Road Use Regulation Roundup: June 2018

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

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

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kawasaki Launches Mule PRO-MX UTV Line

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Marc Cesare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Textron Launches Prowler Pro UTVs

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Marc Cesare

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

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

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

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

Learn more: Textronoffroad.com

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

Yamaha Announces New 2019 Wolverine X2 UTVs

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Marc Cesare

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

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

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

Additional key features include:

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

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

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

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

For the YXZ1000R sport line the changes for 2019 include:

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

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

Learn more: Yamahamotorsports

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXR Reviews

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Marc Cesare

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

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

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

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

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

Quiet
Smooth ride
Handles tougher trail conditions well

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

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

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

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

NLGhostWolf – Consumer review – Trail riding in Newfoundland, Canada

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

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

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

Dealer Walkaround and Review – Mainland Cycle Center of Texas

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

Honda Recalls 65,000 Pioneer 1000 UTVs

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS is one of the models being recalled.

Honda is recalling approximately 65,000 Pioneer 1000 utility vehicles because potential muffler overheating may cause a plastic heat shield to melt or catch fire. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Honda powersports dealer for a free inspection and repair. Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly. The recall involves model year 2016, 2017 and some 2018 three passenger and five passenger Pioneer 1000 vehicles. The vehicles were sold from October 2015 through April 2018. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard: The muffler can overheat, causing the plastic heat shield to melt or catch fire, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: May 15, 2018

Units: About 65,000

Consumer Contact: American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves all model year 2016 through 2017, and some model year 2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 Vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including: red, blue, green, gray and yellow. The name “HONDA” is on the front, sides and the rear of the vehicle. The model name Pioneer 1000 is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle, near the rear. The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat. The following model numbers and serial number ranges are being recalled:

MY	Model	VIN Start
2016	Pioneer 1000 3P (SXS10M3*)	1HFVE04G4000001 — 1HFVE04G4008403
2016	Pioneer 1000 5P (SXS10M5*)	1HFVE04G4000001 — 1HFVE04G4010507
2017	Pioneer 1000 3P (SXS10M3*)	1HFVE04H4100001 — 1HFVE04H4102101
2017	Pioneer 1000 5P (SXS10M5*)	1HFVE04H4100001 — 1HFVE04H4103000
2018	Pioneer 1000 3P (SXS10M3*)	1HFVE04G4200001 — 1HFVE04G4203360
2018	Pioneer 1000 5P (SXS10M5*)	1HFVE04G4200001 — 1HFVE04G4207379

* Variable character

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact an authorized Honda Powersports dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection and repair. Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 22 reports of the muffler plastic heat shield melting and three reports of muffler plastic heat shield fires. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from October 2015 through April 2018 for between $14,000 and $22,000.

Manufacturer(s): American Honda Motor Company Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 18-742

Learn More: CPSC.gov

SVR’s Take: This is another very large recall for the industry and once again related to an overheating and heat shield issue that can create a fire hazard. While massive recalls by Polaris have probably received the most attention in the industry, other manufacturers have had very large recalls as well.

Horsepower is one of the key vehicle specifications that manufacturers use to differentiate their offerings. This has created an atmosphere of one-upsmanship regarding engine size with each vehicle introduction trying to outdo the last in terms of horsepower. Given the large number of recalls in recent years related to overheating and/or fire hazards one has to wonder if the industry’s expertise in engine technology has outpaced their expertise in handling the additional heat output by these increasingly powerful engines. SVR has been tracking utility vehicle recalls for the past several years.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

2018 Honda Pioneer 500 Reviews

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The 2018 Honda Pioneer 500 is Honda’s entry level utility vehicle.

The 2018 Honda Pioneer 500 is the same as the 2017 version which was updated from the previous model. Priced at $8,999, this entry level Honda utility vehicle is powered by a 475cc liquid cooled, single cylinder four-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection. This two-seater is only 50″ wide, making many trails accessible, and fits in a full-sized pickup’s bed. The Pioneer 500 features selectable 2WD/4WD and a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode with paddle shifters and the automatic mode. Switching between modes can be done on the fly. Other key specifications include:

Front and rear independent double-wishbone suspensions
5.9″ of front and rear suspension travel
8.5″ of ground clearance
24″ tires
Hydraulic disc brakes
1,000 lbs towing capacity
450 lbs rear rack capacity
Low doors with safety nets

The Honda Pioneer is available in Red or Olive, or for in Honda Phantom Camo for an additional $600.

The following are highlights from several different reviews of the 2018 Honda Pioneer 500. The reviews are fairly consistent with the general view that the Honda Pioneer 500 is a nicely priced small UTV that is good for the trail and doing smaller size chores around the farm, ranch or work site. The ability to switch between manual and automatic transmission modes and the performance of the transmission are the favorite feature. The engine size is appropriate and peppy enough. The clever door latch system and handling are other well-liked features. The main negative is that the ride can be harsh and the vehicle could use slightly more suspension travel or better shocks.

World-of-ATVs.com Honda Pioneer 500 Review

Manual transmission mode gives the vehicle an edge
Good for trails and chores around the farm or ranch
“Pioneer 500 represents the best bang for the buck…” in its class
Requires less maintenance than most machines
Sporty feel for recreation and capabilities for utility use
Reports by some owners: Too noisy, harsh ride and lacks a fully locking front differential

Dirtywheelsmag.com – Tested mostly on trails made for quads. Tested 2017 version which is the same as the 2018.

Peppy engine
Clever door latch system opens doors and folds back safety nets at the same time
Nimble handling and crisp steering
Increased suspension travel could improve ride
“Trail pace that will out-pace the suspension”
Comfortable cabin

MrTruck.com

Like the door and net latch system
Power steering and fulling locking front differential would have been nice
Like the paddle shifters and the versatility of the automatic and manual modes
Better down hill control with the manual shifting
Gas and brake pedals are far enough apart unlike other UTVs
Like the lack of center console that can get in the way of your legs
50″ width provides more trail access
Not as much wheel travel as my ATVs
Great emergency brake
Like roll cage for when carrying kids
Simple design with crankshafts going directly to drive shafts

2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4 Reviews

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The new 2018 Yamaha Wolverine X4, a 4-passenger UTV designed to be more compact and nimble for recreational use.

Yamaha introduced the model year 2018 Wolverine X4 last year. The recreational utility vehicle features a new 847cc, twin-cylinder engine and stowaway full-size rear seats for flexible cargo space. To improve efficiency, the engine features a dry-sump design for a more compact layout, and an offset cylinder block to reduce friction loss, while rubber engine-mounts and a geared counterbalancer are designed to greatly reduce vibration at idle and throughout the RPM range, as well as reduce noise. The X4 also includes the new Yamaha Chip Controlled-Throttle (YCC-T®), a drive-by-wire system providing precise throttle control, and a key controlled speed system for restricting the vehicle’s top speed to 25 mph. The dimensions (59.8″ wide and 82.7″ wheelbase) of the new Wolverine X4 are purposely on the compact end of the scale to provide a more nimble vehicle for more technical trail riding. Other key features and specs include:

Ultramatic V-belt transmission with all-wheel engine braking
Yamaha On-Command 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, full diff-lock 4WD
8.7″/8.9″ of front/rear suspension travel
10.7″ of ground clearance
Rear self-leveling shocks
26″ Maxxis tires
Electronic power steering
Hydraulic disc brakes
600 lb. cargo bed capacity
2,000 lb. towing capacity
Full underbody skid plates
Fully enclosed doors
Wide fenders
LED headlights and taillights
Two 12V DC outlets
Four pre-wired accessory switches
MSRP $15,999 in Graphite

Model variations include the Wolverine X4 in:

Yamaha Blue with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,499)
Realtree Xtra camo with overfenders and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $16,899)
Matte Silver and Matte Carbon Special Edition (SE) models with overfenders, painted bodywork, color-matched interior and shock springs, and cast aluminum wheels (MSRP $17,249)

According to Yamaha managers they are trying to deliver a 4-seat UTV with some of the handling and size characteristics of a two seater and a high degree of versatility. They believe this segment of the market is currently underserved.

Below are highlights from various reviews of the Yamaha Wolverine X4. Similar competitive vehicles would be the Kawasaki Teryx4 and the Honda Pioneer 1000-5. The reviews are mostly positive. Some of the common positive aspects across the reviewers include:

Quiet cabin
Comfortable seating front and rear with enough legroom for most riders
Good and smooth power from the new engine
Smooth transmission
Handles well
Self-leveling suspension works well
Light and precise power steering but still provides enough feel
Good sight lines for front and rear passengers

Negative comments include:

Driver legroom may be insufficient for taller riders
Rear leg position is slightly compromised by engine hump
Cargo bed can fit small to medium size coolers/boxes but is not designed for loose material and is limited with four passengers
Ingress and egress is a little tricky

UTVDriver.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

Comfortable seats and ergonomic cockpit
Open sightlines
More comfortable redesigned seat belt and retractor system
Quiet cabin
“peppy yet smooth” acceleration and predictable takeoff
Good CVT system with no belt concerns no matter the obstacle
Top speed in low range of 29 and low 50’s in high gear
Non-dump cargo bed is not made for loose material like gravel but can carry small to medium size gear
X4 handling “really shines”
Very precise and predictable in corners
Light steering
Smooth gated shifter
Self-leveling shocks worked “great” and provided greater than expected comfort in the back seats
Comfortable back seats with well-placed angled footrests and grab handles

UTVGiude.net – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

Comfortable seats for someone 6` 1″
Self-leveling suspension handled a range of different load conditions, from one to four passengers, well
Ultramatic CVT worked well even on tight trails, hills, low speeds and in High gear
“Wolverine X4 is probably the quietest on the market”
Performed well in east coast trail conditions for which it is designed

UTVsportsmag.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

“Quietest UTV on the market in our minds, bar none.”
Torquey new engine
Smooth transmission with centrifugal clutch that removes belt lag
“really great” engine braking
Comfortable seats but footwell area cramped for 6` 3″ driver.
Good sight lines
Back seats are adjustable for more cargo space or legroom and slightly rasied for stadium-style view
Impressed with backseat legroom
Interior door handles keep them free of mud and debris
“…the X4 goes where you want it to go, even with 4 people aboard.”
No pushing in corners
Great feedback from power steering and nice ‘feel’
Ingress and egress for front and back seats is a “challenge”
Limited storage area with four passengers
Front seats could sit higher for more legroom

ATV.com – Yamaha sponsored test drive at the Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park in Taylorsville, NC. Tight trail conditions.

Comfortable seats
New engine with more power throughout RPM range
Really smooth throughout the throttle pedal range
Torquey response
Quiet cabin
Easy to shift
Handling gives confidence in many trail conditions
Self-leveling suspension provides a nice ride
Comfortable back seats with ample room and raised position gives good sight lines

Enthusiast Video and Review – jay_man81 – Local dealer demo event. Walk around video and separate ride video.

Walk around video

Most comfortable front seats in a UTV that I’ve ridden in
Door latch piece makes ingress difficult
Shoulder bolster and padded grips in back seats are nice but engine hump moves your legs slightly to the side
Nice and comfortable adjustable steering wheel and good cockpit ergonomics
Like the parking brake and switch blanks
Glovebox has no rubber seal to keep water out
One lever auto-style tailgate latch is better than previous tailgate latches
Easily accessible air filter
Better comfort than my Honda Pioneer 1000 but less power

Drive video

Quiet even in low and can converse in the cabin
Smooth power delivery
Soaks up the bumps and stays planted
Seat belt cutting into my neck a little bit
Power steering “spot on”. Light but gives enough trail feel
0 – 30 in 5.58 seconds
Power in between Pioneer 500 and 1000-5.
Good enough power to put a grin on your face
Cannot feel any engine heat in the cabin
“Quite an impressive machine”

Capital Powersports in North Carolina – Video with comments from customers taking demo drives

Handles well
Adjustable seats
Bigger steering wheel is comfortable
Rear seats fold-up
Good on the trail
Comfortable seats
Smooth suspension on all sorts of terrain
Good engine braking
Good power at higher speeds but some hesitation at lower speeds

Cub Cadet Launches Challenger 400 4×4

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Marc Cesare

Cub Cadet Challenger 400 4x4 compact crossover

The new Challenger 400 4×4 UTV from Cub Cadet.

Cub Cadet continues to expand their utility vehicle line-up with the new Challenger 400 4×4. Building on the 2WD Challenger 400, the compact Challenger 400 4×4 has four-wheel drive and at only 50″ wide can fit into the bed of a standard pick-up truck. The new model is being positioned as a compact crossover UTV for work or play.

This model’s off-road capability is improved with enhanced ground clearance, heavy-duty shocks, 24″off-road tires, rear selectable locking differential and front automatic locking differential. The two-passenger Challenger 400 4×4 also features a 400 lbs cargo bed compared to the 350 lbs cargo bed in the 2WD models and can tow up to 1,200 lbs compared to 500 lbs. Other key specs include:

14 hp, 404cc Subaru EX40 air cooled gas engine
25 mph top speed
10″ aluminum alloy wheels
Heavy-duty coil shocks
5″ of front and rear suspension travel
Adjustable driver’s seat and adjustable headrests
LED headlights and brake light
Hard roof
12V in-dash outlet
Ball mount and pin hitch
Dent-resistant, double-walled cargo bed with tie downs and bed divider slots

The MSRP for the Cub Cadet Challenger 400 4×4 is $7,499. See the manufacturer’s video explaining key features.

The main differences between the new Challenger 400 4×4 and the base Challenger 400 include:

4WD vs. 2WD
400 lbs vs. 350 lbs cargo bed
1,200 lbs vs. 500 lbs towing capacity
6.7″ vs. 5.5″ of ground clearance
5″/5″ vs. 6″/4.5″ of front/rear suspension travel
24″ front and rear tires vs. 21″ front and 22″ rear tires
Hard roof
Alloy wheels
LED brake light
Headrests
12V in-dash outlet
$7,499 vs. 5,599 MSRP

SVR’s Take: Cub Cadet has really committed to reinvigorating their utility vehicle line-up. They started with the launch of the Challenger series in 2015 and have steadily added models to their lineup. The work and crossover segments have become highly competitive as many manufacturers view these market segments as growth opportunities. However, to be viable in these segments manufacturers need to make a long term commitment to product development, as the main players in the UTV market are frequently launching new vehicles and smaller manufacturers and imports are active as well. In addition, the main players have taken notice of the success of brands like Cub Cadet in the value end of the market, and launched new lower priced models or enhanced the value of their existing lower priced models.

Polaris RZR XP Turbo S Reviews

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The RZR XP Turbo S has 25″ of usable front and rear suspension travel.

Polaris introduced their new, top-of-the-line RZR, the 72-inch RZR XP Turbo S in March. The RZR XP Turbo S was completely “redesigned and reengineered” with a reinforced chassis, stronger axels and other strengthened components. Like other high performance RZRs this model is powered by a 168 hp ProStar turbo H.O. engine. Rather than bump up the horsepower, Polaris beefed up almost every other aspect of the vehicle. The XP Turbo S features 32″ ITP Coyote tires 16″ of ground clearance and 25% more assist in power steering. This model also has the Dynamix Active Suspension system, 19″ or 21″ of wheel travel depending on settings and 25″ of what Polaris refers to as useable travel to the skid plate. The drive system is the new Isolated Xtreme Performance True On-Demand AWD/2WD with greater front drive impact strength, improved throttle control and a redesigned clutch box “..for better air flow and decreased belt temperatures.”

Other key specs and features of the RZR XP Turbo S include:

4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Triple-Bore Front and Dual-Bore Rear Calipers
EPS
2.5″/3″ FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks with Live Valve
Premium Sparco Steering Wheel
Bolstered Bucket Seats with 4-point Harness
Aluminum Roof
Bowed 1/4 Doors
Front Blacked Out White LED Low/High w/ Accent Lights & Rear Red LED Tail / Brake / Accent Lights
Rear Wired Camera
RIDE COMMAND™ 7” Glove-Touch Display with DYNAMIX Visualizer
Built-In GPS
Bluetooth & USB Smartphone Connectivity
GoPro® Control
In-Vehicle Communications Capable
Ride Command App Integration

The RZR XP Turbo S is available in Indy Red or Polaris Blue and has an MSRP of $27,499.

Below are highlights from reviews of the RZR XP Turbo S from a Polaris arranged test drive event in the desert near Las Vegas, NV. Not surprising for a high end vehicle, the reviews in general are predominantly positive. The Dynamix Active suspension with the new FOX shocks is a big hit. Reviewers are amazed at how the vehicle handles rough terrain and can corner. Reviewers noted the difficulty of the trails on which they drove the vehicles and on several occasions the vehicles easily handled terrain where the driver thought they had pushed the envelope too far. The new steering wheel is also widely praised. While the turbo provides the same horsepower as the previous RZR Turbo model, reviewers found the power output to be more than adequate and good throughout the throttle range. On the negative side, seat comfort could be an issue, one reviewer wants full doors and one wants a lower low range for rock crawling. The 4-point harness is welcomed but can take some adjusting.

UTVGuide.net – Las Vegas test drive first ride review

Feels sturdy and stout
Designed for 32″ tires
Can adjust suspension from the cab
Good visibility from the cockpit
Improved CVT cooling and stronger front differential
Liked the LED accent lights
Liked the new Sparco steering wheel
Not enough legroom
“Low range is too high for technical rock crawling.”
Too much seat movement in rough terrain
Hard to adjust harness
Usable travel is the distance from the bottom of the tires while at full droop to the skid plate.

UTVDriver.com – Las Vegas test drive first ride review

New Sparco steering wheel much better
EPS system works well similar to other RZRs
32″ tires are “hook up well” and are smoother over obstacles than 29″ Bighorns
“Tires track and slide predictably” but wear relatively quickly in the rear in 2WD
Felt quick despite width and long travel
Punchy throughout throttle positions and a top speed of 85 mph
CVT belt appears more durable
Handles big bumps really well
Can drive with confidence with stronger suspension components
Would have liked full doors

Forbes.com – Las Vegas test drive – This reviewer’s perspective is from a rider less experienced with high-end side-by-sides than the typical reviewers.

“…no flexing, clanking or rattling on the roughest of trails.”
Harness is “fiddly”
Soaks up the bumps
Provides a controlled and stable ride
“Ridiculously fast”

Dirt Trax Video – Specs Review and some commentary

Best Polaris EPS system of any RZR to date
Balanced through the corners

SXSBlog.com – Full video review. Includes an informative discussion with Polaris technical about how the Dynamix system works. This accompanying article provides an in-depth technical review.

Like the RIDE Command touchscreen
Linear power and well-tuned – more driveable
Impressive ride on very difficult terrain
Can really take a hit
“Dynamix system is real”
Longer throttle to control compared to X3
“Wow. that is super impressive…70 mph through those whoops”
“Tough and works really well”
Handles really well through corners

Brandon Pierce – Las Vegas test drive video

Love the steering wheel
Like the comfort setting on the suspension
Feels fast
This is a “beast”

Brandon Pierce – Polaris Marketing Spokesman Vehicle Walkaround & Main Points

Completely redesigned from old turbo model -not just larger tires and long travel kit
168 hp turbo is the same but top speed increased to 85 mph and throttle mapping more aggressive for 32″ tires
Toughest machine – 32″ tires, which requires redesigned chassis and other components – control arms, tire rods, spherical, knuckles, trailing arms, radius rods, axles; larger and stronger front drive; improved clutch box and belt cooling
Higher ground clearance but same center of gravity as previous RZR Turbo
Most capable suspension – Smart travel with Dynamix Active suspension, usable travel and improved FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks shocks
Most evolved cockpit – new Sparco wheel, new seats, 4-point harness, new driving position in relation to wheel and maintained sight lines; Ride Command with rear view camera;
Lower profile ROPS with more welds and generally beefier
Aluminum roof

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