ATVConnection.com

After a long and obnoxious winter, signs of spring are popping up all over. If you’re like us (and for the sake of your bank account, we certainly hope not), you’re already plotting on the trails you’ve been missing out on for the past few months.

The only snag is mud, mud everywhere! If you fancy yourself a mudder, this isn’t in a bad thing. Trail riders and racers alike however can be lugging on average 150-200 additional pounds of muck on the underside of their ATV.

Weight low on the chassis like this can not only greatly affect handling but it reduces fuel economy as well.

We’ve been experimenting with some low-tech solutions this season and are pleased to share the findings. In a word: foam!

Mud Free Foam Kit from Power Madd – $25

An ATV can collect over 300-pounds of mud in just a single race. This added weight slows you down, effecting your stamina and control. Riders spend a lot of time and money reducing the weight of their ATV and even a little mud can add it all back on.

- Kit contains 3 cut-to-fit sheets, enough for one sport ATV
- Can be used for more than one race
- Can be power washed
- Can be removed when not needed

Dynamite Mud Cap $32.99

Enter the Dynamite ATV Inside-Out Mud Cap, a foam insert that fits on the inside of the ATV rim to keep heavy mud and trail crud out. Bob Marshall owner of Dynamite ATV has come up with a simple yet effective solution to a problem many quad riders and racers face on tracks and trails all over the globe.

These black caps will fit the following 8-inch beadlock rims: Douglas, ITP Trac Lock (no reinforcement ring) and Hiper 9″ rims. Additionally the caps will fit most original DWT rims. The new G-2 Inner Mud caps are also available.

Radiator Foam Sheets $9.99

Having mud pack up on your ATV’s radiator is double trouble: Not only does it add unwanted weight, it restricts critical air flow. A radiator unable to flow air through its numerous nooks and crannies no longer has the ability to cool antifreeze being pumped through it.

-Cut to custom fit
-Will not restrict air flow
-Keeps radiator and engine clean
-Prolongs the life of radiator & engine
-Keeps mud out of cooling fins

When it comes to our ATVs, time is always against us. Every single component is designed to function for a certain amount of time before inevitably failing: Some of these components have an accelerated lifespan due to use (think about your quad’s piston or shock seals) while others break down even while your machine rests peacefully in the garage (batteries, tire compound and fluids for example).

Fortunately ATVs, like most mechanical devices, are designed with parts to be maintained, rebuilt and often times replaced. This is important because we live in a world where disposable is becoming the norm… When your microwave oven, vacuum cleaner or flat screen TV crap the bed, it’s sayonara.

All of this brings us to the topic of the hour meter and what it can do for you.

Why Works Connection?

We use hour meters here at ATV Connection as they are invaluable for product testing and have come to really appreciate many of the features Works Connection packs into their pint-size powerhouse. For starters the unit requires no batteries of its own and doesn’t even need to run off your machine’s battery. Instead, you simply wrap its wire around your ATV’s spark plug wire (it works on both carbureted and fuel injected models). Next peel off the included double-sided tape and stick the unit (which is only 2” by 1”) to a frame spar of choice. That’s it. Installation can’t be simpler.

We typically mount ours to the frame near the radiator/ radiator guard as its tucked neatly away and well protected from the environment/ roost.

All told the complete unit goes for $37.95 and includes everything you need to get underway. Should you not trust the double-sided tape or (like us) transfer your hour meter among multiple vehicles, Works Connection also offers a bolt-on aluminum bracket for an additional $14.95.

In Action

Sure it’s not as sexy as say bolting on a new pipe or fresh plastic, but the Works Connection hour meter begins working its low key magic immediately after installation. If you mounted it somewhere where you can glance at its screen during vehicle operation, the meter also functions as a digital tachometer. Otherwise, it just silently clicks away the minutes the engine happens to be running (including idle).

The tach not only displays real-time RPM but it stores peak RPM achieved for those of us who swear we’re bouncing off the rev-limiter and want proof.

Real Benefit

Think of the tachometer feature as a bonus benefit to the Works Connection Hour Meter formula, the real beauty of this device is it provides precise information on how many hours you have on your ATV and its specific components. It’s invaluable for keeping track of intervals between oil changes, air filter lubrication, top-end life and so on. And don’t be surprised to notice, especially initially, that the hours pile up a lot quicker than our generally-optimistic estimations!

More Info/ Order

Head over to Works Connection’s official site by clicking here.

GBC Motorsports has announced that it will be releasing two new models of cross-country tires. The XC-Master and XC-Racer will be replacing the X-Rex and Race Rex models, and will be available in February 2013.

GBC Motorsports strives to offer ATV riders and racers the best tires possible, and continually works to update their products based on research and feedback from professional racers. The result of this work is a pair of modified and improved cross-country tires based on the popular X-Rex and Race Rex models.

While the XC-Master is based on X-Rex and the XC-Racer on the Race Rex, these two new tires feature a few upgrades to their construction. The XC-Racer has a newly reinforced bead that provides a better seal and improved durability. The XC-Master features a reshaped profile to improve steering and control. Additionally, new rubber compounds offer better traction and puncture-resistance.

The XC-Master and XC-Racer are 6-ply rated and will be available in the same sizes as the X-Rex and Race Rex models.

The new GBC Motorsports XC Master and XC Racer will be available through GBC Motorsports distributors and dealers in February, 2013. For more information head to their official site here.

We’ve been guilty of saying that these are good times to be an ATV/ UTV enthusiast and, despite an economy littered with terms like “fiscal cliff” and “tax hikes”, Polaris proves we’re right once again.

Polaris has announced that they have extended their already unbelievably versatile product line by introducing a new, limited edition RZR XP 900 H.O.: The Jagged X Edition!

“We’re very excited to offer the Jagged X Edition which provides a whole new customer solution featuring the most popular options straight from the factory,” said Craig Scanlon, general manager, Recreational Off-Road Vehicles for Polaris. “This vehicle is the most complete RZR ever built, combining the ultimate in performance, comfort and incredible styling.”

The RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition has the most power, most comfort and most premium options ever offered on a RZR. The vehicle features the first high output engine on a RZR, a 94 horsepower ProStar 900 Twin EFI engine coupled with a stainless steel SLP exhaust; a long wheelbase for a smoother ride; comfort features such as premium Walker Evans 2.5 inch Body Rear Shocks, Electronic Power Steering and PRP seats; and premium features such as a custom cab frame, factory-installed doors, dual removable cargo boxes, Bighorn tires on painted Walker Evans beadlock rims and a Jagged X-inspired graphics package.

“Off-road racing is incredible proving grounds for our machines and Polaris has been working closely with one of the premier off-road racing teams, Jagged X, for a number of years,” said Donna Beadle, Polaris Off-Road Racing Team Manager. “Last year, for the introduction of the RZR XP 4 900, Jagged X raced a nearly-stock car for the Best in the Desert Series. The successful season, which included five podiums in six races, showed the capability of the unit, provided a whole new customer solution and is the inspiration for the RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition.”

To give the new RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition more power, Polaris took the class-leading 88 horsepower ProStar 900 that’s been powering the RZR XP 900 and RZR XP 4 and made it a high output engine. Changes include new profiles on the intake and exhaust camshafts, and the addition of stiffer valve springs. These changes were paired with a new engine calibration and a stainless steel SLP exhaust with dual outlets for increased exhaust flow and an aggressive race-inspired sound. To accommodate the power increase, the clutches were updated with new weights to provide increased acceleration performance. The ProStar 900 H.O. now boasts 94 HP, with acceleration on par with the RZR XP 900 and 17 percent faster acceleration (0-60mph) than the RZR XP 4 900.

Along with having more power, The RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition is the most comfortable side-by-side available due to its 26-inch longer wheelbase for a smoother ride and Walker Evans 2.5” Body Rear Shocks. For comfort in the cabin, Polaris added deep-bolstered, five-point, harness-ready PRP seats, the most-comfortable seats on the market, an easily-adjustable driver seat and more than an inch of additional legroom. To reduce rider fatigue and steering effort, the vehicle also features electronic power steering to tackle the toughest terrain.

As the most-premium RZR ever, the RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition offers thousands of dollars in factory-installed add-ons for incredible visual appeal and even more performance. Along with its black, blue and white Jagged X-inspired graphics, the vehicle sports matching factory-installed doors, blue painted suspension springs and valve cover, a race-inspired, color-matched, custom cab frame with integrated rear cab frame extension that wraps around the rear bed and Bighorn tires on Black painted Walker Evans beadlock wheels with color-matched beadlock rings. For added storage, the unit also features weather-sealed, dual cargo boxes in the rear cab area that have lockable lids and are easily removed.

The RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition will be available at Polaris dealerships in very limited quantities in late January.

The holidays are just around the corner, and with them comes fresh snowfall, winter riding and the holiday gift-giving season. What better gift for the ATV enthusiast in your life than a Saddlemen SaddleSkin replacement seat cover?

Saddlemen’s SaddleSkins replacement seat covers provide a way to give your machine a fresh look at an affordable price. Each SaddleSkin is built to match the fit and design of the original manufacturer’s seat.

SaddleSkins for ATV applications are offered in a variety of colors to match your quad’s style, depending on make and model. These replacement covers are made of high-quality, double-stitched vinyl with an optional “Grippy” version available for certain vehicle models. ATV SaddleSkins are also available with included replacement seat foam that is pre-bonded to the cover for an easy-to-install single piece.

Features include:

SaddleSkins are built to match your ATV’s OEM seat.
Weather-resistant vinyl stands up to years of wear and the harshest of elements.
Improve the look and comfort of your ride at an economical price.
ATV SaddleSkins also available with pre-bonded replacement high-density foam.
Fast and easy installation.
All SaddleSkins are made in the USA.

Product Details:

ATV SaddleSkins MSRP: $38.95
ATV SaddleSkin Foam & Cover Kits MSRP: $89.95
ATV SaddleSkin “Grippy” MSRP: $44.95

Saddlemen SaddleSkins are available through Parts Unlimited dealers. For a complete list of SaddleSkin vehicle applications click here.