Polaris Recalls Youth Side-By-Side Due To Fire Hazard

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in blue that is part of the recall.

The Polaris Youth RZR 170 EFI in red that is part of the recall.

Polaris has issued a recall of approximately 4,300 2015 model year Youth RZR 170 EFI side-by-sides because an issue with the fuel pump poses a fire hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles and contact their local dealer for a free repair. Polaris can be contacted toll-free at (888) 704-5290, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on Product Safety Recalls for more information.

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

Recall Details

Units: About 4,300

Description: This recall involves Model Year 2015 Polaris Youth RZR® 170 EFI recreational off-highway vehicles with model number R15YAV17AA/AF and VINs between RF3YAV170FT000076 and RF3YAV17XFT005141. To see the complete list, visit the firm’s website. The VIN is on the left-hand front frame tube. They were sold in both blue and red. The blue models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left side of the hood and an “RZR” decal on the right and left front fenders. The red models have a “170 EFI” decal on the right and left front fenders and a “RZR” decal on the right and left rear fenders.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Polaris RZR 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 of an affected product.

Sold at: Polaris dealers nationwide from October 2014 through June 2015 for about $4,600.

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

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Learn more: CPSC.gov

Arctic Cat Reports Quarterly Earnings For Q1 FY2016

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Wildcat Sport XT, a recent addition to the Arctic Cat side-by-side lineup.

Models like the 2015 Wildcat Sport XT help make the side-by-side business a bright spot for Arctic Cat.

Last week Arctic Cat reported earnings for the first quarter of their 2016 fiscal year with the company losing $1.1 million on sales of $134 million. The following is a summary of the highlights from the earnings call with a focus on side-by-sides.

Sales of Wildcat recreational vehicles helped drive recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) sales.
Sales of ATVs and ROV side-by-sides decreased 17% to $52.9 million from $63.8 million in the year ago quarter. Retail sales increased significantly but shipments to dealers decreased in order to substantially reduce dealer inventory.
Management believes side-by-side retail sales outpaced the industry in North America.
ATV sales were down as the management continued to reduce ATV dealer inventory. Inventory was reduced by approximately 4,000 units.
Plant investment in a new paint line and automated assembly started in the quarter
Management has set goals of improving and expanding the Arctic Cat dealer network, emphasizing end-user focused product development, making strategic acquisitions and partnerships and creating a brand marketing powerhouse.
Management estimates that ATV-ROV retail sales for the quarter were up high teens.
For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, Arctic Cat estimates full-year net sales in the range of $690 million to $705 million with ATVs and side-by-side sales to rise 9% to 12%.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

Comment: The relatively new management team appears to be on plan in executing their turnaround of the ATV business while investing in initiatives for future growth. The side-by-side business continues to be strong. How well they can continue to execute on dealer network relationships and expansion will be a key to continued success.

Polaris Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings For Q2 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Beauty shot of the new Sportsman ACE from Polaris.

The Sportsman ACE from helped drive Polaris ORV sales in the 2nd quarter.

Last week Polaris reported record 2nd quarter sales of $1.124 billion. While the company missed Wall Street expectations, they continued to experience growth across product categories including ORVs and small vehicles. The main problems for the quarter stemmed from very high demand for their motorcycles and issues with a new paint system exacerbated by the greater than expected demand. The following is a summary of key points related to ORVs and small vehicles.

The new Huntsville plant is on budget and on time for a Q2 2016 start
ORV revenue (UTVs and ATVs) increased 2% in the quarter driven by strong RZR sales globally but offset by reduced shipments to dealers to lower inventory levels
Year to date ORV revenue is up 6%
Management reports gaining North American market share in side-by-sides and ATVs
Side-by-side retail sales increased high single digits which slightly outpaced the industry
Full-size Rangers and the ACE showed strength while there was some weakness in value and entry offerings
Sales promotion pressures were strong in the 2nd quarter
Management reports continued strong competition in the ORV market with ongoing product innovations from competing brands.
Global Adjacent markets decreased 3% in the 2nd quarter but are up 2% year-to-date and up high single digits in constant currency measurement
North American work and transportation revenue grew high teens percent driven by expansion and success in direct national account business and the Ariens partnership but there was weakness in the BRUTUS Channel caused by distribution, transition and erosion.
GEM revenue increased driven by double-digit retail growth
European work and transportation decreased high teens percent due primarily to currency weakness and some softness in the European quadricycle industry, which is flat year-to-date.
Second quarter defense sales increased low single digits primarily due to timing of orders but the outlook remains strong with increasing DAGOR and RZR and international demand.
In international sales Latin America and Asia Pacific sales were strong while EMEA revenue suffered from currency issues and a weak Russian market.
Polaris launched their multi-purpose vehicle the Multix in India. The partnership with Eicher will start with 30 dealers and build to 200 by 2020.
Revenue guidance for the year is narrowed but essentially unchanged.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Comment: While the the UTV market may not be growing as fast as previous years, it is still showing signs of strong growth and is outpacing the economy in general. This is despite weaknesses in oil and agriculture driven markets. Competition continues to remain at a high level as exhibited by elevated promotion levels, numerous product introductions and continued product innovation.

Road Use Regulation Roundup – July 2015

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The following is a summary of some of the road use regulations passed or being considered at the state, county and city levels since he beginning of 2015. Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

Many of the ordinances focus on allowing UTVs, ATVs and mini-trucks to be used on public roads.
There appears to be more regulatory activity with regards to golf cars than low speed vehicles.
In a continuing trend, while some people are still expressing safety concerns about these vehicles being used in mixed traffic situations, they seem to be in the minority and most regulatory bodies are passing ordinances in favor of allowing these vehicles on roads.

Ontario, Canada – The province of Ontario will now allow people to drive ATVs, UTVs and multi-purpose off-highway utility vehicles on the shoulder of public roads. All riders and passengers will have to wear a helmet and seatbelt. The law reflects the growing use of the vehicles.

Indiana – The Indiana legislature passed a bill that will allow the use of mini-trucks on state roads and highways. The vehicle must be titled and registered with a ‘mini-truck’ plate.The bill also defines a mini-truck dealer as a person who sells more than 12 vehicles and requires the person to register with the state. A mini-truck is defined as having an ICE of not less than 660cc, a top speed of 60 mph or less, a locking enclosed cab and heated interior. The bill is mainly targeting farmers and hunters.

Alabama – A bill being proposed in the Alabama state legislature would allow cities to decide whether golf cars could be used on certain roads and to post signage declaring their use. It would require drivers to have a license and insurance and the golf cars to have seat belts, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield. The legislation is meant to clear up any confusion related to some cities allowing golf cars on their streets, while others do not.

Chatham County, GA – Police ticketing drivers for using golf cars on public roads use is causing Chatham County officials to consider allowing golf car use on county roads. In general the state of Georgia does not allow golf cars to be allowed on public roads unless a municipality passes a specific ordinance allowing their use. Residents of the Isle of Hope, an island, are a driving force behind the review. With smaller and lower speed roads and less traffic, golf cars have become integrated to some degree into the island’s lifestyle and residents want to be able to use the vehicles without being ticketed.

Swift County, MN – A new ordinance passed by the Swift County board of commissioners allows the use of UTVs, ATVs and golf cars on county roads. The law only applies to county roads, not state or federal highways, city streets, or township roads unless those jurisdictions have also passed laws allowing their use.

Clay County, IA – The Clay County Board of Supervisors is developing an ordinance that would allow the use of UTVs and ATVs on county highways. Public hearings and more fact finding from neighboring counties will be carried out before a final ordinance is proposed.

Nashville, TN – The city council approved regulations governing the use of low-speed vehicles for taxi services. The regulations give the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission authority to determine how many low-speed vehicle certificates are issued in Metro and to whom. The vehicles must also undergo inspections, will be limited to seven passengers and travel no more than 25 mph.

Schuyler City, NE – The city council is considering an ordinance that would require of owners of UTVs or ATVs to purchase licenses at a cost of $75 annually. The intent of the law is to make sure that those who regularly drive the vehicles on city streets get licenses.

Wilmington, NC – A bill moving through the state legislature will allow public safety officials to operate utility vehicles on Wilmington public streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The legislation is mainly targeting the fire department and police department that currently use utility vehicles for events and emergency response. In some cases the UTVs must first be transported to where they are being used.

Montpelier, VT – The village council is considering an ordinance to allow LSVs to operate on the town’s public roads.

Marion, KS – The city council approved regulations that would allow ATVs, UTVs, golf cars and mini-trucks to be used on city streets. The vehicles will have to be register them with the local police department at a cost of $45 for one year or $75 for two years.

New Braunfels, TX – A public hearing was recently held for input into developing an ordinance that would allow golf cars and LSVs to be used on city streets.

John Deere Updates Gator RSX Line

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new RSX860i from John Deere replaces the RSX850i.

The RSX860i is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage.

John Deere announced the new model year 2016 RSX860i which replaces the RSX850i. The new RSX860i features a number of improvements including:

Increased top speed of 60 mph by increasing the maximum engine rpm to 7750 from 7250.
Optional Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which adjusts steering effort based on vehicle speed and has an anti-kickback feature which reduces the amount of unwinding steering.
EPAS equipped vehicles are winch-ready with pre-installed wiring harness, negative battery cable and disconnect wiring harness.
Backlit toggle switches for dawn/dusk vehicle use.
Spiral bevel differential design to reduce vibration and noise.
12-month or 1,000 hour factory warranty

Pricing starts at $12,299. The RSX860i will be available at dealers in mid-July in traditional John Deere green and yellow or Realtree Hardwoods HD Camouflage. Learn more: Johndeere.com

Comment: It’s somewhat surprising that there weren’t more changes to the Gator product lines announced. Even with the new model, the RSX line does not include a four-person vehicle. Given Deere’s significant position in the market and the rate at which competitors are introducing new vehicles, I expected to see more significant model changes and/or new model introductions. Perhaps we will see some more from Deere in the second half of the year.

New Zealand Department of Conservation Switching To UTVs

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Marc Cesare

UTVs like the Honda Pioneer 500 will be replacing ATVs at New Zealand’s DOC.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) announced that they will be phasing out their fleet of ATVs in favor of UTVs by year end. A key reason of the change is safety, as the organization reported 11 accidents last year on ATVs. The UTVs also can two people, travel across a wider range of terrain and more easily carry or tow gear. Management also likes that the vehicles drive like cars, have rollover protection, lower center of gravity and seat belts. The 200 ATVs the DOC currently has in its fleet will be replaced by 80 UTVs. One vehicle being considered is the Honda Pioneer 500, which is not much wider, 50 inches, than the existing ATVs. Learn more: Stuff.co.nz

Comment: The transition from ATVs to UTVs has been one of the drivers the past few years in the growing UTV market, although it has often been discussed in terms of older ATV riders looking for a more comfortable riding experience. The safety aspect is a different perspective but one that can be very important for commercial and institutional buyers. Given the numbers discussed in this situation, 200 down to 80, the cost savings could be significant as well depending on what types of ATVs and UTVs are involved.

SVR Adds 2016 Honda UTVs To Database

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000

The new Honda Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people.

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 Honda utility vehicle models to our vehicle database. The Honda offerings include their Pioneer product line including the newest additions, the Pioneer 1000, 1000 EPS, 1000-5 and 1000-5 Deluxe. The 2016 700, 700-4 and 500 remain largely unchanged from their 2015 incarnations.

The newest additions build out their product line with some models with a larger engine, 999cc compared to the 675cc used in the Pioneer 700. The Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people but with Honda’s QuickFlip seating can be configured for three or four as well. No specific pricing has been released for the models. Depending on the model, higher trim levels include some or all of the following extras: electronic power steering, paddle sifters, color-matched doors and bedside panels, tilt steering, LED Headlights and more paint choices including Phantom Camo.

The newest models do not strike new ground in terms of end-use applications. All of the Pioneer models straddle the work and recreation segments, although you might argue the Pioneer 700 and 1000 models with a 1,000 lb. cargo bed and one ton towing capacity are leaning more towards work, while the narrower and smaller 500 is more for recreation.

If you are a Honda dealer you can add a basic listing for your dealership to our dealer directory for free or if you are already in our dealer directory you can add Honda to your listing.

SVR Adds 2016 Kawasaki UTVs To Vehicle Database

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Teryx with redesigned front.

The Mule Pro FX lineup is a variant of the existing FXT lineup.

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 Kawasaki utility vehicle models to our vehicle database. The Kawasaki offerings include their Mule Pro, Mule Pro Diesel, Mule and Teryx product lines. The Mule Pro product lines are more full-size, heavy-duty type vehicles mainly targeting work while the Mule vehicles are small to medium sized work and recreation vehicles. The Teryx product line is more for purely recreational use.

The 2016 lineup filled out their full size work utility vehicle offerings by adding single seat Mule FX and DX variations to their Mule FXT and DXT models. The FXT and DXT models can fit three people or be reconfigured to fit six by transforming the cargo area into an additional bench seat with a smaller cargo bed. In the recreational Teryx and Teryx4 product lines the 2016 models offer a mix of changes in performance, styling and ergonomics. Performance changes include optimized shocks and larger tires for certain models. The front of the vehicle has been restyled and certain models add LED headlights.

If you are a Kawasaki dealer you can add a basic listing for your dealership to our dealer directory for free or if you are already in our dealer directory you can add Kawasaki to your listing.

BRP Announces FY2016 First-Quarter Results

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Marc Cesare

New for 2016 is the Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition which is targeting the hunting segment, an untapped segment for Can Am according to management.

BRP, manufacturer of Can-Am side-by-sides, announced their first quarter results for fiscal year 2016 which ended April 30, 2015. The following is a summary of the earnings call as it relates to the STOV market. Financial figures are in Canadian dollars and comparisons are between first quarter FY2016 and first quarter FY2015 unless otherwise noted.

Revenues for the quarter increased 18% to $898.1 million compared to the first quarter in FY2015 and were slightly better than planned
Revenue from Year-Round Products that include side-by-sides, ATVs and the Spyder increased 8.9% from $365.4 to $398.1
Year-Round Products was driven by the introduction of the Maverick X ds side-b-side models and overall industry growth
NA side-by-side retail sales up mid-single digits % for the first 10 months of the model year starting last July
Management estimates the NA side-by-side market increased model year to date mid-teens % with growth in the utility and sport categories but the recreation/utility segment (Can-Am Commander) is shrinking
Can-Am is behind plan in the the sport category but 2016 model year includes a higher horsepower models including one that fills in a lower price point
Management reports increased competition in the NA side-by-side market in the last six months
BRP is targeting the hunting segment, an untapped potential market for Can-Am, with both ATVs and UTVs and their new partnership with Mossy Oak which produces camouflage designs
Mossy Oak will be using Can Am products when showcasing their designs
Management estimates that there are 15 million hunters in NA and a high percentage use ATVs and UTVs
Comments by management indicate that BRP will enter the utility side-by-side segment in the relatively near future
Management expects Year-Round Products to grow revenue by 7-11% for FY2016

Learn more: BRP.com

Honda Adds Full-Size UTVs To Pioneer Line

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Honda Pioneer 1000-5 can fit up to five people.

The new 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000

Honda announced the addition of the Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5 utility vehicles. Both of these models feature a new 999cc engine developed by Honda as well as a 6-speed fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with engine braking, three shift modes (automatic, manual and sport) and high and low gearing ranges. Drive modes include 2WD, 4WD, Turf and Differential lock. The transmission has steel gears and shafts with no belts and is controlled by paddle shifters. The Pioneer 1000-5 has a three person bench seat up front and two QuickFlip seats in the back that can be folded down for more cargo space and better cargo access.

There are four model configurations: Pioneer 1000, Pioneer 1000 EPS, Pioneer 1000-5 and Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe. Key features of the new models include:

999cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder Unicam® four-stroke engine
Electronic fuel injection
Fully-Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Independent double wishbone suspension front and rear with 10.55 and 10 inches of travel respectively
2,000 lb. towing capacity
1,000 lb. cargo bed capacity
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
Color options:
- Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
- Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Orange, White, Honda Phantom Camo
- Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
- Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Metallic Silver, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Electronic Power Steering optional
LED headlights & 14-inch aluminum wheels & 27-inch radial tires optional
MSRPs: TDB

The models will be available in Fall 2015.

Comment: With these new models Honda continues to target the dual use work and recreation applications. They could have chosen to introduce a product line directed at the performance-oriented recreational rider but instead they have beefed up their existing product line. The introductions are also a sign that Honda is committed to the UTV market. Before the Pioneer line they had their Big Red vehicle which they didn’t build out to any extent. With the Pioneer line, they first added the smaller 500 models and now more robust 1000 models, indicating a longer term commitment to the market. It will be interesting to see if their future product development continues to extend the Pioneer product line or if they head in a new direction.

The press release follows:

Honda Announces 2016 Pioneer 1000
Brand-new model to round out 2016 Pioneer multipurpose SxS lineup

PR Newswire
TORRANCE, Calif., June 11, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Honda today announced the addition of two brand-new full-size side-by-side models—the groundbreaking Pioneer 1000 and Pioneer 1000-5—to its 2016 lineup. With class-leading displacement and payload, a 6-speed fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and a full list of features and options, the flagship Pioneer 1000 promises to raise the bar in terms of power, performance and capability in both work and recreation applications.

Honda’s 2016 Pioneer 1000-5 side-by-side
“We’re very excited about the all-new 999cc engine we’ve developed for these new Pioneers,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “We’ve also added the industry’s only fully automatic mechanical transmission—the 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. With steel gears, the DCT offers true engine braking, seamless shifting and a smooth, reliable transfer of power.”

Pioneer 1000/1000-5
Immediately assuming its position as the clear leader in the full-size multipurpose SxS category, Honda’s new-from-the-ground-up, no-compromise Pioneer 1000 is powered by a purpose-built inline, twin-cylinder, Unicam® 999cc engine. It’s also the first side-by-side with a 6-speed fully automatic DCT, a state-of-the-art beltless transmission that is durable, efficient and easy to use. Designed, developed and produced according to Honda’s holistic methodology, the largest Pioneer is smooth-riding and extremely versatile. Built in the USA using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 1000 is offered in four different configurations, from the base three-person version to the Deluxe five-person model, which features 14-inch aluminum wheels, 27-inch radial tires, LED headlights and electric power steering. Every Pioneer 1000 comes standard with four-wheel-drive, as well as a high-low sub-transmission and 4-mode differential lock, while the five-person model features auto-leveling rear suspension and a full-size convertible bed with Honda’s exclusive QuickFlip™ seating. An extensive range of Honda Accessories is available, and the Pioneer 1000 is covered by a one-year warranty.

Colors
Pioneer 1000: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000 EPS: Red, Orange, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Pioneer 1000-5: Red, Olive
Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe: Red, Metallic Silver, White, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: Fall 2015
Click here to view images

Pioneer 1000: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-1000.aspx
Pioneer 1000-5: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-1000-5.aspx
Pioneer 700/700-4
Since its introduction, Honda’s Pioneer 700-4 has set new standards in versatility, thanks to the industry’s first QuickFlip™ convertible rear-seating design, which switches between two-, three- and four-person configurations. In all cases, wheelbase remains a manageable 76.8 inches, and in the two-person configuration, it provides a full bed with tilt mode. Both versions are powered by a rubber-mounted 675cc liquid-cooled engine that’s paired with an automatic transmission with automotive-style torque converter and a dual-stage shift map.

Color
Pioneer 700: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo
Pioneer 700-4: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: August 2015
Click here to view images:

Pioneer 700: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-700.aspx
Pioneer 700-4: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-700-4.aspx
Pioneer 500
Introduced last model year, the compact Pioneer 500 is easy to maneuver in tight conditions, and it fits into a full-size truck bed or a small storage shed. This fun and affordable 4WD vehicle does it all in style and comfort, with a similar look to the larger Pioneer models. It also has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifting, 450-pound-capacity large rear carrier design, independent rear suspension and single-function door and net. And of course the Pioneer 500 has the superior engineering and record of durability and reliability for which all Honda four-wheel powersports products are known.

Color: Red, Metallic Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
Availability: October 2015
Click here to view images: http://powersports.honda.com/2016/pioneer-500.aspx

Different jobs, terrain, and adventures mean it only makes sense to fine-tune your Honda ATV to your specific needs. A full line of Honda accessories is available to make your ATV even better. For more information on Honda accessories, go to powersports.honda.com/accessories.aspx

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

powersports.honda.com

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