and reliable braking while in the dirt, muck or snow.

Whether you’re talking utility or sport, a solid 4wheel drive system is a must. Kawasaki has done a great job of integrating an adjustable and durable 4 wheel drive system into this platform.  There is a conveniently located 4WD switch on the dash for moderate duty.  Also, there is a variable front differential lever next to the gear shifter to distribute torque equally to the front wheels for maximum traction. The rear gear case keeps the rear wheels locked and turning together for maximum forward thrust and performance. All of this combined with lightweight alloy wheels, 26” tall Maxxis tires and multi-adjustable gas-charged shocks, make for a smooth ride across a wide array of rough, off-road terrain. The Teryx also boasts 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a width of 58.5 inches. This wide track provides for a stable ride while cornering on uneven terrain, but is still narrow enough to fit in a standard pickup truck bed, a win-win!

Packed to the gills or parked on a hill? Not to worry, the Teryx also comes equipped with a parking brake.  You will never yank the gear selector and cringe at the sound of grinding cogs! There is also a safety built into the parking brake when it is engaged. This is a feature that keeps the operator in-tune with the vehicle and extends the life of the parking brake.

Another creature comfort that the Teryx excels in is the seating position. The seating position enables you to clearly see all the obstacles in front, on the side and directly behind. It’s ideal for ingress and egress and there is no wasted time by “crawling” into the vehicle. The seats themselves lack a little if you’re sport oriented, but they do the trick for utility minded folks. Same goes for the non-tilting steering wheel. The fixed position isn’t bad for my 6′1 frame, however it could be awkward for others and should be adjustable in the sport model. Storage is another plus. There is a lot of accessible space in it compared to the competition. The glove box on the passenger side is large, seals well and is easy to reach. The slide-away cup holder is a neat feature as it is centrally located, high up on the dash and can be stowed away when not in use.

The digital display is nicely organized and is easy to read. It’s standard on all models and allows you to keep track of the following vitals:

• digital speedometer (mph or kph)
• clock
• dual trip meters
• 2WD/4WD indicator
• water temperature and fuel-injection warning indicators
• digital fuel gauge
• hour meter
• parking brake indicator
• CVT belt warning
• neutral and reverse indicators
• low oil pressure warning lights

Hopefully, one would never have to lift the hood, but in the event that this is needed, the Teryx will accommodate. A hinged, forward-tilting front hood and headlight assembly make accessing the front of the vehicle a breeze! This makes for effortless access to the radiator and front suspension components for maintenance and suspension tuning. The hood and the rest of the exterior bodywork is constructed of Thermoplastic Olefin, which has a high-gloss finish and is more scratch resistant than polyethylene. So it has utility, sport and looks – a triple threat!

With all these great appointments and features, the Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport is well rounded and is worthy of the UTV name that it is synonymous with. It is a true Utility Terrain Vehicle that can be used for work, sport or just plain fun! If all the above features aren’t enough, Kawasaki has an entire lineup of useful accessories that can be purchased on Kawasaki’s website or ordered and installed at your local dealer.

So enough talk, it’s time to see the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx sport in action! Kickback, relax and enjoy the following video in High-Definition clarity:

Have more questions? Please visit us over at TeryxForums.net for all discussions pertaining to the Kawasaki Teryx!

With the most resent release of the new Can-Am Commander, you would think that the Side by Side market couldn’t get any hotter. Well, that just might not be the case, as we recently stumbled upon this leaked picture of a sporty looking John Deer UTV!

Hopefully, John Deer will be joining the arms race soon and not just slapping some green and yellow plastics over a Kawasaki Teryx motor and drivetrain either. All we know is, it looks like the Polaris RZR will be the measuring stick!

Stay tuned as we will post more information on this new platform as it become available to us.

We were as giddy as a kid on Christmas last night when we released the official photos and specs of the all new 2011 Can-Am UTV, but there was one thing missing – price!

Sometime during the night BRP updated their website and gave us another gift of joy. Most people were speculating that it would be several thousand dollars more than it’s sporty rival, the Polaris RZR-S, but in fact, it just a mere $700 more for the loaded up performance X package! At an MSRP of $14,699, the Commander 1000 X is sure to be a hit! Consider today the Boxing Day of the UTV world as there will no doubt be some charity going around as many will be trying to dump their older UTV’s for a fraction of the cost.

1000 Standard package features:

• Rotax 1000R EFI engine, 85 hp
• The most powerful in the side-by-side industry
• Best power-to-weight ratio in its segment
• Best fuel efficiency in the industry
• Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC)
• Double A-arm front suspension with dive-control geometry
• Torsional Trailing Arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension with external sway bar
• Visco-Lok† auto-locking front differential
• Adjustable driver seat and tilt steering
• Industry-exclusive Dual-levelTM cargo box
• 2-inch diameter ROPS-approved cage
• Quick-attach side nets
• 240-watt lighting
• 650-watt magneto
• 10-gallon gas tank

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 
$12,799 US

1000 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
• Heavy-duty front bumper
• Rugged bed rails
• Mudguards
• Analog / digital gauge
• Custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center piece

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $14,299 US (Yellow), $14,299 US (Red), $14,899 US (Camo)

1000 X™ package offers all the standard Commander 1000 features, PLUS:

• Front and rear Fox Racing Shox∞ HPG piggyback shocks with dual speed compression, rebound and preload adjustments
• Front sway bar
• 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
• Maxxis Bighorn∞ 2.0 tires
• Rock sliders
• Heavy-duty front bumper
• Analog/digital gauge
• Custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center piece
• X-package seat trim and graphics

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 
$14,699 US

800R Standard package features:
Rotax 800R EFI engine, 71 hp
The most powerful in its class
Best power-to-weight ratio in its segment
Best fuel efficiency in the industry
Intelligent Throttle Control (iTCTM)
Double A-arm front suspension with dive-control geometry
Torsional Trailing Arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension with external sway bar
Visco-Lok† auto-locking front differential
Adjustable driver seat and tilt steering
Industry-exclusive Dual-LevelTM cargo box
2-inch diameter ROPS-approved cage
Quick-attach side nets
240-watt lighting
650-watt magneto
10-gallon gas tank
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 
$11,699 US

800R XT™ package offers all the standard Commander 800 features, PLUS:

• 4,000-pound [1,814 kg] winch with roller fairlead, wired remote control and integrated remote storage
• 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
• 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels
• Analog/digital gauge
• Heavy-duty front bumper
• Rugged bed rails
• Mudguards
• Custom steering wheel with brushed aluminum center piece

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): 
$13,199 US (Yellow), $13,799 US (Camo)

One of the more exciting phone calls I’ve ever received was the one from a representative of BRP in April asking if I’d be interested in testing “a new Can-Am product”. They wouldn’t tell me anything more than we were to meet in Brawley California, and have a testing session in Glamis. The crew that was coming to the session had never stepped foot in Glamis before, so I was asked to lead the team to a remote camp area and show them around. I was delighted! We’ve known for some time that BRP was going to be coming out with a UTV and I knew what this was all about! I was so excited that I lost sleep day dreaming about what this machine was going to be like. Having prior knowledge of Can-Am products, I had a really good feeling what I was about to learn about would likely change the UTV game as we know it!

I set out to Brawley the night before we were to meet on a Thursday morning at 6:00am. After meeting the crew for an introduction and breakfast, we hit the road to Glamis. I took them to get passes, and then to a private campground where we would have some privacy. While they were unloading, I was in such suspense that I wanted it to last. I wanted the overall package of what they were about to present to be a total surprise, so I went back to my truck and geared up for the day.

I walked up to the Can-Am rig about the time they were rolling the Commander X out of the trailer! The machine had a disguise similar to what you might see a new automobile wearing while out testing. The first things I noticed were its yellow trimmings. Sticking out like a sore thumb under the disguised UTV were 12” beadlock wheels with yellow lock rings! These are the same wheels we’re used to seeing on the Renegade. Looking up from the wheels and Maxis Bighorn tires, I see that they’re sporting matching yellow springs on Fox piggy back shocks. Looking down from there, what’s this, trailing arms? No way! In the first few minutes of looking at this machine, I knew that BRP had done their homework, and this was going to be an epic day!

Looking around the rear wheel wells I noticed that this UTV has one rear disk brake mounted on one wheel. “We’ve got a live rear end”. This, the trailing arms, the visco-lock front diff, the Renegade beadlocks……… WAIT! “What’s under the hood”? Could it be the V-Twin Rotax 800cc engine currently used in the Outlander, Renegade’s, and the Rhino? I had to know and I had to know immediately. I asked one of the crew members if we could remove the hood and take a look. He obliged and began pulling the cowl off. Yup! I guessed it! There sat an 800cc V-Twin Rotax. WAIT! “How big is it”? What graced my ears right then and there sealed the deal that the Commander was going to be a performer. “It’s a 1000cc’s”, replied a Can-Am rep. I was giddy with excitement. I had no question that what I was about to drive was going to be the most exciting UTV ever to come out of a manufacturer! For those who don’t know, I’m a big Rotax fan, and I know these engines well. The 800cc version has been swapped into Yamaha Rhino’s for years, and they’ve proven to be extremely reliable, while being one of the fastest naturally aspirated UTV’s ever.

“Is this thing gassed up? When can I drive it”? Oh wait. I should probably check out the interior and body styling first. The Commander X that I was looking at was still wearing it’s disguise. I was told they would remove it for me for a few minutes only, and the cover would have to go back on for our ride.
I jumped into the driver’s seat and began to get a feel for the interior. The first thing I noticed was the yellow trimmed seats. “These are good looking and very comfortable”, I thought. The seating position was also very comforting. I felt low to the ground with good pedal position, and a great overall feel! The digital gauge readout is behind the steering wheel, and it moves up and down with the Commander’s tilt steering. Nice touch BRP. The instrumentation and dash layout, along with the full center console has the look and feel of a sports car. The console houses 2 cup holders, a sporty passenger grab handle, and the shifter. The Can-Am also has very nice side nets. I normally find side nets to be hard to use and annoying. Not these. The front of the side net has a frame of sorts and a buckle similar to a seatbelt. The latch is stationary on the frame making securing the net almost effortless. Again, nice touch BRP!

“Alright, let’s get a look at this thing”! I took a few steps back as the covers were being removed. Once the front cover was removed I saw a style that I was familiar with and love. The projector headlights and buckets looks just like a Renegade. The styling is like nothing we’ve seen on a UTV. It looks fast! The yellow and black hood opens accessing the radiator, overflow tank, and the neatly tucked away air box. Looking down the sides I notice factory nerf bars, or rock sliders. Moving onto the back I notice the styling in the rear is also different that what we’re used to seeing. Again, it looks sporty, but something’s different? Upon further inspection I see that the bed tilts! “Awesome, we have a true sport-utility here”! The bed looks big and useful. In the bottom of the bed there is what I would call a false floor. When you pull it up you’ll find a ton more storage space underneath. This area can also be accessed from the rear of the bed, under the tailgate.

Time to drive it! We geared up and put the first two Commanders to ever ride in Glamis to work! I strapped in, turned the key on, and pushed the start button on the dash. I immediately heard a sound I’m familiar with. The smooth rumble of the Rotax V-Twin under my right foot! I checked the shifter for gear selection. Shifting from park to high, I noticed the shifting is very smooth and the clutch is silent. The throttle response is quick utilizing drive by wire technology.
I took my time idling the machine through the flats and into the virgin dunes. There was not a track out there on this particular Thursday! The dunes were extremely soft, and the transitions were sharp. Being used to a long travel UTV, I was a bit nervous at first. Leading the group into the dunes I pushed the 4wd button and started making some lines. The first thing I noticed was the performance of the suspension. Transitions were smoother and more stable than I’m used to in a stock width machine. The Fox shocks and trailing arm suspension soaked up the g-out ‘s with ease. Once we hit part of sand highway I was able to get a feel for how it would work in the whoops. I turned down Sand Highway and let her rip! The acceleration was amazing. I was doing 50 in no time and headed towards some gnarly whoops. Instead of slowing down, I let them have it. 50+ MPH, and straight as an arrow over some of the larger whoops you’ll see in the dunes.

I took the Can-Am reps up and over to the Osborn Overlook. The Commander did awesome in the big dunes. It was incredibly fast through the bowls, and went over the sharp razorbacks with ease. The power and acceleration is amazing! Standing on the gas in this machine is a rush to say the least. I’ve driven every stock UTV out there, and this one is the fastest by far! We stopped to take a break and check out the view. Getting out of the Commander and trying to explain my built up excitement to 3 people who speak very little English was interesting. The language barrier took a bit of getting used to, but I think everyone knew how I felt by the size of the ridiculous smile on my face! One of the gentlemen spoke English and he took note of nearly everything I had to say about the UTV. After a short break, I suggested that we head down to the sand drags to open this thing up and see just how fast it would go in the sand. We took a spirited ride over to the drags and I took a few laps to get a feel for the bumps. I found a line with no bumps and let her rip. The car accelerated up to 50 in what felt like no time and kept pulling all the way up to 65mph. I think it had a couple more in it. It will likely be in the 70mph range with a set of paddles or on hard pack.

On our drive back to camp I decided we couldn’t leave without taking the guys to Oldsmobile Hill. There, I could also get a feel for the Commanders hill climbing performance. We weaved our way through the dunes and over to Olds. When we got to the bottom, the Can-Am boys were a bit taken by it. They asked me if I was seriously going to climb it. I said, “Of course I am! I’m not passing up this opportunity” I buckled in and took a medium pace through the whoops and then stood on it! Going up the right side of the hill felt very fast and instead of slowing down over the top, it maintained most of its speed. I then took it over to the not so steep side where everyone gets their speed numbers from. This time I hammered it through the bumps and stood in it as hard as I could. I was shocked to look down at the gauges and see that I was going 50mph over the top of the hill. This UTV means business!

It dawned on me that we used to have fun driving UTV’s 35mph down the drags only a few years ago. The same UTV’s were lucky to even get over the top of the hill, let alone at 50mph! This sport has progressed so far in 4 years that I cannot even vision what it could be like in 4 more. These things might have wings and we can fly them to the dunes!

My overall experience testing the Commander X was unbelievable. Having had some experience with Can-Am products in the past, I expected something nice that would definitely have some horsepower under the hood. What I saw and drove was a great looking machine that’s been so well thought out, I couldn’t find any one thing I didn’t like about it. I was asked what I did not like about it, and I honestly had to take a moment to go back over the unit one more time. All I could come up with was, “well, I guess the muffler could look sportier”. I believe that what I drove that day is going to be the UTV that sets the pace in today’s UTV market. This is what the people have asked for, and they got it. I did some thinking about all the major complaints from UTV owners and by the looks and performance of the new Commander, BRP did some thinking to.

Pictures and videos of our ride to follow!

Written by Brian B.

We are happy to announce the official release of Can-Am’s new UTV, the Commander! There’s been so much speculation and so many rumors over past year, that it almost seemed as if it was more imaginary than real. Well today is definitely magical as we have finally found our unicorn!

BRP brings Can-Am DNA to the side-by-side market by introducing the 2011 Can-Am Commander™ line-up. The five model line-up with two engine options delivers on the Can-Am promise of cutting-edge design, meaningful innovation and a focus on convenience, maximum value and more usability for the consumer.

This very unique side-by-side family has been designed to bring a new level of power, handling and user-focused features to the industry. Power comes from two engine options: a powerful Rotax 800 V-Twin EFI engine, and now a Rotax 1000 V-Twin EFI engine. This gives the Commander the most power and best fuel efficiency in the industry. For example, the Commander 1000 is 39 percent more fuel efficient than its class competitor.

The Can-Am Commander line reflects BRP’s commitment to offering the side-by-side customer a machine that does not force the rider to compromise performance for functionality. Innovative features like the Dual-Level cargo box, TTI rear suspension, anti-dive front-end geometry and more, throttle-by-wire through its Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) system, a 2-inch diameter rollover protection system (ROPS-approved), the most fuel capacity in the industry (38 liters or 10 gallons); and the most cockpit storage of any other side-by-side. Combined with the most powerful and fuel-efficient engines in the industry, this means the Can-Am Commander is immediately the vehicle of choice for the side-by-side customer.

2011 Can-am Commander 1000 Family HigHligHts:
»    85 HP Rotax 1000 EFI V-Twin engine
»    Industry-leading fuel mileage
»    Dual-level cargo box
»    Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC)
»    Visco-Lok front differential
»    TTI rear suspension
»    Double A-arm front suspension with dive-control geometry
»    2-inch diameter, high strength steel, ROPS-approved cage
»    1,928 cubic inches (31.6 litres) cockpit storage
»    240-watt lighting
»    Quick-attach side nets
»    10-gallon (38 litres) gas tank
»    Normal & Performance D.E.S.S.TM Keys (w/ an optional third work key)
»    3-point seatbelts with anti-cinch
»    11-inch (35 cm) of total ground clearance
»    214mm disc brakes with twin-piston calipers
»    26-inch Carlisle‡ Black Rock radial tires on 12” wheels (base model)
»    1,500 lbs. (680 kg) towing capacity
»    2-inch rear hitch receiver
»    Comfort seats with sit-in fore / aft driver adjustment
»    Adjustable-tilt steering
»    Passenger handhold and grab bar
»    Dual cup holders
»    650-watt magneto
»    Easy-to-use maintenance centre
»    Base model available in yellow

Can-am Commander 1000 Xt PaCkage inCludes:
»    4,000-pound winch
»    26-inch Maxxis‡ Bighorn 2.0 tires
»    14-inch Cast aluminum wheels
»    Analog/digital gauge
»    Heavy-duty front bumper
»    Rugged bed rails
»    Mud guards
»    Leather steering wheel
»    Available in Red, Yellow and an optional industry-exclusive NEXT‡ G-1 Vista camouflage.

Can-am Commander 1000 X PaCkage inCludes:
»    Fully adjustable front and rear Fox Racing Shox‡ HPG piggyback shocks
»    Front sway bar »    12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
»    26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
»    Analog/digital gauge
»    Heavy-duty front bumper
»    Rock sliders
»    Leather steering wheel
»    X-package seat trim and graphics
»    Available in black with yellow accents

Can-am Commander 1000 Family Features and BeneFits:

Rotax 1000 V-TWIN ENGINE // Newly developed for this project, the Rotax 1000 80o V-twin is the most powerful side-by-side engine in the industry* with 85 HP. The liquid-cooled, single overhead cam power plant features four valves per cylinder and is fed by a 54mm Bosch‡ throttle body and two VDO Seimens‡ fuel injectors. The sophisticated electronic fuel injection system automatically keeps the engine’s perfor- mance at its peak, regardless of temperature or altitude.

INDUSTRY-LEADING FUEL MILAGE // Not only is the Rotax 1000 V-Twin EFI engine the most powerful engine in the side-by-side industry, it also has class-leading fuel mileage. Meaning you can stay on the trails longer.

INTELLIGENT THROTTLE CONTROL (ITC) // New throttle-by-wire system that works in conjunction with the 54mm Bosch‡ throttle body to product smooth throttle delivery even if one’s foot is bouncing due to the terrain. The iTC system detects unwanted bounces and filters the input, resulting in more throttle ac- curacy, especially at low speed. This system also reduces the number of moving parts in the vehicle; has no cables to adjust, lubricate, or replace; and the system has an increased life span.

DUAL-LEVEL CARGO BOX // BRP’s Can-Am Commander 1000 features the industry’s first cargo box with two levels separated by a removable, water-resistant panel. It offers the possibility to have an upper and a lower bed with an independent tailgate. Carrying capacity of the box is 600 lbs. total capacity. (400 lbs. upper, 200 lbs. lower) and has the most volume capacity in the market. The tilt-assist dump- box can be easily activated from both sides. The Commander’s box is constructed of high-strength, anti- rust and anti-dent composite. Easily removable tail gates (upper and lower), no-tools needed with single latch, truck-like, upper and lower tail gate with four tie down hooks located in corners. There are also integrated vertical grooves for plywood dividers and the Can-Am Commander also comes with an optional trunk lock as an accessory to secure the lower level.

VISCO-LOK FRONT DIFFERENTIAL // Progressively transfers power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one – automatically with no buttons to push or levers to pull. Plus, there’s no wheel hop or driveline wind-up so the system is totally transparent to the driver and extremely easy to steer. Can lock up to 100% with no rev or speed limiter. The Can-Am Commander is the only side-by-side vehicle in the industry with a progressively locking front differential requiring no additional switches to flip and engage the locking mechanism. Simply put it in four-wheel drive and ride, the differential will begin to lock only when you need it allowing you to steer easily in challenging conditions.

TORSIONAL TRAILING ARM INDEPENDENT (TTI) REAR SUSPENSION // Inspired from the world of top- level, off-road trophy trucks, this trailing arm design provides excellent control and stability, especially in rough terrain by eliminating scrub. Wheels move rearward as they move up and down producing a smoother ride than the competition, and the side-by-side does not waver down the trail. Plus, TTI has up to 75 percent fewer parts than competitive designs and significantly decreases tire wear. The rear end features 10 inches (25 cm) of travel and the largest diameter rear, five-way preload-adjustable gas shocks in the industry 36mm (1.4 inches) for overall durability and better resistance to fading.

DOUBLE A-ARMS FRONT SUSPENSION WITH DIVE-CONTROL GEOMETRY // Double A-arm suspension design features up front dive-control geometry, which works to eliminate diving under heavy braking and rough terrain. By controlling vehicle dive, the Can-Am Commander handling is more precise in all situa- tions and terrain types. The front end features 10 inches of travel (25 cm) and the largest diameter front, five-way preload-adjustable gas shocks in the industry (36mm or 1.4 inches) for overall durability and better resistance to fading.

2-INCH DIAMETER, HIGH STRENGTH STEEL, ROPS-APPROVED CAGE // The Can-Am Commander family of side-by-side vehicles feature a two-inch-diameter, high-strength steel cage that is fully approved using the Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS) industry standard.

1,928 CUBIC INCHES (31.6 LITRES) COCKPIT STORAGE // The Can-Am Commander 1000 family features the most cockpit storage in the industry with almost 2,000 cubic inches of storage in three separate compartments. The glove box features 1,050 cubic inches of storage that can be divided into separate sections. In the center console, easily accessible by both the driver and passenger, features 79 cubic inches. Finally, there are 799 cubic inches of storage under the fully adjustable driver’s seat.

26-INCH CARLISLE BLACK ROCK RADIAL TIRES ON 12-INCH WHEELS (BASE MODEL) // The base model of BRP’s Can-Am Commander 1000 line features rugged Carlisle Black Rock radial tires mounted on 12- inch wheels. This six-ply radial tire is designed specifically for side-by-side applications.

240-WATT LIGHTING SYSTEM //    The Can-Am Commander 1000 family of side-by-side vehicles features the industry’s best lighting system at 240 watts. Dual left and right automotive-style projectors run at 120 watts in low beam and 240 watts in high-beam mode.

QUICK-ATTACH SIDE NETS // Side nets on both the passenger and driver side are easy to open and close with one-hand and one-click. It was specifically designed to keep a clear field of vision for driver and passenger.

10-GALLON (38 LITRES) GAS TANK // Largest gas tank in the side-by-side industry for maximum range out on the trail and at the work site. Total capacity is 11 percent more than the nearest competitor.

NORMAL & PERFORMANCE D.E.S.S KEYS (W/ AN OPTIONAL THIRD WORK KEY // The industry’s first standard anti-theft device. Electronic code in key must match code in ECU to start. The Commander 1000 family comes with two different keys. One is the normal key, which limits top speed to 44mph (70 km/h). The second key is the performance key which has no limitation on speed or power. An optional third work key is available for purchase and limits top speed to 25 mph (40 km/h) for use on work sites.

3-POINT SEATBELTS WITH ANTI-CINCH // Three-point seatbelt features anti-cinch design for added comfort. Speed limitation feature if driver’s seatbelt is not fastened properly.

11 INCHES OF TOTAL GROUND CLEARANCE // 11 inches (35cm) of total ground clearance for maximum performance in challenging terrain. Sag is built into the suspension, allowing the system to work in its travel “sweet spot”.

214MM DISC BRAKES WITH TWIN-PISTON CALIPERS // Front and rear outboard disc brakes with 214mm discs and twin-piston calipers.

1,500 LBS (680 KG) TOWING CAPACITY // The Can-Am Commander 1000 family features 1,500 lbs. of towing capacity allowing the user to tow heavy loads.

2-INCH REAR HITCH RECEIVER // The rear of the vehicle features a standard two-inch hitch receiver allowing for a standard vehicle towing bar and ball to be used with the Commander 1000 family

COMFORT SEATS WITH SIT-IN FORE / AFT DRIVER ADJUSTMENT // Both driver and passenger sit in seats designed to give maximum comfort and refine the side-by-side experience. Full bolster seats provide lum- bar and shoulder support, and provide comfort in aggressive riding situations. Both seats are designed to allow easy entry and exit of the machine. The driver seat is also adjustable fore and aft without the need of tools; it is an automotive-style adjustment for 6.3 inches (16 cm) of total adjustment.

REMOVABLE, FREE-STANDING SEATS // Both seats are removable and free-standing allowing them to be used outside the vehicle. Set them up around the campfire at the end of a long day of riding and enjoy the evening in comfort.

ADJUSTABLE, FREE-STANDING SEATS // The steering wheel is adjustable for a total range of 30.5 degrees without the need of tools. The gauge also pivots with the steering wheel for maximum visibility.

PASSENGER HANDHOLD AND GRAB BAR // Ergonomically designed passenger handholds are located immediately in front of the passenger and to their left-hand side. The passenger grab bar in front of the seat features ergonomically correct bends for multiple and comfortable hand positions. The left-hand grip bar on the center console provides the passenger an additional handhold located in a convenient and comfortable position when required.

DUAL CUP HOLDERS // Two cup holders in the center console feature rubber flaps for off-road use.

650-WATT MAGNETO // The Commander 1000 has the largest magneto in the industry, a full 30-percent more than its nearest competitor. This means the electrical system can dedicate up to 300 free watts to power accessories like extra lighting, GPS systems, radios, speakers and more.

EASY-TO-USE MAINTENANCE CENTRE // Easily accessible and out of the elements under the hood, a centralized maintenance area allows access to the airbox, radiator and coolant overflow. Fuses and relays are also easily accessible.

BASE COLOR OPTION // The Can-Am Commander 1000 base model is available in a signature yellow color.

To discuss the all new Commander, please visit us here: http://www.commanderforums.org/

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has contributed more than $80,000 in cash and equipment during the first quarter of 2010 to off-road riding clubs and land stewardship organizations across the country.  As part of this first funding cycle of 2010, Yamaha is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the Future Farmers of America Wildlife Proficiency.

“As our OHV Access Initiative continues to grow, we are finding new relevant areas that can benefit the overall OHV community,” said Mike Martinez, general manager of Yamaha’s ATV and Side-by-Side Operations.  “The FFA’s Wildlife Proficiency students are mentored into future employment with Federal, State and local public land management agencies; relationships that will be important to establishing and maintaining policies that preserve our land while providing OHV enthusiasts’ safe recreation opportunities for generations.”

Since the introduction of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative in 2008, Yamaha has GRANTed (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) nearly $1.5 million to more than 123 organizations devoted to preserving and maintaining safe and responsible OHV access.

In the 2010 first quarter funding cycle, Yamaha GRANTs were awarded to eight applicants.  Awardees include:
• Future Farmers of America, National
• Friends of Oceano Dunes, California
• Great Falls Trail Bike Riders, Montana
• Indian Valley Creek ATV Club, Pennsylvania
• Oswego Valley ATV Club, New York
• Responsible Recreation Foundation, Colorado
• United Trails Association, Nevada
• Wisconsin ATV Association, Wisconsin

“Even as the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has matured, we have maintained a steadfast focus on promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable trails,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS marketing manager.  “The results of the efforts supported by our GRANTs continue to benefit the OHV community locally, regionally and nationally.  We are very proud of the many results we’ve seen across the country and we will continue to build this program and support its critical mission.”

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative
Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs, national forests and associations, and national, state and local government agencies.  A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects.  Applications for the second quarter of 2010 should be postmarked by June 30, 2010.

Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

• Trail development, restoration and maintenance
• Trail signage and map production
• Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
• Land stewardship, trail safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

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.

Kawasaki threw us a curve ball today and released the new 2011 lineup. They usually announce the new models in the fall, but this year they have moved the release up to, well today!

The most notable change to the Teryx is the new Galaxy Silver and red sport edition. Everything else mechanically remains virtually the same.

Specifications:

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90-degree, four-stroke V-twin
Valve System: SOHC, four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 749cc
Starting System: Electric
Bore x Stroke: 85 x 66mm
Compression Ratio: 8.8:1
Fuel System: 2 x Mikuni 34mm throttle bodies
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI
Transmission: Continuously variable belt-drive transmission with high and low range, plus reverse, and Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
Final drive: Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Frame type: Large diameter, thin-walled, high-tensile tubular steel
Front suspension / wheel travel: Adjustable dual A-arm with aluminum-body gas-charged shocks with piggyback reservoirs, fully adjustable preload, and adjustable rebound/compression damping / 7.5 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Adjustable Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) with reservoir-equipped gas-charged shocks with adjustable preload and adjustable rebound/compression damping / 7.5 in.
Front Tire Size: Maxxis 26×8-12
Rear Tire Size: Maxxis 26×10-12
Front brakes: Dual hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
Overall length: 116.3 in.
Overall width: 58.5 in.
Overall height: 75.8 in.
Wheelbase: 76.0 in.
Ground clearance: 11.6 in.
Lighting: (2) 35W headlights, (2) 8W taillight, 27W stoplight
Cargo Bed Capacity: 500 lbs., 44.2 W x 32.7 L x 11.1 in. H
Towing Capacity: 1,300 lbs.
Curb weight: 1,388.5 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 7.4 gal.
Instruments: Multi-function Digital Meter with speedometer, fuel gauge, clock hour meter, odometer, dual trip meter and parking brake, CVT belt, R/N/P/4WD, water temp and oil pressure indicators
Color Choices: Lime Green / Galaxy Silver
Warranty: 6 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan: 12, 24,36, & 48 months

Due to it’s longer wheelbase, the RZR4 is the perfect platform for a big motor swap or a whoop skimming desert racer. I didn’t think it would be long before one of the top names in UTV racing took a crack a modifying a 4 and I was right!

Holz Racing Products dropped us this delicious photo of their raced out RZR4 the other day over at RZRForums.net. They didn’t go into too many details, but we do know that we’re hungry for more!

Here’s what we do know:

It’s a two seater with the fuel tank and battery located behind the front seats. 99% of the chassis and sheet metal is complete and they still need to dial in the shocks and bolt on some different wheels and tires.

Either way, here’s a peek into what we can expect from future RZR4 racers!

***Update***

New photos are in and man it looks tough from every angle!