Intimidator UTVs Added To SVR Database

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Intimidator utility vehicles just have been added to the Smallvehicleresource.com vehicle database. Intimidator UTVs are manufactured in Arkansas and include a Classic, Truck and Crew series of vehicles. Depending on the series a range of powertrain options are available including a 1000cc Kohler diesel engine, a 750cc Kohler gas engine, Intimidator’s own 800cc gas engine and a 48V AC electric motor. While the Intimidator UTVs are designed for work and trail riding, the feature set and lower top speeds indicate they lean more towards work applications. However, they do feature 27″ tires, 10″ of suspension travel and 12″ of ground clearance that should work nicely on trails. There is also an Enforcer model more targeted at trail riding which will be detailed later.

Intimidator Classic utility vehicle

Intimidator Classic UTV

The Classic series includes all four powertrain options and includes features such as a 1,200 lb. capacity cargo bed, 2,100 lb. towing capacity, 27″ tires with steel wheels, 12″ of ground clearance, dual A-arm suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and front brush guard.

Intimidator Crew utility vehicle

Intimidator Crew UTV

The Crew series includes all the powertrain options except for the electric powertrain. This series has similar features to the Classic series but seats six.

Intimidator Truck utility vehicle

Intimidator Truck UTV

The Truck series is available with either Kohler powertrains and has similar features as the Classic series but is outfitted with a 6-foot cargo bed that can fold-down into a flat bed.

Intimidator Enforcer utility vehicle

Intimidator Enforcer UTV

The Intimidator utility vehicles vehicle is designed for trail riding. With a SxS Gear portal lift the Enforcer features 4″ gear lift, 30% gear reduction, 32″ motoboss 6-ply tires, true beadlock MSA wheels, 18″ ground clearance, wide track width, Elka shocks and power steering. This model is powered by Intimidator’s own 800cc gas engine with EFI and 65 hp for a top speed of 55 mph.

A number of Intimidator dealers have also been added to the SVR Dealer Directory. If you are already in our directory you can create an account, link to your directory listing and enjoy a free trial of SVR’s Request for Quote service. If you aren’t in our dealer directory then join our directory and signup for SVR’s Request for Quote service for free.

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Reviews

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS in Nara Bronze.

The Ranger XP 1000 EPS in Nara Bronze.

This past summer Polaris introduced the Ranger XP 1000 lineup for model year 2017 that featured a 80 hp engine. The lineup includes a Ranger XP 1000 base model priced at $13,999, three EPS models at $15,999 and four special edition models with MSRPs ranging from $16,999 for the Hunter Edition to $23,699 for the Northstar HVAC Edition. The latter comes with a full cab and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. There is also High Lifter Edition model for mud riding and a Ranch Edition for work. Similarly there is a new lineup of Ranger Crew XP 1000 models including one base model priced at $15,199 MSRP, three EPS models at $16,999 and High Lifter and Northstar HVAC Editions priced at $20,499 and $25,999 respectively. Key features of the Ranger XP 1000 include:

  • 80 hp, 999cc ProStar engine with EFI
  • True On-Demand AWD/2WD/ VersaTrac Turf Mode
  • 10″ of front/rear suspension travel
  • 12″ of ground clearance
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • 25″ tires on steel wheels
  • 1,000 lb. cargo box capacity
  • 2,000 lb. towing capacity and 2″ receiver hitch
  • 3 person capacity
  • Tilt steering

The EPS models include the following:

  • EPS
  • 26″ tires on aluminum Black Xcelerator wheels
  • Pro-Lock On-Demand AWD/2WD/ VersaTrac Turf Mode
  • Adjustable driver seat

www.texasoutdoorsnetwork.com – Video walk through, first drive and review of the Hunter Edition which adds camo bodywork, winch, cut and sew seats, gun scabbards and active descent control.

  • Tilt bed has standard tailgate like a pickup truck
  • Industry leading horsepower
  • Engine behind the seat makes it less noisy and cooler
  • Lots of storage

Video review – Dealer walkthrough of Range XP 1000 Ranch Edition.  More of a walkthrough than a review. The Ranch Edition includes:

  • 4,500 lb. winch
  • Brush guard
  • Rear view mirror
  • In cab gun mounts
  • Poly sport roof
  • Maxxis tires
  • Headache rack
  • Wire spool
  • T-post hauler
  • Self-leveling suspension
  • Rear brush guard
  • Pro-Lock On-Demand AWD/2WD/ VersaTrac Turf Mode

Polaris – Video comparison of Ranger XP 1000 and Honda Pioneer 1000. This is produced by Polaris so obviously it shows the Ranger in a better light. More interesting is some of the comments left by users. First though, some of the advantages of the Ranger XP 1000 as pointed out by Polaris.

  • More horsepower
  • Better acceleration
  • Easier to use on-demand all-wheel drive
  • More leg room
  • Better throttle control
  • Better sealed cab system

As users point out, the comparison is between the three person Ranger vs. the 5-person Pioneer instead of the 3 person Pioneer, which users think is an apples to oranges comparison. Other comments include:

  • No mention of Honda Pioneer’s paddle shifters and dual clutch system which avoids blown belts and some consider more fun to drive
  • Some consider Honda to be more reliable and longer lasting
  • Shorter wheelbase of Pioneer 1000-5 vs. the Crew version of the Ranger XP 1000 and thus better maneuverability on trails
  • No comparison of towing, fuel or storage
  • General comments about Polaris skewing the comparison

 

Kawasaki Adds Government/Fleet Section To Website

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

The new 2017 Kawasaki Mule SX 4x4 XC.

Vehicles like the Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 XC are being marketed to government and fleet buyers.

Kawasaki recently added a section on their website specifically for government and fleet sales. The fleet sales section includes links to information on their work and recreational side-by-sides as well as ATVs. The government section includes motorcycles and personal watercraft in addition to side-by-sides and ATVs. There is also contact information for Michael Jacobs, Kawasaki’s government and fleet sales manager.

This is another indication of side-by-side manufacturers trying to target to additional markets and in particular commercial and work related markets. In many cases, manufacturers with a strong presence in the recreational and crossover market segments are moving more aggressively into the utility segments in search of sales growth. They are accomplishing this by several methods including developing new models or whole product lines for the market, partnering with other equipment manufacturers to access different distribution networks and/or developing new and targeted marketing programs and sales teams.   Learn more:  Kawasaki.com