Road Use Regulation Roundup: June 2018

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

golf cart sign The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels since January, 2018.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

This roundup saw more legislation related to allowing LSVs on roads as opposed to golf cars and ATVs/UTVs but it is too early to tell if this represents a long term trend and reversal of previous legislative trends favoring golf cars and UTVs.
Of special note is legislation in California that is focusing on the development of a regional multi-city plan for LSV transportation. I believe this is the first time a regional approach has been covered in the roundup.
Most of the legislative activity occurred in the Midwest and Southeast.

Highland Village, TX – The City Council approved an ordinance allowing the use of NEVs, LSVs and golf cars in the city with certain restrictions.

Myrtle Beach, SC – The City Council passed an ordinance requiring businesses that rent golf cars to get $10 tags on each vehicle.

Glendale, MO – City officials passed an ordinance allowing golf cars to be used on city streets provided they have certain safety features.

Bay St. Louis & Waveland, MS – The state passed legislation that allows the use of LSVs on certain city streets.

Oxford, MS – The owner of a local LSV taxi service requested that the city lower the minimum driving age of such vehicles from 21 years old to address a driver shortage. They lowered it to 20 years old.

Audubon, IA – City Supervisors will likely pass an ordinance allowing the use of ATVs/UTVs on county roads if they have certain safety features.

Newport, RI – The City Council passed an ordinance allowing the use of electric LSVs on local roads.

SanDiego, CA – State legislation is being considered that would allow the use of LSVs on a county wide basis. The legislation, backed by North County cities, would allow for the implementation of regional LSV transportation plans.

Cincinnati, OH – The City Council passed an ordinance creating a three year pilot program for the use of LSVs in the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods.

Augusta, GA – The City Commission is considering an ordinance that will allow the use of personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) in the central business district. They would initially be used to provide prearranged tours as opposed to taxi service, and could eventually lead to PTV permits for individual owners.

Sanibel Island, FL – The City Council denied the application for the opening of a seven vehicle LSV rental business citing concerns about traffic, safety and the concept being inconsistent with city planning aimed at reducing auto ridership.

Kawasaki Launches Mule PRO-MX UTV Line

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The Mule PRO-MX EPS is part of the new PRO-MX product line from Kawasaki.

The Mule PRO-MX EPS LE adds a roof and aluminum wheels.

The Mule PRO-MX EPS Camo rounds out the new product line from Kawasaki.

Kawasaki has expanded their Mule PRO series of utility vehicles with the launch of the all new Mule PRO-MX product line for 2019. Positioned as a mid-size compact crossover vehicle for work or play, the MX product line is smaller in size and price, and features less horsepower, less cargo capacity and less towing capacity than the Mule PRO-FX or Mule PRO-FXR models (SVR recently posted some reviews of the 2018 Mule Pro-FXR). The PRO-MX models seat two rather than three passengers or six in the case of the PRO-FXT models.

The PRO-MX UTVs are powered by a 695cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder DOHC liquid cooled engine mated to a CVT, and has selectable 2WD/4WD/4WD with rear differential lock along with engine braking. Additional features include:

Seating for 2-passengers
Speed-sensitive EPS
Doors
Steel front bumper
Steel cargo screen
10.6″ of ground clearance
25″ tires
Multi-function digital display
Halogen headlights
Two LED auxiliary headlamps
Tilt adjustable steering wheel

Models in the PRO-MX lineup are 60″ wide compared to 64″ for FX and FXT models and have a 700 lb. rather 999 lb. capacity cargo box as well as the ability to tow up to 1,500 lb. compared to 2,000 lb.

The Mule PRO-MX EPS has an MSRP of $11,999 and is available in Timberline Green or Bright White. The Mule PRO-MX EPS LE is priced at $12,499 and comes in Firecracker Red. LE features include a hard plastic roof and aluminum wheels. The Mule PRO-MX EPS Camo is priced at $12,649 and adds Camouflage Truetimber HTC Green bodywork and a plastic roof. Learn more: Kawasaki.com

SVR’s Take: Over the last several years Kawasaki has transitioned to making their PRO series of utility vehicles the dominant part of their UTV offerings. There are now 18 different models across the Mule PRO FX, FXT, FXR, DX and now MX product lines. The MX models fill in a price point between the smaller more consumer oriented Mule SX line and the rest of the Mule PRO product lines designed for heavier duty utility use. The price point is similar to their Mule 4000 and 4010 models but the MX models offer more in the way of crossover capabilities. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

2019 Can-Am UTV Models Unveiled

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Marc Cesare

Can-Am just unveiled their 2019 side-by-side lineup. Rather than introduce completely new models, this round of vehicles includes a host of upgrades across the 2019 Can-Am side-by-side offerings.

The 2019 Can-Am Defender HD8 features upgrades such as more towing capacity and a longer warranty.

Numerous advances to the Defender utility-recreation side-by-side family delivers resourceful solutions for various off-road undertakings. The addition of a class-leading tow rating — now rated at an industry-leading 2,500-lb. (1,134 kg) for units with the HD8 and HD10 engines and a 1-year limited warranty on all Defender 2019 (USA and Canada) models brings more value and a tougher design to owners.

Defender HD8 now has a standard lockable rear differential system, 27 in. (68.6 cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tire. Defender XT CAB and MAX XT CAB vehicles get a revised 12-in. (30.5) ground clearance supply ample traction and additional space for overcoming demanding obstacles.

The 2019 Defender X mr comes with lower gear ranges and large shocks.

The specialized, mud-ready Defender X mr is fortified with the industry’s top ground clearance at 15-in. (38.1 cm), suspension travel and shock size, with a new larger shock bore. Engineering revisions reduced the lower ranges for both the HIGH and LOW range, while a new lockable rear differential system, with eight total selective modes, makes the specialty X mr even more capable in and out of the mud. The system is even calibrated to prevent turf tearing. The Defender XT-P package now features Smart-Lok traction system with TRAIL mode for maximum footing in every condition, but especially in slow-speed maneuvering. The Defender Lone Star edition receives its own unique and prominent badging, improved cast-aluminum wheels and, like the Defender Mossy Oak Hunting Edition package tougher protective equipment for more resilience in challenging terrain.

Like the rest Maverick X3 lineup, the Maverick X3 Max X ds now features a Smart-Lok front differential and new Dynamic Power Steering system.

The 2019 MAX versions receive similar upgrades as well.

The invigorating Maverick X3 and Maverick X3 MAX X-package super-sport side-by-sides all receive Smart-Lok, a fully lockable on-the-fly front differential with electronically controlled automatic modes for maximum traction and precision cornering. All X3 side-by-side vehicles get a new high-torque, tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system to improve low-speed riding and enhance input feedback to the driver for a more complete driving experience. Significant engineering adjustments were also made to enhance overall comfort and dependability. The Can-Am engineering team redesigned the front sway bar link to be more durable, which also enhances cornering. A new electrical cover better protects the engine control unit (ECU).

Many new components and the expansion of the existing co-branded partnership agreements with Lonestar Racing, S3 Power Sports and others, have once again grown the Can-Am genuine accessory lineup for 2019. All-new accessories include convenient roof racks, MTX speakers, window nets, ATV Windshields, batteries accessories and much more, providing consumers with more adaptable customization options to meet their needs.

2019 Can-Am Side-By-Side Vehicle Lineup Colorations
• Phoenix Orange — Maverick X3 X ds / Maverick X3 MAX X ds
• Gold, Can-Am Red & Hyper Silver — Maverick X3 X rs / Maverick X3 MAX X rs
• Hyper Silver: Defender DPS HD10 / Defender MAX DPS HD10 / Defender XT HD8 / HD10 / Defender XT CAB HD8 / HD10 / Defender MAX XT HD8 / HD10
• Boreal Green — Commander XT 800R / 1000R / Commander MAX XT 1000
• Carbon Black & Octane Blue — Commander XT 800R / XT 1000R
• New graphics on Carbon Black & Sunburst Yellow X mr packages – Maverick X3 X mr Turbo / X mr Turbo R / Defender X mr

Learn more: Can-am.brp.com

Textron Launches Prowler Pro UTVs

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new 2019 Prowler Pro from Textron Off Road with a 50 hp gas engine.

Textron Off Road recently announced the addition of the Prowler Pro and Prowler Pro XT to their UTV lineup. Targeted at farmers and hunters the Prowler Pro is powered by a 50 hp, 812cc EFI gas engine. Designed to be a “whisper-quiet”, the engine is paired with vibration reducing mounts and a muffler with rubber isolator. The vehicle features a drive-by-wire throttle and CVT drive system that is programmed to compensate for unintended “foot bounce” on rough terrain. Additional key features include:

3 passenger capacity
2/4WD with selectable locking rear differential
Double A-arm suspension with gas charged twin tube shocks
10″/9.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
10.75″ of ground clearance
26″ Pro terrain tires
Dual piston front calipers and single piston rear calipers
1,000 lb. cargo dump box
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Tilt steering
Customizable speed control
Removable passenger seats
Behind-seat storage
Dual high/low beam halogen headlights and LED taillights
Digital gauge
ROPS

The Prowler Pro comes standard rack-and-pinion steering and 12-inch steel wheels in Marsh Green for $11,399. The Prowler Pro XT comes in Dynamic Charcoal or Fire Red and includes electronic power steering and 14-inch machined aluminum wheels for $12,999. All vehicles are sold with a 12-month warranty and will be available in dealerships in May.

Learn more: Textronoffroad.com

SVR’s Take: After purchasing Arctic Cat Textron first consolidated and pared down their lineup of vehicles across a number of brands and product lineups and put them under the Textron Off Road macro brand. Since then they have launched a number of new models and are building out their vehicle offerings across a number of segments including performance, sport, crossover and work utility. Textron looks like it could become a major competitor to the traditional powersports companies in the market. The company has significant financial and manufacturing resources as well as engineering expertise to draw upon from its other high tech businesses. One of the keys to success will be building out a dealer network to have the geographical reach and proper distribution channels to reach all the customer segments they are targeting. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Yamaha Announces New 2019 Wolverine X2 UTVs

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new Wolverine X2 side-by-side for 2019 from Yamaha.

Yamaha has revealed new utility vehicles for model year 2019 including the all new Wolverine X2 and updates to their YXZ line of sport side-by-sides. Compared to the current Wolverine the Wolverine X2 features:

All-new styling and maximum visibility
847cc DOHC, eight-valve, parallel twin-cylinder engine compared to the 708cc engine
All-new 600-pound-rated dump bed compared to a 300 lb. dump bed
2,000 pound towing capacity compared to a 1,500 lb. towing capacity
New Ultramatic CVT
Pre-Wiring for Yamaha Adventure Pro GPS

Additional key features include:

Two-passenger capacity
On-Command 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, full diff-lock 4WD
Electric power steering
Independent double wishbone suspension with anti-sway bar
8.7″/8.9″ of front/rear suspension travel
11″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes with shaft mounted parking brake
26″ Maxxis MU75/MU76 tires
High back bolstered bucket seats
Adjustable driver seat and steering column
Doors
Fenders
LED High/Low headlights
New LCD display
Noise and vibration dampening features
6 month limited factory warranty

The Wolverine X2 is available in Graphite and has an MSRP of $12,699.

The Wolverine X2 R-Spec SE is part of Yamaha’s new recreation lineup for 2019.

In addition to the Wolverine X2 Yamaha’s 2019 recreation lineup includes the Wolverine X2 R-Spec and the Wolverine R-Spec SE. The Wolverine X2 R-Spec comes with a suntop, aluminum wheels, KYB piggyback shocks, over fenders and is available in Ridge Red or Alpine White for $14,499 or Realtree Edge camo for $14,949. The Wolverine X2 R-Spec SE further adds painted bodywork, color-matched interior and is available in Tactical Black or Backcountry Blue for $15,299.

For the YXZ1000R sport line the changes for 2019 include:

New styling
A relocated radiator
Updated suspension
A new ROPS design to increase comfort
29″ Maxxis M917/918 tires instead of 27″Maxxis MU09/10 tires

The sport line includes the base YXZ1000R, the YXZ1000R SE, the YXZ1000R SS and the YXZ1000R SS SE. The SS models add the Yamaha Sport shift with paddle shifters and auto clutch. The SE versions add beadlock wheels and a suntop. The YXZ line will be available in September and the MSRP has not been published yet.

Learn more: Yamahamotorsports

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR Reviews

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Marc Cesare

New for 2018 is the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR shown here in Atomic Silver.

One of the key additions to Kawasaki’s 2018 utility vehicle lineup is the new Mule Pro-FXR. The Pro-FXR builds on their successful Pro-FX and Pro-FXT models with new styling highlights and recreational features. In the styling department the Mule Pro-FXR features a “truck like appearance” with painted bodywork, low-profile LED inner and halogen outer headlights, front and rear bumpers and contoured two-tone seats. For recreational riding the FXR is shorter than the other Pro Mules (about 12″ shorter than the FX) and sports a shorter turning radius (14.0 ft. compared to 16.0 ft. for the FX) and higher ground clearance (about 0.5″). Pricing for the Mule Pro-FXR starts at $14,999. Other key features of the 2018 Mule Pro-FXR include:

812cc, DOHC, 3-cylinder engine with EFI
2WD/4WD/4WD with rear differential lock
Engine braking
EPS
10.8″ of ground clearance
1,000 lb. steel cargo bed
2,000 lb. towing capacity

Below are highlights from reviews of the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR by trade publications and enthusiasts.

The reviews are generally positive for the Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR. This isn’t a high performance trail riding UTV, but a solid performer with a good sized engine, smooth riding suspension, smaller size and tighter turning radius than the Mule Pro-FX and a comfortable cabin. Some of the common comments from across the reviews include:

Quiet
Smooth ride
Handles tougher trail conditions well

ATV.com – Kawasaki sponsored test drive event at Hearst Ranch in California. Rugged and rocky terrain.

More of a trail machine without sacrificing too much of the work capabilities
Hybrid of the Mule Pro-FX and Teryx
Foot shorter than Pro-FX but with same passenger, cargo and towing capacity
Wheelbase is more than a foot shorter producing a tighter turning radius
Quieter than other Mules. Can hold a conversation on the trail.
Shocks smoothed out the bumps on rougher trail sections
Not peppy or as responsive as a Teryx but plenty of power delivered smoothly
Good stability down hills
Good choice for trail riders looking more for comfort and features over performance

Totallandscapecare.com – Kawasaki sponsored test drive event at Hearst Ranch in California.

Noticeable truck-like and upscale styling
Comfortable cabin and driving experience with contoured seating, padded steering, spacious cabin and speed sensitive power steering
Smooth ride
Vehicle handles steep drops smoothly thanks to the CVT transmission and engine braking
Rubber mounted engine is quiet

NLGhostWolf – Consumer review – Trail riding in Newfoundland, Canada

Quiet
Very smooth suspension
Loves the persimmon red color
Very impressed with the vehicle

Consumer Review – Riding on Ozark Mountain logging roads with some snow on the ground

Tougher and rides better than a Polaris Ranger
No wheel slippage up the hill
“Very happy with this Mule”
Had a Mule 4010 but a rougher ride

Dealer Walkaround and Review – Mainland Cycle Center of Texas

Shorter wheelbase
Cargo bed a little shorter
Smaller size but many of the same features we like on the Mule Pro-FX
46 mph top speed
Fully independent suspension
New 27” Duro Power Grip tires
Same 812 cc motor that we really like; really smooth
Quiet in the cabin
New front facia and bumper with aluminum inserts
Better feedback from suspension than Mule Pro-FX, less floaty
Easy opening doors rather than nets
Contoured bench seats are more comfortable
Steel bottom 1,000 lb. cargo bed
Easy assisted bed dump
Stainless steel exhaust
Rear differential is overbuilt
3 yr warranty
New glove box door is easier to open
Plenty of cabin storage
Hard top is standard
Built-in under driver seat storage
Nice tight turning radius
Good ground clearance
Sporty machine for both work and trail riding

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Monthly Archives: June 2018