Multiple Polaris Recalls

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 utility vehicle — Models like the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 that helped drive sales is part of a large recall.

In April Polaris announced three recalls, two involving Ranger XP 1000 utility vehicles and one related to the PRO XD and several Ranger models. The largest recall covers 80,000 model year 2018 to 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 utility vehicles. The clutch belt can break and damage the secondary clutch and fuel line and create a potential fire hazard. The second recall covers model year 2019 and 2020 Ranger XP 1000 and Crew XP 1000 and involves 7,000 vehicles. The fuel line can be misrouted above the bracket that protects the fuel line from a clutch belt failure, posing a fire hazard. The final recall involves model year 2019 PRO XD and several model year 2020 Ranger vehicles. The seat belts on the vehicles can fail, posing an injury hazard in certain crash situations. The following details are from Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Recall 1	Recall 2	Recall 3
Models 2018 Ranger XP 1000 EPS 2019 & 2020 Ranger XP 1000 & Crew XP 1000	Models 2019 Ranger XP 1000 EPS & Crew XP 1000 EPS 2020 Ranger XP 1000 & Crew XP 1000	Models 2019 PRO XD 4000D AWD 2020 Ranger 500, 570, 1000, Crew 570, Crew XP 1000, EV, XP 1000
The clutch belt can break and damage the secondary clutch and the fuel line, posing a fire hazard to the rider	The fuel line can be misrouted above the bracket that protects the fuel line from a clutch belt failure, posing a fire hazard	The seat belts on the vehicles can fail, posing an injury hazard to the user if they were to be in a collision or tip-over incident.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair.	Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair.	Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free inspection & repair.
80,000 UTVs recalled	7,000 UTVs recalled	10,500 UTVs recalled
See CPSC for affected VIN information	See CPSC for affected VIN information	See CPSC for more details
Recall number: 20-733	Recall number: 20-734	Recall number: 20-735
Sold Oct. 2016 – Oct. 2019	Sold Aug. 2019 – Dec. 2019	Sold Oct. 2019 – Dec. 2019

Polaris is notifying dealers and contacting registered owners directly. Consumers can contact Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.

SVR’s Take

Polaris appeared to have improved their quality and significantly alleviated their recall problems before this latest round. The Ranger XP 1000 is a very important vehicle for their Ranger business and an 80,000 vehicle recall is very large. This will only add to the difficulties of dealing with the pandemic. SVR tracks industry recalls on an ongoing basis.

Massive Kawasaki Mule Recall

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Marc Cesare

2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO-DXT utility vehicle — The Kawasaki 2020 Mule PRO-DXT is part of a large 80,000 vehicle recall.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Summary

Kawasaki recently announced two large recalls of their Mule utility vehicles. The recalls of 80,000 and 72,000 vehicles are for separate issues but there is a large overlap among the model years and Mule models affected. The first recall involves excessive wear of the steering shaft that can affect steering control and result in a crash hazard. This recall covers approximately 80,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT utility vehicles.

The second Kawasaki Mule recall involves two potential fire hazards. Debris on the exhaust manifold can ignite and ice can block the breather hose leading to an oil leak. This recall involves approximately 72,000 vehicles and includes model year 2015 – 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR and MULE PRO-FXT utility vehicles. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Details – Fire Hazard

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

Hazard: The steering shaft can develop excessive wear and affect steering control resulting in a crash hazard, posing a risk of injury or death.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: March 19, 2020

Units: About 80,000

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

Description: This recall involves recall involves 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX, MULE PRO-FXR, MULE PRO-FXT and 2016 – 2020 MULE PRO-DX and MULE PRO-DXT utility vehicles. The four wheel, off-highway utility vehicles were sold in black, green, white, red, bronze, silver, camo, and blue. They have side by side seating for three to six people and automotive style controls. MULE PRO is printed on the right and left front fender. The model name is printed on the right and left fender. The vehicles are available as either gas or diesel models. The diesel models have DIESEL printed on the right and left rear of the cargo bed. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts. (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 453 reports of incidents of steering problems. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through January 2020 for between $12,000 and $17,000.

Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A, of Lincoln, Neb.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-726

Kawasaki 2019 Mule PRO-FXT Ranch Edition utility vehicle — The Kawasaki 2091 Mule PRO-FXT Ranch Edition is part of a 72,000 vehicle recall.

Kawasaki Mule Recall Details – Crash Hazard

Name of product: Kawasaki MULE PRO off-highway utility vehicles

Hazard: Debris can ignite on the vehicle’s exhaust manifold; and frozen water can block the breather hose allowing oil to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: March 19, 2020

Units: About 72,000

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.Kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.

Description:This recall involves model year 2015 through 2020 MULE PRO-FX™, MULE PRO-FXR™ and MULE PRO-FXT™ off-highway utility vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in black, blue, bronze, camo, green, red, silver and white. They have four wheels, side-by-side seating for three to six people and automotive style controls. Mule Pro is printed on the right and left front fender. Kawasaki is printed on the cargo box. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right front lower A-arm mounts. (Specific model name, model code and VIN information for the recall)

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Kawasaki has received 165 reports of oil leakage and 84 reports of vehicles catching on fire, resulting in three injuries, including one report of a burn to the user’s foot, one report of a burn to the user’s arm, hand and buttocks and one incident of smoke inhalation. Kawasaki is aware of more than $131,000 in property damage claims, excluding the cost of damage to vehicles.

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from July 2014 through December 2019 for between $12,000 and $18,000.

Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A., of Lincoln, Neb.

Distributor(s): Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-727

SVR’s Take

This is a very large recall and is another indication of the recall problem the small, task-oriented vehicle industry has. In our last STOV market study we found that from 2014 to 2017 recalled vehicles in the US and Canada accounted for no less than 24% and up to 47% of utility vehicle market annually. Similar to this recall, many of them involve fire hazards related to debris or some type of leak. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recalls.

Polaris Covid-19 Response

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Polaris PRO XD 400D AWD utility Vehicle — Sales of the new PRO XD 400D AWD from Polaris Commercial is likely feeling the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

Polaris Covid-19: Operations & Dealer Response

The Polaris Covid-19 response is wide ranging and impactful. The management is suspending operations at eight plants across the United States, Mexico and Poland for a week. As part of the suspension the company is providing US employees with up to 10 days of pay. For dealers, they are allowing home delivery of products, providing product flooring support and covering flooring interest payments for off-road vehicles and motorcycles through May 31st.

Polaris Covid-19: Financial Response

On the financial side Polaris management announced a:

Drawing down of cash from their revolving credit facility
Reduction in capital expenditures
Suspension of share repurchases.

They have also withdrawn their financial guidance for the first quarter and full year.

SVR’s Take

This is not surprising given the current economic conditions brought on by the Covid virus. Similarly, BRP, maker of Can-Am products, withdrew their financial guidance for the year, suspended their dividend and drew down their $700 million revolving credit line. They are also considering reducing shifts and possibly suspending some plant operations.

Since the powersports industry in general is reliant on discretionary income, particularly in the recreational segment, they will be hard hit by the economic fallout from the Covid-19 virus. Polaris is more diversified than BRP with more commercial customers and products like Taylor-Dunn, Goupil, GEM and military vehicles. In addition, they have a large installed base and customers may choose to fix existing vehicles rather than purchase new ones. On the bright side Polaris points to the ability to maintain social distancing while still enjoying off-road vehicles.

Furthermore, the companies will be hit by sharply lower oil prices in important oil producing states and farmers still feeling the effects of the tariff wars. Several years ago these two sub-segments helped restrain growth in the side-by-side market. Oil prices were lower but not quite this low and farm income was low as well.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

BRP Earnings Call: Q4 2020

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Can-Am Defender 6x6 DPS is a new addition for 2020. — New product introductions like the Can-Am Defender 6×6 DPS has helped BRP grow their side-by-side market share.

The BRP earnings call for Q4 and the full year for FY2020 revealed continued strong growth. Annual revenue increased 15% to $6,053 million (CA$) primarily driven by shipments of Year-Round products which includes side-by-sides. Net income increased by 63% and North American BRP retail sales for Seasonal Products and Year-Round Products increased 15%. BRP retail sales outpaced the industry in North America and International markets. For Q4 2020 total revenues improved 7.3% to $1,615.9 and net income jumped 57.1% to $118.2. Management stated that they met key five-year revenue and earnings goals a year ahead of schedule.

BRP Earnings Call Highlights

The following are some of the highlights of the Q4 2020 BRP earnings call that relate to side-by-sides.

BRP North American powersports retail sales increased 15% for FY2020 compared to mid-single digits for the industry
Side-by-side vehicle retail sales increased low thirty % compared to high-single digit %
International side-by-side retail sales increased by over 30%
Powersports Parts & Accessories revenue increased double digit %
Management anticipates line speed reductions or temporary closures to adapt to demand during the current crisis
The company is not issuing financial guidance for FY2021 because of uncertainty driven by the COVID-19 virus
About 20% of Can-Am’s US sales are in seven key oil states, which will be hit by the steep drop in oil prices

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

SVR’s Take

BRP continued their long streak of strong quarters as they continue to gain market share in the side-by-side market. They have emerged as the number one rival to Polaris. In large part this is because of a steady introduction of new models that meet customer needs. They are the only company that has come close to matching Polaris’ pace of new model introductions.

However, both companies are going to be challenged by the corona virus crisis as well as the sharp drop in oil prices. The oil rich states were a drag on the market several years ago when there was a less severe drop in oil prices. Tariff and flooding troubles in the farming states only adds to the problem. The effects of the corona virus are unclear at this point but are likely to be severe. Furthermore, products like side-by-sides that significantly rely on discretionary income are likely to be disproportionately affected.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Arcimoto Pilots Rapid Responder

Posted on March 17, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Arcimoto Rapid Responder electric-powered three-wheeler — Arcimoto Rapid Responder

Arcimoto and the Eugene Springfield Fire Department in Oregon started the first pilot program for the Rapid Responder vehicle. The Rapid Responder is a variation of the Arcimoto FUV designed specifically for first responders like fire, police and campus security departments. The three-wheeled, electric powered vehicle for emergency response offers a low carbon, small-footprint and lower cost option to traditional vehicles.

Rapid Responder Features

Arcimoto will disclose pricing and full specifications for the vehicle later this year when full production begins. As of now key specs include:

2 passenger
75 mph top speed
100 city mile range
Roof-mounted equipment rack
Rear cargo compartment
Mini lightbar
Siren
360-degree scene lights

SVR’s Take

This vehicle should find a nice niche in fire, police and security applications. The higher speed and range is an advantage compared to some of the first responder/security vehicles that the golf car and other low speed vehicle manufacturers offer. On the down side those four-wheel vehicles can carry a full stretcher. However, the Rapid Responder’s speed and small footprint should allow first responders to access the emergency scene faster. This can prove critical in many situations.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Textron Specialized Vehicles Recalls 20,000 Vehicles

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Gas-powered Cushman Shuttle models from Textron Specialized Vehicles — Gas-powered Cushman Shuttle models that seat 2, 4, 6 or 8 passengers are part of the recall.

Textron Specialized Vehicles recently recalled over 20,000 gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles. An improperly secured generator wire can potentially lead to a fire. Recalled models include the E-Z-GO Express S4-Gas, Express L6-Gas, Tracker LX4-Gas, Tracker LX6-Gas and gas powered Cushman Shuttle models 2, 4, 6 and 8 sold between November 2018 and October 2019. Vehicle owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles for a free repair. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. SVR maintains an ongoing list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.

Textron Specialized Vehicle Recall Information

Name of product: Gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles

Hazard: The starter generator wire can be improperly secured, allowing it to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: February 13, 2020

Units: About 20,573

Consumer Contact: Textron Specialized Vehicles toll-free at 888-525-6040 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at jcook03@textron.com or online (for E-Z-Go) at https://ezgo.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, (for Cushman) at https://cushman.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, and (for Tracker) at www.trackeroffroad.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Textron Specialized Vehicle Recall Details

Description: This recall involves gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles manufactured from November 2018 through June 2019 with certain non-sequential serial numbers ranging from 3377720 to 3440924. The serial number is located on the kick panel below the driver side seat.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles for a free repair. Textron Specialized Vehicles is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Textron Specialized Vehicles has received 13 reports of melted and/or burned wires and electrical components and loss of vehicle function in some cases, including one report of fire. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker off road dealerships nationwide from November 2018 through October 2019 for between $6,300 and $13,400.

Manufacturer(s): Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 20-073

SVR’s Take

This is a large recall representing basically a year’s worth of vehicle sales for these models. Luckily nobody reported being injured. The STOV market in general continues to experience a significant amount of recalls relative to total market sales. SVR’s latest market study showed that recalls accounted for anywhere from 11% to 47% of vehicles sold in North America. Even excluding the very large Polaris recalls during those years, the percentages remained high for the rest of the market. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Polaris Earnings Call: Strong Annual Sales; Low 4Q Growth

Posted on February 18, 2020 by Marc Cesare

Polaris Earnings Overview

In their recent earnings call Polaris management reported strong annual sales despite relatively low fourth quarter growth. Overall sales increased to $6.78 billion for the full year, an increase of 12% from last year. All segments grew with the ORV/Snow segment increasing by 7%. For the fourth quarter sales increased 7% to $1.74 billion despite North American powersports retail sales increasing by only 2%. There was strength in Ranger/General side-by-sides, full-size ATVs and Indian Motorcycles unit sales. In addition, PG&A sales outside of the TAP business performed very well, up 22%. The company continues to be hampered somewhat by tariffs, a $90 million cost in FY2019. However, the management has been able to receive some exemptions and managed to pass some of the cost on to suppliers.

Polaris Earnings Call

The following are highlights related to small, task-oriented vehicles from the recent Polaris earnings call for fiscal year 2019 fourth quarter.

ORV segment (UTVs & ATVs) sales increased by 13%
ORV retail increased mid-single digits %
Side-by-sides retail up low single digits percent
ATV retail up mid-single digits
Management reports that the ramp up of 2020 side-by-side retail sales were slightly below expectations and dealer inventory increased as a result
They named a top executive from their ORV business head-up their electrification strategy
Company-wide average selling price (ASP) jumped by 8% on the strength of ORV and motorcycles
ORV ASP increased 10% with more unit sales and more side-by-side sales
The company boosted prices 3% to 3.5% on many models earlier in the year
Recently they reduced prices substantially on select RZR models
Global Adjacent Markets decreased 1% to $120 million with vehicle sales declining but PG&A increasing

Full Year Sales Guidance

Full year sales are expected to improve 2% to 4%
ORV/Snow segment is expected to increase low single digits percent with ORV up low single digits percent
The Global Adjacent Markets segment is expected to increase high single digits percent as all product lines should show growth
Side-by-side shipments to dealers should decline in the first quarter as management tries to reduce dealer inventory that increased slightly the last two quarters.

Learn more: Seekingalpha.com (Earnings call transcript)

SVR’s Take

One of the most interesting pieces of information coming out of the earnings call was the appointment of a Senior Vice President for electrification strategy. Management noted that the powersports industry tends to lag the auto industry by 5 – 10 years. They think there is currently an inflection point in the market with regards to electrification. In addition, they talked about making investments and see a need to become more competitive in their core powersports business as it relates to electrification.

While Ranger sales continued to drive growth, RZR sales were not as impressive. This is likely where the higher dealer inventory levels originated. The price reduction of some of their RZR S models is likely a reflection of increased competition in the market segment. Kawasaki and Honda are the last two entrants into the high performance segment which has now become quite crowded. In addition, Polaris lowered RZR XP Turbo prices. This reduction may be to remain competitive as well as an effort to create pricing differentiation between the XP Turbo and their higher priced Pro XP models.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Marc Cesare

The new Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 UTV — The new Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews Summary

The Teryx KRX 1000 is Kawasaki’s long awaited entry into the high performance recreational UTV segment. SVR analyzed several Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 reviews and the two-seater appears to be worth the wait as the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The Teryx KRX 1000 is in the same class as the Honda Talon 1000R, Yamaha YKZ1000SE and Polaris RZR XP 1000.

Positive Comments

Very good suspension that soaks up bumps, holds a straight line and handles turns well with controlled body roll
Smooth power curve
Low power mode provides smooth and precise throttle response and helps make the KRZ 1000 excellent for rock crawling
Excellent engine braking
Speed-sensitive EPS works really well especially at low speeds but some riders might want more feedback at higher speeds
Good nightlines to driver side front wheel
Very good approach and departure angles
Roomy cab and adjustable seats can accommodate larger riders well
Easy cab ingress and egress
Looks to be well built and durable
Large cargo bed

Reviewers noted some other positive features including the styling of the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, several easy maintenance aspects, the 31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires and the digital gauge with CVT temperature reading.

Negative Comments

Some reviewers had negative comments, but they were relatively minor and most were not consistently noted across all of the reviews.

The Teryx KRX 1000 is heavier than comparable vehicles from competitors, about 350 lbs heavier
The vehicle’s initial acceleration was slow
Some drivers might find the steering wheel too far away when the seat is slid back
Some front end push in turns at high speed
Engine noise

Key Vehicle Specs

4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 999cc engine with EFI
Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch
Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
Engine braking
FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and 24-position adjustable compression damping
18.6″/21.1″ of front/rear suspension travel
31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires on 15″ alloy beadlock wheels
14.4″ of ground clearance
Speed sensitive EPS
Dual hydraulic disc brakes
LED lighting
Digital gauge
Full skid plate
Curb weight: 1,896 lbs

SVR’s Overall Take

The industry trade publications are overwhelmingly positive about Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000. The machine appears to be well thought out with attention to details. If you had to pick one aspect of the vehicle that stands out the most it would be the suspension and next up would be the powertrain. The engine is not the most powerful but more than adequate and paired with a good performing drivetrain. The durability of the chassis and other components foretells more powerful engine options in the future as the product line expands. The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is slightly more expensive and heavier than comparable vehicles but should be competitive in the market.

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews

The following highlights are from the reviews we analyzed to assess the vehicle. The reviews are based on a Kawasaki sponsored riding event at Moab, Utah. The vehicles were tested in a variety of terrains.

TFLoffroad Video Review

Big cargo bed
31″ tires and beadlock wheels
High intakes CVT and engine
Factory half doors
Nice styling
EPS – more feedback and heavier wheel at speed needed, better at slower speeds
4WD works well
Good sight line to driver side front wheel
EPS and low power mode good for low speeds, smooth and precise throttle
Easy cab egress and ingress
Plenty of seat adjustment, 6″
Digital gauge moves with steering wheel
Roof accessory has sunroof – lets sun in but allows for scenic views
Centrifugal clutch smooths out power delivery but not superfast off the line
Suspension smooth
Little noisy and engine noise not appealing – “droney”
Beauty of the machine is the suspension; swallows whoops; flat and straight and minimum work at wheel; better than Honda Talon
Incredible engine braking on steep rocky downhills
Pricing $500 less than the Honda Talon 1000R; $1,500 more than Yamaha YXZ1000 and $2,000 more than Polaris RZR XP 1000
Weight an issue – heavier than comparable models

Rocky Mountain ATV MC Video Review

Good at rock crawling in low power mode
Smooth drivetrain
Excellent engine braking
Easy to drive for average person
Very stable in fast turns
A little slow acceleration at the beginning
Good speed and stability

Overview Video with Kawasaki Product Manager

This video explores many of the Teryx KRX 1000 details.

UTV Guide Video Review by Joe Crowley

Straight, soaked up bumps, well planted
Really impressed by the suspension
Lot of leg room in cab
Steering wheel a little farther away than I like
Really liked rock crawling
Low range is “spot on”
Approach and departure angles great
Comes with steel skid plate but HMWPE option available
Smooth throttle
Bed can hold 32″ tire

UTV On Demand Video Review

Only high end gem with automatic CVT
Belts look durable with centrifugal clutch
Sight window for oil check
Powertrain has surge on the bottom, flat in the middle and surge again at top end power
Top speed restricted around 68 mph
More endurance than drag racer because of weight
Low power mode removes unwanted throttle inputs and slippage on steep rocky terrain
Plastic and steel skid plates
Beefy components
Fun to drive hard
Chassis and suspension step above engine output
Suspension soaked up bumps
Chassis sounded and felt solid, no noises or lose stuff, felt tight and solid
Very little body roll
Some front end push at higher speed in turns but suspension adjustments can be made to improve
Good brakes
Plenty of room for ingress and exit
Lot of seat adjustment but more bolstering would be better
Good sight lines out driver side to front wheel
Highest cargo bed capacity for this vehicle class
Great candidate for building a race machine

ATV and SxS Illustrated Review

Extremely smooth engine
Smooth suspension over whoops
Body roll is controlled
KRX carries extra weight
Good sight lines over the hood
Roomy cabin and higher sitting seats
Smooth transmission and deceivingly fast
Awesome digital gauge
Low power mode for rock crawling gives smooth throttle control
Easy maintenance with oil sight glass, oversized fill hole, accessible oil filter, accessible CVT cover and coolant reservoir window
CVT temperature readout on digital guage
Perfect EPS steering input and feel but could use a quicker steering ratio
Beefy and clean chassis should be durable
31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires a good all-around choice

New Strategy For Club Car?

Posted on October 26, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Club Car 411 utility vehicle — The Club Car 411 is the result of partnering with AEV Technologies.

My colleague Stephen Metzger discusses Club Car’s product development strategy in a new article. In particular, he analyzes Club Car’s partnership with AEV Technologies and the resulting offering, the Club Car 411 utility vehicle. Rather than develop the vehicle in-house, which Club Car has the capabilities to do, they decided to go outside. Is management embracing a new approach to product development or is this just a one-off exercise? In addition, an interview with Brian Rott, President Cart Mart in California, discusses how the 411 fits in the market.

Arcimoto FUV Production Starts

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Arcimoto Fun Utility Vehicle - FUV — The electric powered Arcimoto Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) is just starting retail production.

Oregon-based Arcimoto recently started production of their Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) to meet pre-order demand for 4,100 vehicles. Technically a motorcycle, the FUV is an electric powered three-wheeled vehicle that seats two. Many states have a special classification for three wheeled vehicles and only require a regular driver’s license to operate the vehicle. The current FUV Evergreen edition costs $19,900 but the company hopes in the future that volume production will reduce base model pricing to $12,000 and possibly below $10,000.

Arcimoto FUV Specs

The Arcimoto FUV is essentially a trike with two wheels up front and one in the rear. Each wheel up front has an electric motor. The vehicle has a 19.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack for a range of just over 100 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. The FUV has handlebar steering with a twist throttle and finger activated regenerative braking. Foot operated hydraulic brakes on all three wheels augments the regenerative braking. Other specs include:

Removable doors
LCD display
Heated seats
Bluetooth speakers
Two USB ports
Phone cradle
Lockable rear storage
Criss-cross seatbelts

The company is also developing a one person delivery vehicle and an emergency responder vehicle based on the same platform.

SVR’s Take

The Arcimoto FUV satisfies a need for a small, energy efficient vehicle that can be driven locally. Even though the FUV can operate at highway speeds I believe the sweet spot for the vehicle will be on roads up with speed limits up to 50 mph. Gated communities and vacation destinations that already allow low speed vehicles (LSVs) and golf cars will be a key market.

PTV Market

The problem with this market currently is that LSVs and golf cars can only go 20 to 25 mph and are often restricted to certain public roads based on speed limits and local ordinances. Classified as a motorcycle and with the power to operate at higher speeds, the FUV avoids this issue. This combination greatly increases the functionality of the FUV. The FUV with a speed limited setting can go from golf course to gated community to higher speed public roads. Therefore, the FUV is appropriate for a wider range of activities.

FUV Challenges

I currently see three main challenges that may limit the FUVs appeal. The first is consumer acceptance of driving a three-wheeled vehicle with handlebar steering. This is different than many consumer’s traditional driving experience. The second is price. The company should target the $10,000 to $13,000 price range to be competitive with LSVs, PTVs and golf cars. Although, the increased functionality of the vehicle is a mitigating factor that could allow for a pricing premium. The third is that the vehicle is only two passenger, so it may have limited appeal for families or larger groups.

Competitive Landscape

The FUV is a direct challenge to the LSVs and more importantly the personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) that have become a key growth market for the traditional golf car companies. The decline and stagnation in fleet golf car market has forced these companies to target the utility vehicle and PTV markets for growth. (LSVs have largely been relegated to college and corporate campuses with some personal transportation use.) This could become the classic case of the outsider coming in and disrupting a market.

Where are the golf companies?

There is no reason the golf car companies could not have developed this vehicle first and they certainly have the resources and time to create a vehicle of their own. However, in the past these companies have missed opportunities such as the utility vehicle market for which they were well positioned. In addition, the FUV could serve as an alternative to a second or third automobile for running local errands or short one or two person commuting.

What Does The Future Hold

It will be interesting to see what kind of uptake the consumer version has. Recreational vehicles like the Can-Am Spyder and Polaris Slingshot have not completely taken off and remained niche. However, they are more recreational and less of a practical and green transportation alternative than the FUV. I think the delivery version of the FUV might be the sleeper product. Given concerns about urban congestion, pollution and sustainability, these vehicles could become a popular option for last mile logistics in crowded cities. The urban environment could play to the vehicle’s strengths of smaller size and zero emission powertrain while mitigating weaknesses such as limited top speed and driving range.