Vern Putzer – Dirt Trax Online https://www.atvmag.com Powersports News Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:34:05 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://www.atvmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-dt_logo-removebg-preview-32x32.png Vern Putzer – Dirt Trax Online https://www.atvmag.com 32 32 ALL-NEW Honda Talon 1000R-4 Performance REVIEW https://www.atvmag.com/videos/all-new-honda-talon-1000r-4-with-fox-live-valve-performance-review/ https://www.atvmag.com/videos/all-new-honda-talon-1000r-4-with-fox-live-valve-performance-review/#respond Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:33:51 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=14113 We head to MidAmerica Outdoors, the nation’s premiere off-road park, in Jay Oklahoma to evaluate the all-new Honda Talon 1000R-4 with FOX Live Valve.

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TIS TT1 by HERCULES https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/tis-tt1-by-hercules/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/tis-tt1-by-hercules/#respond Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:38:59 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=14089 This Maximum Traction / Mud Terrain tire was created in partnership with TIS Offroad offering up to 26-inch rim diameter sizes. The TIS TT1 by Hercules is designed for recreational, off-road drivers and enthusiasts seeking a stylish, aggressive look. It features two distinct shoulder designs for individuals to customize their vehicle and an aggressive tread pattern design for excellent grip in extreme conditions.

The tire’s tread block geometry and void ratio work in partnership to ensure mud, rocks and water are expelled efficiently to provide a high level of grip and performance on tough terrain. The duo has also optimized the tire’s profile shape to provide a footprint that balances pressure distribution for even wear and an extended service life. A stair-step tread design also improves the tire’s self-cleaning capabilities to prevent stone drilling.

The TIS TT1 will be available in 19 high floatation sizes with an overall diameter range of 33in to 37in and will fit wheels with rim diameters from 17in to 26in.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Robust tread compound formulated to enhance durability by maximizing strength and puncture resistance in the most adverse driving conditions while prolonging tread life.
  • Optimized profile shape that provides an ideal footprint for balanced pressure distribution to support even wear and enhanced longevity.
  • Strategic tread block geometry and optimized void ratio– work in tandem to expel mud, dirt, rocks, and water and provide excellent grip in hi/lo speed situations, while reducing irregular wear caused by rugged terrains.
  • Reinforced shoulder design – enhances overall strength at high-stress points while increasing grip, handling, and cornering confidence.
  • Unique stair-step tread design – adds rigidity and improves self-cleaning capability by preventing stone drilling and debris retention

For more information visit: herculestire.com

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FXR PILOT LE MX GOGGLE https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/fxr-pilot-le-mx-goggle/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/fxr-pilot-le-mx-goggle/#respond Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:47:19 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=14033 If you wear a motocross helmet, then one of the essential parts of your off-road ensemble is your choice of goggles. Afterall, protecting your eyes is non-negotiable.

FXR Pilot LE goggles pair perfectly with FXR helmets but are also a great choice to match up with other brands. The integrated outrigger system allows the Pilot LE goggle to fit perfectly inside the eye-port of most helmets. The lightweight, Poly-Flex urethane frame has a firm yet pliable feel for ultimate comfort and protection. The exclusive frame material allows the Pilot LE goggle to conform comfortably to a variety of face shapes.

The 3D contoured triple-density face foam provides the best anti-drip, sweat protection available. The air vent system induces maximum airflow while keeping unwanted dust and debris out, which also allows moisture and condensation to escape freely, preventing lens fogging in varied riding conditions.

The Pilot LE goggle includes the highest quality polycarbonate, shatter-resistant, anti-scratch, and anti-fog coated lens with 100% UVA protection.

Tear-off posts integrated into the premium lens for quick and easy tear-off installation. Anti-static smudge resistant goggle bag comes standard in every box.

The FXR Pilot LE goggle comes with a storage pouch that can be used for cleaning as well a spare CLEARIDIUM dual-layer Anti-Fog clear lens. There are also a variety of lens options to choose from.

DETAILS & SPECS

  • CLEARIDIUM™ Anti-fog oversized, Impact resistant, pre-curved polycarbonate single lens
  • Spare CLEARIDIUM™ dual-layer Anti-Fog clear lens included
  • Premium Anti-Scratch and UV lens coatings
  • 3D contoured triple-density face foam
  • Rigid outriggers and soft frame for perfect fit & tension
  • Moisture-wicking face fabric
  • Premium strap with FXR silicone grip
  • Removable nose piece
  • Low-profile seamless ladder locks and strap-ends
  • Soft storage/cleaning pouch included
  • Tear-offs, accessories, parts and extra lens options available

For more information on FXR goggles and to find your perfect helmet and goggle setup, visit fxrracing.com

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2023 Honda Talon 1000R 4 Fox Live Valve Detailed Overview https://www.atvmag.com/videos/2023-honda-talon-1000r-4-fox-live-valve-detailed-overview/ https://www.atvmag.com/videos/2023-honda-talon-1000r-4-fox-live-valve-detailed-overview/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 20:37:29 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=14011 Maria Rowland, Talon Project Manager, joins Vern as they provide a detailed overview of the recently released 2023 Honda Talon 1000R 4 passenger sport SxS; equipped with 2.5-inch diameter Fox Live Valve shocks. Aside from the increased 68-inch-wide stance and increased front and rear wheel travel, there is a long list of improvements made to the 1000R-4 that make it a worthy consideration in the 4-passenger sport side-by-side market.

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CKX ATLAS HELMET https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/ckx-atlas-helmet-2/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/ckx-atlas-helmet-2/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:50:17 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=14008 If you’re like us, riding your ATV or side-x-side is just one of the many motorized adventure sports you like to partake in and with multiple loves of motorsport toys, comes multiple assortments of gear.

CKX understood this dilemma faced by many and created a single helmet that can easily be configured 3 different ways to best suit the needs of Road, Adventure and Enduro themed riding.

The new CKX Atlas helmet is a first of its kind and allows you to customize the helmet to suit your specific needs. In standard configuration the wide panoramic shield is perfect for higher speed on-road motorcycle riding.

Want to venture off the path with your adventure touring motorcycle or Side x Side, add the multi-position extendable peak which minimizes drag at higher speeds but can be extended for better deflection of mud and roost when off road.

For those which prefer to wear goggles, no problem, simply replace the shield with the CKX 210 degree goggles for Enduro style riding.

Key Features of the new CKX Atlas Helmet:

  • Pivoting and removable muzzle for better air management
  • Interchangeable panoramic shield for better adaptability without tools
  • Patented push-button mechanism for quick helmet set-up
  • Multi-Position extendable peak for effective protection from the elements
  • Uncompromising protection: Fully compliant with North American and European Regulations

For more information visit: ckxgear.com

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Superclamp ATV/UTV Tie-Down Strap Kit https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/superclamp-atv-utv-tie-down-strap-kit/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/superclamp-atv-utv-tie-down-strap-kit/#respond Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:22:05 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=13971 For decades the most common way to secure your offroad vehicle was to hook tie-down straps around parts of the chassis or suspension and crank them down hard. No matter how tight you think you secured the vehicle in place, slack in the straps occur every time the suspension compresses from bumps on the road. Often, causing the vehicle to shift and move around on the trailer, or rub up against unwanted surfaces or worse move to the outside edge and possibility fall of the trailer deck.

Superclamp has added a new product that solves this problem entirely. The “ATV / UTV Tie-Down Strap” kit doesn’t fasten to the chassis of your offroad vehicle at all. It fastens around the tire. Holding the unsprung part of your ATV or Side x Side confidently in place so there’s never any chance that the straps can come loose as the suspension compresses. This is how cars have been held down on flat deck car trailers for years and it works fantastic. This is the safest method of securing your ATV or side-x-side and is also the least stressful on suspension components.

The ATV UTV tie down strap kit comes with everything you need to secure one vehicle. 4 straps, 4 heavy duty ratchets with rubber coated handles and a set of 4, four-inch-long deck hooks. Each 1.5-inch-wide strap has a working load limited of 1,300-pounds. While you can use the supplied deck hooks and mount them at fixed distances apart from each other, we opted for a bit more adjustability and versatility and mounted Superclamp’s Supertracks to the deck of our trailer instead. By using the Supertracks we can easily adjust our anchor position forward and back for different vehicles we may need to haul.

All that’s required for installation is to ensure the deck hook is mounted between 3-4 inches out from the tire and at an angle slightly forward and back from the front and rear wheels. Slip the looped strap around the top third of the tire and tighten down the ratchet so that compresses the tire slightly. Repeat this same procedure at all 4 corners and you’re all set.

The difference in using this tie down system is immediately noticeable when you start towing. The vehicle will move up and down freely through its travel absorbing all the bumps and impacts from the road while keeping the vehicle secure and the tires firmly in place.

For more information on Superclamp’s full line of products visit superclamp.net

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YAMAHA’S YFZ450R | UNDISPUTED KING OF SPORT QUADS https://www.atvmag.com/features/yamahas-yfz450r-undisputed-king-of-sport-quads/ https://www.atvmag.com/features/yamahas-yfz450r-undisputed-king-of-sport-quads/#respond Tue, 23 May 2023 16:56:49 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=13951 In a previous article (CLICK HERE) we explored why Yamaha’s Raptor 700 is a great choice for someone entering the ORV market or for someone who didn’t have the budget for a sport side-x-side. The versatility of the Raptor 700 delivers big on fun factor no matter how hard you push it or where you choose to ride it.

The YFZ450R on the other hand is all about full throttle addiction. This sport ATV is race ready straight out of the box and the weapon of choice for skilled pilots shredding dunes or jumping huge gaps on their way to claiming victory at the finish line.

At the heart of the YFZ450R is a 449cc single cylinder mated to a five-valve cylinder head with trick titanium valve technology. Fuel is precisely delivered to the 42mm Mikuni throttle through a 12-hole fuel injection system.

At first squeeze of the throttle the YFZ450R is ultra-responsive to even the slightest input. The high compression ratio further compliments its responsiveness and delivers a strong dosage of power through the mid-range, all the way to the top-end.

Highly tuned 450 race quads need powerplants that are broad, fast, and incredibly usable. The Yamaha YFZ450R remains the best production pure sport ATV to date capable of delivering these traits.

The powerband isn’t its only talking point either. Considerable mention needs to be made to the clutch design. The assist-and-slipper clutch reduces clutch lever effort for less fatigue while increasing clutch plate pressure for positive engagement.

While 1st, 4th and 5th gear serve their purpose, you’ll find most of your time shifting between 2nd and 3rd. In second gear, power is abundant and you can rev it out for long pulls before needing to upshift. Third gear makes use of the torque rich mill giving you added comfort knowing you can lug the motor for smoother acceleration and better traction when called for.

The YFZ450R comes alive the harder you ride it, in return delivering confidence inspiring handling thanks to its motocross-ready chassis. The lightweight frame is a combination of aluminum and steel and the steel undercarriage works by properly supporting the low-lying engine placement for mass centralization. The aluminum over-structure contributes to the YZF450R’s light weight and is bolted, rather than welded, for maximum durability.

The YFZ450R’s slim body and low profile invites you to hang off the sides to further enhance cornering and then shift your weight back to lighten up the front end as you skim over long sets of whoops and rough terrain. The chassis is well-balanced and stays level and steady when catching big air or linking smaller jumps together for more technical rhythm sections.

In tighter trail scenarios, its wider A-arm front suspension is at a disadvantage compared its narrower Raptor 700 cousin, but that’s really the only drawback. Otherwise, its front suspension geometry produces superb flat handling and is quick to react to steering inputs.

Soaking up all the rough stuff is a full set of YZ-style Kashima coated KYB shocks which are fully adjustable with high/low speed compression and rebound adjustment. The front suspension yields 9.8 inches of travel and out back the rear YZ-style swingarm is crafted from strong, gravity-fed aluminum and sports the same 46mm KYB piggyback shock while offering 11.0 inches of travel.

The YZF450R is a high-performance rocket and the perfect machine for skilled, aggressive riders who crave the ultimate sport ATV experience whether in the dunes or on the race track and since its inception, has been a passion project of excellence for Yamaha engineers and its development team.

Canadians only have one option and that’s the YZF450R which starts at $12,099 CAD before adding accessories and surcharges. Options increase to two models in the U.S starting with the YZF450R at $10,299 or the Special Edition YZF450R SE at $10,699, which features GYTR performance parts and unique color and a graphic scheme, which according to Yamaha, looks fast just standing still.

Through a combination of winning championships on the race circuit and outlasting its competition through attrition, Yamaha’s YFZ450R reigns supreme earning its reputation as the undisputed King of Sport Quads.

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YAMAHA’S RAPTOR 700 DELIVERS BIG ON FUN FACTOR https://www.atvmag.com/features/yamahas-raptor-700-delivers-big-on-fun-factor/ https://www.atvmag.com/features/yamahas-raptor-700-delivers-big-on-fun-factor/#respond Thu, 11 May 2023 13:51:08 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=13931 With the ongoing growth of the sport side-x-side market it’s easy for someone to lose sight of the sport ATV market. After all, there’s really only one OEM still committed to its existence and speaking on behalf of the entire crew of Dirt Trax and all those that love sport ATV’s, we’re grateful to Yamaha for doing so.

Sport ATV’s have played a pivotal role in shaping off-road recreation as we know it today. Even the characteristics of today’s highest performing sport side-x-sides mimic the qualities associated with Pure Sport ATVs, such as quick reacting agility, ultimate control, and rider inspired performance.

As attractive as a pure sport side x side like the YXZ 1000 R may be, it’s often outside the budget of those new to the sport. However, pure sport ATVs like the Raptor 700 and the YFZ450 offer a unique option to get onto the trails without breaking your wallet.

Up first this in two-part series is a closer look at the Yamaha Raptor…

Yamaha Raptor 700 – Affordable Big Bore Fun!

In the pure sport ATV market, Yamaha’s Raptor has proven its domination by becoming the best-selling sport ATV of all time. The success of the Raptor can largely be attributed to “do-it-all” persona. Whether you’re into railing berms in the desert or riding twisty trails through the woods, the Raptor has an uncanny ability to adapt to just about any terrain.

The heart of the Raptor is its 686cc single fed by a 44mm throttle body and Yamaha fuel injection. The torque rich 4-stroke power combined with its 5-speed manual transmission is what truly keeps you coming back for more.

Out of the hole the Raptor transfers its power to the rear wheels with authority. Clutch engagement remains positive and precise as you pound through the gears. Get up to third and let the wide power band do its magic as you weave around tighter corners without fail as the Raptor is able to recover from almost any low rpm situation.

These traits also make it great choice for a newbie just learning to use a manual transmission and while its reverse gear is a little finicky at times, you don’t realize how much you value it until you ride a Pure Sport without it.

The Raptor’s hybrid steel aluminum frame combined with a YZ-style swing arm and solid rear axle produces a strong structure while remaining the lightest ATV in its class. Both the rigidity and flex of this chassis remain a hallmark of this machine for good reason. The Raptor has found a sweet spot between the quick reacting traits of the YZF450 and a forgiving nature that keeps the chassis settled and in control when pushing the envelope.

The Raptor’s versatility can also be attributed to its high quality, fully adjustable shock package. All three of the YZ-Style shocks on the Raptor are fully adjustable with high and low speed compression along with rebound adjustment. Threaded preload also gives you considerable control over the 9.1 inches of suspension travel up front and 10.1 inches out back.

Choose to ride it aggressively and its nimble chassis is quick to respond to some of the most challenging terrain. Whether in the dunes or in the woods, the Raptor is fun, flickable and sporty. You instinctively become one with the ATV thanks to its superb sport-riding ergonomics.

Body movements are dynamically connected to the chassis, further enhancing the handling of the Raptor. It’s a feeling uniquely attributed to the pure sport ATV category and something you’ll never experience while buckled into a side-x-side.

When you want to take it easy, simply let your elbows drop from attack position to a more relaxed posture; the suspension and comfortable seat will soak up the rough stuff as you cruise around looking for new terrain to conquer.

The Raptor 700 delivers big on fun and gets you in the sport at an affordable price. In Canada the Raptor is only available in 700R trim and starts at $12,599 CAD before adding accessories. Options increase to 3 models in the U.S starting with the base Raptor 700 with basic pre-load adjustable shocks retailing at $9,399 USD; the 700R at $9,999 USD and then the Raptor 700R SE priced at $10,599 which comes with added features like a dealer installed GYTR front grab bar and heel guards to match its unique graphics package.

The Raptor inspires confidence and injects a ton of fun into any riding experience. Its versatility across differing types of terrain, whether on the track, trail or dunes make it a great choice for someone interested in getting the most fun from a day in the dirt.

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TIS TT1 OFFROAD TIRES BY HERCULES https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/tis-tt1-offroad-tires-by-hercules/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/tis-tt1-offroad-tires-by-hercules/#respond Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:17:44 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=13790 This Maximum Traction / Mud Terrain tire was created in partnership with TIS Offroad offering up to 26″ rim diameter sizes.

The TIS TT1 by Hercules is designed for recreational, off-road drivers and enthusiasts seeking a stylish, aggressive look. It features two distinct shoulder designs for individuals to customize their vehicle and an aggressive tread pattern design for excellent grip in extreme conditions.

The tire’s tread block geometry and void ratio work in partnership to ensure mud, rocks and water are expelled efficiently to provide a high level of grip and performance on tough terrain.

The duo has also optimized the tire’s profile shape to provide a footprint that balances pressure distribution for even wear and an extended service life. A stair-step tread design also improves the tire’s self-cleaning capabilities to prevent stone drilling.

The TIS TT1 will be available in 19 high floatation sizes with an overall diameter range of 33-inches to 37-inches and will fit wheels with rim diameters from 17-inches to 26-inches.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • Robust tread compound formulated to enhance durability by maximizing strength and puncture resistance in the most adverse driving conditions while prolonging tread life.
  • Optimized profile shape that provides an ideal footprint for balanced pressure distribution to support even wear and enhanced longevity.
  • Strategic tread block geometry and optimized void ratio– work in tandem to expel mud, dirt, rocks, and water and provide excellent grip in hi/lo speed situations, while reducing irregular wear caused by rugged terrains.
  • Reinforced shoulder design – enhances overall strength at high-stress points while increasing grip, handling, and cornering confidence.
  • Unique stair-step tread design – adds rigidity and improves self-cleaning capability by preventing stone drilling and debris retention

For more information visit: herculestires.com

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HERCULES AVALANCHE TT WINTER TIRES https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/hercules-avalanche-tt-winter-tires/ https://www.atvmag.com/top-gear/hercules-avalanche-tt-winter-tires/#respond Sun, 06 Nov 2022 17:54:00 +0000 https://www.atvmag.com/?p=13752 There’s no question that winter tires on your truck provide a significant degree of safety when driving in winter. This season we’re running Hercules Avalanche TT winter tires on our work truck again because they’ve made a significant improvement to acceleration, stopping and cornering on snow or ice-covered roads.

These tires are designed specifically for your truck or cargo van to help you navigate winter’s most extreme conditions.

The zig zag circumferential grooves featured on the Avalanche TT hold snow in the tread to stay gripped to the road and the saw-tooth features of the Snow-Grabber Grooves provide critical traction when the roads are nasty. Furthermore, their thin gauge, full-depth siping create more biting edges to deliver maximum traction on snow and ice.

The traction provided by the Avalanche TT winter tires lets us feel confident that even on a steep grade we can accelerate from fully stopped and come to a complete stop without sliding through an intersection.

Driving in the winter means driving in less than optimal conditions and we can rest comfortably knowing that our Hercules Avalanche TT winter tires are going to grip the road even in the harshest conditions and help get us to our destination safely.

Visit HERCULESTIRES.COM for more information.

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