August 14, 2006 – ATV Report

BRP?Outlander ATVs recalled for fire hazard
About 11,300 BRP 2006 Outlander 650 and 800 ATVs and 2007 Can-Am Outlander 650 ATVs are being recalled.
The operator could ride with their foot engaging the rear brake without noticing. This can cause the rear brake to overheat and possibly ignite, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
BRP has received eight reports of fire caused by the rear brake overheating and igniting. The fires only involved property damage to the ATVs. No injuries have been reported.
The vehicles were sold at BRP dealers nationwide from August 2005 through June for between $7,900 and $10,400.
For more information, call BRP at 888/864-2002 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.brp.com
Suzuki recalls 300 Eiger over suspension
American Suzuki Motor Corp., Brea, Calif., is recalling about 300 of its 2006 model year Eiger ATVs.
The company says the mounting brackets used to secure the left-front suspension arm to the ATV frame may not have been welded completely and could break off during riding. If this occurs, the rider could lose control of the ATV and crash, posing a risk of serious injury or death. No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Only Suzuki 2006 model year LT-A400K6, LT-A400FK6 and LT-F400FK6 ATVs with certain vehicle identification numbers are included in this recall.
Manufactured in the United States, the units were sold at Suzuki ATV dealerships nationwide from May through July for about $4,500 for the LT-A400K6, $5,300 for the LT-A400FK6 and $5,200 for the LT-F400FK6.
Consumers are asked to stop using these vehicles immediately and to contact their local Suzuki ATV dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with the recalled ATVs are being sent direct notices from Suzuki.
For more information, including VIN numbers, call Suzuki at 800/444-5077 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.suzukicycles.com
Virginia Off-Road Dealers Must Be Licensed
Beginning July 1, ATV and off-road motorcycle dealers and distributors in Virginia must obtain a motorcycle dealer’s license. For more information, visit the DMV Web site, www.dmvNOW.com .
Also effective July 1, anyone who buys a new all-terrain vehicle or an off-road motorcycle with an engine larger than 50cc must apply for a title with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Under the law passed by the 2006 General Assembly, a new ATV or new off-road bike must be titled, along with the payment of a $10 fee, at the time of purchase. Owners will not be permitted to obtain a registration certificate, license plates or decals for either type of vehicle.
The legislation also revises age limits for ATV operation. Children ages 12-16 may not operate an ATV with an engine larger than 90cc. Children younger than 12 may not operate an ATV with an engine larger than 70cc.
Polaris receives military order
Polaris Industries Inc. has received another delivery order from the United States Department of Defense’s Special Operations Command to ship an additional 50 ATVs for military applications.
Polaris is currently under a five-year, $10.3 million contract awarded in 2004 by the Department of Defense for the production and delivery of up to 700 Polaris all-terrain vehicles.
The recent 50-unit order will be the third military shipment this year. Orders fulfilled in April and June supplied 56 quads to Army infantry troops deployed in South West Asia.
Units included in the contract consist of the MV 700 and the Sportsman 6×6. The ATVs will be built at Polaris’ manufacturing facilities in Roseau, Minn., and Osceola, Wis., and will be delivered later this year.
Boasting the engine of a standard Sportsman 700, the MV incorporates infrared lights for enhanced night vision, run-flat tires, a keyless ignition, an enhanced suspension, a roll bar, a fortified steel exoskeleton, front and back racks that can carry two times the cargo of a standard ATV, front and back winches capable of towing 2,500 pounds each, and increased fuel capacity for longer range travel.
Polaris began producing finished MVs for the Department of Defense in March of 2003, and has supplied hundreds of additional models to other branches of the military based on existing Ranger 6×6, Sportsman 6×6 and Sportsman 500 models.
“Polaris is very proud of our continuing role in providing versatile, reliable and rugged machines the U.S. military needs to perform missions in very demanding terrain and climates in places like Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer for Polaris Industries. “We take very seriously the opportunity to provide products to our military, knowing they may be relied on to get Americans out of harms way.”
Penn. Awards $1.8 Million for Recreation, Conservation, Planning
Pennsylvania has earmarked $1.78 million to fund 33 projects designed to benefit outdoor recreation and natural resource protection in the state.
The grants will provide support for strategic community planning and infrastructure improvements, such as trails, parks and river access points, in Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties.
Funding for these grants comes from Growing Greener II, a voter-approved, $625 million bond issue to clean up rivers and streams, protect natural areas, open spaces and working farms, and shore up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize communities across the commonwealth. Other funding comes from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key ‘93), a DCNR fund generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax, the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, funded through the federal Recreational Trails Program and the ATV/Snowmobile Fund, funded through ATV and snowmobile fines and registrations.
“It’s important for our communities in the Pennsylvania wilds to enjoy economic growth, while still being good stewards of the land and protecting the area’s character and charm,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said.
Lazareth’s Quadrazuma
French tuning company Lazareth Auto-Moto, led by designer Ludovic Lazareth, has revealed its latest project, a road-going ATV called the Quadrazuma.
Last year Powersports Business reported on a number of four-wheelers developed for the European market, where, outfitted with lights, turn signals, alloy wheels and low-profile tires, the machines — called quadricycles — are considered street-legal vehicles.
At the time, we previewed Polaris’ 500cc Revolver concept, Grueter + Gut’s BMW-powered GG Quad, Peugeot’s hydrogen-powered Quark and Steve Kehler’s Hayabusa-powered Kehler Quad.
Offering sportbike-like seating and powered by a 1,000cc Yamaha four-cylinder engine that makes 120 hp at 12,000 rpm, Lazerath’s Quadrazuma is outfitted with a carbon-and-fiberglass body atop a tubular frame, stainless steel under-seat exhaust, EMC shocks, brakes from a Yamaha MT01 and R1, and 17-inch IMC Indy alloy wheels with 205/40-17 and 225/35-17 Yokohama tires. Fuel comes from two 20-liter side-mounted gas tanks, the steering gear comes from a Renault Twingo, and a digital camera takes the place of a rearview mirror.
To see pictures and video of the Quadrazuma, visit www.lazareth.fr. psb