Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo Side-by-Side

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

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

Polaris has issued a recall for model year 2016 RZR XP Turbo side-by-sides due to a potential leak in the oil drain line, which can pose a fire hazard. To date the company has received two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. The recall involves approximately 2,230 vehicles sold between September and November 2015. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Units: About 2,230 vehicles

Description: This recall involves model year 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo recreational off-highway vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) 3NSVDE925GF454105 through 3NSVDE923GF459495. RZR XP Turbos were sold in graphite, orange and blue color schemes. A “Turbo” decal is located on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders. The VIN is on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the range are included in this recall. A complete list of recalled vehicles including VINs is available at www.polaris.com

Incidents/Injuries: Polaris has received two reports of RZR XP Turbos with oil leaks and two reports of the vehicles catching on fire. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting its customers directly and sending a recall letter to each registered owner.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from September 2015 through November 2015 for about $25,000.

Distributor(s): Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Comment: The recall is not very large but management probably isn’t happy that they have to recall their first side-by-side which uses a turbocharged engine. The RZR XP Turbo is top of the line Polaris sport side-by-side and a direct competitor to Can-Am’s turbocharged models.

CFMoto Introduces New Engine & 50″ Trail Side-by-Sides

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 500HO high output engine from CFMoto.

The new 2016 CFMoto ZForce 500 which uses the new high output engine.

CFMoto recently announced two new trail side-by-sides for 2016, the ZForce 500HO Trail and the ZForce 800 Trail. The ZForce 500HO Trail is powered by their new 500HO high output engine. The single-cylinder, four-valve overhead cam, liquid-cooled engine features BOSCH electronic fuel injection for instant starts, crisp throttle response and improved fuel economy. The new engine delivers 15 percent more power and 10 percent more torque than the 600 engine it replaces. The two new trail friendly models will be available at dealers in mid-January. The 2016 lineup will also feature new Sumitomo electrical connectors to improve performance in wet conditions and more durable front differentials as part of an effort to improve the overall durability of CFMoto’s side-by-sides. The MSRP for the ZForce 500HO Trail is $8,799 and for the ZForce 800 Trail it’s $9,999. Learn more: Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment: While the press release notes the vehicles being 50″ wide, on a couple of dealer websites I checked have the vehicles are listed as being 52″ wide. Nevertheless, this introduction is an indication that no segment in the side-by-side market is escaping increased competition. While the 50″ trail riding segment has largely been the battleground of major brands such as Polaris and Arctic Cat, the entrance of a value brand such as CFMoto indicates both the sales potential of the segment and the determination of companies to grab a piece of the pie.

Polaris General: A New UTV Product Line is Launched

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The base model General 1000 EPS is Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The base model General 1000 EPS in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999.

The premium model General 1000 EPS Velocity Blue with an MSRP of $17,499.

The Polaris General 1000 EPS Deluxe Orange Burst with an MSRP of $19,999.

Polaris Industries is launching the Polaris General, a new product line positioned between the Ranger and RZR product lines, that is designed for work and recreational use. “Today is a great day at Polaris! Once again, we are launching a game-changing new product,” said Tim Blinkhorn, GM, RANGER & Polaris GENERAL. “This vehicle is the most versatile sideby-side ever built, made for those who want to battle it all. Whether it’s dominating any trail, or conquering any job, The Polaris GENERAL delivers.”

The General product line initially features three models, a base model in Indy Red with an MSRP of $15,999, a model in Velocity Blue at $17,499 and a Deluxe model in Orange Burst priced at $19,999. The price points and features such as one of the more powerful Polaris ProStar engines indicate a higher-end crossover UTV. Some of the key figures across all models include:

100 hp ProStar 1000 engine
Electronic Power Steering
High Performance Close Ratio On-Demand AWD/2WD
Engine Braking System
12.25″ of front suspension travel and 13.2″ in the rear
Front and rear sway bars
12″ of ground clearance unloaded and 7.4″ when cargo box is loaded
600 lb. cargo box capacity
1,500 lb. towing capacity
Full-body skid plate
Factory installed doors with armrests
Dual bolstered bucket seats with adjustable driver seat
Space-optimized foot rests
All-new customizable digital/analog instrumentation cluster that tilts with the steering wheel
23 liters of integrated storage
27″ tires
30 brand new Polaris Engineered Accessories™ and 90-plus common fit items

The Velocity Blue model features:

Automotive-style paint
Sport low profile front bumper
Polaris HD 4,500 lb. winch
14″ Matte Black cast aluminum wheels
Eiight-ply, 27″ GBC Dirt Commander Tires

The DeluxeOrange Burst Model has all the features of the Velocity Blue model plus:

Adjustable Fox Podium X 2.0 QS3 shocks
Pro-Fit Lock & Ride Sport Roof
Rear-view mirror
MTX Premium Soundbar with eight speakers and blue-tooth connectivity

The Velocity Blue and Deluxe Orange Burst models will be available at Polaris dealerships starting in December. The Indy Red will be available in March 2016. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: While Polaris Ranger and RZRs are certainly used as crossover UTVs, the product lines are delineated with the Ranger for work applications and the RZRs for recreation. The General provides Polaris with a more targeted line of crossover UTVs. The launch is another indicator of the continued high level of competition in the UTV market. The General provides Polaris with more models to directly compete with John Deere’s XUV line, the Honda Pioneer line, the Yamaha Viking line and Can Am’s Commander line. The Polaris General, given the model price points and features, appears to be targeting a higher priced end of the crossover market. As these product launches continue in the market, most of the major brands are building out specific product lines for work, recreation and crossover applications.

Bureau of Reclamation Goes Green with e-Ride Industries

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The e-ride Industries EXV4 for people transport.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

An e-Ride Industries EXV2 Patriot at Grand Coulee Dam configured with a sliding cargo tray and roof rack.

The Bureau of Reclamation has purchased a fleet of 27 electric vehicles from e-Ride Industries of Princeton, MN for the Grand Coulee Dam Project in Washington state. With the addition of 130 new employees over the last two years, the management required more vehicles but also need to meet the federal government’s greenhouse gas emission goals. The electric powered, zero-emission LSVs from e-Ride Industries fit their needs.

e-Ride Industries has already supplied 16 of the 27 vehicles under a total contract for $900,000. The vehicles will be a mixture of the EXV2 Patriot designed for maintenance and utility duties and the EXV4 which can transport up to four people. Both vehicles are ruggedly built for industrial applications, have a top speed of 25 mph and are powered by 72-volt lithium-ion battery packs. The utility version features an enclosed cargo area, 1,000 lb. cargo capacity, built-in toolbox on the outside of the cargo area and a roof rack.

Management expects the fleet of vehicles which will be powered by renewable energy produced by the dam to save 10%-15% in fossil fuel costs, which currently run $111,000 annually. They also expect to save money on vehicle maintenance, and reduce pollution as well. Maintenance on the vehicles requires no disposal of hazardous materials such as used oil, antifreeze, or other liquids associated with gas-powered vehicles. The vehicles are made in America. Learn more: Grandcoulee.com

Comment: Federal and state vehicle fleet mandates continue to be a factor in the electric vehicle market, and the LSV market in particular. While the growing array of options of highway speed electric vehicles may cut into LSV sales moving forward, LSVs will continue to be a viable option for government agencies that need to meet greenhouse gas and emission standards. In particular, applications where utility vehicle versatility and functionality is needed and/or where vehicle travel is in a limited area and at lower speeds, LSVs will remain a cost-effective choice.

Polaris Introduces All-New GEM Lineup For 2016

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The all new 2016 GEM e2.

The 2016 GEM e2 with an enclosed cargo box.

The 2016 GEM eL XD with an enclosed rear cargo area.

Polaris Industries has announced an all new GEM lineup of vehicles for model year 2016. According to John Stockman, GEM director at Polaris. “The all-new GEM takes what our customers already love about these vehicles and improves the ergonomics, ride and range. We’ve also added more comfort and safety features to provide an even better experience for both rider and driver, with the added benefit of just $.03 per mile cost of ownership.” Some of key features for the all new GEM include:

Aluminum chassis that passes SAE roof-crush-test standards
Front-wheel disc brakes
Automotive style suspension
High-back forward-facing seats
3-point seat belts
Automotive glass windshield
LED signal lights
Optional RiderX app provides free access to road maps
Smart Power which matches the power to the task with the ability to choose the best combination of battery and charge options.
Optional Li-ion battery
The eL XD model offers a recessed bed option to lower loading height and maximize hauling capability, and a tailgate ramp.

There are seven models in the product line. There are three passenger vehicles, the e2, e4 and e6, as well as four utility vehicles, the eL XD, eM 1400, eM 1400 LSV and the Polaris M1400. The Polaris M1400 is a gas powered vehicle. Pricing starts at $8,999 for the GEM e2 and increases to $12,999 for the GEM eL XD. A range of factory installed options are available including but not limited to in-windshield defrost, electronic power steering, integrated doors and a full range of rear carrier options. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: I spoke with a GEM dealer who has some limited knowledge of the vehicles at this point and he gave me his first impressions:

The redesigned doors are the most significant improvement, addressing hardware problems, water intrusion, ease of entry/exit, line of sight issues and lack of availability for 6 passenger models.
The redesigned interior addresses driver comfort issues with more legroom and headroom.
The new AGM and Lithium ion battery options are a significant improvement and allow for better matching of batteries to vehicle application.
The additional options for the popular eL XD model will allow for more customization for the wide variety of uses for which customers currently use the vehicle.

John Deere Announces XUV 825i Special Edition Gator

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new XUV 825i Special Edition Gator with two integrated tool boxes.

The Special Edition model also features LED roof lights.

John Deere used the GIE+EXPO to announce a new 2016 special edition Gator utility vehicle. The XUV 825i Special Edition Gator features two integrated cargo tool boxes and LED roof lights. The two cargo boxes are situated on the driver and passenger side. The driver’s side box opens from the top and has two divided compartments with a removable tray. The passenger side box opens from the side and features one open compartment. Both tool boxes have a 75 lb. capacity.

Additional features include a 50 hp, 812cc, electronic fuel injected gas engine that delivers a 44 mph top speed, on-demand four-wheel drive, power steering, Operator Protective System with nets, 27″ Maxxis Big Horn tires, 11″ of ground clearance and a 1,000 lb. deluxe cargo box with a polyurethane liner. The 2016 XUV 825i Special Edition Gator will be available in December 2015 with a MSRP $16,799 compared to $13,159 for the standard XUV 825i Power Steering model. Learn more: UTVguide.net

Comment: Compared to the standard model, the Special Edition model includes the cargo tool boxes, the LED roof lights, side nets and the Maxxis Big Horn tires.

Polaris Adds To Their 4-Seat RZR Line-up

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition in Titanium Matte Metallic.

The new Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Spectra Orange.

Polaris announced the addition two new 4-seat side-by-sides, the RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS and the RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition. The RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS is based on the 2-seat version and similarly features:

144 hp ProStar Turbo engine mated to a stronger driveline
FOX Podium Internal Bypass shocks
16″ of front suspension travel
18″ of rear suspension travel with a 3-Link trailing arm rear suspension
High Performance True On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive
Triple piston front brake calipers and double piston rear brake calipers with 248mm rotors
Adjustable front seat sliders
Adjustable seat belts heights in the rear

The RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS retails for $27,499 U.S./$32,399 CAN, will be offered in Graphite Crystal and Spectra Orange, and will be available at Polaris dealerships in October.

The RZR XP 4 EPS High Lifter Edition is based on the RZR XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition and features the following:

110 hp ProStar 1000 H.O. engine
Mud specific cooling and gearing
High Performance True On-Demand AWD
High-mounted engine intakes, clutch intakes and exhaust
15″ of ground clearance
Stiffer springs
29.5″ High Lifter Outlaw 2 tires
4,500 lb. Polaris winch
Dryseat technology seats
Factory-installed half doors
Electronic Power Steering
Removable floor drains

The RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition will be available in dealerships in October with an MSRP of $25,699 U.S./$30,199 CAN.

Polaris has also added a RZR S 900 with Blue Fire premium paint without Electronic Power Steering (EPS), retailing at $15,499 U.S./$17,799 CAN to their 2-seat RZR lineup. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: It only took about three months for Polaris to come out with these four seat versions. Not only the sheer number of vehicles Polaris puts out, but the pace at which they put the vehicles out is one of the reasons they are such a tough competitor and so successful in the market. The new High Lifter Edition vehicle is about $3,400 more than the standard version of the same model.

Can-Am Launches Defender Line of Utility Side-By-Sides

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

The Can-Am Defender with Camo paint and cab options.

Can-Am recently launched their Defender line of utility side-by-sides. The lineup includes four models: Defender, Defender DPS, Defender XT and Defender XT Cab. MSRPs range from $10,999 to $23,699. This represents Can-Ams first foray into the more pure work end of the side-by-side spectrum. Key features of the models include:

Two EFI engine options: The 72 hp 976 cc Rotax HD10 V-Twin engine with 61 lb-ft of torque for work or recreational use and the work focused 799.9 cc Rotax HD8 V-Twin with 50 hp and 50 lb-ft. of torque
High rigidity steel chassis
PRO-TORQ Transmission with Quick Response System (QRS), high airflow ventilation and Electronic Drive Belt Protection
4-mode traction system – Users, via a separate front-and-rear toggle switches, can select between a 2×4 open rear differential for tight turning and turf protection, a 2×4 lockable rear for improved 2WD traction, a 4×4 open rear for more maneuverability in rugged terrain and a 4×4 locked rear for maximum traction. This is optional on the Defender HD8
Electronic Hill Descent Control
Torsional Trailing A-arms rear suspension with 10″ of travel and dual A-arm front suspension with 10″ of travel
11″ of ground clearance
1,000 lb. capacity cargo box and 2,000 lb. towing capacity
25″ Maxxis tires and 12″ steel wheels
Front steel bumper and central skid plate
Versa Pro 40/20/40 bench seating for three
Removable, water-resistant tool box
Adjustable tilt steering
Cargo box with indentations to fit five-gallon buckets and a tailgate with cup holders.

The Defender DPS ($12,799 MSRP) adds the following features:

Dynamic Power Steering
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo and Yellow color options
Cast aluminum wheels

The Defender XT ($15,599 MSRP) features:

27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
Dynamic Power Steering
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
Multifunction analog/digital gauges
4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
Steel front bumper
Full skid plate
Full hard roof

The Defender XT Cab ($23,699 MSRP) features:

72 HP Rotax HD10 engine as the only option
Dynamic Power Steering
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
9″ of ground clearance
Multifunction analog/digital gauges
4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
Steel front bumper
Full skid plate
Full hard roof with line
Full black doors with electric opening windows
3-position full glass tilt up windshield with wiper/washer kitRear glass with sliding opening

A crew version of the Defender will likely be introduced in the next 6 to 12 months.

Learn more: Can-am.brp.com

Comment: The competition in the side-by-side market continues to heat up. Many of the larger players have now launched models into market segments they did not previously compete in directly. This will likely create downward pricing pressure for manufacturers through either more competitive MSRPs and/or more promotional dollars. However, product innovation and more marketing dollars and awareness should be an impetus for growing the overall market. Consumers should win with an improved and wider selection of product offerings.

New Yamaha YXZ1000R Targets Pure Sport Side-by-Side Market

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

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

The new Yamaha YXZ1000R targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000R.

Yamaha has announced they will now be competing in the pure sport side-by-side segment with the introduction of the all-new YXZ1000R side-by-side. The YXZ1000R features a high-performance, 3-cylinder 998cc engine and 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled engine has a 11.3:1 compression ration and 10,500 RPM redline. The powertrain also has high-mounted, high volume air inlets, dual air filters and stainless steel exhaust system. The 5-speed transmission is manually operated via a clutch pedal and short-stroke shift lever. The new clutch design incorporates a foot-operated hydraulic clutch system.

Other key features include:

Yamaha’s On-Command 2WD/4WD/4WD with full differential lock
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes with 245mm rotors and twin piston calipers
FOX 2.5 Podium Shocks with 16″ of travel in the front and 17″ in the rear feature adjustable hi- and low-speed compression, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload settings.
Color-matched A-Arms
Aggressive styling and design
Four LED headlight system and LED taillight
300 lb. capacity cargo box
Sun top and full doors
Adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering
Passenger hand-holds
Hybrid digital-analog instrument panel
Center console and 12V power outlets
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
14″ cast aluminum wheels
12.9″ of ground clearance
64″ wide with a 90.6″ wheelbase
MSRP $19,799

Learn more: Marketwatch.com

Comment: This is a natural progression for Yamaha as they first introduced the utility/recreation Viking and then the more recreational/trail leaning Wolverine product line and now the high-performance YXZ. The lucrative sport segment of the market keeps getting more and more competitive. With the stronger US dollar, Yamaha, for at least the time being, may have a pricing advantage. We could also see some more aggressive promotions in this market segment as the competition heats up. I would anticipate some special edition models based on the YXZ1000R to be introduced in the not to distant future as well as additional models to build out the product line. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to target this end of the market as well as they have been expanding their UTV roster as well or if Kawasaki offers some higher performance Teryx side-by-sides.

Arctic Cat Launches New 2016 Side-by-Sides

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
Wildcat X Special Edition: aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
Wildcat Trail Special Edition: full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
Wildcat X and 4X: New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999

The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.

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