Jan. 22, 2007 – ATV Report

Electric ATVs coming to North America
A California-based transportation company has signed an exclusive agreement with a Chinese manufacturer for the North American distribution rights to a new generation of electric ATVs.
ZAP, which stands for zero air pollution, currently markets a 350-watt ATV model for light duty use and younger riders. The new “high-powered” model will have a peak power output of 4,000 watts and will hit the market this spring.
The company says its new dual-wheel electric drive technology will allow the electric ATVs to venture farther off-road at higher speed, for longer distances and will be capable of traversing steeper includes and more rugged terrain. They also will be able to serve a greater range of consumer and industrial markets, as well as the outdoor enthusiast set.
Founded in 1994, ZAP has been testing off-road electric vehicles for more than two years and also makes a range of electric cars and hybrid, fuel cell, alcohol and other alternative power systems for a wide range of applications.
Arctic cat’s Diesel Cat Coming to U.S. Market
After starting production of its twin-cylinder diesel-powered ATV last September, Arctic Cat is ready to bring their new 700 Diesel Super Duty ATV to U.S. dealers in March.
The quad, based off the TRV 4×4 platform, will be aimed at international markets around the globe, as well as industrial, military and agricultural users.
Arctic Cat says the 686cc SOHC four-stroke diesel engine provides 30 percent greater fuel mileage over a conventional gasoline engine and provides superior low-end torque. The engine runs efficiently on six forms of diesel fuel (DF 1, DF 2, DF A Arctic, JP 5, JP 8 and bio diesel) with a glow plug pre-heater assist for starting.
Roush Technologies, a U.K.-based company that is part of Michigan-based Roush Enterprises, Inc., assisted in developing the vehicle.
The 700 Diesel Super Duty ATV will carry a sticker of $9,299 in the United States and $12,499 in Canada.
Bosski Introduces Trailers for Trails Program
Bosski Inc., the manufacturer of the ATV Wagon trailers, has launched the Trailers for Trails program to assist nonprofit associations and ATV clubs with expanding, maintaining and enhancing the safety of ATV trails.
“The maintenance of riding trails is expensive [and] nearly every riding club is a group of volunteers with minimal funding,” said Keith Evans, powersports manager at Bosski. “They need dependable and durable trailers, so we are happy to donate to their cause.”
Levels of sponsorship will vary according to each group, their needs and funds available. The ATV Wagon distributor, in cooperation with the participating dealer, will work directly with the ATV club.
“The more ATV owners who see our trailers in action, hopefully the more support we will get from our dealers and the industry as a whole will benefit,” Evans said.
All applicants must be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit group. More information and applications are available at www.atvwagon.com under the “News” section.
ATV NOS Kit recall announced
Nitrous Oxide Systems, of Bowling Green, Ky., is recalling NOS kit bottles for snowmobiles and ATVs manufactured between Feb. 1 and Sept. 26, 2006.
An incorrect burst disc, a component of the NOS bottle valve, may have been installed in the recalled kits. If the bottle is overfilled and overheated, it could forcefully burst, passing on impact injury hazard to consumers.
NOS kits for these vehicles provide extra power for the engine and were sold at dealers from February through November 2006 for about $750.
For further information, call 800/638-0032.
Polaris displays its on-road concept vehicle
Polaris displayed its Revolver concept as part of the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Polaris originally designed the quad as a new approach to on-road ATVing for Europeans. Many ATVs currently sold in Europe are homologated for on-road use as “quadricycles.” Most of the rider active, street-legal, homologated quadricycles are off-road vehicles that have been adapted for on-road use. The Revolver concept is a vehicle designed to deliver off-road performance and on-road capability.
A 500cc liquid-cooled 4-valve engine powers the Revolver, which has a five-speed transmission, disc brakes and large tires. The suspension is radically lowered and has a widened stance for better cornering. Its hydraulic steering dampener and long wheelbase add stability on all surfaces.
Designed for two, the Revolver includes Italian leather seating, low-profile “floating” fender designs, modular deep-dish alloy wheels and “light ring” headlights. The concept also has iPod capabilities and an entertainment system.
The Revolver concept debuted at the Paris Motorcycle Show in November 2005. The Motorcycle Design Association nominated the Revolver as one of eight vehicles to be considered for its “Best of Show” award.
Off-road route designation workshops slated for spring
The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is conducting a series of Motorized Route Designation Workshops this spring around the nation for off-road stakeholders.
The purpose of the workshops are to assist the U.S. Forest Service and other stakeholders in effective implementation of the USFS Travel Management Rule.
Upcoming workshops and their dates include Michigan, Feb. 1-4; Nebraska, Feb.15-18; New Mexico, March 1-4; Arkansas, March 8-11; Colorado, April 26-29.
The workshop objectives are: