Yamaha Unveils UMAX Rally 2+2 Light UTV

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Marc Cesare

The new Yamaha UMAX Rally 2+2 light utility vehicle with convertible rear seating.

Yamaha Launches UMAX Rally 2+2 at PGA Show

Using the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show as a launch pad, Yamaha Golf-Car Company unveiled their new light utility vehicle, the UMAX Rally 2+2. Aiming for a broad swath of the market, the company is marketing the vehicle as crossover model for work or play. The vehicle’s “rugged” styling is less golf car and more closely aligned with the rest of the UMAX line. The UMAX Rally 2+2 features a lifted suspension, front brush guard, wide fender flares and a convertible rear seat. In addition, customers can choose between a electronic fuel injected gas engine or AC electric powertrain.

UMAX Rally 2+2 Features & Specs

Additional features and specs include:

Powertrain Options: Yamaha 402cc, single cylinder EFI gas engine or 48V, 6.7 hp AC electric motor with 350 amp controller
Rear coil suspension system with individual coil springs with dual compressions for standard or heavier loads
Front bucket seats
Basket storage area behind the front seats
Sealed under-hood storage compartment
In-dash storage pockets with anti-slip rubber mats
LED headlights
HybriCore steel chassis
Tru-Trak II fully independent automotive-style strut front suspension
Mechanical drum front and rear brakes
23″ tires
15 mph top speed

This model will be available at authorized Yamaha dealers in Spring 2019.

Learn more: Yamahagolfcar.com

SVR’s Take

Similar to many other UTV manufacturers, Yamaha is building out their utility vehicle line to drive sales growth. Marketed as a ‘work or play’ vehicle, this model is also trying to tap into the growing PTV market. The UMAX product line now includes four different models with most offering an option of gas or electric powertrains. Essentially, the UMAX Rally 2+2 adds a crew version to the lineup. The product line is versatile and can appeal to a wide range of commercial and consumer end users. The line offers varying levels of cargo and passenger capacity as well as light off-road capabilities.

Tracker & Textron Partner on UTVs/ATVs

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Marc Cesare

The Tracker Off Road ATV & UTV model lineup

Partnership Overview

Tracker, a leading boat manufacturer, and Textron Specialized Vehicles are forming a partnership to produce UTVs and ATVs and sell them under the new Tracker Off Road brand. Tracker is part of the White River Marine Group that includes Tracker, Triton, and Ranger boats, as well as Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s. The Tracker Off Road vehicles will be sold through select Ranger, Triton, and Tracker, and other independent dealers, as well as at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations. They will be built at the Thief River Falls, Minnesota plant that produces Arctic Cat vehicles.

Tracker Off Road Product Lineup

The Tracker Off Road lineup includes four ATVs and four UTVs. The ATV line includes entry level youth and adult models and two more models with more features and capabilities. This lineup should be able to target a wide swath of the ATV market. The UTV lineup includes a personal transportation vehicle (PTV), and three models currently sold under the Prowler nameplate: the Prowler EV, Prowler Pro and Prowler Pro Crew. The corporate presentation also mentioned the potential of selling the Wildcat XX and even snowmobiles through the same distribution network.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

SVR’s Take

The Textron Tracker partnership continues the trend in the UTV market of brands expanding beyond their traditional distribution networks. Typically, an established UTV brand partners with a traditionally non-UTV brand. They either re-brand existing models or develop similar but unique models to sell through the partner brand’s distribution network. Previously, major UTV brands have used this approach to gain access to farm equipment and outdoor power equipment distribution networks. In this case, Textron is tapping into marine distribution and outdoor apparel networks. In a similar vein, Polaris and Can-Am have recently acquired boating manufacturers. Primarily these acquisitions diversify their powersports portfolio. However, it would not be surprising to see them sell a select range of off-road vehicles through these marine networks. If the dealers believe they can make a profit and there is no territorial conflict with the traditional powersports dealers then these networks expand their geographic footprint and reach.

Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Polaris Launches New PRO XD UTV Line

Posted on January 8, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Polaris PRO XD 2000D is part of a new work-oriented UTV line.

The new PRO XD 4000D AWD from Polaris Commercial is the lines crew version.

PRO XD Overview

Last month Polaris Commercial launched their new PRO XD utility vehicle line. The line includes the PRO XD 2000D 2WD, the PROXD 2000D 4WD and the PRO XD 4000D 4WD. All three vehicles are purpose-built for work and are powered by a 898cc, 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine. Polaris is engineered features to target three key areas they believe are necessary for work vehicles: durability, serviceability and safety.

Durability

For durability they designed a rigid chassis, a rust and dent resistant composite bed that can fit a full-size pallet, a heavy-duty sealed driveline, a reinforced seat with heavy-duty seat material and 26″ job site tires.

Serviceability

To improve serviceability Polaris:

Extended the maintenance intervals to 200 hours
Improved vehicle fault alarms for low oil, parking brake engagement, belt burn and engine overheat to identify problems earlier
Designed side access for dipstick and air filter servicing
Use front air intake for cleaner air and longer filter life
Integrated Polaris Pulse Connector to simplify accessory installation and improve uplift possibilities

Safety

For safety the PRO XD vehicles include:

Orange seat belts and vehicle decals to improve work site visibility
Backup alarm, horn and parking brake
System where the vehicle starts only in Park with brake enabled
Wide foot wells for easier entry and egress
Speed limited to 26 mph or as low was 15 mph
Engine Braking System for hill descending
Fully sealed cab

Features and Specs

Common features and specs across all three vehicles include:

24.5 hp, 898cc, 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine
Engine Braking System
Automatic PVT transmission
1,250 lb. cargo box
2,500 lb. towing capacity
11″ of ground clearance
9″ of front and rear suspension travel
26″ Duro DI-2042 Power Grip tires
4-wheel hydraulic brakes
55W low/ 60W high, LED Tail
Kevlar backed seat material
Tilt steering
Digital Gauge

The PRO XD 2000D AWD adds an all-wheel drive Ultra Turf drive system while he PRO XD 4000D AWD is the same but seats four and comes equipped with electronic power steering. The PRO XD 2000D 2WD starts at $14,599 the 2000D AWD at $16,099 and the 4000D AWD at $17,749. In addition, Polaris offers two standard accessories packages. The Work Package adds a poly roof, poly windshield, strobe light, air filter restriction gauge and wide angle rearview mirror. The Work Package with Cab System includes the same package plus doors, engine block heater, heater defrost kit and rear panel.

SVR’s Take:

The new PRO XD vehicles are an improved version of basic work UTVs and replace the lower priced and lesser equipped Brutus vehicles. Last year Polaris Commercial discontinued the lower priced and less featured vehicles of their Brutus line, another work oriented UTV line, due to lagging sales, . In contrast, they kept Brutus HD PTO Deluxe, a fully equipped vehicle with a starting price of $24,099 which apparently sold well compared to the lesser equipped vehicles. According to earnings calls, the Brutus line did not quite live up to high sales expectations. In part because in the commercial UTV segment there is a different type of customer, sales process and sales cycle. Typically, a powersports dealer network does not serve this segment well.

Also, the Brutus uses a Kohler diesel engine and the PRO XD vehicles a Kubota. In the past Polaris did not have as much success developing their own diesel engines. They eventually switched to outside vendors. This makes sense since their volume of diesel powered UTVs is small compared to their overall sales. Development resources are better used elsewhere, and their diesel vehicles are improved by using an outside vendor specializing in developing high quality diesel engines.

Honda Launches Talon 1000R/X Sport UTVs

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The Talon 1000R and 1000X are Honda’s entry into the sport UTV segment.

The Honda Talon 1000X is designed for tighter and rockier trails.

The Honda Talon 1000R is for dunes and more wide open riding.

Honda Launches Talon Sport UTVs

Honda recently introduced the Talon 1000X and Talon 1000R UTVs. They are Honda’s long awaited entry into the sport UTV market. The Talon 1000X targets tighter wooded trails and rockier environments while the Talon 1000R aims for more wide-open dune riding. The models should be available in early 2019. I’ve seen sources mention January while others mentioned March. The first date might be production and the second could be arrival at the dealerships. In any case, the following specs are common to both versions.

104-hp, 999cc, twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC engine
Six-speed dual clutch transmission
Power steering
Hill Start Assist
Hydraulic brakes with two 250mm discs;
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system
LED High/Low Headlights
About 1,500 lbs in weight
Tire sizes: 28x9x15; 28x11x15
Bolstered seats with harness pass throughs
Roof is standard

See the Talon in action: Official Honda Talon 1000 video

Talon Model Differences

The two models have different widths, wheelbases, slightly different suspension systems with different suspension travel. a slight difference in suspension travel and different color options. The following specs are some of the key differences between the vehicles.

Pricing Update

In early January 2019 Honda announced pricing for the vehicles.

Talon 1000R — MSRP: $20,999; Availability: Spring 2019

Talon 1000X — MSRP: $19,999; Availability: Spring 2019

Talon 1000x Key Specs

Double-wishbone front suspension, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks with Quick Switch 3
3 Link rear suspension with high-clearance trailing arm, Fox Podium 2.0 shocks with Quick Switch 3
Front/Rear suspension travel: 14.5″/15″
Red/Gray with red suspension accents
Gray/Blue with silver suspension accents
Width: 64.0
Wheelbase: 87.6

Talon 1000R Key Specs

Double-wishbone front suspension, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks with Quick Switch 3
4+ Link trailing-arm rear suspension with toe link, Fox Podium 2.5 shocks with Quick Switch 3
Front/Rear suspension travel: 17.7″/20.1″
Red with red suspension accents
Green/Silver with silver suspension accents
Width: 68.4
Wheelbase: 92.7

Initial Reviews

The following are some initial reviews and analysis of the Talon from around the industry.

UTVonDemand

First Look Review (video). Provides fairly in-depth analysis of the engine and drive train and highlights many of the key features that the reviewer likes.

999cc twin cylinder SOHC engine should provide good low-end torque
270 degree firing order makes it run like a single cylinder
Based on Pioneer engine but bigger throttle bodies, bigger injectors, different heads and more flow
Claiming 104 hp but may have higher torque than other UTVs with more hp
Rubber mounted engine to dampen vibration
3 Driving Modes: Sport, Normal and Manual with paddle shifters
Hill Assist – Push dash button and it holds the vehicle from rolling back for 3 seconds
“Big deal” for this vehicle is the transmission has a dual high and low range so you can go rock crawling without changing the gear set out
Claim extra strong driveshaft and axles
i-4WD system with electronic braking control to transfer power up front from a spinning wheel to the wheel with traction
68.4 1000R Front/rear wheel travel 17.7/20.1
64″ 1000X Front/rear wheel travel 14.6/15.1- this may be a little short compared to competitors
Can use 30″ tires – 28″ are standard and custom designed by Maxxis
15″ rims for bigger brakes
1000X has 3 link system podium 2.0
1000R has a 4 link for added strength and Podium 2.5;
More suspension tuning with 3 mode QS3 compression on both models
Power steering sport tuned for feedback and speed sensitive
Standard roof is designed with rain gutters and air vents for trailering backwards
Good seat sliders
Holders in doors and t-bar has nice latching system
Seats have pass throughs for harnesses
Pedals laid out for two or one foot driving and passenger has different places to place feet at speed or more relaxed driving
Cupholders with rubber for holding in drinks
Good cargo capacity and design
1 yr warranty

Hondaprokevin

Provides specs in a nice layout and plenty of pictures

UTV Action

General overview of key specs and some commentary.

Probably will competitively priced around $20,000
Trail riders anywhere will like it but sand riders may wait for turbo option

UTV Driver

They provide a top ten feature list for the vehicles

Bolstered seats with harness pass throughs and harness bar
15″ rims for larger brakes and 30″ tires
Sizable cargo bed with tie-downs
Dual Clutch six-speed transmission
Paddle shifting
FOX shocks
Hill Start Assist
4-link trailing arm system on 1000R
Engine
Strong, durable build

SVR’s Take

Honda’s entry into the sport market has long been rumored so this isn’t much of a surprise. People may not have expected two different models, but targeting the main sport sub-segments makes sense. The initial reactions are very positive and Honda’s reputation for quality and performance have riders expecting a good vehicle.

Increased Competition

Not surprisingly, Honda’s entry makes the sport end of the market now quite crowded. As a result, the competitive landscape raises the question of how Kawasaki will respond. They have been focusing more on the utility side of the market with their recent model introductions and have not made any really big changes with their more recreationally oriented Teryx product line. I would suspect they might come out with a new high-end sport vehicle in the next year and probably as a separate product line.

CFMoto Recalls 1,800 2018 ZForce UTVs

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The CFMoto ZForce 500 Trail is being recalled due to a fuel tank neck issue.

The CFMoto ZForce 800 Trail is part of the recall as well.

CFMoto is also recalling their top of the line ZForce 1000 model.

CFMoto ZForce Recall Overview

CFMoto announced the recall of approximately 1,800 2018 ZForce 500 Trail, 800 Trail and 1000 SSV utility vehicles. The throttle pedal can be pushed past the throttle stop and not return to the idle position, posing a crash hazard. Owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local CFMoto dealer for a free repair.

This is a relatively small recall but for a smaller manufacturer like CFMoto it represents a larger percentage of their overall vehicle sales. CFMoto’s ZForce product line is a recreational line of utility vehicles while the UForce lineup is more work oriented. The company is a leading provider of ATVs and large displacement motorcycles in China and has been fairly successful in the US. In the UTV market, they have focused on the lower end of the price scale offering vehicles that have a lot of standard features.

SVR tracks recalls of golf cars, PTVs, LSVs and utility vehicles. The following detailed recall information is from the Consumer Product after Commission.

ZForce Recall Details

Name of product: Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard: The throttle pedal can be pushed past the throttle stop and not return to the idle position, posing a crash hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: October 31, 2018

Units: About 1,800

Consumer Contact: CFMOTO toll-free at 888-823-6686 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at info@cfmotousa.com or online at www.cfmotousa.com and click on Customer Care and then Vehicle Recall for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves 2018 ZFORCE 500 Trail, 800 Trail and 1000 SSV CFMOTO recreational off-highway vehicles with 500cc to 1000cc, 4-cycle engines. The recalled ZFORCE vehicles have “CFMOTO” stamped on the front grille, a “CFMOTO” decal on the bottom of the cab frame and a “ZFORCE” decal located on each side of rear box compartment. CFMOTO ZFORCE vehicles were sold in orange, blue, red and gray. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located on the right-side frame rail just forward of the right rear tire.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact a CFMOTO dealer to schedule a free repair. CFMOTO is contacting all registered owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: CFMOTO dealers nationwide from January 2018 through July 2018 for between $9,000 and $14,000.

Manufacturer(s): Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd, of China

Importer(s): CFMOTO Powersports Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.

Distributor(s): CFMOTO Powersports Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.

Manufactured In: China

Recall number: 19-711

Cub Cadet Recalls Challenger 400 4×4

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

The Cub Cadet Challenger 400 4×4 is being recalled due to possible cracks in the fuel tank neck.

Challenger 400 4×4 Recall Overview

Cub Cadet is recalling their 2018 Challenger 400 4×4 utility vehicle because the fuel tank neck can crack, potentially leak fuel and create a fire hazard. The recall involves approximately 350 vehicles. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, store outside and contact an authorized Cub Cadet dealer or customer service representative to arrange for a free repair.

This is a very small recall but for a smaller manufacturer like Cub Cadet it represents a larger percentage of their overall vehicle sales. The Challenger 400 4×4 was launched earlier this year. SVR tracks recalls of golf cars, PTVs, LSVs and utility vehicles. The following detailed recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Challenger 400 4×4 Recall Details

Name of product: Cub Cadet Challenger 400 utility vehicles

Hazard: The fuel tank’s neck can crack and cause fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: October 24, 2018

Units: About 350

Consumer Contact: Cub Cadet toll-free at 888-848-6038 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or online www.cubcadet.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves Cub Cadet model year 2018 Challenger 400 4×4 utility vehicles with model number 37BV3BHK010. The yellow utility vehicles have four-wheel drive with side-by-side seating for two people. “Challenger 400” and “4×4” is printed on both sides of the utility vehicle’s bed. “Cub Cadet” is printed on both sides of the front fender. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between May 2018 and August 2018. The model number and manufacture date in MM/YYYY format can be found on a label located on the seat frame under driver’s seat.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles, store outside and contact an authorized Cub Cadet dealer or customer service representative to arrange for a free repair. Cub Cadet is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None

Sold At: Independent Cub Cadet dealers nationwide from May 2018 through August 2018 for about $7,500.

Manufacturer(s): Cub Cadet, of Cleveland, Ohio

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 19-707

Yamaha Golf Car Recalls 145,000 Vehicles

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

Yamaha Golf Car’s model year 2016 to 2018 Adventurer vehicles are being recalled.

The Adventurer Sport 2+2 is also part of the recall.

Yamaha Drive 2 is being recalled.

Yamaha Golf Car Recall Overview

Last month Yamaha Golf Car announced the recall of approximately 145,000 golf cars, personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) and utility vehicles. The accelerator pedal return spring can break on the vehicles, posing a crash hazard. The recall involves model year 2016 through 2018 gas and electric-powered golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles. Model names include the Drive, Drive2, Adventurer and Adventurer Sport 2+2. Owners should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Yamaha golf car dealer to schedule a free repair. There have been no reports of injuries related to the recall but 417 spring failures have been reported.

This is an extremely large recall and rivals those of Polaris from the past several years. Yamaha had a slightly larger recall earlier in the year involving many of the same models for a brake cable issue. SVR tracks recalls of golf cars, PTVs, PSVs and UTVs. In general, the small, task-oriented vehicle industry appears to have a recall problem. A significant number of vehicles are being recalled every year. The following detailed information on this recall is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Yamaha Golf Car Recall Information from CPSC

Name of product: Yamaha golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles

Hazard: The accelerator pedal return spring can break, posing a crash hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: October 3, 2018

Units: 145,000

Consumer Contact: Yamaha toll-free at 866-747-4027 anytime or online at www.yamahagolfcar.com and click on the CPSC Recall Alerts tab for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves the following model year 2016 through 2018 gas and electric-powered golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The model and serial number can be found on a label under the seat on the left or right side.

Model Year	Model Name	Model Prefix	Serial Number Range
Model Year	Model Name	Model Prefix	Serial Number Range
2016	Drive Models YDRA (Gas)	JW8	600101	614300
		JC2	300101	312000
		JC0	700101	706600
	Drive Models YDRE (Electric)	JW9	600101	618100
		JC3	000101	004700
		JC1	700101	703500
	Adventurer Model YTF1A (Gas)	JW6	800101	800600
	Adventurer Model YTF2A (Gas)	JW7	700101	701250
	Adventurer Model YTF2E (Electric)	JW3	100101	100300
2017	Drive² Models DR2A (Gas)	J0A	000101	010100
		J0B	000101	016900
		J0D	000101	007200
	Drive² Models DR2E (Electric)	J0C	000101	011400
		J0E	000101	002900
		J0J	000101	002000
	Adventurer Model YTF1A (Gas)	JW6	900101	900400
	Adventurer Model YTF2A (Gas)	JW7	800101	800750
	Adventurer Model YTF2E (Electric)	JW3	200101	200250
2018	Drive² Models DR2A (Gas)	J0A	100101	110400
		J0B	100101	119200
		J0D	100101	110600
	Drive² Models DR2E (Electric)	J0C	100101	111700
		J0E	100101	102600
		J0J	100101	102700
	Adventurer Model YTF1A (Gas)	JW6	910101	910500
	Adventurer Model YTF2A (Gas)	JW7	900101	900800
	Adventurer Model YTF2E (Electric)	JW3	300101	300250

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Yamaha golf car dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received 417 reports of incidents involving spring failures. No injuries have been reported.

Sold Exclusively At: Yamaha golf car dealers nationwide from June 2015 through August 2018 for between $5,500 and $12,300.

Manufacturer(s): Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, of Newnan, Ga.

Distributor(s): Yamaha Golf-Car Company, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Assembled in: U.S.

Recall number: 19-701

Honda Recalls 56,000 Pioneer 1000 UTVs

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

2016 – 2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 three passenger model being recalled.

The 2016-2018 five passenger model is being recalled as well.

Location of the VIN on the Honda Pioneer models.

Pioneer 1000 Recall Overview

Honda has announced a massive recall of their Pioneer 1000 utility vehicles because an incorrectly installed throttle body poses a fire and burn hazard. The recall involves all model year 2016 and 2017 vehicles, as well as some 2018 vehicles. The three passenger and five passenger models are included in this action. Owners should stop using the recalled vehicles immediately and contact their local Honda Powersports dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. No injuries have been reported related to this recall.

This is a very large recall. Earlier this year Honda issued a recall for most of these same vehicles because of a muffler issue. SVR tracks ongoing vehicle recalls for UTVs, golf cars and LSVs.

Detailed Recall Information

The following information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Name of product: Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard: An incorrectly installed throttle body can ignite, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: November 8, 2018

Units: About 56,000

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 side-by-side 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*)	1HFVE04J4200001 — 1HFVE04J4200720
2018	Pioneer 1000 5P (SXS10M5*)	1HFVE04J4200001 — 1HFVE04J4200780

* 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 5 reports of throttle body igniting. No injuries have been reported.

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

Manufacturer(s): Honda of South Carolina Mfg. Inc. (HSC), of Timmonsville, S.C.

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

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 19-714

Lithium Battery Powered Golf Cars on the Rise

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Marc Cesare

A lithium battery from Trojan’s new Trillium product line.

Trillium Lithium Battery Line from Trojan

Trojan Battery, a major player in the golf car and small task-oriented vehicle market, recently introduced their new Trillium line of Trojan Intelligent Lithium batteries. The line is targeting the aftermarket segment and is designed to be a replacement for existing lead acid batteries. According to Trojan the switch can be made “without the need for expertise in Li-ion technology or system integration.” Likewise OEMs can use the new battery line “…without significant investments in custom pack design and development.”

Sign of More Market Penetration

Trojan’s new product line is another indication of the growing use of lithium batteries in the golf car market. For a number of years there has been a lithium battery aftermarket that has largely consisted of smaller companies packaging together the various components. They either sell directly to golf car owners and/or through dealers who can install the components. However, this has been a niche market. In 2015 LiV Golf Cars tried to sell a lithium powered fleet golf car but were undercut by the big players too many times and retreated from that market. There are also smaller volume OEMs like GEM and luxury golf car maker Garia that offer lithium powered vehicles.

E-Z-GO Entry a Gamechanger

The most significant move towards lithium batteries came in 2017 when E-Z-GO, one of the major golf car manufacturers, launched their ELiTE line of lithium powered fleet golf cars. They also offer the option on some of their personal transportation vehicles. Financial reports show that E-Z-GO sold over 20,000 ELiTE vehicles in 2017. Samsung SDI is the lithium battery supplier for E-Z-GO. Rival golf car manufacturer Club Car has been linked to battery manufacturer LG Chem but has not yet introduced any lithium powered vehicles.

What Lies Ahead

The entry of a brand name such as Trojan should boost the aftermarket segment. Customers will likely have more trust in a Trojan backed product. In addition, if it is as easy to use as advertised, then this niche market should expand. The E-Z-GO product appears to have launched fairly successfully. Continued success will likely force Club Car and Yamaha to introduce their own lithium powered vehicles. Perhaps as soon as the upcoming PGA Show early in 2019. Once that happens, the move towards lithium batteries could accelerate quickly.

Marc Cesare, SVR

Road Use Regulation Roundup – November 2018

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Marc Cesare

Road Use Regulation Summary

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 June, 2018.

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

There is a fairly even split between ordinances that will allow more small vehicles on the roads and ordinances that will restrict use or clarify existing regulations.
California is allowing San Diego cities and the county to create a regional LSV plan..
Once again most of the legislative activity occurred in the Midwest and Southeast.
Florida municipalities were the most active followed by Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Road Use Regulation by Location

Largo, FL – Largo officials denied a request from a mobile home community to allow the use of golf cars on nearby public roads. Officials cited safety concerns and potential cost issues as signs would be needed to notify other drivers that golf cars might be on the roads.

St. Johns County, FL – The county Board of Commissioners is replacing the existing golf car ordinance with one that would provide more clarity and uniformity in the county so the Sheriff’s Office can provide better enforcement.

Panama City Beach, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol reported a number of low seed vehicle and golf car accidents on Back Beach Road which is a state highway route. According to road use regulations the vehicles are not allowed on the route.

Holmes Beach, FL – The town commissioners are considering new golf car regulations that would require the addition of limited safety equipment or a full LSV set of accessories. In addition, they are considering keeping the vehicles off main thoroughfares.

Oconto, WI – The Oconto City Council revised an existing golf car ordinance to allow the use of utility vehicles on city streets. In response to citizens, the Council is considering an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs on some city streets.

Greendale, WI – The Greendale Village Board passed an ordinance to allow the use of low speed vehicles on certain city streets.

Austin, MN – The local police department is making an effort to educate citizens that UTVs and ATVs are not allowed on city streets.

St. Cloud, MN – Stearns County passed an ordinance to allow golf cars and LSVs on public roads. A similar ordinance had sunsetted in May.

Covington, OH – Operators of OGGO and Gest low speed vehicle transportation companies asked the city to amend their current low-speed vehicle ordinance to allow the company’s LSVs to operate on certain streets. The transportation is free for the riders. The services will be operating in Cincinnati and Newport as well and generate revenue from advertising.

Toledo, OH – The City Council is considering making permanent an ordinance that allows recreational and commercial use of golf cars in certain areas of the city. Currently a pilot program, the council is also considering expanding the areas of the city where the ordinance would apply.

Edmonton, KY – The Edmonton City Council approved an ordinance that would allow golf cars, ATVs, UTVs and mini-trucks on city streets.

Reedsville, WV – The City Council considering changes to the local vehicle ordinance listened to concerns of citizens regarding the use of UTVs and ATVs on town roads. Some citizens use their vehicles for practical purposes while others are “joy” riding on off-limit streets. The vehicles can be used on certain roads for a legitimate farm use. The changes would require drivers to show proof of farm use and have safety signage attached to the vehicle.

Woodstock, GA – The Woodstock City Council tabled a small vehicle ordinance in order to further discuss the definition of golf cars, ATVs, low-speed vehicles and personal transport vehicles, and the safety features required for each.

Poplarville, MS – The Board of Alderman is sending a resolution to the state legislature to allow the use of golf cars and other low speed vehicles on city streets.

California – Governor Brown signed a bill that gives cities in San Diego County and the county itself the authority to establish a LSV transportation plan.

South Carolina – A new law is about to go into effect designed to more easily allow police to enforce violations related to driving golf cars and other low speed vehicles. Violating any golf cart rule will be a misdemeanor punishable with a maximum fine of $100 or 30 days in jail, unless the offense is deemed to be a felony.