ATV DIGEST
NOHVCC PLANS OHV PARK AND TOUR OPERATORS CONFERENCE
The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) will be hosting a first-ever gathering of individuals interested or involved in private OHV parks, OHV tour operators, OHV guides, and related ventures. The event will be held in conjunction with the 15th annual NOHVCC and National OHV Program Managers Conferences, March 17-20, 2005, in Ontario, Calif.
Organizers say they plan to identify the industry, speak about insurance and liability reduction and mitigation, discuss marketing options, review successful business models, and debate the need for a new national association.
Who should attend? Private OHV park owners or operators, or those who are considering starting one; motorcycle, 4×4, or ATV tour operators and/or guides; OHV advocates in areas where private land may be the most likely option for riding; and any land manager or OHV entrepreneur who has an interest in the operation and management of a commercial OHV park or tour operation.
For more information, contact Joe Tripp at 800/966-9269 or jbtripp@3riversdbs.net, or contact Bull Run Outfitting & Guest Ranch, 719 Sheep Creek Road, Cascade, Mont. 59421.
ARCTIC CAT PARTNERS WITH BASS PRO SHOPS
Arctic Cat, Inc., Thief River Falls, Minn., has signed a deal to sell its 20-model ATV line-up through 19 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine Boating Centers, mega-sized retail locations which will offer fully staffed ATV sales, service and parts departments.
An Arctic Cat spokesman said the company believes the partnership will increase ATV product awareness in southern states.
Bass Pro Shops, also a major catalog and Internet retailer, is headquartered in Springfield, Mo. The company operates 25 retail locations in 17 states and recently opened a store in Toronto, Canada.
Arctic Cat also sells its ATVs and related accessories at select Gander Mountain retail locations.
RACING SOUND RESTRICTIONS
This season, the ATVA will enforce a 102db sound limit for all quads in the GNC Motocross Pro class. All Pro ATVs must pass a sound test conducted by the referee. Any quads in the Pro-Am or amateur classes that are objectionably loud will be noted. The series begins Feb. 5-6 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif.
“Sound is one of the biggest challenges facing ATVs, and we need to find a way to make it cool to be quiet,” ATVA Director Doug Morris said. “What better way than to start with our Pro riders.”
According to Morris, the sound limit will be established for all classes in 2006.
SEARS EXPANDS ATV OFFERINGS
One of the first mass retailers in the country, Sears says it now offers nearly 75 ATV attachments online and at stores through a special order program. In addition to Craftsman brand products, major ATV attachment brands featured include Ohio Steel Industries, Agri-Fab and Swisher.
Product selection includes items for utility and storage, loading and hauling gear, spray/spread and rollers, ground engagement accessories, mowers and a selection of other miscellaneous items. More specifically, the mass retailer now carries items such as Swisher’s Rear Cargo Box and Heated Handlebar Grips, Craftsman’s Poly ATV Hauling Cart and Telescoping ramps, and Agri-Fab’s Grader Blade.
Visit sears.com for more information.
ATV SALES UP IN AUSTRALIA
Australia’s Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (Amid) says the country’s two-wheeler and quad market is poised to achieve its best sales year since 1984.
The organization says new motorcycle sales to mid-December 2004 reached 26,667 units, almost 62% higher than the 16,499 units sold during the corresponding period last year, and said quads accounted for 50.9% of the total new units sold during the period.
Motorcycle importers not members of the organization were probably responsible for a further 20% in sales, the organization said.
BRISTER’S SELECTS CYCLE COUNTRY
Cycle Country Accessories Corp., Milford, Iowa, has been selected as the primary accessories provider for the Chuck Wagon Utility Vehicle developed and manufactured by Brister’s Design and Manufacturing Company, Inc., Roseland, La.
Brister’s (www.bristers.com) is a manufacturer of utility vehicles, go karts, mini bikes and lawn mowers. The first products to be introduced for Brister’s Chuck Wagon include a custom designed plow for snow removal and grading, a winch mount and a spotlight.
ARGO GETS UPGRADES
Ontario Drive & Gear (ODG), a manufacturer of 6×6 and 8×8 amphibious, all-terrain vehicles, says the majority of its 2005 ARGOs will be equipped with its new one-piece handlebar steering system.
The ergonomic, motocross-style handlebar, complete with parking brake, makes it easier to maneuver the skid steer ARGO. It was first introduced last spring on the newly designed ARGO Avenger.
The new steering system will be standard on the 6×6 Conquest, Bigfoot and Vanguard 2 models, and the 8×8 Conquest and Response.
All ARGO models are available in five colours and two camouflage designs including tundra (green), blue, yellow, orange, black, Advantage Wetland Camo and the new Mossy Oak Shadow Branch Camo.
ARGO owners can choose from a wide range of optional accessories, including track systems, a power winch kit, windshield, convertible top, snow plow, dump box, rollover protection structure and outboard motor bracket, just to name a few.
ODG, New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, has manufactured all-season all-wheel drive vehicles since 1967. For further information about ODG and the ARGO, call 519/662-4000 or visit www.odg.com.