Tag Archives: 2014

PREVIEW: 2014 Kawasaki Teryx Lineup

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2014 Kawasaki Teryx

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.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

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.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

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.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

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.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

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/.

REVIEW: 2014 Honda Rancher 4×4 Automatic DCT

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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).

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

2014 Honda Rancher DCT

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.

PREVIEW: 2014 Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr

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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.

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.

Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr

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.

Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr

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.

Can-Am Maverick 1000 X mr

PREVIEW: 2014 Polaris RZR Lineup

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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.

2014 Polaris RZR

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.

2014 Polaris RZR 800 XC

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.

2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS

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.

2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS

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.

2014 Polaris RZR

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.

PREVIEW: 2014 Can-Am Side-X-Side and ATV Lineup

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Can-Am recently announced their 2014 models. So far, the focus for 2014 seems to be the Side-X-Side line as no changes for the 2013 Can-Am ATVs have been released (check out the 2013 details here). What Can-Am did add this year are 5 new Side-X-Side models, perfecting and diversifying the Maverick and Commander package.

2014 Can-Am Side-X-Side Maverick X xc DPS

The trail-ready 2014 Can-Am Maverick X xc DPS. Photo courtesy of BRP.

Perhaps the biggest news is the smallest model. The 2014 Can-Am Side-X-Side lineup includes the new Maverick X xc DPS. A narrowed-down version of the Maverick, this 60-inch wide creature lets you take the Maverick to the trails, a blessing for east coast riders. The Maverick X xc DPS includes Can-Am’s Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential and 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels. The ride is softened by FOX PODIUM X Performance 2.0 HPG Piggyback shocks. All of this for an MSRP of $18,299 in your choice of the traditional yellow/black or a new white/red/black scheme.

2014 Can-Am Side-x-Side Maverick X xc DPS

The 2014 Can-Am Maverick X xc DPS. Photo courtesy of BRP.

Also new to the Maverick line is the Maverick X rs DPS. Based on the current Maverick X rs, it adds the Can-Am Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) and Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential. It too can be had in yellow/black or white/red/black for an MSRP of $18,799.

2014 Can-Am Side-X-Side Maverick X rs DPS

The 2014 Can-Am Maverick X rs DPS. Photo courtesy of BRP.

Can-Am added 4 seats of family fun to the Maverick with the Maverick MAX and Maverick MAX X rs DPS. The MAX is a stretched version of the Maverick and is already available at dealers. The Maverick MAX provides the most passenger room of any Side-X-Side on the market. Powered by the same 101-hp Rotax V-Twin engine as the 2 seat Maverick, the MAX centralizes the engine to provide balance on the longer wheelbase. MSRP on the Maverick MAX is $18,299. The Maverick MAX X rs DPS is the family sized version of the new Maverick X xc DPS getting the same Dynamic Power Steering and the auto-locking front differential treatment. With it you’ll also get upgraded to FOX PODIUM X Performance RC2.5 HPG Piggyback shocks and a price tag of $20,799. 2014 Can-Am Side-X-Side

Can-Am didn’t forget about the Commander either. The Commander XT-P adds to the XT package with mudguards, a heavy duty front bumper, Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential, FOX PODIUM X Performance RC2.0 HPG Piggyback shocks and a 4,000-lb WARN winch. This trail beast starts at $17,299.

UPDATE: Check out the newly released 2014 Can-Am Maverick X mr here.

For more information on these and the full line of Can-Am off-road vehicles check out http://www.canamoffroad.com/.