Arctic Cat Reports Q2 2017 Results

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Marc Cesare

By Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

The 2017 Wildcat X from Arctic Cat with RG Pro suspension is expected to help drive sales in the second half of the fiscal year.

Arctic Cat reported financial results for the fiscal 2017 second quarter ended September 30, 2016. The company reported a loss of $12.8 million on sales of $164.6 million compared to net earnings of $11.2 million and sales of $211.2 million in the prior-year quarter. Management pointed to a softer powersports market, as well as lower sales volume, unfavorable product mix and heightened promotional environment as factors. Sales of ATVs and side-by-sides totaled $44.0 million for the quarter, down 37.8 percent compared to prior-year sales of $70.8 million. Year-to-date sales totaled $87.8 million, down 29 percent from $123.6 million in the prior-year first half.

The following are some highlights from the earnings call related to side-by-sides:

Weakness in oil, gas and agriculture sectors contributed to softer sales
ATV and SxS retail sales decreased approximately 4% in the second quarter versus an industry that was down low single-digits. Wholesale sales decreased further as management is trying to reduce dealer inventory levels.
New products including those designed with Robby Gordon have been released, and a third wave of models this fiscal year will be introduced by late February
The company has added 28 top-tier dealers to their network but is likely to miss their target of 75 for the fiscal year. Net dealer add is flat.
For the short term management anticipates continued market softness, competitiveness and foreign currency headwinds
ATV/SxS sales are expected to be flat to down mid-single digits for the full year but up in the second half driven by new product introductions.
The company announced two new strategic partnerships for developing products for adjacent markets but cannot release more details, including whether they involve SxSs.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Road Use Regulation Roundup: November 2016

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Marc Cesare

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 August 2016.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Almost all of the regulation activity is occurring at the city level
Most of the ordinances are being considered but have not been passed yet.
Most of the ordinances concern allowing UTVs on city streets and a few concern golf cars or low-speed vehicles.
One city repealed an ordinance allowing utility vehicles on city streets because of safety concerns.

Nashville, TN – Elkhart County Commissioners passed an ordinance which would allow golf carts on all non-numbered county roads. The ordinance as proposed would allow the use of golf carts in all of the unincorporated areas of the county with the exception of numbered county roads, which for the most part would restrict their use to residential subdivisions. Vehicles could be used only from sunrise to sunset. The ordinance also regulates LSVs.

Kearney, MO – The city is considering a citizen’s request to allow the use of ATVs within the city. UTVs are already allowed. There is some concern by officials about the safety of ATVs being operated among larger vehicles such as trucks.

Fort Scott, KS – City officials are drafting an ordinance that will allow UTVs to be used on city streets. The police chief researched similar UTV ordinances in nearby communities and recommended that they be operated by licensed drivers at least 18 years of age and restrictions in place for certain city streets. There was some discussion on the speed of UTVs and whether tires on the vehicles are strictly for off-road use and would have proper traction on city streets. The city already has a golf car ordinance in place.

St. Augustine, FL – The City Commission passed new definitions and standards for low-speed vehicles like golf cars. They also discussed safety issues of using low-speed vehicles, golf cars and ScootCoupes (3-wheeled vehicles that can travel up to 40 mph) on certain roads. They are planning on analyzing the use of these same vehicles on a for-profit basis.

Hapeville, GA – The city is considering regulations to promote the use of low-speed vehicles and/or golf cars.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada – The city is considering the use of ATVs and UTVs on municipal roads similar to other nearby municipalities.

Jasper, IN – The Jasper Police Department plans to increase enforcement of golf cars on city streets.

Landis, NC – The North Carolina Department of Transportation denied town requests to change the speed limits on two streets. In August, Landis made the request to lower the speed limit on both roads — along with several others — from 45 mph to 35 mph in order to allow golf carts and other low-speed vehicles to travel within the city limits.

Garner, IA – The City Council is considering an ordinance that will allow the use of ATVs and UTVs on city streets.

Kansas – The Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission is considering regulations that will allow golf cars and UTVs to be used on state park roads between sunrise and sunset.

Great Bend, KS – The City Council passed ordinances that would allow ‘micro-utility’ trucks on city streets. These vehicles are defined as any motor vehicle which is not less than 48 inches in width, has an overall length, including the bumper, of not more than 106 inches, has an unloaded weight, including fuel and fluids, of more than 1,500. Golf cars or all-terrain vehicles are not included.

New Hampton, IA – The City Council is likely to pass an ordinance that will allow golf cars and utility vehicles.

Festus, MO – Citing safety issues, the City Council repealed an ordinance passed last year that allowed utility vehicles to be used on city streets.

Nashville, TN – The Metro Transportation Licensing Commission voted to restrict pedal taverns, pedicabs and other pedal carriages as well as low-speed vehicles from operating between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Congestion and safety concerns were the reasons.

2017 Arctic Cat Wildcat X Models

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 2017 Wildcat X from Arctic Cat with RG Pro suspension.

The Wildcat X Limited adds full doors, front and rear aluminum bumpers and a molded roof.

The four-seat Wildcat 4X rounds out the lineup.

Arctic Cat recently unveiled their 2017 Wildcat X, X Limited and 4X models. The first two are two-passenger models and the latter 4-passenger. One of the key features of the 2017 Wildcat lineup is the RG Pro suspension. The RG stands for Robby Gordon who helped develop the new models. The suspension includes a rear trailing arm similar to what Gordon used on his off-road Dakar Hummers. The trailing arms allow the wheel to trail up and down. Compared to competitive vehicles the Wildcat X will hop around less and the tire patch will tend to remain in the same location, and this translates into more speed through the bumps. Other features include larger diameter tie-rods, King shocks, race-inspired ROPS with additional front braces, stronger chassis and KMC aluminum wheels with 27″ ITP Ultracross tires. (Gordon talks about the suspension)

Other features include:

951cc, H2, liquid-cooled V-Twin EFI engine
2WD/4WD with electronic front differential lock
17″/15.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
King gas shocks
12″ of ground clearance
Rapid Response clutch
Electronic Power Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes
Dual LED headlights and taillights
Half doors
Highback bucket seats

The Wildcat 4X is similar to the Wildcat X except that it has seating for four. The Wildcat X Limited has full rather than half doors, front and rear aluminum bumpers and a molded roof. MSRPs are Wildcat X $18,499, Wildcat X Limited $19,499 and Wildcat 4X $20.499.

STOVs Role In Future Transportation

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Is there a role for golf car type fleets off the course and in the urban centers of the future?

My colleague Stephen Metzger has written an article on the role of small, task-oriented vehicles (STOVs) in future transportation systems given potential trends towards more urbanization, increasing road traffic and evolving transportation technology. These trends intertwine with specific mobility trends such as electrification, shared mobility and driverless vehicles. He posits that golf car type vehicles are well suited to play a role in the urban transportation systems of the future. Learn more: Smallvehicleresource.com

Can-Am Adds Defender HD5 To Side-by-Side Lineup

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Can-Am Defender HD5 is new for 2017 and features a mid-size engine and lower price point.

Can-Am has expanded their more work-oriented Defender side-by-side product line with the Defender HD5. The Defender HD5 features a mid-sized engine and a lower price point with an $9,999 MSRP for the base model. Key features of the vehicle include:

CVT with engine braking
Selectable 2WD / 4WD Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential
25″ Maxxis tires on 12″ wheels
10″ of front and rear suspension travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
600 lb. capacity tilting cargo bed
1,500 lb. towing capacity
VERSA-PRO bench seat than can flip up for more cab space
Dynamic Power Steering model available
Available in three colors including optional Mossy Oak Break-up Camo
See specs for Base and DPS models

The following is the full press release from BRP

VALCOURT, Quebec, Canada, Oct. 26, 2016– BRP (TSX:DOO) has expanded its line of Can-Am Defender utility-recreational off-road vehicles with the launch of the new Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle. The Defender platform is now available with a mid-size engine, offering both value and performance while maintaining the Defender vehicle’s highly touted tough, capable and clever design.

“The 2017 Can-Am Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle provides full-size functionality and unmatched versatility at an attractive price point,” explained Marc-André Dubois, Global Marketing Director, Can-Am Off-Road. “This addition of the handy Defender HD5 packages helps us expand the Defender family lineup to meet market demand and also grow the Can-Am footprint in the highly popular utility-recreation segment of the industry.”

TOUGH
The 2017 Can-Am Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle is every bit as tough as its larger siblings. The Rotax HD5 engine has been calibrated to supply excellent power and torque for work on the farm and in the field. The engine requires no break-in service and remains maintenance-free for one year or up to 1,865 miles (3,000 km) or 200 running hours. Additionally, the durable CVT comes equipped with engine braking, drive belt protection and a work-ready low range as standard equipment.

CAPABLE
The Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle is equipped with a dependable high-strength, low-alloy steel chassis. A double A-arm front suspension, unique Torsional Trailing A-arm (TTA-HD) rear suspension and twin-tube, gas-charged shocks supply 10 in. (26.7 cm) of travel, front and rear. The Can-Am HD5 side-by-side vehicle also has a 10.5-inch (26.7-cm) ground clearance, selectable 2WD / 4WD Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential and 25-in. (63.5-cm) Maxxis tires on 12-in. (30.5cm) wheels for superior off-road capabilities.

The Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle also delivers impressive capacities, with its ability to tow up to 1,500 lbs. (680 kg) and a payload capacity of 1,200 lbs. (544 kg). The heavy-duty cargo box has intuitive adaptability to go with its 600 lbs. (272 kg) rated capacity, tilting bed and fully functional tailgate. It also has the industry’s largest fuel tank, at 10.6 gal. (40 L), meaning more time for work and less time spent refuelling.

CLEVER
A roomy, intuitive cockpit is designed to be fully functional and comfortable with cab pillars pushed forward, an open-dash configuration and a truck-inspired VERSA-PRO bench seat that accommodates up to three adults and flips up for added space in the cab. The Defender DPS HD5 package features up to 10.4 gal. (39.5 L) of onboard storage with its cup holders, under-dash storage and industry-exclusive, water-resistant toolbox. The cargo box presents additional usefulness with its integrated design elements like the LinQ quick-attach system, built-in anchors and tie-down points and many recesses for easy box separator solutions.

The 2017 Defender HD5 side-by-side vehicle is available in two packages (base and DPS) and up to three available colors, including an optional, water-dipped Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo finish. The Defender family of side-by-side vehicles is also highly adaptable with a line of 160 genuine Can-Am accessories, giving owners numerous customization choices.

The tough, capable and clever 2017 Defender HD5side-by-side vehicle is an exceptional value complete with full-size accommodations designed to improve comfort and convenience for simplifying tough jobs.

About BRP
BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3.8 billion from over 100 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,900 people worldwide.
www.brp.com

Comment: This is another example of a continuing trend in the side-by-side market of new value priced models being introduced. The slower growth in the overall side-by-side market and the rise of less expensive smaller brands has led a number of the larger brands to launch lower priced models around the $10,000 price point. With an economy that looks like it will continue to grow relatively slowly and weakness for side-by-sides in oil/gas and agriculture segments, the move to bolster lower priced offerings is likely to continue and competition could become fiercer in the $8,000 to $11,000 price range.

Polaris Announces Q3 2016 Results

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Polaris RXR XP Turbo is being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

Recalls of vehicles like the Polaris RXR XP Turbo were a drag on the company’s financial performance for the quarter.

Polaris Industries announced their financial results for Q3 2016 with third quarter sales down 19% to $1.18 billion as impacts of massive vehicle recalls are still being felt. CEO Scott Wine stated that the company is prioritizing “…recall execution and quality validation and delay the launch of many of our model year 2017 Off-Road Vehicles.” The following are highlights from the earnings call as they relate to the small, task-oriented vehicle market.

Off-road vehicle industry retail declined modestly (down low single digits%) for the quarter with oil/gas and agriculture segments remaining weak
ORV and Snowmobile segment sales declined 23% in Q3 to $923.4 million driven by weak industry dynamics and delayed model year 2017 shipments as products were revalidated
RZR retail dropped precipitously in the first two months of the quarter but improved significantly in the third month along with overall side-by-side retail driven by promotions and better product availability
Management reports that RZR recalls have now passed the 50% penetration rate for both the RZR 900/RZR 1000 recall and the more recent Turbo recall and the majority of the recalls should be completed by year end
Gross margins were negatively impacted by higher promotional and customer appreciation costs to bolster confidence and credibility with our Off-Road Vehicle owners
The Ranger 1000 has shown good early signs for sales
Management reports that RZR market share is nearly 2.5 times all competitors combined and Ranger share over 2 times the next largest competitor
Global Adjacent Markets segment revenue increased 6% to $78.5 million in Q3 driven by the prior Taylor-Dunn acquisition
Sales in the Defense business and Work and Transportation businesses were lower quarter-over-quarter due to delayed military orders and weak rental and B2B sales
RFM inventory management system will be aggressively rolled out next year and should improve ORV dealer’s ability to replenish vehicles, manage inventory and make models available to customers
Guidance for full year 2016:
- ORV and Snowmobile sales are expected to be down high single digits to low double digits percent but should show some retail growth in Q4
- Defense and Work and Transportation segment sales are expected to be up high single digits for the year

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R Reviews

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Yamaha YXZ1000 targets the "pure sport" side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

The Yamaha YXZ1000 targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

Yamaha introduced the YXZ1000R in September of 2015. The launch marked Yamaha’s entry, or some would say re-entry, into the pure sport segment of the side-by-side market. The YXZ1000R was the first side-by-side with a manual 5-speed sequential-shifting transmission as opposed to a CVT. The vehicle is powered by a 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinder and produces about 112 HP. YXZ1000R also features FOX 2.5 Podium shocks and a boatload of suspension travel. (Full specs) For drivers less experienced with a manual transmission, a Rekluse clutch option is available so the clutch pedal does not have to be used.

For 2017 the base model and the SE models remain essentially the same except for some body color changes. The biggest addition for the 2017 model year is the SS variation that has paddle shifters, which avoids the need for using a clutch pedal while shifting. As is noted in the review comments, the original YXZ has more appeal to drivers with manual transmission experience. The paddle shifters should widen the appeal of the YXZ to riders with more varied driving experience.

With the importance of Yamaha’s entry into the sport segment and unique manual transmission, there are quite a few expert reviews of the YXZ1000R. Most of the reviews are based on day long test drives.

Not surprising for a high-end side-by-side, the reviews are generally very positive. Some of the key takeaways across all reviews:

Designed for the desert rider
Manual transmission requires more experienced driver but those drivers will really like the unique driving experience
Shifting is smooth and precise
Downshifting and engine braking are great for downhill runs
Engine works better at higher RPMs and suspension is better at higher speeds
Vehicle feels planted and has limited body roll and steering is precise
Comfortable seating

The following are some of the key comments from individual reviews.

UTVUnderground.com – Day long test drive in dunes at Glamis.

From the outside the YXZ isn’t the most appealing UTV on the market.
The seating position is the best of any UTV I have driven. The seats lean back and are comfortable.
Seats should have a 4 or 5 point harness instead of the standard 3 point seat belts
Overall the interior is good.
The design of the YXZ is unique – particularly the hood design which gives a different feel while driving than other UTVs.
Rear Suspension – The lower arm is much like a trailing arm but unlike what you see on a RZR or Wildcat it also has an upper control arm which really helps the rear of the car to stay stable and planted to the ground.
The factory setup is designed for the desert rider
Rear wheels feel planted and there is minimized body roll. The ride may be considered stiff.
Handled all of the riding conditions encountered.
The torque felt great; shifting allows the driver to deliver the power where they need it and while it can be tricky to remain in the right gear, once you master it you can control the YXZ unlike any other UTV on the market.
You really need to run it up in the RPM to get the most of it, especially in the dunes.
The 5-speed gear box was what I was most impressed with on the YXZ. I had been expecting a very loose feeling shift and weak clutch but what I got was a real performance minded feeling of a tight shift and instantaneous engagement.
You can’t really up the size of your tires without drastically reducing your performance.
The Yamaha is very limited as it pertains to setting up for other types of riding, it was designed to be a pure sport desert machine.
While it will be tricky to drive for the average Joe, for anyone with any sport or performance driving / riding experience, they will love the YXZ!
We drove 20 plus units with over 500 miles on them and not one machine was towed in or broken at the end of the day.

Dirtrider.com – Day long test drive in dunes at Glamis. This reviewer comes from more of an off-road motorcycle background.

There is a built in safety light that will tell you to shift when absolutely necessary.
In 2nd gear you’ll climb the steepest dunes, 3rd gear will lug around most open trails and 4th and 5th are for blasting whoops and racing friends.
Shifting is smooth and precise
Gas pedal reach may be an issue for shorter riders with the stock adjustable seats.
Downshifting with actual engine braking, gives the Yamaha a very dirt-bike-like feel
This isn’t the best option as a family rock-crawler.

UTVDriver.com – This test drive involved the YXZ1000R SE which had Silver Metallic and Blaze Red Metallic painted exterior and interior with color matched seats, A-arms and beadlock rings.

The exciting YXZ experience is more like riding a sport quad, but it takes much more effort than a CVT-equipped High Performance UTV.
The Rekluse clutch prevents the YXZ from stalling when coming to a stop. It has no effect on shifting whatsoever. The Rekluse clutch is a great purchase for new drivers or those spending their time rock crawling, mud bogging or on tight woods trails.
Top speed near 80 mph
Brakes as good or better than anything currently on UTVs.
The engine braking and manual transmission helped on downhills.
The vehicle was stable and predictable.
The shocks and suspension work better at faster speeds
It is hard to bottom out the suspension

YXZOwners.com – These comments are a summary of a long discussion on a YXZ owners forum about the clutch and manual transmission of the YXZ.

The consensus is that it takes more effort to drive
The machine can handle other terrain besides dune and desert like tight trails, rocks and mud with some driver skill.
A less experienced driver may ruin the clutch before its time.
Many posters reported driving hundreds of miles with no clutch problem

UTVGuide.net – Day long test ride at Sand Mountain Nevada with the YXZ1000R SE

Flimsy plastic skid plate
Zerk fittings, properly routed wires, lines and cables, the fit and finish on this machine takes it to the head of the class from the get go.
Very comfortable adjustable seating
Engine sounds fantastic
I found the YXZ to shift as easily and positively as any manual transmission I’ve ever operated.
Engine works better at higher rpms
Engine is smooth and strong
Stiff suspension with factory settings but adjustments can be made.
Feels planted and rode better at higher speeds with little body roll.
Very good brakes
Front locking differential worked well on technical climbing sections but the YXZ requires more skill and effort to operate in these conditions than a UTV with a CVT.
The manual transmission is good for downhill runs. I can’t emphasize enough how much better the YXZ handles downhill runs with it’s manual transmission, it’s a huge plus.
Shifting is a huge part of what makes the YXZ so much fun to drive and make no mistake, Yamaha’s flagship sport UTV is a seriously fun machine to operate.

Lanesplitter.jalopnik.com – Review of YXZ1000R after day long test ride in desert conditions.

Driving in the sand with a real manual transmission adds to the experience in a special way, allowing you an entirely new level of control.
Handled bumps really well, a very smooth suspension
Good cornering
Precise steering
Attention to detail
Some heat coming from engine and transmission when pushing it.

User Review – This is a user generated video. They take the YXZ1000R out for a short ride in a gravel parking lot.

Doors – smooth on the outside so nothing catches
Really like the cabin
Really smooth shifting
Yamaha makes best power steering – easy steering

User Video – No comments, just a video montage of theYamaha YXZ 1000R in action on various terrain.

2017 Maverick X3 Reviews

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X ds package features different shocks, slightly larger wheels and different paint options (Shown here in Triple Black)

In August, 2016 Can-Am introduced their new Maverick X3, the latest salvo in the battle for supremacy in the sport/high performance recreational side-by-side market. Continuing the horsepower wars, this latest model is powered by a 154 hp, three-cyclinder, 900cc, turbocharged Rotax ACE engine with EFI. It delivers 113 lb-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm and propels the X3 from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds according to Can-Am. Another key feature of the lineup is the large amount of suspension travel, from 20″ to 24″ depending on the model. Besides the base model X3, there is Maverick X3 X ds and the top-of-the-line Maverick X3 X rs designed for dune riding. The MSRPs are $22,999, $24,999 and $26,999 respectively.

Not surprisingly I was able to find a number of expert reviews of the new Maverick X3. They were uniformly very positive about the vehicle and believed it has set a new standard in the industry. Some of the common positive impressions across the reviews include:

Powerful engine
Great suspension
Good handling
Comfortable and adjustable seating
Good cockpit ergonomics

The following are some of the key impressions from the reviews. Some of the reviews were based on a limited test run at a dealer event, while others were based on a lengthier one or two day events with many hours of riding.

UTV Underground – Based on short ride at dealer event on demo track

Comfortable and highly adjustable seats with both fore and aft adjustment and the ability to lower the seat another two inches
Excessive chassis roll but still feels planted in the corners
Handles very deep and rough terrain better than any factory side-by-side

UTVguide.net – Extended test of the Maverick X3 X rs at UTV Invasion event in Idaho.

Low seats and plenty of legroom but shorter drivers may have issue with over-the-hood visibility
Comfortable seats, good pedal position but somewhat long steering wheel reach
4-point harness would be better
Rear rack would need accessories to add storage but inside storage good
Slight delay as turbo spins up but powerful when it does
The torque is silky-smooth, allowing you to drive hard with your right foot while still maintaining traction easily under hard cornering loads.
Lots of power
The steering feel produces zero feedback through the wheel
Steering is neutral with only some understeer
The suspension is great providing a solid ride under even extreme conditions
“We have officially entered a new era of suspension performance with the X3, as the X rs packs as much usable wheel travel as the Commander and original Maverick COMBINED.”

UTVGuide.net – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days.

Quick ratio steering and Dynamic Power Steering great
“I found myself using the power often during the next two days to lighten the front end instead of stabbing the brakes for an obstacle. … Anywhere from 30 MPH to 70 MPH acceleration is violent and addictive.”
CVT worked well in transferring power
CVT and engine intakes are behind the driver’s head which may be annoying after several hours because of the noise.
The front differential lock is not good for rock crawling.
“Can-Am has raised the bar in the sport UTV market segment, especially when you look at the Maverick X3 X rs. Factory long travel with 22/24 inches of travel is amazing in a 102-inch wheelbase for the desert. And although the horsepower comparison between the RZR XP Turbo at 144 HP and the Maverick X3 Turbo at 154 HP isn’t all that much on paper, when you get behind the wheel of the X3 you can feel the difference and it is exhilarating.”

ATV.com – Short test run at dealer event.

Standing on the gas pedal gives a thrilling response
“This rig just seems to soak up the impacts one right after the other”
Braking seemed a little soft but more than adequate
“The suspension of the new Maverick X rs Turbo R is unlike anything else offered on a factory UTV.”
“On the few slick, flat surface corners we experienced, the Maverick likes to stay semi-flat, but you definitely feel the flexing of the super long travel of the suspension.”

Gearopen.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

Good power transfer
The power literally puts you back in your seat if you stab the throttle pedal hard.
Very well balanced suspension.
Can easily adjust to the three compression settings on the shocks.
“It was the Maverick X3 X RS that really stood out as a game changer. This is the first factory long travel UTV that measures 72 inches wide.”
Like with the other X3’s, the car feels planted, tracks straight and is ultra plush.
Good steering wheel feel
Predicatable cornering
Good rock crawler
“Vehicle feels solid, it’s fast and it feels glued to the ground”

Rockymountainatvmc.com – Tested all three Maverick X3 models in Mexico over two days

“Simply put, the turbocharged engine is perfectly suited to the demands of sport UTV driving. It produces instantaneous boost off idle, equating to an absurdly wide powerband…”
“The X3 pulls hard at any speed, with no lag or flat spots through its rpm range”
“It’s the X3’s handling that really triggers elevated levels of euphoria.”
Handles rough terrain very well and the driver feels in control.
The vehicle has some chassis roll.
The CVT is noisy in the cabin and you will need to replace the transmission belts occasionally.
It can handle many types of terrain very wel.l
“If you’ve never driven a side-by-side that’s truly “wowed” you, then test drive Can-Am’s latest Maverick.”

Ridenow TV video – The 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 review was the topic of this week’s RideNow TV episode. We had an exclusive opportunity to have first dibs at test riding the Maverick X3 before they were available to the public and we had an absolute blast! Every single one of us was extremely impressed at the over all package delivered by Can-Am.

Comfortable and adjustable seat
Smaller steering wheel
Fastest side by side
Good throttle response – immediate
Sleeker looking than previous Mavericks
Low center of gravity
Great suspension
Good through the whoops and smooth as butter,
Couldn’t bottom out the suspension

Ridenow TV Walkaround video – Vehicle walkaround and interviews with Can-Am engineers and off-road racers who have test driven the new Maverick X3

Trailing arm suspension a big improvement nearly like a trophy truck
Excellent driver comfort and ergonomics
Different and cool body lines
Longer wheelbase and rear placed engine allows you to lower seat, also dropped the cage
Designed to be close to a race vehicle right out of the box
Used a new high strength alloy to make a lighter but more rigid frame to handle the high horsepower.
Other parts beefier as well
3 models for different riding condition including 72″ wide version for dune riding

Rider impressions

Amazing
As a racer great out of the box, could race with little changes
Handling matches the increased power
In its own class as a side by side
Near ready race car
Great lines
Race ready

Off-Road Racer BJ Baldwin

Really comfortable to drive
Goes through obstacles really well
Ride really well, much better than other UTVs when going from a trophy truck
Even at really fast speeds it still handles well
Ergonomics are good as well
Did a really good job

4ekolka: A 3D Printed LSV

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The 4ekolka, a prototype electric powered city car.

The 4ekolka is a 3D printed, electric powered vehicle out of Prague from Petr Chladek. The estimated cost to build this prototype vehicle was $12,000 with half of that for the batteries and battery management system. The vehicle is designed for a top speed of 55 km/h or approximately 34 mph. The 9.6 kWh battery pack consists of LiFePO4 batteries with a capacity of 200Ah @ 48V and the estimated range per charge is 200 km or 124 miles. The 4ekolka is expected to consume about 100 Wh compared to 200-300 Wh for most electric vehicles.

The expected market is for intra-city driving and as a secondary car. The designer is also investigating commercial uses. The vehicle is currently being tested on roads in Prague. Learn more: Electrek.co

Maverick X3 Development Process

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The Maverick X3 X rs package is designed for riding the dunes or occasionally above them.

An article in PowerSports Business provides some details of the product development process for Can-Am’s recently launched Maverick X3 side-by-side. The process started from scratch and early on the company researched trophy truck, sandrails and dune buggie markets for design input. Side-by-side users have been migrating from these markets. Based on this research, Can-Am engineered a large trailing arm and up to 24″ of rear suspension to the Maverick X3 lineup. The wider 72″ X3 model will also appeal to the dune riding crowd. Another critical design element is the low center of gravity for the passengers.

The overall design revolved around the words defiant, precise and powerful. Since the X3 was positioned as the top of the product line vehicle, Can-Am wanted it to be a statement vehicle with an aggressive and bold look. Precise refers to the suspension and handling characteristics and powerful refers to the turbocharged engine.

According to Can-Am dealer response to the Maverick X3 has been enthusiastic. The MSRPs for the line were less than they expected given the vehicle features they had heard about, and they liked that they can prep the vehicles and put them in their customer’s hands within an hour. The key demographic for the X3 is men in their mid-40s looking for an exhilarating adrenaline rush and most will be migrating from ATVs or replacing another side-by-side. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

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