Aug. 11, 2008 – Polaris expands its side-by-side offerings to kids

Polaris Industries brought a new clientele into a growing quad segment as part of its recent 2009 model lineup unveiling.
The Minnesota manufacturer expanded the UTV sector into the youth category with its Ranger RZR 170, a side-by-side sporting a 169cc engine and safety features commonly found on Polaris youth ATVs.
Besides the new youth model, Polaris introduced significant changes to its utility ATV and UTV families as well as made styling changes to its sport quads.
“New product innovation is the driving force for Polaris success and, with the biggest product launch in our history, Polaris continues to fuel the fire and build momentum in 2009,” Bennett Morgan, Polaris’ president, said in a press release.
Here is a closer look at key elements of the company’s 2009 model lineup.

UTVs
The new 170, and its four-stroke, air-cooled engine, is aimed for youth ages 12 and up. The 170 (MSRP: $3,999) includes several safety features, including a removable ignition key, electronic throttle safety control, daytime running lights, side nets, full cab frame, three-point seat belts, color-coded foot controls and speed controls to enable adults to set a maximum speed limit.
For its existing utility line, the Ranger, the company made a number of changes. Polaris added a more heavily armored front end and redesigned the bumper for added durability. The 2009 Rangers also will have easier steering, more dash storage and new, work-enabling ergonomics. In addition, the side-by-sides will include exclusive, Dual A-arm, motion ratio, preloaded suspension adjustment and anti-kickback steering.
The Ranger family also has been expanded with the Ranger HD, which the company says will include the first Self-Leveling Suspension on a utility vehicle. When hauling loads, the shocks automatically adjust the suspension, resulting in the highest loaded ground clearance of any utility vehicle. The HD (MSRP: $12,999) also has power steering.
For those looking for more recreation, Polaris has added the RZR S to its lineup. The S (MSRP: $13,999) features an 800 H.O. EFI Polaris twin engine that churns out 63 mph. The S also will have an exclusive long travel suspension kit, Chrome-Moly upper front A-Arms, adjustable Fox performance shocks and a custom Turbo Silver paint scheme.
“The 2009 lineup is the most significant and extensive product introduction in Ranger history,” said Matt Homan, general manager of Polaris’ side-by-side division. “We took the industry-leading Ranger and made it work harder and ride smoother.”

Utility ATVs
Polaris has added to its Sportsman line, which more than 1 million riders already have experienced, with the 850 XP and 550 XP. Polaris says the new models feature better clutching and offer the highest pulling and towing power and the biggest rack capacity of any ATV on the market. Polaris also is offering a power steering version for both models. The new Sportsman XPs also have an updated look that includes better ergonomics, new wheels and a better fit and finish.
Also new for 2009, the workhorse of the Sportsman line, the 6×6 Big Boss, has an 800-class engine, six-wheel independent suspension and six-wheel shaft drive to go along with the Polaris Engine Braking System and Active Descent Control.
Polaris also will continue to offer the Sportsman 800 EFI H.O., the 500 EFI, 500 H.O., 400 H.O., 300 and Trail Boss 330 as part of its line of ATVs in 2009. Polaris’ 2-Up offerings include the Sportsman X2 line (Sportsman 800 X2 and Sportsman 500 X2) and the Sportsman 800 EFI Touring and Sportsman 500 EFI Touring.

Sport ATVs
Each of Polaris’ Outlaw sport quads has a new look. The three Outlaw models, the 525 IRS,
525 S and the 450 MXR, received new styling with a single headlight, a lowered center of
gravity, conventional steering and a six-pound weight reduction. The 2009 Outlaws also sport aluminum heel pockets and front bumper, adjustable front brake lever and a steering
post that accepts thicker bar mounts for easier customization.
The Outlaws, which feature a KTM powerplant, have five-speed transmission with reverse and hydraulic clutch.

Parts and accessories,
Polaris is offering a full line of more than 260 new accessories for ATVs, Ranger, Ranger RZR and Victory. Among those offerings is what Polaris calls the industry’s first-ever 15-inch tires as part of its six new wheel and tire packages for ATVs and Rangers.