About charlie

I started riding when I bought my first ATV, a new '95 Yamaha Timberwolf, at age 14. Now enjoy it as a family and friends affair. My ride: 2014 Honda Rancher 4x4 DCT, RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro, No Limit Wheels, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0. charlie(at)weekendatv.com

PREVIEW: 2014 Kawasaki Teryx Lineup

Posted on March 26, 2014 by charlie

Amongst a storm of new releases in the Side-by-Side world and the race to 1000cc, Kawasaki has been out of the spotlight by comparison. But while Kawi is probably years away from 1000cc’s don’t think that they aren’t capable machines. In the grueling 2014 Griffin King of The Hammers UTV race the Teryx was the only non-RZR to even finish taking 3rd in the Pro class and 2nd in the Sport class. The Pro class ride was a Teryx4 and the Sport class entrant was nearly stock! So let’s take a look at the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx lineup.

For 2014, Kawasaki has 3 models of the Teryx. You can choose from the base model at an MSRP of $12,999, the camo model for $14,299 or the LE model for $14,999. Surprisingly the list of differences in the 3 models is as short as the price difference between them. Maybe that’s because the base model is just that well loaded. Each model starts with an increased 783cc, liquid-cooled, 90 degree, 4 stroke V-twin engine. It’s paired up with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) through two 36mm Mikuni throttle bodies. The transmission is a CVT with high/low range and a wet centrifugal clutch. All 3 models are also equipped with reservoir coil-over FOX Podium shocks giving 8 inches of travel in the front and 8.3 to the IRS in the rear. They measure in at 117.3 inches long, 61.6 inches wide and between 74.8 and 76.8 inches high, the base model being shorter. All have 11.1 inches of ground clearance and an 85.8 inch wheelbase. The trio is finished out with Electronic Power Steering to point the 26″ Maxxis Bighorn tires exactly where you want them. Other notable changes for 2014 include a new frame and cage design, improved door latches and changes to the body design. All of this is backed by the Kawasaki Strong 3 year limited warranty.

So what do you get for the difference in price? Naturally the camo edition upgrades the base model’s Vibrant Blue color to Realtree APG HD camouflage. It also upgrades the headlight system to LED and adds a hard plastic roof. The Teryx LE gets the same LED headlights and roof but trades the Realtree APG HD camo for Candy Lime Green or Candy Burnt Orange including painted shock springs and A-arms. The LE also gets fancy seat covers and polished aluminum wheels.

Similarly, there are three 2014 models of the four-person Teryx4. The base has an MSRP of $15,799, the camo edition at $16,299 and the LE will set you back $16,999. The specs are almost identical except for the obvious changes in dimensions. Length is stretched to 124.8 inches, and height goes to 77.3 for the base and 79.4 for the camo and LE models. The wheelbase changes unnoticeably to 85.7 inches. The base model trades the Vibrant Blue paint for Sunshine Yellow. The other model upgrades match those of the 2-door version mentioned above.

It’s obvious that Kawasaki doesn’t need to be concerned about printing a 4 digit engine size in their brochures. The KOH finishes alone prove that the Teryx is built to last through more in 8 hours that most rides will be put through in their lifetime. To see more information on the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx check out http://www.kawasaki.com/.

Trail Review: Boggs and Boulders – Brooklyn, AL

Posted on February 21, 2014 by charlie

Life Beyond the Pavement. That’s what Boggs and Boulders Off Road Adventure Park refers to itself as, and perhaps there are few truer statements. Boggs & Boulders is remotely located in the community of Brooklyn, Alabama. But when you turn off Brooklyn Road into the entrance you leave the pavement behind and enter an off-road paradise.

Boggs & Boulders caters to almost every conceivable type of off-road vehicle. They welcome dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, mud buggies, rock crawlers and most anything else. You’re even welcome to hike or mountain climb on the rock walls. And with over 1,000 acres this playground has plenty of room for everyone. The park has main roads that get you to the various areas of the park easily. From there trails of all sizes and types go in different directions. Many trails are limited to certain vehicles types because of the trail width. Those trails are clearly marked. Our visit was the week of a very rare snow fall which had melted and made for a pretty muddy park. However, the rocky soil meant we usually had plenty of traction. If you aren’t up to testing the depth of the mud there are dry detours in most cases. With the exception of a few dedicated mud holes any stock ATV should do fine at Boggs and Boulders. We actually witnessed a young female pilot a Polaris RZR 170 impressively through very muddy trails. Whether it was her driving or the RZR itself she had no trouble guiding the little side-by-side through the thick of it. I fully expected to be pushing her out at somepoint. After seeing that you can be confident that your ride will have no problem.

One day is not enough to fully enjoy Boggs and Boulders. The staff is very aware of that and have set up multiple options to keep you comfortable overnight. There are several cabins, A-frame bunkhouses and campers available for groups of any size. There are also over 100 RV sites and primitive camping areas. Some of these options have restroom facilities. For the others it’s a short ride to the bathhouse which is one of the better facilities we’ve come across. Hotels are located in the nearby city of Andalusia, Alabama.

After a long day of riding there is a very large spring-fed swimming hole with a beach and areas to relax and play. There are also a couple of caves to explore on the acreage and a few group areas that you can reserve for your friends. The Mud Pie Cafe serves up a great selection of food from the grill with indoor and covered outdoor seating. The pavilion also has a stage and regularly hosts concerts and events; be sure to check out the events on their website. The store has hundreds of accessories and replacement parts for ATVs and UTVs as well as RV parts. There’s also a multi-station bike wash to quickly relieve your ride of any mud you collect on the trails.

Boggs and Boulders is open for riding Friday through Sunday. Rates during our visit were $25 per ORV plus $10 per person. Perhaps the best part of Boggs and Boulders is the atmosphere. It is a very family friendly park and “Bogg Daddy” has plans to add even more enjoyment. The park rules are all very reasonable and promote good behavior. Helmets are required for youth and at some of the technical areas of the park. And while most ORVs are welcome, three-wheelers are not. To make your own plans to visit Boggs & Boulders check out their website at http://boggsandboulders.com.

Boggs & Boulders Off Road Park - Brooklyn, AL

REVIEW: RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro

Posted on February 7, 2014 by charlie

Looking back at our beginnings our very first review was on the RAM Mounts Aqua Box. Still, after all this time, it’s our most used accessory. Maybe we have trouble severing the ties with our work lives that we have to have our phones on the trail. Maybe it’s the hope that our cell signal will be good enough to show the satellite view to get us unlost if needed. Or maybe it’s because we want to quickly call 911 for a medevac the next time someone (who shall not be named) stalls climbing a steep hill and decides to let their ATV ride them back down. Either way the Aqua Box is a staple to our rides. So when we picked up our 2014 Honda Rancher one of our first calls was to RAM Mounts for a new one. Technology changes daily and the engineers behind the Aqua Box haven’t been idle either. They introduced us to the Ram Mounts Aqua Box Pro, a new line that provides even more options.

The RAM Mounts Aqua Box (left) and the RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro (right).

The RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro differs from the original Aqua Box in several ways. The Aqua Box Pro is still weather-resistant/splashproof, though not quite as much as the original. It’s quick release system allows the Pro to be removed from the mount and carried in your pocket. The new membrane allows full control of buttons on the front and sides of the device as well as full control of the screen, even swiping. The back of the Pro is clear allowing photos and videos to be taken without removing the device from the Aqua Box Pro. There is even a little extra room in the case to hold a few small items like identification. As an added bonus the Pro floats, just in case.

The RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro is available in 3 sizes. The Pro 10 is sized for early generation versions of the Apple iPhone, without any case. The Pro 20 i5 is designed to fit the Apple iPhone 5 without any case. And the Pro 20 is designed to fit iPhones with cases as well as most other phones with interior dimensions of 2.8″ wide, 5.38″ high and 0.55″ deep. Being a big fan of protective cases we opted for the RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro 20.

In our testing we were using Apple iPhone 4s and 5 devices housed in Otterbox cases. Swiping works good as well as most screen inputs. I did find that I had a hard time getting the Done button to respond when trying to unlock the screen. So much so that a crease has formed in the clear cover. This only seems to be an issue when using buttons in the corners of the screen. Other phone makes or using an iPhone without an Otterbox may have worked better. Navigating through Apps, photos, music, etc all ran smoothly otherwise. Also keep in mind that the Aqua Box Pro is not waterproof, so if you like to walk your snorkled quad across ponds then you should stick to the original Aqua Box. I had no issues during normal riding and mudding, but my phone did get wet at the bike wash afterwards.

Overall the RAM Mounts Aqua Box line is a great solution for keeping your device accessible on a ride. You riding style or conditions may determine what model is best for you. Our setup as shown carries a reasonable MSRP of $61.06 and includes a lifetime warranty. Additionally, like all RAM Mounts gear, it’s made in the USA. To pick out your own RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro or other gear from Ram Mounts see http://rammount.com/.

Interview: Derek Guetter

Posted on February 3, 2014 by charlie

Everyone has that friend who is crazy when it comes to ATV riding. But you probably don’t have a friend who is “watch me do a backflip” crazy. Derek Guetter is one of those crazy individuals. Derek is a freestyle rider for Can-Am and has made a living doing backflips on tours with the likes of the Nuclear Cowboyz. Now he’s bringing the show to your living room by producing some of the best riding footage ever released. Butter: All Moto Flavored has been out only a few months and takes ATV movies to a whole new level. We interrupted Derek’s weekend to see what it’s like to stare down a backflip ramp and what’s next for the freestyle rider turned executive producer.

WeekendATV.com: What ATVs and Side-by-Sides do you currently own?
Derek Guetter: Me and Jon (Derek’s freestyling brother) have our Can-Am DS450’s, obviously, Outlander 800, Maverick 1000, and we’ve been collecting old quads that we grew up riding or are special to us. After our close friend Kelly Chang passed away I purchased his Suzuki LT250 QuadRacer from his daugter and had it shipped from Hawaii. Kelly was a really good friend and I’m rebuilding it back to it’s original condition. We also have Jon’s last Roll-Design PEP YFZ450, and my pride and joy, mint condition 88 Honda 250R fully built. (I’m) trying to track down an 87 Banshee and we’ll have a sweet collection!!

WATV: Describe a typical day in the life of Derek Guetter.
DG: That varies on time of the year. Putting a movie together takes a lot of planning, as well as booking our shows so I spend a lot of time in my office and at conventions and trade shows. I actually didn’t get to ride near as much as I’d liked to last year, but if I wasn’t putting this much effort into making sure we are busy all year round we wouldn’t last or be this successful.

WATV: We know you like to play guitar. What other ways do you wind down off the track?
DG: I love my guitars, it’s the next best thing to riding! I started playing about 2 years ago and it’s so good to clear my head! That and golf are probably my 2 favorite things away from seat time. Spending so much time traveling and putting your life on the line as much as Jon and myself do, it’s nice to relax and stay quiet.

WATV: What is your favorite freestyle trick to perform?
DG: I can do no-footed nacs really good, it’s my biggest and easiest trick so probably that! Flips are fun but scare the crap out of me! Ha

WATV: How much practice led up to your first real backflip?
DG: I’d spent plenty of time in foam pits prior, but when I got offered the job on Nuclear Cowboyz if I flipped I maybe had 4 weeks time to get it down and comfortable to dirt. It was one of the most stressful times in my life, or so I’d thought. Once I did it, got on tour, and had to do it every weekend with little to no practice in between weekends, I aged very quickly and lost a lot of hair.

Derek (right) getting a different kind of air with Digger Doug Gust.

WATV: More than once while riding in the Nuclear Cowboyz tour you’ve been seriously injured from backflips gone bad. What is it like to face the ramp the next time?
DG: It really sucks. Flipping isn’t that hard when you’re confident and do it all the time, I just had bad luck with scary setups that had little to no room for error, and being as new to flipping as I was I just hucked it every weekend disregarding any consequence that may come with it. Looking back I was stupid putting myself in that position, but riding with those guys every weekend was a dream come true and amazing experience.

WATV: Aside from Butter: All Moto Flavored, what other ATV movies have you been involved in?
DG: Bunch of Huevos, Charge, probably some crash films. haha

WATV: Where did the idea of Butter: All Moto Flavored come from and what makes it different from other ATV movies?
DG: Butter is all about showing up to a perfectly groomed track, it’s watered, no ruts, sun’s out, and you’re the first one to ride it. That right there is Butter! My oldest brother Dan texted me the idea when we were brain storming, and it only took 1 day and we knew that was it!
We got into riding because we watched every moto film ever made and idolized those guys. Nowadays there’s only bike films and slowly you’re seeing the ATV scene die out. We’re trying to rekindle that excitement that we had as young kids and inspire the next generation of ATV rippers!

WATV: How hard was it to get such an all-star lineup together for Butter?
DG: At first really hard, the people that did know about it thought it was a joke. Little did they know we had this contracted to go on iTunes and all the major digital distribution networks, so once we released the trailer and they seen the quality of our film my phone wouldn’t stop ringing for guys to get in a last minute segment!

WATV: Any plans for a Butter 2 and, if so, anyone you didn’t have in the first one you’d like to have this time?
DG: We start shooting in a few weeks! Now that we have a solid fan base and foundation to grow, we have so many more riders, locations, and opportunities to work with. What we have planned for Butter2 is going to be all time for ATV films!

Derek, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us and thanks for your efforts in reviving the ATV movie industry. We can’t wait to see Butter 2!

To order Butter: All Moto Flavored and to keep tabs on Butter 2 check out http://www.motobutter.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ButterAllMotoFlavored

REVIEW: 2014 Honda Rancher 4×4 Automatic DCT

Posted on January 7, 2014 by charlie

While most manufacturers made their tweaks under the hood this year, Honda did the most body restyling. The Foreman and straight rear axle Ranchers have an all new look for 2014. Following a design that started with stealth warplanes and later trended into the automotive industry, Honda traded curves for flat, angled surfaces. But that’s just what was changed on the surface. To get a feel for the updates we picked up a new 2014 Honda Rancher 4×4 Automatic DCT (TRX420FA1E).

The Honda Rancher has long been a staple of the utility ATV market. So on some level its a surprise that Honda did as much rework on the Rancher as they did. They continued to use the proven 420cc longitudinally-mounted engine, but placed it in an all new frame. It’s 20% stiffer which means more stability and precision for you. One of the best features on the Rancher line is the presence of fuel injection. It’s one of the lowest price ATVs with EFI and for 2014 it has increased fuel economy. Honda also borrowed technology from their automotive line and put in a new in-tank fuel pump. Speaking of which, the fuel tank has been increased to 3.9 gallons.

The rear axle is now enclosed and the rear brakes have been moved to the right rear to increase ground clearance. New bushings, bearings and CV boots all around make for more durability and longevity in your investment.

With the rider in mind Honda has made the pilot’s seat more comfortable with a softer, thicker foam. The new digital dashboard design adds fuel level, clock, water temperature and maintenance reminders to the gear position, odometer, speedometer and hour meter that were previously present. Since your day ride has been so comfortable you won’t want to stop, the new 35-watt headlights will brighten your path on the trails as you continue to ride off in the night. There’s also more travel in the front and rear suspension. And if you feel like an even sportier ride you can also switch from the fully automatic DCT transmission to the Electronic Shift Program (ESP) and shift through the 5 speeds manually. And finishing off the style changes, Honda’s new Phantom Camo is available on four-wheel drive models and a new orange is available on Automatic DCT models in addition to the traditional red and olive options.

If the Rancher looks bigger than you are used to you don’t need to get your eyes checked. It’s 1.9 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 1.1 inches higher (82.8Lx47.4Wx46.2H). The wheelbase has been stretched 0.7 inches and you’ll be playing with 0.7 inches of additional ground clearance at 7.2. And if you like to do your own maintenance, the one piece body removes easily to grant access to the areas you may need to get to. A one year warranty covers bigger issues and can be extended for a few more years.

So all this sounds great, but how does it ride? Our first rides were in the heart of winter. Thanks to EFI our 2014 Honda Rancher didn’t care at all. While the surrounding carbureted machines struggled to wake up, the Rancher was eager for trails. The acceleration is impressive for a 420. There is plenty of power and then some. The dual clutch transmission (DCT) shifts firmly feeling similar to a manual transmission even if you’re being light on the throttle. The electronic shift option is handy in sticky situations or when you just want to have a little more fun.

The cushy seat and suspension make the ride super comfortable. You can tell it’s a straight rear axle instead of IRS but it’s still a great ride. Speaking of IRS, the IRS models of the Rancher are available for 2014 but they are unchanged from 2013. I would imagine the updated IRS model will be out later this year. The 4WD option works smoothly and handles well. We were unable to find a reasonable situation it couldn’t pull us through. Our model was without electronic power steering (EPS). For a few hundred dollars more yours can be equipped with it but we never felt it being particularly needed. Despite the heavier front end the handling feels like a lighter 2WD quad and it tracks like it. Even in off camber positions it felt solid and controllable.

If you’ve never driven a Rancher then you’ve been missing out and need to catch up. If you are well acquainted with the Rancher then have faith that Honda is continuing the legacy. With a base MSRP of $6,699 the 2014 Honda Rancher 4×4 Automatic DCT is right in line with the rest of the models in its class. For more information on the new Ranchers or to find your nearest dealer check http://powersports.honda.com.

Trail Review: Bonnet Carre Spillway – Norco, LA

Posted on January 3, 2014 by charlie

Louisiana is known for many things: Mardi Gras, Cajun food, alligator hunting and duck calls. It also claims the title of the Sportsman’s Paradise. When it comes to ATV riding we tend to agree. Gulf Coast parks commonly feature deep mud holes that keep snorkel manufacturers and shade-tree mechanics in business. But if the risk of sinking your ride it more than you want to take, there are still places to suit. One such destination is the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco, Louisiana. Best of all: it’s free.

The Bonnet Carre Spillway is land overseen by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It serves as flood control for the Mississippi River which it borders, meaning it can be occasionally flooded. However, according to the Corps of Engineers, the Spillway has been closed less than 10 times since it opened in 1937. It also means that it’s virtually a marsh land and the Corps has made the 8,000 acres available to all sorts of Sportsmen.

Easily accessible off Highway 90 is a gravel road leading to the staging area. The staging area is gated but open as long as the sun is up. The staging area is roomy enough for a fleet of 18-wheelers to maneuver and has several porta-potties that are kept up. Directly off the staging area are a couple of trail heads and areas designated as children’s tracks. Unfortunately the children’s tracks were not maintained at the time of our visit.

There are two ATV areas found in Bonnet Carre Spillway. Each area is about 450 acres and each with about 20 miles of trails. Currently Area 2 is closed and in need of repair from Hurricane Issac in 2012. Area 1 is mostly south of Highway 90. The trails are formed throughout the marsh, weaving around various ponds and canals. The lower spots are pretty muddy but there is a bottom to it. In all of our riding we only had two occasions where our recovery rope was needed. If you want to get stuck you can, but you probably won’t be on the main trails. Speaking of recovery, if you like to ride alone and use a winch you’ll be out of luck here. Solid trees are few and far between. While trails twist and turn confusingly, the Highway 90 overpass, a set of elevated railroad tracks, and a few distinguishable processing plants make it easy to orient yourself. Good cell phone reception means that your smartphone can easily be used for navigation.

One thing that is common is wildlife. During our winter ride the waterfowl were plentiful. You could hear shots from nearby hunting grounds that agreed. There were also tracks of larger game. I’m sure there are plenty of alligators in the Bonnet Carre Spillway so don’t venture too far off the trails on foot either.

If you have interest in more than just ATV riding, the Bonnet Carre Spillway also has designated areas for fishing, crawfishing, hunting, dog training and a remote control airplane area. There are two boat ramps and camping is also an option with the proper permit. Park Rangers are on duty from the nearby Corps of Engineers office. If you’re ready to party after your ride, New Orleans in only about 15 minutes away. There are also plenty of restaurants and fuel stations close by as well. For more information about the Bonnet Carre Spillway see the Army Corp of Engineers website at http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BonnetCarreSpillway.aspx

Bonnet Carre Spillway - Norco, LA

Interview: Chad Wienen

Posted on December 12, 2013 by charlie

If you know anything about ATV racing, then you know the name Chad Wienen. You can’t even flip through your favorite ATV magazine without finding MANY advertisements about products that Chad races with or endorses like the FOX Chad Wienen Signature Series FLOAT 3 EVOL RC2 shocks. If EA Sports released an ATV racing video game, Chad would be the cover art. We caught up with the newly crowned 2013 AMA ATV MX National Champion. Here’s a few things you might not know about the life of the circuit’s best rider.

WATV: What ATVs or UTVs do you currently own?
Chad Wienen: I actually own a fleet of Yamaha YFZ450R’s, a Yamaha Raptor 90, a Yamaha Grizzly, and every machine I raced during my Pro career: Honda, Suzuki, Kawi and Can-Am. Along with my two Championship YFZ450R’s from 2012 and 2013.

WATV: You started racing in 2006, got sponsored by a factory team in 2007, and won the AMA ATV Pro National Championship in 2012 and 2013. To what do you attribute your huge success?
CW: I actually turned pro in 2006. I would have to say a strong will to win and also all the support that I have had along the way to get me over all the ups and downs along the way.

Kids, this is what lots of podium trips and a successful business looks like. Theme music optional.

WATV: When it’s not race weekend what is your favorite type of riding and where do you go?
CW: Riding at my track at home or going to Sunset Ridge MX (Walnut, IL) for a weekend of riding.

WATV: You’ve had so many great accomplishments and records in ATV racing. Which one means the most to you?
CW: Last season breaking the most consecutive race wins in a season. 7 overall wins in a row.

WATV: What do your pre-race and post-race meals consist of?
CW: I eat eggs in the morning and a small sandwich during the day. Usually a hearty meal for dinner full of protein to recover.

WATV: What would we find on your MP3 player?
CW: MP3, this is the new age (laughs). iPod would have anything from some Greenday to Metallica to 3 Days Grace to Imagine Dragons.

WATV: What 5 words describe you?
CW: Relentless, determined, never give up.

WATV: Outside of racing, where are we likely to find you spending your time?
CW: Golfing, training, swimming, and hanging with friends and family.

WATV: What’s next for Chad Wienen? Is ATV racing a stepping stone to something else?
CW: Next is building a business and staying within the sport. Possibly something else…

WATV: Freedom of speech, anything else you would like to say?
CW: Thank you for the interest and ride fast and safe. (If you) need anything for your racing needs check us out at http://www.wienenmotorsports.com.

Chad, thanks for slowing down for a moment to catch up with us. Best of luck to you in the 2014 season and with the continued success for Wienen Motorsports.

To see more about Chad check out http://www.wienenmotorsports.com or follow him on the AMA leaderboard at http://atvmotocross.com/. Just look at the top of the list.

REVIEW: Vertx Original Tactical Pants

Posted on December 2, 2013 by charlie

Tactical pants are a rapidly growing industry. And there’s a good reason why these specialty pants are finding their way into your local sporting goods stores. It’s because they are very durable, versatile and comfortable. I wear tactical pants 5 days a week and have several from different companies. The Vertx Original Tactical Pant is easily my favorite so far.

The Vertx Original Tactical Pants are great for off-roading. They are comfortable enough to wear all day and durable enough for whatever environment you are headed to. The pants are constructed of 98% cotton and 2% spandex. The knees are reinforced and articulated. The crotch is gusseted. The waistband has elastic to allow for the perfect fit and freedom of movement. Reinforced seams and Lycra keep the fit perfect and ready for anything.

The pants feature multiple pockets. The cargo pockets are inset so they don’t bulge like traditional cargo pockets. There are dividers inside the pockets to help prevent items from moving too much. The front pockets include a notch perfect for a knife or utility tool. A concealed zippered pocket is in the right front pocket for extra security and the rear pockets include a flap the helps secure your wallet.

Vertx makes the pants in 1 inch increments from 28 to 36 waist and 2 inch increments to 54. Inseams are available from 30 to 36 and unhemmed for your own length. The women’s version is available in size 0 to 18 with inseams of 30 to 36 inches. While you won’t find them in Kawasaki green or Honda red you can pick them up in earth tone colors like Black, Khaki, Desert Tan, OD Green and Navy. Besides, if you’re looking to get more attention on your wardrobe than your ride maybe you should spend the day at the mall.

Let’s face it, you spend a lot of time looking at the latest motocross clothing each year, but unless you’re a racer you probably don’t own much of it. Instead the riding parks are filled with everything from shorts to jeans to waders. There are no style rules when it comes to park wear, but why spend $100 on a pair of generally uncomfortable pants that you won’t wear except at the park or Halloween? Check out the line of Vertx pants and buy where you’ll get your money’s worth with an MSRP of $54.95. See more at http://wearvertx.com

PREVIEW: 2014 Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr

Posted on September 20, 2013 by charlie

If Can-Am has become good at anything it’s looking at what upgrades riders are adding and making them into a factory package. In the southeast United States and other parts of the world, you aren’t riding unless you are up to your seat in mud, a hobby that can require major modifications to your ride. In 2011 Can-Am introduced their X mr package for the Outlander 800R ATV. The X mr package added many commonly found aftermarket accessories including a relocated radiator, snorkels, Gorilla Axle axles and Silverback tires plus much more. As the side-by-side scene has continued to grow and even surpass ATVs, it was only a matter of time before the X mr package became a part of the Maverick line-up as the 2014 Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr.

Naturally, the beginnings for the ultimate Can-Am 2-person mudder is Can-Am Maverick 1000r. With it’s 976cc, 101-hp, V-Twin engine it’s the biggest power plant in Can-Am’s arsenal and led the industry altogether until very recently. With all the bouncing around of rough terrain we’ve all experienced an unintentional throttle burst. Can-Am has added Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC) to help detect accidental jolts on the throttle. Also helping to keep you in control is Can-Am’s Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering DPS. Finally, the engine’s intake, CVT intake and CVT exhaust have all been snorkeled to what Can-Am determined was the “highest as possible.” They are located at the top of the dash and behind the seats at roughly the same height. Since most aftermarket systems go well above that height, I see there still being some aftermarket upgrades.

The Maverick X mr includes an industry first suspension system with an onboard air compressor supported FOX Air Assisted Piggyback shocks, offering real on the fly adjustments. The Air Controlled Suspension allows for 4 inches of height adjustment. Ground clearance at full height is about 15.5″, enough to put you in the bucket club (The bucket club is an elite group whose modified machines can straddle a 5 gallon bucket). The compressor also includes an auxiliary hose that can be used to inflate the 30″ Gorilla Axle Silverbacks (who would have guessed?). The Silverbacks are wrapped around 14″ cast-aluminum ITP wheels. Just in case that isn’t enough to get you through your swim hole, the Maverick X mr includes a 4,000 lbs. WARN winch.

Of course all of this comes at a price. The MSRP of the Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr is $21,499. It’s not a bad package of you look at the Maverick 1000 X rs and then add the upgrades. It also gets the serious mudder from showroom to mud pit without a few days of garage work. For more details on the Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr as they emerge check back here or visit Can-Am Offroad at http://can-am.brp.com/off-road/side-by-side/maverick-1000-x-mr.html. For detail on other 2014 Can-Am Side-by-Side units released earlier this year see here.

PREVIEW: 2014 Polaris RZR Lineup

Posted on July 30, 2013 by charlie

Last night Polaris released their 2014 RZR models including the unveiling of two all new models. While media leaks took much of the surprise away it was still great to see full details released for the thousands that registered for the premiere. For 2014 Polaris is offering no less than 18 variations of the RZR! Simply put, if you can’t find an RZR that meets your sport Side By Side needs, then there isn’t a solution out there.

Most of the RZR goes relatively unchanged from last year. They will continue to offer the RZR 170 youth model, the RZR 570 and RZR 570 EPS Trail LE, the RZR 800 and RZR 800 EPS LE, the RZR 800 S and RZR 800 S EPS LE models. They will also continue to offer the RZR 900 and 900 EPS LE as well as the RZR 4 800 EPS LE and RZR 4 900 EPS LE models. And for those of you that still couldn’t find your model they are now offering the RZR 800 XC and the incredible RZR XP 1000 EPS.

The new Polaris RZR 800 XC is feature rich and targeted to trail riders. It’s 55″ width is nestled between the 50″ found on the RZR 800 and the 60.5″ found on the RZR 800 S. While it may shave inches off the RZR 800 S it doesn’t shave off standard features. The XC comes with Walker Evans shocks, PRP seats, LED headlights and 26″ Maxxis Bighorn tires on black, cast aluminum wheels. 11.3″ of ground clearance will cover most ruts backed by the 760cc High Output engine and on-demand AWD. It is also equipped with Electronic Power Steering and Electronic Fuel Injection. The Polaris RZR 800 XC carries an MSRP of $15,299.

The biggest release for this year comes in the form of the 107 horsepower 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS. Powered by a 999cc Prostar engine it reaches 0-30 in 2.26 seconds and 0-50 in 5.33 seconds, the fastest of any Side by Side on the market. It is truly ready for anything with 16 inches of front travel and 18 inches of wheel travel and easily adjustable Walker Evans shocks. 29″ Maxxis Bighorn tires give a massive footprint and are stopped by 4-Wheel hydraulic disc brakes with dual-bore calipers. Adding to the standard features, the RZR XP 1000 EPS comes with factory installed doors, adjustable driver and passenger seats and a tilt steering wheel. The MSRP of the 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS is $19,999.

Polaris also released a full line of accessories including a line of LED lightbars, an overhead MTX audio system, and bolt-on protection like rock sliders and bumpers.

To see the new 2014 Polaris RZR lineup for yourself visit your local Polaris dealer or see their website at http://www.polaris.com/en-us/rzr-side-by-side/sport-vehicles.

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