Sand on Gecko Road

Check out all the sand that was blown up on the road in Glamis.

One last dune ride

Wind blew like crazy here in Glamis last night and there is lots of smooth sand today. Decided to go for one last ride in my Muzzys 999cc Kawasaki Teryx before packing up.

Sand Drags in Glamis

Wednesday night and the drags are kicking into gear for the big weekend.

Lots of nice UTVs here lining the spectating area.

Awesome Sunrise in Glamis

The sun is just about to poke up in Glamis this morning and it is putting on a great show. Unfortunately, it looks like we will get some rain and wind today.

Muzzys 999cc Teryx Wheelie

My buddy Todd took this picture on my Kawasaki Teryx here in Glamis yesterday.

The Muzzys 999cc Teryx has a bunch of torque. Big fun!

Photo shoot with Justin Dawes

Hooked up with Justin Dawes for a photo shoot of my Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx. Justin frequents Glamis and takes some incredible pictures. He has all the right gear and really knows what shots will pop.

Check out his website at http://www.justindawesphoto.com

Glamis is beatiful

Weather is great here in Glamis. Out on a ride with six sand cars one K&T turbo RZR and my Can Am Commander. Nice to be able to hang out in a t-shirt.

Teryx photoshoot

Out in the dunes with my buddy Todd with my Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx. Todd takes some great photos and we are trying to get some good shots for a Sand Sports Magazine article.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx

Just took my Teryx out for it's first dune ride at Glamis. The new Muzzys 999cc works great. Needs a little tweaking on the fuel map but it feels strong. Can't wait for daylight!

First run in Glamis

Just pulled in the pad 4 on Gecko loop. Unloaded the Can-Am Commander and we are out on a ride.

Good to be on the dunes! Makes the 12 hour drive worth it!

ASA Raffle Car is on display

The 2011 ASA raffle car was built by Buckshot Racing and all done up in the Monster Energy theme.

You can by tickets right here in Glamis on Gecko Rd. at the vendor area.

Polaris RANGER RZR Giveaway

GRAND PRIZE: A 2011 Polaris RANGER RZR Side X Side

To enter, access http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/ATV-RANGER/2011/RANGER-RZR-Side-By-Side-Vehicles/Sweepstakes/Pages/Entry-Form.aspx

All entries must be received by 10:59 p.m., Central time, on December 31, 2010 

A New Pro Armor QuickShot Video

Check out the latest video featuring the QuickShot! The ultimate universal spare tire and accessory mount from Pro Armor.



For more information go to Pro Armor's QuickShot page.

UTV of the Year contest is going strong

 

Be sure to wander over to UTVUnderground.com to vote in the UTV of the Year contest.

So far, the Polaris RZR 4 is outpacing the Can-Am Commander 1000 X by just a few votes. Third place is currently held by the Polaris RZR S with the Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI just behind in fourth. Still lots of time to get your vote in. All votes must be cast by 9:00pm PST January 11th, 2010!

WHY VOTE?
Not only will you get to express your opinion of the best UTV for 2010 but while doing so you automatically get the opportunity to win some amazing prizes from Black Rhino Performance, UTVUnderground.com, and UTVGuide.net. When we say amazing prizes we mean it thanks to Black Rhino Performance!! You can only vote once.

Check out the cool prizes being offered up by our contest sponsor Black Rhino Performance:

1st Prize – The UTV cage of your choice from Black Rhino Performance. 2 or 4 Seat for ANY UTV! (some specialty UTV's may not be available, inquire with Black Rhino Performance for specific cage availability)
Black Rhino Performance Stocks 2\4 seat cages

2nd Prize – A 20” Rigid Industries LED Light Bar courtesy of Black Rhino Performance
20" LED Light Bar By Rigid - Black Rhino Performance

3rd Prize – A UMP Air Intake System for the UTV of your choice courtesy of Black Rhino Performance
Razor / UMP air filter systems in stock

4th Prize – A Black Rhino Performance Apparel and Decal Package

5th Prize – 1 Case of Monster Energy courtesy of CrowleyOffroad.com and Monster Energy

6th & 7th – UTVUnderground.com/4130/XMF Fatrod Pinstripe T-Shirts courtesy of UTVUnderground.com
**NEW** UTVUnderground / 4130 / XMF T-Shirt

8th & 9th – “UTVs IN THE WILD” 2011 Calendars courtesy of UTVUnderground.com and SandCalendars.com

Prepping for Glamis

My Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx is ready To hit the dunes. Super excited to get the new 999cc Muzzys engine in the sand. It did real well on the dyno today so it should romp in Glamis pretty well.

Kawasaki Teryx on the dyno

I had my Muzzys 999cc Kawasaki Teryx on the dyno today. Doing a little fine tuning to the MSD fuel map.

Dave from Autotrend EFI was there to monitor Air/Fuel on both cylinders and we used my friends smog dyno in Placervile (EZ Smog).

Things are looking good for a run to Glamis after Christmas.

Polaris will announce a new RZR on 1/1/2011

Polaris let the cat out of the bag today they will introduce a new RANGER RZR on January 1, 2011.

Although their teaser did not tell us much, it does state that "A Whole New Class of Side x Side is Coming from Polaris".  How cool is that?! Polaris Industries has been incredibly nimble since it first introduced the RZR in 2008.  We saw the Polaris RZR S for model year 2009 and the RZR 4 for model year 2010. In addition, they are leading the pack with UTVs for work and play and every combination in between.  It makes my head spin when I type out how many different UTVs they have in their arsenal.

And from the sound of it, what we will see on January 1, 2011, won't be replacing anything in the RZR family.  It will be adding to it.  Very exciting to watch the new models roll out.  I can only hope that this helps kick some other manufacturers in the rear. Some are falling behind quickly.




Polaris RANGER RZR

Cleaning Up after the recent storms

The Ranger EV is great this time of year for doing cleanup. It is lighter and more nimble than many other UTVs and when the rear differential is unlocked, it doesn't tear up the ground as much. But with a flip of the switch, I have a true 4x4 UTV that can get through the muck.

Parting shots from Arctic Cat CEO Twomey

After 24 years as the big cat, he'll be stepping down as CEO.

A recent visit to Christopher Twomey's office found the Arctic Cat Inc. CEO in a buoyant mood. "It's snowing, and I'm sitting here smiling," he said, glancing out the windows of his Plymouth office that offers a bird's-eye view of snowmobilers -- some riding Artic Cat models -- on Medicine Lake.

Twomey's getting ready to move down the hall to less spacious digs as he steps down from active management at the end of this year. Twomey, 62, will continue as chairman. He'll be succeeded as CEO by Claude Jordan, 54, who joined Arctic Cat in 2008 as president.

Twomey has headed Arctic Cat for 24 years, leading its entry into the all-terrain vehicle business in 1995 and more recently guiding it through an industry-wide downturn in recreational vehicle sales.

Before heading up to the company's home base in Thief River Falls for the employees' holiday party Twomey reflected on his years with Arctic Cat.

Read the full article at the Star Tribune.

About Arctic Cat:
Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat® brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol “ACAT.” More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available on the Internet at www.arctic-cat.com

More resources:

• Arctic Cat Prowler 550
• Arctic Cat Prowler XTX 700 H1
• Arctic Cat Prowler HDX 700 (EPS)
• Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ 1000
  

Race-Dezert.com's shop tour of FOX Racing Shox

Race-Dezert.com recently was invited to visit one of their long time sponsors and industry leaders, Fox Racing Shox.

Fox's Off-Road Division is located in Santee, CA. This is their main 4 wheel off-road vehicle division and also the “race” division. From this facility they are able to do pretty much everything in house all the way from the canister of the shock, welding of bypass tubes, all the way up to final assembly and shipping. Todd Tenbroek is one of the managers and was able to take us on a quick tour of the facilities

Read the full article and check out the photo gallery at:
Fox Racing Shox Shop Tour

Santa came early

Fed Ex showed up this morning with a set of Elka Suspension shocks to go with the TCB long travel kit on my Can Am Commander. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Can't wait to get the kit installed and hit the dunes.

Magnum Offroad Shock Tuning the Can-Am Commander 1000

Here is a quick video that Magnum Offroad posted from out in Ocotillo Wells, SVRA.

They were testing & tuning the valving on some Fox 2.0 shocks. Pretty impressive for stock arms on the Can-Am Commander 1000! Stay tuned for more from Magnum.  I hear they are going to work on a long travel kit soon.

Commander Owner Highlight: Barbara Elliot-Rowland

Every week, most folks eagerly await the arrival of Friday.  But for Barbara Elliot-Rowland, November 5th was a Friday filled with extra excitement, as she brought home her brand new Can-Am® Commander™ 1000 X.

After a little more than 35 hours and tearing up 200 miles of Oregon sand dunes in her Can-Am Commander, Barbara graciously agreed to tell us about the motivation behind her purchase as well as her impressions as a new owner.  Check out the Q&A with Barbara below. 

Read more here:
http://canamoffroad.com/owner-highlight-barbara-elliot-rowland

Barbara frequently posts over at www.commandertalk.com. Be sure to check out this bulletin board for all your Can-Am Commander Talk....

Vote for UTV of the Year!

 

Voting for UTV of the Year is now open!

It’s here, the first ever “UTV OF THE YEAR” award hosted by UTVUnderground.com & UTVGuide.net, sponsored by Black Rhino Performance, and voted on by YOU the UTV enthusiasts! This year the 2010 Award will be decided between the industries best production UTVs with voters having a chance to win 1 of 9 amazing prizes. This is the first and only award of its kind allowing you to express your opinion on this year’s best UTVs.

Voting will end on January 11th, 2011 and on January 12th, 2011 we will announce the award winner for the 2010 “UTV OF THE YEAR”. We will also announce on January 12th, 2011 the winners of the Black Rhino Performance, UTVUnderground.com, and UTVGuide.net prizes.

2010 UTV Of The Year

• Arctic Cat Prowler 1000
• Arctic Cat Prowler 700 XTX
• Can-Am Commander 1000 X
• Can-Am Commander 800
• Honda Big Red 
• John Deere Gator 825i XUV
• Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI
• Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
• Polaris RZR
• Polaris RZR S
• Polaris RZR 4
• Polaris Ranger XP
• Yamaha Rhino 700 EFI

Vote here.

Sure wish the leaves would be done

I am officially ready for all the leaves to stop falling! I have been mowing and raking a bunch the last two days. The Ranger EV has been handy hauling everything out to the compost pile.

Fox Racing Shox

Just got my Kawasaki Teryx shocks back from Fox Racing Shox. They did a rebuild on the front shocks and added a little compression to the valving. These shocks are 2.0's with high and low speed compression adjustment and position sensitive dampening (aka bottom out cup).
Can't wait to get them back on the race Teryx so I can try out my Muzzys 999cc v-twin! Hoping to make a run to Sand Mountain next week.

Bopp Race Components GNCC Can-Am Commander Build Update

Bopp Race Components is busy building up a Can-Am Commander to race in the GNCC series.

Here is what is on their to-do list:

• roll cage (lowered 4")
• door bars 
• aluminum roof
• aluminum bed 
• aluminum interior 
• aluminum seats 
• aluminum fuel cell 
• seat mounts 
• polyethylene doors 
• spindles 
• upper a arms 
• lower a arms 
• front sway bar 
• rear sway bar 
• rear bumper 
• front bumper 
• relocate radiator 
• add oil cooler 
• dual master cylinders
• quick release steering wheel 
• window nets 
• lap belts 
• cutting out a lot of weight

Check out Bopp Race Components on the web at: www.boppracecomponents.com

BRC Charity Christmas Auction Still Live on eBay

POCATELLO, ID (December 10) - The BlueRibbon Coalition 2nd Annual Christmas Auction is live on eBay.
Thanks to all our supporters, bidders and donors, we are really making some trail-saving progress!  We have some very nice items up for bid and it is going to a good cause so don't let these awesome goodies get by you!
Get in on the fun at: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=25971
If you're a business that would like to donate, we can still slip you in on the auction for this year. Just drop Del Albright (Auctioneer) a note with your donation today and we'll make it happen!
The list of contributing donors is long and impressive. We encourage you to support them with your holiday shopping.
Here is the list (so far) of companies donating to our auction.

• Raceline Wheels 
• BFGoodrich Tires 
• GenRight Off Road 
• Olympic4x4 Products 
• Nemesis Industries 
• Falken Tire 
• Toytec Lifts 
• BudBuilt 
• Sedona Jeep School 
• Barlow Jeep Rentals 
• Master Pull 
• Lovell Rock Racing 
• Fisher's ATV World 
• Big Dogs Offroad 
• Rocky Mountain Truck Center 
• Cruiser Corps 
• Racer Tech 
• Trasharoo 
• Pirate4x4.com 
• MetalCloak 
• 4x4Wire.com 
• Pull-Pal 
• Trail Master Suspension 
• Toyota Trail Teams 
• Rocky Mountain ATV and MC 
• Rubicon Express 
• Del Albright's RLTC Course 
• Roundeyes.com 
• Parts Mike 
• WARN 
• SpiderTrax 
• ARB 
• Poison Spyder 
• The Tugger 
• Axial Racing 
• Off Road Trail Tools 
• Todd & Larisa Ockert 
• Bushwacker 
• Maureen Engle-Turner 
• Axia 
• Just Add Dirt 
• Planet SideXSide.com 
• Dirt Tricks 
• FunTreks (Chuck Wells) 
• N. Mono Chamber of Commerce 
• Meadowcliff Lodge and RV Park 
• RANGE Magazine 
• WI Dual Sport Riders 
• American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 
• Trail Gear 
• Elite Motorcycle Tours, Moab
• Numbskull Racing

These awesome business/donors, with your bids, are making a brighter future for our trails.  Thank you, again.
Please let your friends know and spread the word about this incredible auction to help our sports!
See the auction items and bid here: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=25971

# # #

The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org

History of the Kawasaki MULE

 

Back in the mid-1980s, a couple of Kawasaki engineers on their lunch break were discussing the agricultural industry’s need for a small, rugged off-road utility vehicle. As they scribbled their idea on a napkin, they concluded that it needed to be durable, comfortable, easy to operate, and it needed excellent hauling and towing capabilities.

That idea ultimately became the Multi-Use-Lightweight-Equipment vehicle – “MULE” – and the first model, the Mule 1000, quickly became a favorite of American farmers and ranchers.

As Kawasaki introduced new models to the American market, the many uses for the Mule expanded to include safari-type hunts, maintenance for large estates – even hauling engine parts and tires at NASCAR events.

After more than 20 years of service, the Mule name has come to define a whole category of hardworking utility vehicles. The MULE™ utility vehicle was the next step in the natural progression of Kawasaki's successful ATV line. Built for situations where customers needed the agility of an ATV as well as the payload of a pick-up truck, the MULE solved many problems for ranchers, golf course managers, emergency crews, industrial plant managers and even theme park staff.

With a pick-up truck type design, the first MULE hit the market in 1988 and, like its namesake, proved so amazingly versatile that the MULE utility vehicle is now a ubiquitous sight at farms, docks, sports facilities and anyplace else where lightweight and sturdy utility vehicles are needed.

The perfect solution for thousands of job sites across the world, Kawasaki keeps the good times rolling on four wheels as well as two.

Today’s Mule off-road utility vehicle line features both two-wheel drive and 4x4 models, gas and diesel models and the Trans4x4 that transforms from a short-bed four-passenger vehicle to a long-bed two-passenger cargo hauler. All are assembled at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Lincoln, Nebraska, and are shipped to Kawasaki’s retail network in the U.S., as well as other Kawasaki distributorships worldwide, where these tough Kawasaki's can help with hauling and towing.

Read full article here: History of the Kawasaki MULE

More Resources: 

• 2011 Kawasaki MULE 4000
• 2011 Kawasaki Mule 4010 4×4
• 2011 Kawasaki Mule 4010 4×4 Diesel
• 2011 Kawasaki Mule 600
• 2011 Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 XC
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 600
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 610 4X4
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 4000
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 4010 4×4
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 4010 4×4 Diesel
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 4010 Trans4x4
• 2009 Kawasaki MULE 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel
• 2008 Kawasaki MULE 3010 Trans4x4 Diesel
• 2008 Kawasaki MULE 3010 4X4 Diesel
• 2006 Kawasaki 3010 Trans4x4 Diesel
• 2005 Kawasaki MULE 610 4×4 and MULE 600
• 2005 Kawasaki MULE 3010 4×4
• 2005 Kawasaki MULE 3010 4×4 Diesel
• 2005 Kawasaki MULE 3000
• 2005 Kawasaki MULE 3010 Trans4x4
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 3000
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 3010
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 3010 Diesel
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 3020
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 520
• 2003 Kawasaki MULE 550
• 2001 Kawasaki MULE 3010
• 2001 Kawasaki MULE 3020

Kawasaki MULE Model Home

About Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki general purpose engines and hand-held power products. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at Irvine, California headquarters.

“Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

SDR Motorsports Can-Am Commander Build Progress

SDR Motorsports had their  Can-Am Commander 1000 out in Glamis over the Thanksgiving holiday. They have built a cage, doors and front bumper. Their Commander also sports a Rigid Industries LED light bar, wheels and tires from Fullerton Sand Sports and Fox shocks.

Plans for the build include a +4" long travel kit, tie rod kit and oil cooler kit. Be sure to check the  SDR Motorsports website for more information. SDR does some of the nicest turnkey UTVs around.

SDR's Can-Am Commander products can be found at: http://www.sdrmotorsports.com/CanAmCommander.html

Warn's Can-Am Commander 1000 Buildup

This is the Warn 2011 Can-Am Commander 1000 project. This project will be ready for the 2011 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis this February.

Modifications will include a DragonFire Racing long travel suspension, DragonFire Racing race cage, Dragonfire/Yoshimura custom exhaust, Fox Racing shocks, custom ITP beadlock wheels and 26" tires, PRP seats, and custom paint. WARN items will include an XT40 winch, WARN bumper, WXT-400 HID lights, a WARN Dual Battery kit, and WARN Body Armor.

About Warn Industries:
Warn Industries manufactures and markets a full line of off-road equipment and accessories that enhance the performance of four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATV's and utility vehicles. In addition, the company's Industrial Division markets electric and hydraulic winches and hoists to commercial, industrial and severe duty customers around the world. The company also has a line of utility winches and hoists that are specifically designed for professional trade workers and do-it-yourself consumers who need powerful tools to assist them in pulling, hauling, dragging or lifting. Warn has four divisions focused on specific customers and markets (WARN Truck & Auto, Power Systems, Industrial, and Powersports). With customers in more than 65 countries on six continents, Warn is one of the world's most recognized brands in vehicle performance enhancing equipment.

Check them out on the web at: www.warn.com

Three All-New Mid-Season ATVs from Arctic Cat

Looking for good value on a mid-sized ATV? The All-new Arctic Cat 350 is the best 4x4 value in the industry, with the most clearance and the highest fuel capacity in its class. The new Arctic Cat 425 is outfitted with a lightweight mid-size chassis and a powerful 443cc liquid-cooled EFI engine. And the Arctic Cat XC 450i boasts an aggressive design, complete with 4 wheel drive and a fully independent front and rear suspensions. These are three ATVs that are sure to cure your prewinter blues.

• 2011 Arctic Cat XC450i 4×4 Crossover
• 2011 Arctic Cat 425 4×4
• 2011 Arctic Cat 350 4x4

About Arctic Cat:
Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Side-by-Sides under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. The Company markets its products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the contiguous United States and Canada, and through distributors representing dealers in Alaska, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets. The Arctic Cat brand name is among the most widely recognized and respected names in the snowmobile, ATV and Side-by-Side industry.

Find Arctic Cat on the web at www.arcticcat.com

Big Bear, CA to Las Vegas, NV on a Kawasaki Teryx

In this week's Friday Feature, a group of moto-journalists set out from Big Bear, CA with a hefty goal. The group took on the task to ride the Kawasaki Teryx over 300 miles across desert trails in just two days and reach the bright lights of Las Vegas. Ride along for this ultimate adventure aboard the ultimate RUV, more than capable of taking on the harsh terrain and desolate landscape of the Mohave Desert.



Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles and commercial grade lawn care and landscaping equipment through a nationwide network of independent power sports and lawn and garden retailers. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.