Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/343790
10 • July 13, 2014 • Powersports Business NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com transitions). If maintaining the industry's best belt life wasn't enough, the Ultramatic system also features a sprag clutch that engages natu- ral-feeling engine braking, which is a key com- ponent when navigating tight turns and steep hills — especially with passengers and cargo. The On-Command system puts the driver in control of engaging one of three settings: 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with a fully locked front differential, simply by turning the rotary dial on the left side of the dash. Precise steering no matter the occupancy or load comes from a number of design and performance features, and one of the most sig- nificant is Yamaha's industry-leading Electric Power Steering. Steering assist from EPS helps lighten the effort and reduce fatigue especially over long periods of operation, with heavy loads and in rough terrain. But Yamaha's sys- tem also provides the most natural feeling assist with just the right amount of feedback — no floating or inconsistent steering feel — due to its specially designed rack and pinion layout and overall EPS setting. Reaching down to the ground are all-new Maxxis Big Horn tires that were designed exclusively for Yamaha and optimized spe- cifically for the Viking VI. Their aggressive tread patterns and reputation for durability are similar to the original Viking, but the construction and pressure setting have been optimized for the VI. In short, the new tires contribute to the vehi- cles overall comfort, han- dling and durability. POWERFUL ENGINE The Viking VI pulls power from a 686cc 4-stroke, liq- uid-cooled, SOHC, single- cylinder, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine proven on Viking and optimized for the Viking VI. The engine gets a redesigned intake system, fuel injection and ignition advance mapping, plus changes in the clutch specification to power up for the larger platform and achieve strong, smooth power and acceleration from extremely low speeds up through to the high- speed range. Ultimately, it is the most powerful 4x4 engine Yamaha has ever produced, and it makes plenty of power to handle the Viking VI at maximum capacity. The Viking VI engine is positioned under the vehicle's rear cargo bed allowing for easy access and simple maintenance. Its large capac- ity air intake system, which contributes to the engine's strong power delivery, is also easy to access and maintain incorporating a reusable, large-capacity foam air filter positioned under the middle rear seat. It is easily accessible from the cabin without tools to clean or change in the field or shop. The large flat rear cargo bed is made of steel, designed for excellent load capacity, and is rated to carry up to 600 pounds of cargo. At 14-cubic-feet of cargo space with no wheel wells, a full pallet fits flush and the bed has standard tie down hooks and one-touch tilt assist. A standard two-inch receiver hitch out back tows an additional 1,500 pounds. Unique to the category, the Viking VI incorporates steel skid plates across the entire undercarriage: front-to-back and side-to-side, and the chassis is swept up on each side to reduce potential for friction in rough terrain. Also unique to the Viking line is row crop- friendly track width. The all-new Viking VI comes in Hunter Green, Red and Realtree AP HD camo. MSRP for standard versions starts at $12,799 for non-EPS and $13,799 for EPS models. A Viking VI EPS Special Edition in Matte Silver with Soft Suntop comes with an MSRP of $14,999 and incorporates alumi- num wheels, overfenders, mud flaps, a soft sun top, a sealed storage compart- ment under the left rear seat and Yamaha's bed rail accessory mounts. PSB VIKING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 KYMCO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 A CLOSER LOOK Travis Hollins, ATV/SxS product planning manager for Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., offers PSB readers an inside look at the new 6-seat Yamaha side-by-side, the Viking VI. To see a video of the Viking VI in action, check out this issue's digital edition or visit http://bit.ly/1veSoGD "We have watched the Enduro- Cross series grow over the years and thoroughly enjoy each of the events, the obstacles and the racing and excitement it creates for the fans." said Johnny Jump, brand manager for K&N. "K&N filters are a great fit for EnduroCross racers and the fans alike; we look forward to bringing awareness of our full line of filtration and performance products through the 2014 EnduroCross series." SLIPSTREAMER FOUNDER EGGERICHS PASSES AWAY Bob Eggerichs, 74, founder of Slipstreamer, Inc., passed away in his sleep on June 25. Bob was the founder of CF, Inc. in 1971, which became Slipstreamer, Inc. in 1973. Slipstreamer, Inc. was the first producer and marketer of the stand-alone clear, acrylic motorcycle windscreen. "Bob was an honest and trust- worthy businessman who had an unending zest for life," according to the company. "Many remember him for his generosity and playful nature at trade shows as well as his sincerity and honesty. What most people didn't see was how much he cared for each and every customer. He based his life's work on the idea that the selling of the product was just the beginning. Once it left our warehouse, you became part of our family and you WILL be taken care of no matter what. If you needed a part, you got it. You wanted a park- ing lot deal, you got it. You needed help with your business, you got it. You just needed a friend, you got it. "The industry has lost another great man who contributed greatly to the powersports industry. Please raise a glass to toast his life." YAMAHA MOTOR FINANCE CANADA NAMES SOFTWARE PLATFORM PARTNER Yamaha Motor Finance Canada Ltd. announced that it has con- tracted with White Clarke Group to implement its CALMS2 Compass Wholesale Management System. The new system will be fully opera- tional when Yamaha Motor Finance Canada Ltd. launches its new inven- tory finance program to Canadian motorsport and marine dealers on Jan. 1, 2015. "We're excited to be able to offer this new program to Yamaha deal- ers," said Leone Foxwell, who will be responsible for the new Inventory Finance Program. "We have listened to their requests and are committed to providing the best to them at all times. We believe that our new rela- tionship with White Clarke Group is an integral component of this new program." "Yamaha con- tinues to demon- strate leadership and a commitment to its dealers. We are honored to have been selected for this project which will streamline the floorplan process for dealers," said Jonathan Dodds, CEO – Americas of White Clarke Group. ROHVA HOPEFUL THAT NEW YORK ATV BILL WILL PASS The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is hopeful that New York legislators will approve the bills sponsored by Assembly- woman Addie Russell (A4971) and Senator Patty Ritchie (S1946). The bills would modernize the definition of all-terrain vehicle to allow popu- lar side-by-side recreational vehicles weighing up to 1,500 pounds to be registered and ridden on existing off- highway vehicle trails in New York. The most popular utility and recre- ational ATVs in the U.S. are legal in every state — except New York. This legislation is very important to the viability of New York's powersports dealers and its tourism industry. Hundreds of thousands of New York residents enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation with their fami- lies and are responsible stewards of the environment, volunteer- ing their time to maintain trails to ensure future generations have the same opportunity to get outdoors, according to ROHVA. Many riders currently go to neighboring states to buy and ride side-by-side vehicles. New York is losing millions of dol- lars not only in lost registration fees and sales taxes, but more sig- nificantly in tourism dollars to local restaurants, hotels and gas stations. The economies of rural communi- ties across the state would have the opportunity to realize significant benefits. Hundreds of powersports dealers and service shops in New York have experienced a decline in sales and revenue as consumers shift to this newer product segment and these small businesses are currently losing sales to neighboring states. If passed, dealerships could hire more employees and the state could real- ize increased tax revenue. In the final days of the session, environmental groups are oppos- ing the change, claiming that public lands would be damaged by allow- ing vehicles heavier than 1,000 pounds to be ridden on New York's managed trail systems. The legisla- tion does not open any additional public lands to motorized recreation. It would, however, provide a tool to better manage off-highway vehicle recreation by registering these side-by-side vehicles as all-terrain vehicles and regulating them under the extensive safety laws that New York already has in place for ATVs, according to ROHVA. RACERTV PREMIERES ALL-NEW RACER X SHOW RacerTV, the West Virginia-based motorsports television production company, announced the newest addition to its online broadcast net- work lineup on RacerTV.com. The Racer X Show with Greg White, BOB EGGERICHS JONATHAN DODDS maintenance workers to resort management and first responders. The UXV 700i LE 50th and UXV 500i LE 50th feature Kenda Bounty Hunter 26×9-14 (front) and 26×11-14 (rear) tires, along with black aluminum alloy wheels and a 3,000- pound winch. The 50th anniversary package also includes the 50th anniversary logo and is available in metallic gold. The UXV 500i G is powered by a 499cc liquid-cooled, single overhead cam, 4-stroke, 5-valve engine with EFI. By far a new chapter in innovation for KYMCO, the 500i G series features a 5 kilowatt generator, with a full panel GFCI protection that is OSHA and NEC 2011 compliant. It also include a soft top, full wind- shield, winch mounting plate, tilting cargo bed and dual beverage holder. PSB THE WOW! FACTOR The 2015 KYMCO UXV500i G features a 5 kilowatt generator, and is an ideal machine to bring power to places where power has never gone before. To see a video of the generator in action, heck out this issue's digital edition or visit http://bit.ly/VuhCXk. HOTNEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 See Hot News, Page 13 Endurocross will be among the series high- lighted on The Racer X Show.