|
|
|
|
|
Photo courtesy of American Suzuki By Megan Vickers, Assistant Editor Whether your customers are looking for a first time purchase or an upgrade from their old vehicles, the new 2007 ATV lineups from some of the industry's leading manufacturers are sure to have what they're looking for. To learn more about these new models, read on in this month's Market Report.
American Suzuki wasn't able to meet our deadline, due to their dealer convention being just after our deadline. Lucky for us, though, we returned in time to squeeze in some info on their new KINGQUAD (pictured below) 450 (454 cc) 4x4. It is said the 450 incorporates “all the award winning features of the 700.” The 48 degree, single cylinder power plant is said to include a four-valve, single overhead cam, with direct intake, from the airbox to the throttle body and EFI. They took great pride in announcing this model is manufactured in America, at the Rome, GA plant.
The new 2007 ATV models will soon be ready for shipping and consumers will be on the lookout for the best these lines have to offer. We hope this information on upcoming models has given you some insight into which models your dealership wishes to supply. Be sure to also check out our look at the various products available to help riders get ready for the winter weather elsewhere in this issue.
| ||||||||||||||
|
Monthly Feature ATV Industry Articles ATV News Archive - ATV Industry
| Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | ATV Industry & Motorcycle Industry Magazines © All Rights Reserved |
American Honda's ATV lineup for 2007 includes the new FourTrax Foreman 4x4 ES with an Electric Power Steering system to provide speed and torque sensitive steering assistance, reports a company spokesperson. They add, the 2007 FourTrax Ranchers feature an all-new OHV, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 420cc engine and are available in 4x4, 2 wheel drive and electric shift models. Honda has added the NaturalGear Camouflage scheme to the FourTrax Foreman, FourTrax Rancher 4x4 and the FourTrax Foreman 4x4, they tell us. Finally, the TRX300EX has been redesigned with new styling and offers a great balance of power, weight and agility, explains Honda.
For 2007, BRP has expanded their Outlander line with the introduction of the 500 H.O. EFI, the Outlander Max 500 H.O. EFI and the Outlander Max 800 H.O. EFI Ltd., reports spokesperson Jeff Gruhlke. The Can-Am Renegade 800 H.O. EFI model combines sport quad performance with 4x4 capability and stunning design, he adds. Then there is the new Can-Am Outlander 500 H.O. EFI, with a design based on the 800 and 650 EFI V-twin powerhouse by Rotax, informs Gruhlke. Consumers are demanding better power, handling, fit and finish, notes Gruhlke. The company's sales are up, which he attributes to the success of their Outlander lineup, offered in 400, 500, 650 and 800cc engines, in both one-up and two-up Max configurations. “Be sure to identify the customer's needs and desires. Understand their application so you can fit them with the model that will best serve their needs,” Gruhlke advises dealer/retailers.
The newest ATV models from TGB are the Outback LE, Outback 425 4x4, Outback 425 SE 4x4 and the Outback Camo Edition 425 4x4, which are all imported and exclusively distributed by Cobra Powersports, states company President Bill Peirce. The entire Outback line comes with disc brakes in the front and rear, providing stopping power for increased control and safety, plus a CVT transmission and a three headlight design, which gives clear visibility ahead and through turns, for increased confidence in low light situations, describes Peirce. A digital dash, dry lockable storage, safety start and shift lock are also included, he adds. Sales are up 70 percent due in part to their fuel efficient scooter line, Peirce tells us. Retailers need to remember no two customers are alike and though some buy specific brands, most make their decisions based on the whole package, he concludes.
DIAMO USA introduces the Scout 300cc 4x4, the Adventure 520cc 4x4, the DIAMO Storm 300cc Sport ATV and the redesigned Avalanche 250 4x2 for 2007, informs National Sales Director Scot Steffy. The Scout features a powerful 300cc motor along with 4 wheel drive, forward and reverse, while the new 520 Adventure is a water cooled big bore with 4 wheel drive, forward and reverse, plus a great towing capacity, he tells us. The Storm features long suspension disc brakes, a powerful motor, plus forward and reverse, Steffy adds. Still new to the ATV market, DIAMO says their ATV sales are up due to their new product offerings. Steffy advises dealers to, “Make sure that you deal with a company that has good products, markets nationally, can provide you POP materials, has parts that you can stock and who stands behind their products.”
The latest ATV from Hi-Bird USA is their 250STW model, which features a single cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine with an electric start, chain drive and front and rear disc brakes, company spokesperson Philip Kim tells us. The Hi-Bird units are EPA, CARB and DOT certified, says Kim. This is Hi-Bird's first year with a company-run U.S. operation and sales are going well so far, he notes. Kim wishes to remind dealers that they can get parts faster, usually in the same week, which is a very strong selling point.
The new MXU 500 4x4 features a 4 stroke, DOHC 499cc engine with shaft drive, CVT automatic transmission, a backlit digital dash, heavy-duty front and rear equipment racks, a front brush guard, dual a-arm suspension, disc brakes and 10.2 inch average ground clearance, divulges Marketing and Communications Manager Rick Pawelka for KYMCO USA. The Mongoose 50 4T, which Pawelka states is the perfect ATV for the young enthusiast ages 6 and up, features a 49cc air-cooled 4 stroke engine, CVT automatic transmission, lanyard safety switch and throttle stop, electric ignition with kick-start backup and taillight, he adds. Larger displacement units, two-up ATVs as well as UTVs, are becoming popular trends, notes Pawelka. Increased brand awareness has lead to an increase in the company's ATV sales, he explains. Be aware of your products, he advises dealer/retailers. “We offer our dealers and their staff an online product knowledge course for both our ATV and scooter lines. It's an interactive custom design course specifically for KYMCO USA powered by Dealership University,” informs Pawelka.
The new FireHawk is a 72cc 4 stroke, with automatic CVT transmission, youth model from Manco PowerSports, according to spokesperson Jeff Platzer. Company sales are up, he tells us. Dealers should remember to follow the age guidelines and be aware of which import models do not follow the CPSC regulations, Platzer explains.
Polaris Industries spokesperson Donna Beadle tells us the Sportsman X2 800 and Outlaw 525 are the latest ATV models the company is offering for 2007. The Sportsman includes a flip-up second seat for an added passenger, it features True-All-Wheel Drive, a cargo dump box, electronic fuel injection, independent rear suspension and the VERSATRAC thumb switch on the handlebar allows the rider to choose between Turf mode, 2 wheel drive or On Demand All-Wheel Drive, she explains. The Outlaw 525 is the first sport quad with independent rear suspension, Beadle adds. Polaris has noticed an increase in the interest in both sport and youth model ATVs. Know what your customer intends to use the vehicle for, so that you can decide on which features are most important to them, she advises.
The Rodeo 400 features automatic transmission with reverse, an oil-cooled system, conversion from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive with the push of a button, digital instrumentation and a winch, informs QLINK Manager Johnny Tai. “Utility ATVs with larger displacement and ATV accessories are the trends right now,” he said. Tai continues, dealers need to fully understand the specifications of the different ATVs to help their customers find the right model. Also remind your customers about the related safety rules, he adds.