The new gas powered Stampede 900 from Bad Boy Off Road.
In search of new growth opportunities Textron Specialized Vehicles is targeting the off-road utility vehicle market with their new Bad Boy Off-Road Stampede 900 models. The vehicles represent a new strategy for the company as they add a gas powered UTV to their Bad Boy Buggie line of electric powered vehicles. At the same time they are re-branding the product line under the Bad Boy Off-Road brand, which now includes the new Stampede 900 models, existing Ambush and Recoil Bad Boy Buggie models as well as Onslaught 550 gas powered ATV models.
The Bad Boy Buggie line has had limited success, as electric powered hunting vehicles are more of a niche market and face competition from lower priced modified golf cars. The new Bad Boy Off Road platform should provide ample opportunities for the company to branch into a range of off-road market segments. However, these markets are increasingly competitive as many manufacturers with strength in certain market segments look to attack other segments.
The Stampede line launches with three different 2-passenger models: the base 900 model, the 900 EPS and the 900 EPS +. The Stampede 900 EPS adds electronic power steering, a selectable locking rear differential, a Jet Black color option and high beam headlights. In addition to these features, the Stampede 900 EPS+ adds 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires with aluminum alloy wheels, a platinum color option and color accented contoured bench seats. Both EPS models feature a USB port. The following are key features across all models unless noted:
- 80 hp, 846cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, twin cylinder, SOHC gas engine
- 59 ft-lb of torque
- Electronic fuel injection
- CVT
- Double A-Arm suspension with performance shocks and front and rear sway bars
- 9.5″/10.5″ front/rear suspension travel
- 11.25″ of ground clearance
- 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
- 26″ Kenda off-road performance tires with steel wheels (Except for 900 EPS+ model)
- Extended cab
- 24-cu-ft of storage
- 600 lb. capacity tilt cargo bed
- 2,000 lb. towing capacity
- LCD Display
- Contoured bench seat
- Doors
- 3-point seat belts
- Front steel brush guard
- Steel tube ROPS
The MSRPs for the models are $13,799 for the Stampede 900, $14,799 for the Stampede 900 EPS and $15,599 for the Stampede 900 EPS+. There are over 70 accessories available as well as a Workman’s package and a Hunter’s package. Learn more: Badboyoffroad.com
Comment: The Stampede line with the 80 hp engine and other features is clearly a crossover vehicle that can be used for work or recreation. The price points are in the mid-range of the market. The question is how will this new market entrant fair in a highly competitive market. Textron will likely have to expand their dealer network, which has traditionally been golf car dealers and material handling equipment dealers. The existing network is considerably smaller than the dealer networks of other powersports companies. In addition, the network’s existing customer base and geographic locations may not match up well with the target market.