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Can you really double the pulling power of your regular winch? Over the years I have discovered methods that might surprise you by how much they can increase the pulling power of your ATV winch. Following these simple tips might be the difference of getting out of a sticky situation and waiting for help. Battery The best solution is preparation. Get a good quality battery and maintain it. The largest your ATV can take with the most “Cold Cranking Amps” will give you the best initial pull. If your at maximum pull and your battery is struggling to provide power, keep the engine running and give the throttle a little gas to help the battery. I haven´t needed to in the past, but some guys install a second heavy duty battery dedicated for recovery. I prefer to go without the extra weight. Snatch block and Cable Use a snatch block to double the line. These things can single-handedly double your direct pulling power and assist in pulling from angles if need be. You will notice the pulling speed is slower, but don´t worry, the extra power you can squeeze out of your winch can be worth the wait in certain situations. The use of a snatch block also means for close pulls you can reach the ideal length of cable for the pull. One layer of cable (5 rolls) wrapped on the drum will pull securely and at maximum power. Winches are rated for their pull strength at this amount of cable on the drum. The angle of the cable leaving the drum should be perpendicular as well. If the cable is at an angle, the winch will not be working at capacity. Pulling methods Creating the path of least resistance will also dramatically increase the pulling power of your winch. Always angle the front tires of the stuck ATV in the direction of the pull. If possible, the stuck ATV should be driven towards the direction of the pull, but only at moderate throttle and start slow. Let the winch cool and power regenerate after 1.5 minutes of continuous use. Avoid damage and overheating to maintain the power and life of your winch. If stuck in snow or mud, dig out around the tires and use twigs, sticks and brush to provide traction. Doing this right the first time might take an extra few minutes, but can save you hours. Sam is an ATV enthusiast and updates his adventure website with outdoor tips and articles, including a review on the 4500lb Superwinch winch.

The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show is all about having FUN and you will be entertained from the minute you walk into the Show. Meet your friends, tell tall tales, reminisce about last season's best ride, buy a new Toy, book a trip, find the custom sled corner in the OSM booth, watch a snowmobile race or join the thousands of fans on hand to experience the thrill of the Freestyle Show. No matter what reason you have for attending the 'World's Largest Snowmobile and ATV Show, we guarantee it will be worth the drive to get here. More displays featuring snowmobiles, ATVs, clothing, parts, accessories, trailers and more aftermarket Manufacturers and Distributors with more snowmobile and ATV related products on display than ever before. This is a huge, quality 'BUYING' Show. So don't be shy and step right up to some great savings. Visit any of the Exhibitors represented at the Show as they're here to cater to you. They want to meet you and talk with you about their special products and services. Also on hand at the Toronto Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show is the 25,000 square foot Royal Distributing department store which is the largest exhibitor ever to grace the floors of the Toronto International Centre. We're proud of this as they build this store every year just for you! * Best Deals! * Best Selections! * Best Entertainment * Free Parking * Free Draws * Free Seminars * Free Snowmobile Rides for the Kid * Free ATV Rides for the Kid * Electric ATV Rides for the Tyke * Driver Training Courses * Buy your Permits * Find out where you can ride your ATV * Attend Snowmobile Races - Free * Attend the Xtreme Freestyle Event - Free * Over 500,000 square feet of snowmobile and ATV enthusiasm * Largest group of snowmobilers to gather in one place * Be a part of the 'World's Largest Snowmobile and ATV Show

NEW RANGER RZR XP™ 900 OVERVIEW STARTING AT: $15,999 U.S. MSRP FEATURES: FRONT TRAVEL and HIGHEST GROUND CLEARANCE Dual-A-Arm front suspension with 13.5" of travel soaks up the rough stuff. Match that with an astounding 13” of ground clearance and no comparison is required. Hands down, RANGER RZR XP™ owns the desert, the dunes and any wide open space. NEW! Exclusive ITP® Tires Standard Exclusive ITP 900 XCT TIRES – Standard on RANGER RZR XP™, the unique directional lug pattern provides exceptional cornering and straight-line traction capabilities. EXCLUSIVE FACTORY LED HEADLIGHTS NEW! Industry first factory LED headlights shine a high-intensity bright white beam to turn night into day, and throw light forward far beyond conventional halogens. NEW! GLOVE BOX STORAGE Passenger-side glove box has 3 gallons of space for convenient, water-resistant storage. NEW! Polaris ProStar™ 900 DOHC Twin EFI Engine Specifically built for an extreme performance Side x Side. The Polaris ProStar™ 900 DOHC Twin EFI Engine features industry-leading 88 HP, Dual OverHead Cams (DOHC), large valves for high RPM power and 180 degree crank shaft for balanced performance, and fast throttle response to produce groundbreaking power and acceleration. COMFORTABLE ERGONOMICS Everyone rides in comfort, thanks to adjustable and interchangeable bucket seats, plus the adjustable front passenger handrail and full rear passenger handrail. Comfortable driver operation is enhanced by tilt steering with the highest range of motion (10"). PREMIUM SHOCK PACKAGE Premium Fox Podium X 2.0 Shocks feature piggyback reservoir, adjustable preload and compression dampening. NEW! 3-LINK TRAILING ARM LONG TRAVEL IRS We designed the all-new 3-Link Trailing Arm IRS to handle all that massive power and keep the ride smooth. The 3-Link design consists of two extra-long radius rods and a far forward-connecting trailing arm resulting in a strong yet lightweight system. SPECIFICATIONS Engine Engine Type 4-Stroke DOHC Twin Cylinder Displacement 875cc Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection Cooling Liquid Drivetrain Transmission/Final Drive Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H; Shaft Drive System On-Demand True AWD/2WD Suspension Front Suspension Dual A-Arm Fox Podium X 2.0 (comp adjust/res.) 13.5" (34.3 cm) Travel Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Fox Podium X 2.0 (comp adjust/res.) 14" (35.6 cm) Travel Brakes Front/Rear Brakes 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front Calipers Parking Brake Park in Transmission Tires Wheels Front Tires / Model 27 x 9-12; ITP 900 XCT Rear Tires / Model 27 x 11-12; ITP 900 XCT Wheels Cast Aluminum Dimensions Wheelbase 81.4" (206.8 cm) Dry Weight 1,190 lbs. (539.8 kg) Overall Vehicle Size (LxWxH) 108.4" x 64" x 73" (275.3 x 162.6 x 185.4 cm) Ground Clearance 13" (33.0 cm) Capacities Fuel Capacity 7.25 gal (27.4 L) Bed Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 23 x 38 x 10" (58.4 x 96.5 x 25.4 cm) Box Capacity N.A./300 lb (136.1 kg) Payload Capacity 740 lb (335.6 kg) Hitch Towing Rating N.A. Hitch/Type None Features Cargo System Lock & Ride Lighting White LED, High/Low Electronic Power Steering Not Equipped Instrumentation Digital Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Tripmeter, Hour Meter, Clock, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge, Hi-Temp/Low-Batt Lights, Coolant Temp, DC Outlet

Female riders are drastically increasing in numbers every day. Look for them at any trailhead, and you are bound to notice a growing percentage of the riders these days are indeed women. Getting out on the trail and riding full speed ahead is just as exciting for women as it is for the more traditional male rider; however, before you hit the trail wide open, there are a couple of things that you need to take into consideration. First off: Always be prepared! Remember: You must prepare for the accident then enjoy the ride! Don’t be misled. There is a common misconception that ATVs are a lot safer, say for instance, than a dirt bike, just because they have four wheels and can stand up on their own. This assumption sometimes leads to disaster. Sure an ATV can stand on its own. So as long as you are sitting there, looking pretty posing for a picture, you should be just fine! However, going around a curve, up a hill or slamming into something head on, you might want to be aware of a few other facts. For instance, an ATV is typically 2 to 3 times heavier than a dirt bike; and when it lands on top of you, you will know why that is important! Also, this will be important when it gets stuck in the mud or off over an embankment. Always be prepared to lift something 3 or 4 times your own weight out of an unplanned location! The best way to do this is utilize either the buddy system or a winch/tow kit on the ATV itself. This fact also has to be taken into consideration during loading and unloading the ATV. Speaking of the buddy system, that is always a good idea. Never ride alone and always make sure someone knows where you are going to be riding and when you plan to return from your trip. There are other things to remember as well. Always carry a first aid kit, a bottle of water, a whistle and a radio. The first aid kit will come in handy if you or another rider is in any sort of accident, or even scrape your hand trying to change a spark plug! A bottle of water is useful to wash out any cuts or abrasions or to wash the dust out of your mouth after following too closely behind someone up a dusty trail. The whistle will definitely come in handy if you happen to go off over an embankment and need someone to find you. A whistle is much louder than a scream and is more likely be heard over the sound of the motors of passing ATVs. The radio can come in handy to let others know of your location or to call for help in an emergency. You can also use it if you get lost, or maybe to have your mate bring you an extra soda on their way up to where you are. Don’t skimp on safety gear, either. Always wear, at least, a Snell- or DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. I also recommend gloves, ankle high boots, long sleeves, and pants. You never know when a briar across a trail either will suddenly rip through your skin or get brushed out of the way by the denim of your jeans or better still, your riding pants. The choice is yours. Always check your equipment thoroughly before you take off. Be sure to check the tire pressure. They should all be inflated to the same pressure. If the pressure is different in tires opposite each other, it will make the ATV very difficult to handle even in the best of situations. The appropriate tire pressure is usually between 2 and 6 psi. Check your owner’s manual for the appropriate psi for your ATV. (There is usually a sticker on the ATV with this information as well.) In addition, check the tires for cuts or gouges that could lead to leakage or a blow out. Make sure the brakes are fully functioning as well as the lights, kill switch, ignition, and throttle. Don’t forget to check the fluids like gas and oil for evidence of any possible leaks. When camping on the trail, make sure to take everything you will need with you. Nothing is worse than waking up to horrible morning breath miles from the nearest store and instead of being excited about the day’s ride, all you can think about it is how you would trade those new hand warmers for one dental travel pack! Always pay attention to personal and equipment safety as well. ATVs are high on the list of ‘most often stolen items,’ as they are regularly sold again and again throughout their life without license, titles, bill of sale, certificate of ownership, etc., which makes them very hard to trace. In addition, being in the minority as a woman rider, you do stand out on the trail, so take extra precautions with your personal safety. Be aware of your surroundings and again, the buddy system is recommended on all rides. Here are a few other quick tips for everyone: Be familiar with your ATV and look at the owner’s manual if you have any questions. Never ride beyond your ability! Do not ride double unless your ATV is built specifically for double riders. Doing so makes the ATV less maneuverable, harder to handle, and more likely to turn over or flip. Riding on hard surfaces actually makes it harder to turn an ATV. Do not ride on hardtop unless you have tires specifically for that type of surface. Ride legally and always leave the area better than you found it. Keep the noise levels down by making sure your muffler system meets the 96 decibel limit that was established in 2003. Alcohol and drugs do NOT mix with ATVs. Be courteous to other riders. When on a trail, always show respect to the environment and other riders. Never lend your ATV to unskilled riders. Know and respect the laws about letting children under the age of 16 ride an ATV. Never put your foot down when riding an ATV as a cast will definitely put a damper on going dancing next Saturday night! Lean forward when going up a hill. Go slow going up a hill, but try not to have to stop or change gears, as either one of these actions can cause the ATV to flip backwards. Never back down the hill. Turn the quad around and go back down the hill forward. Be sure to lean back as you are going down the hill. Aways try to keep the center of gravity as low as possible by keeping all the weight you can on your feet. You can usually accomplish this by standing up. Remember to keep your knees flexible to avoid possible injury or strain. Do not pull back on the handle bars when going up a hill. Never use the front brake when going forward at excessive speeds or down a steep slope. These are only a few of the tips you should heed when heading out on the trail, but they are a good start. There will be other things you discover along the way. One final note: Don’t let this article discourage you from riding. It is meant to install enough fear to make you a bit more cautious and safe enough to ride for years to come. I hope to meet some of you out on the trail, always with the rubber side down! Have an awesome ride!

Shocks Feature Exclusive ‘Tucked-in’ Configuration, XC Springs Ham Lake, MN — MOTOWOZ Performance Systems is proud to announce the release of its new front piggyback shocks for cross-country ATV racing. The XC Piggyback Shock features an exclusive “tucked-in” reservoir configuration to provide an enhanced fit and improved durability and XC-specific springs. “The reservoir is packaged much closer to the main body of the shock,” explained Jim Jaworski, MOTOWOZ president. “We engineered the shock this way because our experience has shown most racers will run some type of a long-travel A-arm. With the more typical piggyback design, the shock’s reservoir can hit the A-arm in the backside of the ball joint area as the shock moves deeper into its travel. Our compact design eliminates that problem.” Many competitive shock brands incorporate remote reservoirs for use on ATVs set up for cross-country racing. MOTOWOZ took that knowledge into account and also knows many cross-country A-arms have an integrated adjustment area or device to alter the machine’s caster. Jaworski said this caster-altering mechanism consumes more valuable space and increases the likelihood of contact with a shock’s reservoir. “Our tucked-in setup also makes for a more refined package as opposed to exposed remote reservoirs. They stick out less, require less components during the bolt-on stage and are less likely to make contact with another quad or obstacle on the trail.” The MOTOWOZ XC Piggyback shock features Adjustable Spring Progression (ASP), which gives the end user or shock tuner endless adjustment scenarios for racing off-road. The shocks are adjustable for compression and rebound and include a particular triple-rate XC Spring package that has been specifically calibrated for cross-country applications. “Our compression and rebound adjuster effectively changes the shock’s internal settings and alters how the oil flows as the shock travels through its various strokes. Both adjusters also work in conjunction with relief valves that make them velocity sensitive,” explained Jaworski. “With our tunable, progressive spring package you can truly control the point where each spring takes over during the suspension process. In addition, you can make these adjustments with the shocks mounted to your quad, which ultimately saves you time and energy.” MOTOWOZ Performance Systems • 13941 Lincoln Street #300 •Ham Lake, MN 55304 USA MOTOWOZ XC Piggyback Shock Made from honed hydraulic cylinder tubing, the XC Piggyback bodies are CNC machined and then polished and plated for a distinguished appearance and durable finish. Like all MOTOWOZ shocks, the XC Piggyback model includes the company’s distinctive design traits: Stub Acme threads, aircraft-quality billet aluminum parts, 5/8-inch oversized shaft that is ground and hard chromed, triple-seal configuration, high-grade oil, Velocity Sensitive Valving (VSV), hard-anodized aluminum piston and precision stamped valve discs. MOTOWOZ XC Piggyback Retail Price: $1,349 “Winning is important and that’s why I strive to eliminate potential problem areas. A rider’s abilities can only go as far as the equipment. If I can make it possible for the rider to focus on racing and not product flaws, then I’ve done my part of the equation and given them a better chance to win. And I feel rewarded when I see my customers standing on the podium and earning titles,” said Jaworski. To see the complete MOTOWOZ Performance Systems offerings, visit www.motowoz.com or to inquire about custom orders, call (763) 390-9549. For tech questions, contact [email protected] or to apply for racing sponsorship, contact [email protected]. ABOUT MOTOWOZ Designed and manufactured in the USA, MOTOWOZ Performance Systems has grown from its humble start in 2002 in a small garage in Southern California to its state-of-the-art corporate headquarters and R&D facility in Ham Lake, Minn. Specializing in ATV suspension systems for both adult and mini quads, MOTOWOZ utilizes its highly innovative manufacturing plant to adapt its technology to its customers. MOTOWOZ takes pride in having the ability to rapidly test new designs within days of conception and produce solid results for racers and recreational riders alike. Its shocks’ real-world performance and proven adjustability separate MOTOWOZ Performance System from the pack. Motowoz Performance Systems • 13941 Lincoln Street #300 • Ham Lake, MN 55304 USA

In Its Quest to Help Find a Cure The day was beautiful. The trail was just damp enough to keep the dust down. Friends were laughing in the background. Off-road engines were roaring past here and there. Could this day get any better? We soon discovered it could. Having a new Polaris RZR as our vehicle of choice turned an already awesome day into an unforgettable one as we took on the challenge of the Brown Mountains. Standing Out in the Crowd From the time we pulled into the parking lot, the Pink RZR was the center of attention. Now when you think PINK 4-wheeler, especially a side-x-side, you think “Oh no, you didn’t!” but in fact, we did. When I first saw it, I thought of the old Barbie Mobiles from years ago. However, when I climbed in, turned the key and fired up those 800ccs, I knew immediately, this was no Barbie Mobile! So did everyone else. Later in the day, some of the other riders dubbed it the Pink Panther. By the end of the day, everyone understood why THIS machine is the keynote equipment used in the 2009 OHV Tour for a Cure. The Legendary Mountain Brown Mountain OHV Park was the perfect place to test out this new machine. Steeped in mystery, this mountain range is legendary, especially among off-road enthusiasts. Everyone who goes there has heard some of the old folklore that passes down through the generations. There are tales of ancient maidens and warriors who still travel these hills in the deep of night looking for answers, truths, and each other. Some of the legends say this is the place to find the answers to whatever you are seeking. That is exactly what we found that day. The truth is, the RZR can take on any challenge it encounters and conquer it, including the formidable Brown Mountains. The Trail System Brown Mountain OHV Park has an intricate system of trails for all difficulty ratings. There is definitely something for everyone. My favorite loop is going up the main trail (#1) from the trailhead, taking it all the way to the top and circling back around on trail #8. That is the route I took first with the RZR to get used to this new machine. I was impressed from the first turn. During the day, we hit each of the other trails, one by one, until we had conquered them all except the ones labeled for bikes only. The RZR did phenomenally well on all of them. The RZR Immediately, I knew the RZR came endowed with power, endurance, strength, and durability unmatched by any other side-x-side I had ever tested. Its more compact size in width and length allowed me to go anywhere I would normally go on my ATV. The low center of gravity gained by putting the motor behind the seat instead of under it provides greater stability than many of the other side-x-sides in its class. That design also keeps its overall height more comparable to that of an ATV allowing it to go under more obstacles out on the trail, while still allowing for great ground clearance. The relative low weight of the RZR coupled with its powerful big bore 800 EFI Engine gives it the “oomph” to tackle even the most challenging trails. Perfect Combination From that day forward, the RZR and the OHV Tour for a Cure have worked together seamlessly to increase positive awareness about the off-road community and to raise funds for some great cancer-related charities. Furthermore, since people often associate the color pink with cancer research, this new LE version with the Passion Pink Graphics Kit leaves nothing to be desired. For more information about the Polaris Ranger RZRs, please go to http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-US/Ranger/Pages/Home.aspx. As Always, remember to TREAD lightly and always leave the trail better than you found it.

PLYMOUTH, Minnesota (September 14, 2009) -- After five outstanding years in the offroad winch industry, Gorilla Winches is proud to announce the expansion of their product line to include a broader range of products in the offroad category. In response to customer requests for quality products outside of the winch category, Gorilla Winches will be adding a wider range of ATV, truck, Jeep, and 4x4 accessories to their lineup, including wheels, tires, bumpers, brush guards, and Jeep accessories. Even more exciting is the company's decision to adopt a new brand name that more accurately reflects this expanded product line. According to sales and marketing manager John Ostman, "Our new name will more accurately describe who we are and what we do. We manufacture and supply PRO-fessional quality OFFROAD equipment to ATV, truck, Jeep, and 4x4 enthusiasts worldwide." Ostman notes that the company will continue to produce high-quality ATV and self-recovery winches (under the PROMARK OFFROAD name) along with their newly expanded product line. The PROMARK OFFROAD name will begin to appear on the company's products as early as late September 2009. The company has been hinting at a major announcement since the first of September, and Gorilla Winch customers have been eagerly awaiting the big news. Already an industry leader for durable, high quality winches and winch accessories, the company expects an expansion of their loyal customer base in connection with the expansion of their product offerings in the offroad industry. As a tribute to the enormous influence that their customers have had in the evolution of Gorilla Winches into PROMARK OFFROAD, Ostman says, "We thank our loyal customers, and we look forward to the wild ride ahead." For the latest updates on Gorilla Winches' transformation into PROMARK OFFROAD, visit the Gorilla Winches News and Announcements page. About Gorilla Winches / PROMARK OFFROAD Gorilla Winches / PROMARK OFFROAD was founded in 2003 to provide consumers with quality offroad equipment at factory-direct pricing. The Gorilla Winch / PROMARK OFFROAD Store offers a complete line of ATV winches, truck and Jeep winches, and 4x4 accessories for the offroad enthusiast. For more information, visit their website at www.gorillawinches.com. Contact: John Ostman Sales and Marketing Manager [email protected] 9909 South Shore Drive Suite 140 Plymouth, MN 55441 Find the latest ATV Winches on Amazon

It may not be the biggest and baddest thing on four wheels, but there is something very appealing about the Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4. We had the opportunity to put some miles on Kawasaki’s smallest 4x4 and it proved to be an eye-opening experience. We tested out the Prairie, along with the Brute Force 650 and 750 4x4i, at the Mines & Meadows ATV/RV Resort in Western Pennsylvania. Shockingly, it was the little Prairie that stood out most among the big bore offerings from Team Green. Kawasaki’s proven 362cc air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke engine powers the Prairie. Though it’s never going to snap your neck back when you the squeeze the throttle, the Prairie accelerates smoothly and has an impressive amount of low-end grunt for this class. More impressive is the class-leading 1,100-pound towing capacity. Kawasaki’s entry-level 4x4 surprised us with its ability to keep up with the big boys. What helps the Prairie make the most of every last bit of its power is an advanced four-wheel drive system – available at the push of a button. If you just want to fly around the trails and let the rear wheels drift around the corners, you can keep it in two-wheel drive. However, if you want to tackle more challenging terrain or need to add some traction if you’re working around your property just switch it over to four-wheel drive mode and you’re ready to go. Just squeeze the yellow diff-lock lever for as much or as little extra traction as you require. Kicking it up another notch is the limited-slip front differential, which keeps the steering reasonably light. When the situation calls for maximum traction a Kawasaki feature we really like is the variable front differential control. You access this very progressive system by squeezing a lever on the left handlebar just above the brake lever. When you need full traction and are worried less about steering just squeeze the lever all the way. If you require some additional traction but need more steering control just squeeze the lever about half way. We can’t say enough about how much we like this differential control system. Other ATVs have easier to use push-button diff locks, but this one really makes you feel like you have that extra bit of control. The combination of four-wheel drive and the variable front differential control combine to make the Prairie a go-anywhere ATV. You don’t often think of a 360cc ATV being an adept climber, but the Prairie proved otherwise. The best example of the Prairie’s climbing prowess we can come up with occurred when we were trying to scale a steep, rocky hill on a big Brute Force 650. As we were taking our time looking for the right line, somebody from Kawasaki flew up the course on the Prairie to show us the way. We’re no great rock climbers and surely a more adept rider could have made short work of that hill, but to see the Prairie 360 4x4 climb over everything we were struggling with on the Brute Force made us appreciate what it could do. The Prairie 360 4x4 will go just about anywhere you’d need it to. Even with it’s go-anywhere personality, some of you who are used to riding big 800cc machines will probably be left wanting more power and top speed, but that’s not who this ATV is made for. The Prairie 360 4x4 is an ideal ATV for somebody new to the sport and because it’s such a good all around quad we don’t think it’s something you’d grow out of for quite some time. Stability is very good thanks in part to the Prairie’s 47.4-inch width – 1.5 inches wider than the Brute Force 750. That wide footprint gives you confidence as soon as you throw a leg over the seat. It seems lighter and more flickable that the bigger Brute Force, but the specs tell a different story. Both units weigh in at about 605 pounds dry. That’s a lot of weight for lower-displacement ATV, but it was hard to feel it during our test. Getting the rear wheels to slide around a corner is no problem. Helping to cushion your ride is a MacPherson strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel. You’ll find more modern front suspension systems (independent double A-arms), but MacPherson struts have a proven track record and offer a smooth ride. All the way through 2008 that’s all Polaris used on its Sportsman line of utility ATVs – some of the best selling and best performing in the business. Also, because MacPherson struts have been around for a while using them keeps costs down. One possible bone of contention with the Prairie is the rear swingarm with a single adjustable shock. Having fully independent rear suspension would be beneficial, but the straight axle is not a bad option for new riders. It’s easier to hold a line in a whooped-out section of trail and you can attack corners more aggressively. You do lose a little ground clearance – the Prairie has 7.7-inches of clearance at the rear axle – but try finding a trail you can’t tackle with the Prairie that you could with an IRS equipped unit. Stopping power comes courtesy of dual disc brakes up front and Kawasaki’s very effective sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc system in the back. Kawasaki uses that sealed rear brake system on just about every vehicle in its lineup and it’s great at keeping mud, dust, water, and other debris away from your brakes. There’s practically no maintenance with this system, which means you can ride more and spend less time in the garage. Engine braking is also standard and it’s a great tool for helping you slow down in a steep descent – you don’t have to be as precise with the brake levers so you can concentrate more on steering. Use the engine braking to help slow you down on a descent. Prairie owners get some additional utility from the standard front and rear cargo racks that can carry a combined weight of 242 pounds. You can strap down more than enough gear for a camping trip or you could haul just about anything around your property. At $5,349 the Prairie 360 4x4 is right near the bottom of the price scale for this class from major manufacturers. It comes in $50 less than the Yamaha Grizzly 350 4x4, $150 less than the Suzuki KingQuad 400 AS, and $350 less than the Polaris Sportsman 400 H.O. You can get the Prairie without the 4x4 option for $550 less ($4,799), but we think it’s worth spending the extra cash on four-wheel drive. If you’re looking to break into the utility ATV segment, you should definitely put the Prairie 360 4x4 on your short list. Even if you’re not a beginner, the Prairie would be a fun addition to your garage – especially as a utility companion to a sport quad. You won’t win any races against the big boys, but you’ll have a lot more money in your wallet. Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4 Specifications Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke, single cylinder Displacement: 362cc Bore x stroke: 80 x 72mm Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 Carburetion: Keihin CVK34 Starting System: Electric with recoil back up Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with Kawasaki Engine Brake Control, high and low range, plus reverse Final Drive: Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft Dimensions Overall Length: 81.3 in Overall Width: 47.4 in Curb Weight: 639.5 lbs Wheelbase: 49.3 in Seat Height: 35.6 in Ground Clearance: 7.7 in Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gal Rack Capacity Front / Rear: 88 / 154 lbs Towing Capacity: 1,100 lbs Chassis Frame: Double cradle steel Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: MacPherson strut / 6.7 in. Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Swingarm with single shock, preload adjustment / 7.1 in. Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs Rear Brakes: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc Front Tires: AT25x8-12 tubeless Rear Tires: AT25x10-12 tubeless Footpegs: Adjustable Other Lighting: 30W x 2 halogen Colors: Woodsman Green, Sunbeam Red and Polar White MSRP: $5,349

It’s been three months since Yamaha launched a free repair program for all Rhino models which included adding one-inch spacers on each of the rear wheels and removing the rear anti-sway bar. To prove that these repairs did nothing to take away from the Rhino’s off-road capability, we were invited to the San Bernardino Forest in southern California to test out the 2009 Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Sport Edition for ourselves. Oftentimes when a manufacturer invites the media out to test drive a new vehicle we don’t end up getting a great deal of seat time as we’re focused on getting pictures and talking to the people who helped design it. Also, because they don’t want to put us or their expensive machines in harm’s way manufacturers sometimes avoid the gnarliest terrain. To Yamaha’s credit, this was absolutely not the case this time. We were led on a near 80-mile trek that had our adrenaline pumping and at times tested our resolve. We beat the holy hell out of our Rhino 700 to see exactly what it was capable of. At the end of our ride our bodies ached and we were completely exhausted, but we came away wholly impressed. WHY THE CHANGES The vast majority of responsible Rhino owners, enthusiasts and most everybody associated with the popular side-by-sides that we talk to really didn’t feel like adding the spacers and removing the anti-sway bar was a necessity. If you ride the Rhino like you’re supposed to, your chance of tipping over and injuring yourself is not particularly high – certainly not noticeably higher than other sporty side-by-sides. Of course, we don’t always ride off-road vehicles like we’re supposed to, do we? "If you ride the Rhino like you’re supposed to, your chance of tipping over and injuring yourself is not particularly high..." We’ll get more in depth on this in a future article, but suffice it to say a small percentage (Yamaha says far less than 1 percent) of Rhino customers were involved in rollovers with serious consequences. It didn’t take long for plaintiff attorneys to take notice and start looking for money/clients in every way possible (billboards, Google ads, television commercials) and tried to get the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a recall. After looking at a number of accident reports the CPSC (much to the chagrin of the plaintiff attorneys) couldn’t find anything that warranted a recall. In fact, in nearly all the cases the CPSC looked in which somebody was killed (96%) the victim either wasn’t wearing a helmet or was doing at least one warned against act (no seatbelt, driving on paved road, driving under the influence, no driver’s license, too young, too small, etc.). The CPSC, in cooperation with Yamaha, did decide to issue a free repair program for the Rhino 450 and 660 and Yamaha included the Rhino 700 on its own. The CPSC believes these modifications “may help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling in certain situations.” Still a Rhino Yamaha’s ultimate goal for inviting us to ride its modified side-by-side was to show us that it is still a Rhino. Yamaha didn’t want the changes to turn the Rhino into something else – either closer to a competitor’s unit or just plain less capable. After almost 80 miles of rocks, roots, water and dirt we can indeed assure you that this Rhino is still, well, a Rhino. The Rhino is powered by a 686cc liquid cooled, fuel injected engine. We spent our day riding between 5,000 and 7,500 feet above sea level and didn’t have a hint of trouble. Because of the lower levels of oxygen at that altitude you will lose some power, but for the trial riding we were doing it was not particularly noticeable. Throttle response was instant and felt nice and torquey in the low end. That low-end power came in very handy throughout the day, especially when we were led over the toughest rock crawling section we’ve ever attempted in a side-by-side. We're far from true rock crawling aficionados, but fortunately Yamaha Testing Supervisor Pat Bilosi was there to show us the right lines. From the driver’s seat some of these lines were concerning, but with a little faith, four-wheel drive, a fully locked differential and a press of the gas we got over everything without incident. We wouldn’t try it again on our own, but pushing the Rhino to the edge and coming through with a rapid heartbeat and big smile was an experience to remember. Not every trail was as butterfly-inducing as the rock crawling section, so we did get a few chances to pin the pedal and burn up some quicker trails. While four-wheel drive offers a little more confidence in the rough stuff, we prefer two-wheel drive for fast trail riding. It really frees up the back end to slide around corners and kick up some dust. Yamaha has a speed limiter on the Rhino 700 models set at about 40 mph. If you’re riding around tight, wooded trails or getting some work done on your property this is more than enough speed. However, for wide open desert riding or other high-speed applications this might be somewhat limiting. No need to fear, though, as a visit to a forum like Rhinotalk.net will help you find a solution or lead you to any number of aftermarket companies that can help you uncork your Rhino in a heartbeat. It’s obvious the engine has a lot more speed to give, but Yamaha has the limiter on for a reason – the faster you go the more likely you are to get into trouble. If you decide to uncork your Rhino you’re doing so at your own risk. Comfort, Safety & Other Features After such a long, grueling day it’s safe to say the Rhino provides a reasonably comfortable ride. The seat provides good support and we didn’t suffer from “numb butt” at any point. Our only gripe is the seat belt would dig into our shoulder, but that may have been the result of aggressive driving. Still, one day we’d like to see somebody offer a four or five-point harness on a “Sport” specific unit. Doors come standard on Rhino 700 models and they come in handy. They help keep your feet from sliding out and trail debris from getting in. Yamaha offers a free door program for any Rhino that didn’t come with them from the factory so if you’ve got an older model you should take advantage. A digital instrument panel with multi-function LCD display provides everything you need, including an easy to read fuel gauge, speedometer and duel trip meters. Though it’s not nearly as fun as being behind the wheel, we did spend some time in the passenger seat to get a different perspective. So long as you’ve got a driver you trust, being a passenger is pretty relaxing. The center-mounted passenger handhold might be our favorite outside of the T-shaped bar on the Polaris Ranger RZR. Sport Package Our Sport Edition proved to be an awesome trail riding companion. The fully adjustable piggyback shocks were great for hammering through rocky, rutted out trails at high speed and crawling over huge rocks at a much slower pace. Despite taking a great deal of abuse, the one-piece cast aluminum wheels were certainly up to the challenge. Though we started out taking care to hit rocks head on and avoid any unnecessary damage, as the day progressed we were far less vigilant and started shredding through rocky fields with reckless abandon. The wheels and tires did not make it through the entire ride completely unscathed, but we can’t think of any product that would. The Sport Edition also includes an injected-molded sun top, which was ideal for keeping the hot July sun off our necks. Also, a Baja-inspired front carry bar, red water-dipped body, dealer-installed LED tail lights, steering wheel cover, custom shift knob, over fenders, and black bed rails help set the Sport Edition apart. One thing we’d add to the Rhino Sport Edition and every other Rhino is a more durable skid plate/underbody protection. This is not a big issue for desert riders, but for those of you who like tighter, more technical trails this is important. Admittedly we really put an abnormal pounding on our test unit, but the plastic skid plate didn’t last long. GYTR manufactures a number of protection items that would make a world of difference, including a Baja Front Bash Plate ($150.95) that would be perfect for the Sport Edition. Aftermarket companies like DG Performance sell similar products that would no doubt help keep your Rhino safe, especially in conditions like we encountered. Conclusion It may not be as sporty as the Polaris Ranger RSR S, as fast as the Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 H2 XTZ, or possess the utility of a Kawasaki Mule, but the Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Sport Edition is among the most versatile side-by-sides available. The Rhino was the first of its kind and it’s still a force to be reckoned with.