Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Marc Cesare

The new Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 UTV — The new Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews Summary

The Teryx KRX 1000 is Kawasaki’s long awaited entry into the high performance recreational UTV segment. SVR analyzed several Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 reviews and the two-seater appears to be worth the wait as the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The Teryx KRX 1000 is in the same class as the Honda Talon 1000R, Yamaha YKZ1000SE and Polaris RZR XP 1000.

Positive Comments

Very good suspension that soaks up bumps, holds a straight line and handles turns well with controlled body roll
Smooth power curve
Low power mode provides smooth and precise throttle response and helps make the KRZ 1000 excellent for rock crawling
Excellent engine braking
Speed-sensitive EPS works really well especially at low speeds but some riders might want more feedback at higher speeds
Good nightlines to driver side front wheel
Very good approach and departure angles
Roomy cab and adjustable seats can accommodate larger riders well
Easy cab ingress and egress
Looks to be well built and durable
Large cargo bed

Reviewers noted some other positive features including the styling of the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, several easy maintenance aspects, the 31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires and the digital gauge with CVT temperature reading.

Negative Comments

Some reviewers had negative comments, but they were relatively minor and most were not consistently noted across all of the reviews.

The Teryx KRX 1000 is heavier than comparable vehicles from competitors, about 350 lbs heavier
The vehicle’s initial acceleration was slow
Some drivers might find the steering wheel too far away when the seat is slid back
Some front end push in turns at high speed
Engine noise

Key Vehicle Specs

4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 999cc engine with EFI
Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch
Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
Engine braking
FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and 24-position adjustable compression damping
18.6″/21.1″ of front/rear suspension travel
31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires on 15″ alloy beadlock wheels
14.4″ of ground clearance
Speed sensitive EPS
Dual hydraulic disc brakes
LED lighting
Digital gauge
Full skid plate
Curb weight: 1,896 lbs

SVR’s Overall Take

The industry trade publications are overwhelmingly positive about Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000. The machine appears to be well thought out with attention to details. If you had to pick one aspect of the vehicle that stands out the most it would be the suspension and next up would be the powertrain. The engine is not the most powerful but more than adequate and paired with a good performing drivetrain. The durability of the chassis and other components foretells more powerful engine options in the future as the product line expands. The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is slightly more expensive and heavier than comparable vehicles but should be competitive in the market.

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews

The following highlights are from the reviews we analyzed to assess the vehicle. The reviews are based on a Kawasaki sponsored riding event at Moab, Utah. The vehicles were tested in a variety of terrains.

TFLoffroad Video Review

Big cargo bed
31″ tires and beadlock wheels
High intakes CVT and engine
Factory half doors
Nice styling
EPS – more feedback and heavier wheel at speed needed, better at slower speeds
4WD works well
Good sight line to driver side front wheel
EPS and low power mode good for low speeds, smooth and precise throttle
Easy cab egress and ingress
Plenty of seat adjustment, 6″
Digital gauge moves with steering wheel
Roof accessory has sunroof – lets sun in but allows for scenic views
Centrifugal clutch smooths out power delivery but not superfast off the line
Suspension smooth
Little noisy and engine noise not appealing – “droney”
Beauty of the machine is the suspension; swallows whoops; flat and straight and minimum work at wheel; better than Honda Talon
Incredible engine braking on steep rocky downhills
Pricing $500 less than the Honda Talon 1000R; $1,500 more than Yamaha YXZ1000 and $2,000 more than Polaris RZR XP 1000
Weight an issue – heavier than comparable models

Rocky Mountain ATV MC Video Review

Good at rock crawling in low power mode
Smooth drivetrain
Excellent engine braking
Easy to drive for average person
Very stable in fast turns
A little slow acceleration at the beginning
Good speed and stability

Overview Video with Kawasaki Product Manager

This video explores many of the Teryx KRX 1000 details.

UTV Guide Video Review by Joe Crowley

Straight, soaked up bumps, well planted
Really impressed by the suspension
Lot of leg room in cab
Steering wheel a little farther away than I like
Really liked rock crawling
Low range is “spot on”
Approach and departure angles great
Comes with steel skid plate but HMWPE option available
Smooth throttle
Bed can hold 32″ tire

UTV On Demand Video Review

Only high end gem with automatic CVT
Belts look durable with centrifugal clutch
Sight window for oil check
Powertrain has surge on the bottom, flat in the middle and surge again at top end power
Top speed restricted around 68 mph
More endurance than drag racer because of weight
Low power mode removes unwanted throttle inputs and slippage on steep rocky terrain
Plastic and steel skid plates
Beefy components
Fun to drive hard
Chassis and suspension step above engine output
Suspension soaked up bumps
Chassis sounded and felt solid, no noises or lose stuff, felt tight and solid
Very little body roll
Some front end push at higher speed in turns but suspension adjustments can be made to improve
Good brakes
Plenty of room for ingress and exit
Lot of seat adjustment but more bolstering would be better
Good sight lines out driver side to front wheel
Highest cargo bed capacity for this vehicle class
Great candidate for building a race machine

ATV and SxS Illustrated Review

Extremely smooth engine
Smooth suspension over whoops
Body roll is controlled
KRX carries extra weight
Good sight lines over the hood
Roomy cabin and higher sitting seats
Smooth transmission and deceivingly fast
Awesome digital gauge
Low power mode for rock crawling gives smooth throttle control
Easy maintenance with oil sight glass, oversized fill hole, accessible oil filter, accessible CVT cover and coolant reservoir window
CVT temperature readout on digital guage
Perfect EPS steering input and feel but could use a quicker steering ratio
Beefy and clean chassis should be durable
31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires a good all-around choice

Arcimoto FUV Production Starts

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Arcimoto Fun Utility Vehicle - FUV — The electric powered Arcimoto Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) is just starting retail production.

Oregon-based Arcimoto recently started production of their Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) to meet pre-order demand for 4,100 vehicles. Technically a motorcycle, the FUV is an electric powered three-wheeled vehicle that seats two. Many states have a special classification for three wheeled vehicles and only require a regular driver’s license to operate the vehicle. The current FUV Evergreen edition costs $19,900 but the company hopes in the future that volume production will reduce base model pricing to $12,000 and possibly below $10,000.

Arcimoto FUV Specs

The Arcimoto FUV is essentially a trike with two wheels up front and one in the rear. Each wheel up front has an electric motor. The vehicle has a 19.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack for a range of just over 100 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. The FUV has handlebar steering with a twist throttle and finger activated regenerative braking. Foot operated hydraulic brakes on all three wheels augments the regenerative braking. Other specs include:

Removable doors
LCD display
Heated seats
Bluetooth speakers
Two USB ports
Phone cradle
Lockable rear storage
Criss-cross seatbelts

The company is also developing a one person delivery vehicle and an emergency responder vehicle based on the same platform.

SVR’s Take

The Arcimoto FUV satisfies a need for a small, energy efficient vehicle that can be driven locally. Even though the FUV can operate at highway speeds I believe the sweet spot for the vehicle will be on roads up with speed limits up to 50 mph. Gated communities and vacation destinations that already allow low speed vehicles (LSVs) and golf cars will be a key market.

PTV Market

The problem with this market currently is that LSVs and golf cars can only go 20 to 25 mph and are often restricted to certain public roads based on speed limits and local ordinances. Classified as a motorcycle and with the power to operate at higher speeds, the FUV avoids this issue. This combination greatly increases the functionality of the FUV. The FUV with a speed limited setting can go from golf course to gated community to higher speed public roads. Therefore, the FUV is appropriate for a wider range of activities.

FUV Challenges

I currently see three main challenges that may limit the FUVs appeal. The first is consumer acceptance of driving a three-wheeled vehicle with handlebar steering. This is different than many consumer’s traditional driving experience. The second is price. The company should target the $10,000 to $13,000 price range to be competitive with LSVs, PTVs and golf cars. Although, the increased functionality of the vehicle is a mitigating factor that could allow for a pricing premium. The third is that the vehicle is only two passenger, so it may have limited appeal for families or larger groups.

Competitive Landscape

The FUV is a direct challenge to the LSVs and more importantly the personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) that have become a key growth market for the traditional golf car companies. The decline and stagnation in fleet golf car market has forced these companies to target the utility vehicle and PTV markets for growth. (LSVs have largely been relegated to college and corporate campuses with some personal transportation use.) This could become the classic case of the outsider coming in and disrupting a market.

Where are the golf companies?

There is no reason the golf car companies could not have developed this vehicle first and they certainly have the resources and time to create a vehicle of their own. However, in the past these companies have missed opportunities such as the utility vehicle market for which they were well positioned. In addition, the FUV could serve as an alternative to a second or third automobile for running local errands or short one or two person commuting.

What Does The Future Hold

It will be interesting to see what kind of uptake the consumer version has. Recreational vehicles like the Can-Am Spyder and Polaris Slingshot have not completely taken off and remained niche. However, they are more recreational and less of a practical and green transportation alternative than the FUV. I think the delivery version of the FUV might be the sleeper product. Given concerns about urban congestion, pollution and sustainability, these vehicles could become a popular option for last mile logistics in crowded cities. The urban environment could play to the vehicle’s strengths of smaller size and zero emission powertrain while mitigating weaknesses such as limited top speed and driving range.

John Deere XUV835 Gator UTV Recall

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Marc Cesare

These variants of the John Deere XUV835 Gator utility vehicle are part of the recall.

John Deere XUV835 Recall Summary

John Deere is recalling nearly 20,000 XUV835 Gator utility vehicles because the plastic sheathing on the throttle cable can melt and cause the throttle to stick. The underlying issue is improperly routed throttle cables. The recall covers models sold from November 2017 through July, 2019. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall details are from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Recall Details

Name of product: John Deere XUV835 Gator utility vehicles

Hazard: The plastic sheathing on the throttle cable can melt due to improper routing, causing the throttle to stick. This could result in the operator not being able to stop the vehicle, posing a crash hazard.

Recall date: September 4, 2019

Units: About 19,730 (In addition, about 840 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves John Deere Gator utility vehicles with model number “XUV835” printed on the hood. “John Deere” and “Gator” are printed on the cargo box. The serial number is located on the frame directly above right front tire and begins with 1M0835 and falls within the ranges on the chart below. The recalled utility vehicles were sold in green and yellow, olive drab and camouflage and have side-by-side seating for two or three people, depending on the seat option.

Serial Number Range

1M0835ExxxM010001 – 1M0835ExxxM020413

1M0835MxxxM010001 – 1M0835MxxxM022741

1M0835RxxxM010001 – 1M0835RxxxM023115

1M0835EAPMM560107

1M0835MECLM544103

1M0835MAPMM560108

1M0835RBCLM544102

1M0835RATMM560102

1M0835RAPMM560103

1M0835RAKMM560104

1M0835RAJMM560105

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair of improperly routed throttle cables. John Deere is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: John Deere has received reports of nine incidents. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: John Deere dealers nationwide from November 2017 through July 2019 for between $13,860 and $22,930.

Manufacturer(s): Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill.

Manufactured In: U.S.

Recall number: 19-776

Report an Incident Involving this Product

SVR’s Take

This is a large recall relative to the total sales of John Deere gator utility vehicles, even though the sales stretch over nearly two years. There have been a number of throttle related recalls in the industry the last year including a smaller Gator XUV590 recall. This and other recalls continues the disturbing trend of a relatively high number of recalled vehicles in relation to annual industry sales. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.

Kawasaki Recalls Teryx UTVs

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Kawasaki Teryx utility vehicle being recalled

Kawasaki is recalling approximately 2,625 model year 2019 and 2020 Teryx 800 4×4 two seat and Teryx4 750 4×4 four seat utility vehicles. Dealers sold the recalled UTVs in non-EPS, EPS and LE trim levels. The left side upper knuckle joint nut could have been improperly tightened, potentially affecting steering control and posing a crash hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately and contact a Kawasaki dealer for a free repair. The following are the recall details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Teryx Recall Details

Name of product: Teryx® and Teryx4™ recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard: Incorrect joint assembly can cause steering control loss, posing crash and injury hazards.

Recall date: September 4, 2019

Units: About 2,600

Description: This recall involves model year 2019 and 2020 Teryx and Teryx4 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), models KRF800FKF/L, KRF800GKF/A/AL/L, KRF800HKF/L, KRT800FKF/L, KRT800GKF/A/AL/L, KRT800HKF/L, KRF800FLF/L, KRF800GLF/L, KRF800HLF/L, KRT800FLF/L, KRT800GLF/A/AL/L and KRT800HLF/L. The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including: black, camo, gray, green, orange and white; and in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The vehicles have either two or four seats, automotive style controls and a rear box. Kawasaki is printed on the vehicle’s hood and rear box. Teryx or Teryx4 is printed on the right and left front fender.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from March 2019 through August 2019 from between $13,000 and $17,000.

Manufacturer(s): Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. U.S.A., Lincoln, Neb.

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 19-777

Report an Incident Involving this Product

Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.kawasaki.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the homepage for more information.

Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.

Yamaha Golf Car Recalls Vehicles

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Yamaha UMAX TWO — The 2019 UMAX TWO is one of the vehicle Yamaha Golf Car is recalling.

Yamaha Golf Car Recall Overview

Yamaha Golf Car is recalling approximately 16,000 vehicles because of an issue with the USB port creates a fire hazard. The recall involves model year 2017 through 2019 vehicles including Drive2 fleet, Adventurer Two and some UMAX models. The recall affects both electric and gas powered models. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Yamaha Golf Car Recall Details

Name of product: Yamaha golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles

Hazard: The module that regulates power to the vehicle’s USB ports can overheat and melt, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: August 28, 2019

Units: 16,000

Consumer contact: Yamaha toll-free at 866-747-4027 anytime or online at www.yamahagolfcar.com and click on “CPSC Recall Alerts” for more information.

Description: This recall involves the following model year 2016 through 2018 gas and electric-powered golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The model and serial number can be found on a label under the seat on the left or right side.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the USB charging device in the recalled vehicles and contact a Yamaha golf car dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly..

Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received five reports of associated fire incidents and 100 reports of a melted USB voltage-reducer module. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:Exclusively at Yamaha golf car dealers nationwide from June 2016 through June 2019 for between $6,000 and $11,000.

Manufacturer(s): Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, of Newnan, Ga.

Distributor(s): Yamaha Golf-Car Company, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Assembled in: U.S.

Recall number: 19-774

SVR’s Take

Yamaha recalled some of these vehicles previously because of an issue with the accelerator pedal. While this recall is large, given Yamaha Golf Cars’ total sales, it is small in comparison to that previous recall which involved 145,000 vehicles. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.

Club Car Fuel Leak Recalls

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Club Car Recall Summary

Club Car Onward 2 Passenger — One of the models Club Car is recall is the gas powered Onward.

Club Car recently announced a pair of recalls involving potential fuel leaks. The recalls apply to a range of models and includes approximately 12,000 vehicles in the US and Canada. The first recall includes Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager gas powered vehicles. Fuel can potentially leak from an improperly routed fuel line. In the second recall, gas powered Carryall 300, Transporter, Villager, Streetrod Lux and Streetrod Vintage vehicles may experience fuel leaks during low speed idling with a full gas tank. In both cases, owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Club Car for a free repair.

The following are recall details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

First Recall Details

Name of product: Club Car Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager model gas golf and transport vehicles

Hazard: Fuel can leak from an improperly-routed fuel line, posing fire and burn hazards.R

Recall date: August 19, 2019

Units: About 9,000 (In addition, about 2,000 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves model year 2019 gas-powered Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager golf and transport vehicles, which are used for short-distance transportation. Vehicles with the following model and serial numbers are included in the recall. Serial numbers are located above and to the right of the accelerator pedal. The model number is the first two letters of the serial number.

Model Name	Model#	Serial Number
Tempo Gas	BX	BX1905-944274 to BX2003-039920
Tempo Gas 2 + 2	BY	BY1910-953754 to BY2002-039481
Onward 2 Pass Non-Lifted Gas	BQ	BQ1924-981193 to BQ2003-041072
Onward 4 Pass Non-Lifted	BS	BS1910-953760 to BS2003-041012
Onward 4 Pass Lifted Gas	BW	BW1910-953767 to BW2003-041068
Precedent Villager 2 Gas	BJ	BJ1910-953915 to BJ2002-039525
Precedent Gas EFI 2P	DF	DF1929-987941 to DF2002-039479
Precedent Villager 4 Gas	DJ	DJ1929-987934 to DJ1950-034968
Onward 6 Pass Non-Lifted Gas	AY	AY1945-024474 to AY1949-033252
Onward 6 Pass Lifted Gas	AW	AW1945-024474 to AW2003-041004

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact Club Car to schedule a free repair. Club Car is contacting owners directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Club Car has received three reports of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Authorized Club Car dealers nationwide from August 2018 through July 2019 for between $7,000 and $11,000.

Manufacturer(s): Club Car, of Augusta, Georgia

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 19-770

Second Recall Details

Club Car Gas Carryall 300 utility vehicle — The Club Car Carryall 300 gas powered utility vehicle is part of the second recall.

Name of product: Club Car Gas Carryall 300, Transporter, Villager Vehicles, Streetrod Lux and Streetrod Vintage Vehicles

Hazard: Under continuous operations with low speed idling periods and a full gas tank, the fuel vent can allow fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.

Recall date: August 19, 2019

Units: About 1,300 (In addition, about 13 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves 2019 utility and transport vehicles, which vary in size, models and colors and are used for short-distance transportation. The recalled vehicles can be identified by the model and serial numbers. Serial numbers are above and to the right of the accelerator pedal. The model number is the first two letters of the serial number. Recalled models and serial numbers include:

Model Name	Serial Number Range
CA300, Gas	MC1902- 939803 – MC1936-003158
Transporter, Gas	MK1901-938752 – MK1936-001620
Villager 6 Gas	SE1903-941645 – SE1936-003004
Villager 8 Gas	SF1902-941407 – SF1936-003040
Transporter XL Gas	SK1907-948159 – SK1932-994341
Transporter XLC Gas	ZV1908-949040 – ZV1928987110
Streetrod Lux	SO1908-948943 – SO1908-948929
Streetrod Vintage	SO1902-939821 – SO1937-004374

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Club Car to schedule a free repair. Club Car is contacting owners of the recalled gas utility and transport vehicles directly.

Incidents/Injuries: Club Car has received two reports of fuel leaks. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Authorized Club Car dealers and Streetrod nationwide from July 2018 through March 2019 for between $8,000 and $16,000. Streetrod branded vehicles were sold by Streetrod dealers from July 2018 through March 2019 for between $18,000 and $20,000.

Manufacturer(s): Club Car, of Augusta, Ga.Manufactured In:U.S.

Recall number: 19-769

SVR’s Take

This is a large recall for Club Car and represents a significant percentage of their unit sales. Not too surprisingly for the STOV market, the recall involves some variation of a fuel leak hazard. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Honda 2020 UTV Lineup

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Honda Talon 1000X-4 sport side-by-side — The new four-seat Honda Talon 1000X-4 for model year 2020.

Honda Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve with sensor suspension — The Honda Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve features a sensor driven suspension.

Honda recently announced the addition of two four-seat Talon models to build out their sport lineup. For the rest of the Honda 2020 UTV lineup, which consists of Pioneer UTVs, there were only minor changes.

Honda 2020 UTV Lineup Changes

The most important changes are the addition of the two four-seat Talon models mentioned above. The two-seat Talons are back for 2020 but pricing information is not yet available. The Pioneer lineup changes primarily involves some price increases and a few color changes.

The Pioneer 500 models increased in price by $100 to $9,199, roughly 1%. They also removed the Active Yellow and Olive color options and added a new Moose Brown.
The Pioneer 700 and 700 Deluxe increased by $200, about 2%, to $10,999 and $12,499 respectively. Red and White color options have replaced Olive for the base model and Matte Silver has replaced Pearl Orange for the Deluxe model.
The Pioneer 700-4 maintains the same price at $12,399 but Metallic Silver replaces Red as the model color.
For the Pioneer 1000 models, the Pioneer 1000 EPS model from 2019 has become the new base Pioneer 1000 for 2020 with EPS standard across the line. Honda decreased the price by $100 to $15,799.
The Honda 2020 UTV lineup dropped the Pioneer 1000 LE and 2019’s non-EPS base model. Meanwhile, they added a Pioneer 1000 Deluxe version for $16,799 with LED headlights, 14″ blacked-out aluminum wheels and a Honda Phantom Camo paint option ($800 more).
For the crew versions the Pioneer 1000-5 increased in price by $300 or almost 2%, as did the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe. The Deluxe swaps a new Reactor Blue color option for last year’s Black while maintaining the Red and Camo choices. The MSRP for this model increased by $300 as well. There was no price increase for the Pioneer 1000-5 LE model but Matte Green Metallic replaces Matte Silver as the sole color option.

SVR’s Take

The addition of the four-seat Talons is an important step as there is a definite need in the sport market for a multi-passenger experience. The changes to the Pioneer lineup are relatively minor except for dropping a couple of the Pioneer 1000 variations. I assume those configurations were not selling well and most buyers found other models a more compelling choice. The price increases are relatively minor and basically keep up with inflation. Going forward a narrower version of the Talon could be the next step in that lineup. They may also choose to refresh the Pioneer lineup which has not had any major changes in a few years. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com

Can Rungu e-Bike Threaten ATVs?

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Rungu Juggernaut MDV Overland, an ATV substitute — The new Rungu Juggernaut MDV Overland is an e-bike positioned as an alternative to ATVs.

Rungu e-Bike Overview

The Rungu Juggernaut MDV Overland is a new three-wheeled e-bike designed for off-road use and as an alternative to ATVs. The e-bike can tow up to 300 lbs and has a 350 lb payload capacity. The drivetrain is a Bafang 1000 Mid Drive with a removable 52V 15 AH Li-ion battery. The dual battery option provides 34 miles of unassisted range. The MSRP is $5,499 but the standard model with one battery is $3,399.

Electrek Rungu e-Bike Review

Electrek.com posted a largely positive review. Some key takeaways from the review.

The bike handles a variety of difficult terrain well from soft sand to ruts to stony ground
Climbs obstacles very well
Performs much better than a two-wheeled fat tire e-bike and more like an ATV but weighs less than 100 lbs
Easy to learn how to ride
Braking power and three-wheel stability handled extremely steep downhills very well

SVR’s Take

The advent of lower cost lithium batteries and improved electric motors is ushering in a new era of mobility. While much of the focus has been on urban mobility, the Rungu e-bike is an example of the technology making inroads elsewhere. Will the Rungu make significant inroads into the ATV market? Probably not, but it may be able to establish a sizable niche. Producing at higher volume could reduce cost and they could become a formidable substitute. Another possibility is that the Rungu creates a whole new vehicle category.

From a strategic point of view, the Rungu symbolizes a larger threat to the STOV industry. The threat of an industry that may be too complacent and lack vision. As a whole, the industry has not shown great interest in new mobility concepts. although well positioned, STOV companies run the risk of ceding this opportunity to startups and entrants from other industries. Over time, these companies can leverage the manufacturing volume and brand awareness built in new mobility markets, to pursue traditional STOV markets. Is it that far fetched that a company might target urban mobility and then the golf fleet or gated community markets and then head off-road or on campus? Or that Rungu might develop more capable and less expensive e-bike alternatives to encroach further into off-road vehicle segments?

New Bobcat UTVs Announced

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Marc Cesare

Diesel powered Bobcat UV34 utility vehicle — The new 2019 Bobcat UV34 utility vehicle features upgrades to the suspension, chassis and cabin.

Diesel powered Bobcat UV34XL utility vehicle — The new six passenger Bobcat UV34XL utility vehicle is diesel powered and features a number of upgrades.

Bobcat UTVs Overview

Bobcat has launched two new diesel powered UTVs for 2019 with a new chassis, improved suspension and high towing capacity. The UV34 and UV34XL feature a 23.5 hp, liquid cooled diesel engine that is Tier 4 emissions compliant. Towing capacity has been increased to 2,500 lbs. In addition, these models have new shocks and springs and stronger drive components. The UV34 seats two and the UV34XL seats six.

Key Specs

Other key specs shared by both models include:

Turf, 2WD or 4WD drive modes
1,250 lb. capacity cargo box with manual dump or optional power dump
Independent rear suspension with sway bar
11.7″ of ground clearance
35 mph maximum speed or limited to 15 mph or 25 mph with optional speed kit
Larger controls and instrument gauges
New cab design for easy entry and exit
Flip-up seat storage
Tilt steering

The UV34 starts at $16,406 and the UV34XL starts at $17,886. There was no mention of when the vehicles would be available at local dealers. A search of several Bobcat dealer websites did not show the utility vehicles as available yet.

SVR’s Take

The new utility vehicles are basically an upgrade of Bobcat’s 3400 diesel model. Those models have been around for several years without any significant changes. Given the increased competition in the market, the 3400 is likely looking a little dated compared to newer competitive offerings. For example, Can-Am’s Defender line has made inroads in the farm segment in particular. In addition, market leader Polaris is frequently updating different parts of their Ranger lineup. The new UV34 and UV34XL feature pricing slightly higher than the 3400 models.

Stampede & Rustler UTVs Recalled

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Marc Cesare

The Textron Off Road Stampede 4 is part of a recall due to a lower suspension arm issue.

Textron Off Road recently recalled approximately 700 model year 2018 Stampede and Rustler utility vehicles. The lower front suspension arm can fail and potentially cause a crash. The recall involves two-seat and four-seat models including the Stampede, Stampede 4, Rustler 850 and Rustler Crew 850. The following recall information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Stampede & Rustler Recall Information

Name of product: Stampede and Rustler off-highway utility vehicles (ROV’s)

Hazard: The lower front suspension arm can fail, posing a crash hazard.

Remedy: Repair

Recall date: March 5, 2019

Units: About 700 (In addition, about 70 were sold in Canada.)

Consumer Contact: Arctic Cat at 800-279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.textronoffroad.com and click on Recall Information located at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description: This recall involves all model year 2018 Stampede and Rustler model side by side Arctic Cat off-highway vehicles with VIN number 9003240 through 9004062. The recalled vehicles were sold in multiple colors, have four wheels and side-by-side seating for two or four people. The Stampede models have Textron Off Road on each side of the hood area and Stampede on each side of the box. The Rustler models have Rustler 850 on each side of the hood area and 4X4 on each side of the box. The Vin number is located under the front hood on all models.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact TSV/Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting all known purchasers directly. If you need assistance locating an authorized dealer to conduct this repair, contact Arctic Cat.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of front suspension arm failures. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Sold At: Textron Off Road and Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from September 2017 through December 2018 for between $13,800 and $16,000.

Manufacturer(s): Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., a subsidiary of Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 19-727

SVR’s Take

This is a small recall, but follows on the heels of another recent Textron Off Road recall. Textron produces the Rustler UTV for farm equipment manufacturer New Holland. The two companies partnered several years ago to produce utility vehicles. The partnership marries Textron’s vehicle manufacturing expertise with New Hollands farm oriented distribution network. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recent STOV recalls.