Features

Aug. 9, 2010 – ATV Digest

Three new UTVs for Polaris in 2011

Polaris Industries recently unveiled its product offerings for 2011, a lineup that includes new side-by-sides and updated styling and features on Sportsman ATVs.

The Ranger utility line enters new segments in 2011 with the introduction of three new products: the Ranger 500 EFI, Ranger Crew 500 and Ranger Diesel.

Enhancements to current product offerings include increased power to Ranger XP 800 and Ranger XP 800 EPS, and power steering on the Polaris Pursuit Camo Ranger Crew 800. All 2011 Ranger products, with the exception of Ranger EV, will be outfitted with easy-buckle driver and passenger safety nets.

The Ranger RZR line will have a new look that increases cooling airflow by 29 percent, provides a 30 percent improvement in range and delivers increased performance as a result. The Ranger RZR 800 will receive 6 percent more power with the addition of the 800 H.O. engine. The Ranger RZR S 800 will be available in two premium-painted editions along with a standard edition, which will receive a new lower price. Polaris also will offer the Ranger RZR 4 800 in two Robby Gordon packages, a painted black and red limited edition and a power steering version.

As part of the 2011 model year launch, Polaris is introducing its first civilian on-road vehicle, the Polaris EV LSV. Launched earlier this year for government use, the Polaris EV LSV is based off the Polaris midsize side-by-side platform and includes the necessary features to classify the vehicle as a LSV per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and may qualify for low-speed vehicle tax credits available to vehicles in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Standard No. 500, Low-Speed Vehicles.

Federal court reopens Montana trails

The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana remanded the 2007 Travel Management Plan for some motorized routes in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, according to a press release from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).

The Travel Plan includes Little Belt, Castle and North Half Crazy mountains. The plan implemented in 2007 was challenged because it possibly could have violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Montana Wilderness Study Act. The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the MIC had joined a coalition of recreation groups in filing a lawsuit challenging the plan.

“This is a very positive remedy for ATV and motorcycle riders in Montana as it restores riding opportunities on many of the routes and trails that were closed by the final Travel Plan issued by the forest,” SVIA and MIC general counsel Paul Vitrano commented in the release. “The remedy is also positive as it shows that, when agencies issue decisions through a flawed process, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and industry can work together to get trails reopened.”

Suzuki recalls ATVs

In cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), American Suzuki Motor Corp. voluntarily recalled about 1,300 QuadSport ATVs, according to the CPSC.

This recall involves all Suzuki 2009 model year LT-Z400K9 (QuadSport Z400) and LT-Z400ZK9 (QuadSport Z400 Special Edition) ATVs. “QuadSport Z400” or “QuadSport Z400Z” is written on the sides and left front fender of the ATV. “Suzuki” is written on the sides of the ATV.

The vehicles were recalled because the flame arrester screen can become detached from its mounting ring, preventing the throttle valve from returning to the idle position when the throttle lever is released and causing the rider to lose control of the ATV, stated the CPSC.

American Suzuki has received two reports of flame arrester screens detaching from the mounting ring. No injuries have been reported.

Advertisement

The vehicles were sold at Suzuki ATV dealers nationwide from September 2008-June 2010 for $6,500-$6,700.

Group launches interactive E-Course for ROV safety

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha, has released the beta version of its new ROV E-Course — a free, interactive online safety course available on its Web site, rohva.org.

The new E-Course is the first formalized educational resource for the growing community of ROV enthusiasts to reinforce driver responsibilities, identifying:

  • Key risk factors associated with ROV operation;
  • Safe riding practices designed to reduce risk of injury;
  • The best resources for learning to operate particular vehicle models;

    The two-hour online safety course helps develop safe driving habits but is not a “learn to drive” course. Users can save their progress and stop at any time to pick up later where they left off. To register for free, drivers can visit http://cbt.rohva.org. PSB

  • Related Articles

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Back to top button