Polaris Debuts 2009 Product Line Up Geared to Win with Every Rider

Tag : chrome paint
machines driven to showcase the powersports leader's commitment todelivering industry-leading quality and innovation to every kind ofrider. Polaris introduced its 2009 products to dealers in LasVegas, Nev., as part of its five-day summer sales meeting at ThePalazzo Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas.

"New product innovation is the driving force for Polaris successand, with the biggest product launch in our history, Polariscontinues to fuel the fire and build momentum in 2009," saidBennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer, PolarisIndustries Inc. "Despite a challenging external environment,Polaris is thriving behind the strength of its products andbusiness practices which have fueled growth and gains in all marketcategories."

To introduce its 2009 model year motorcycles to its dealers,Victory hosted its own "Bike Night" at the Arlen Ness Las Vegasdealership, and kicked off its celebration as the first successfulAmerican motorcycle company in 60 years with a one-of-a-kind stageshow and custom cruiser contest. The ATV and RANGER divisionsrolled out their 2009 products with a red-hot, opening-night showfilled with blazing flames, fireworks and a collection of new,industry-leading machines which moved dealers to the edge of theirseats.

All-Terrain Vehicles

Polaris has led the way in product innovation both in theRecreational/Utility and Sport markets. The Polaris Sportsman linewas the first American-made ATV with industry-firsts such asautomatic transmission, electronic fuel injection, independent rearsuspension, on-demand true all-wheel drive and engine braking. Forhigh-performance sport quads, Polaris introduced the first sportquad with independent rear suspension and was the firstmanufacturer to offer a purpose-built line up of sport quads forthe track, trail and sand. The 2009 ATV product line builds on thetradition and excellence that has come to be expected from "TheWorld's Toughest ATVs." In order to meet the ever-changing needs ofthe powersports enthusiast, Polaris continues to introduce new,innovative products and industry-leading improvements which caterto every type of ATV rider. The new offerings in 2009 fuel thePolaris Recreation & Utility, Sport and Youth ATV market tounprecedented levels of performance and comfort.

-- Sportsman(R) Line -- More than One million ATV riders haveexperienced the legendary Polaris Sportsman line. How do you make aclassic even better? Re-invent it with exclusive andindustry-leading features that make it the "Best Sportsman Ever."

-- Sportsman 850 XP and 550 XP -- The Sportsman 850 XP and 550 XPjoin the Polaris family of premium 1-Up Sportsman ATVs this year.With an even better ride than the classic Sportsman, these two newmodels are built for "Xtreme Performance." The Sportsman 850 XP and550 XP are 99 percent new and come equipped with exclusive andindustry-leading features. The Sportsman 850 XP boasts a new,more-powerful 850cc, twin EFI engine that churns out 70 horsepower,while the Sportsman 550 XP has a new 549cc, single EFI engine with40 horsepower. An upgraded suspension including Dual A-Arm frontsuspension and Rolled IRS in the rear makes the new Sportsman XP'sride smoother and more controlled. In addition, the two new modelsfeature better clutching, the highest pulling and towing power andthe biggest rack capacity of any ATV on the market, making it notonly scream down the trails but also an extremely tough workcompanion. For added steering ease on the toughest terrain, Polarisis offering a power steering version of both models. Polaris' powersteering system is the most powerful system available offeringvariable assist which provides the least steering effort at slowspeeds and more positive feedback and more resistance at highspeeds. The new Sportsman XPs also boast an updated look thatincludes better ergonomics, new wheels and a better fit and finish.

-- Sportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss -- There's big and than there is theSportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss. New in 2009, the workhorse of theSportsman line has an 800-class engine, six-wheel independentsuspension and six-wheel shaft drive to go along with the PolarisEngine Braking System (EBS) and Active Descent Control (ADC). TheSportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss combines more power and a smoothersuspension to give riders the ultimate work ATV.

Polaris will continue to offer the Sportsman 800 EFI H.O., theSportsman 500 EFI, Sportsman 500 H.O., Sportsman 400 H.O.,Sportsman 300 and Trail Boss 330 as part of its value line of ATVsin 2009. Polaris' 2-Up offering includes the most-versatileSportsman X2 line (Sportsman 800 X2 and Sportsman 500 X2) and "TheWorld's Most Comfortable ATVs", the Sportsman 800 EFI Touring andSportsman 500 EFI Touring also will be available for 2009.

-- High Performance Sport ATVs -- Polaris has redesigned its highperformance line of Outlaw sport quads with a new look in 2009.Each of the three Outlaw models (Outlaw 525 IRS, Outlaw 525 S andthe Outlaw 450 MXR) received new, aggressive styling with a singleheadlight, a lowered center of gravity, conventional steering and asix-pound weight reduction. The 2009 Outlaws also sport aluminumheel pockets and front bumper, adjustable front brake lever and asteering post that accepts thicker bar mounts for easiercustomization. The 2009 Outlaw models with their new look, keypremium features to go along with KTM power plants, 5-speedtransmission with reverse and hydraulic clutch deliver the highestlevel performance on the trail, the track or in the dunes.

-- Youth ATVs - For 2009, Polaris combined their hottest-sellingSide-by-Side, the RANGER RZR, with its best-selling Youth ATVlineup to create the RANGER RZR 170. For youth riders 12 and up,the youth RANGER RZR 170 has a four-stroke, air-cooled, 169ccengine with electric start and an automatic transmission. Styledsimilar to its adult counterpart, the Side-by-Side has a sporty,aggressive look and holds a driver and passenger for double thefun. Polaris will continue to offer the Sportsman 90, Outlaw 90 andthe Outlaw 50 which received significant enhancements for a betterride. Polaris reduced the shifting effort, improved the durability,ride, turning radius and cold-starting, and added a running taillight on all Youth models for 2009. In addition, the Polaris youthline continues to lead the way in rider safety with features suchas a removable ignition key and electronic throttle safety control.Speed controls enable adults to set a maximum speed control limitwhile other safety features including daytime running lights, fullfloorboards and heat shields help protect young riders.

"2009 marks the evolution of our ATV line," said Mike Dougherty,vice president for the ATV Division at Polaris. "The addition ofthe next-generation, 99 percent all-new Sportsman XP models, theredesign of the Outlaw models and the addition of a Youth RANGERRZR is part of our commitment to continue to innovate our ATVs tomeet the ever-changing needs of the ATV enthusiast."

RANGER(TM) Side-by-Side Vehicles

Model Year 2009 brings the most significant product launch inPolaris RANGER history with the introduction of the next generationof RANGER utility vehicles, and the addition of the pure-sportRANGER RZR S. Whether you want to work harder or play faster, the2009 RANGER Side-by-Side lineup brings exciting new models and bigimprovements to everyone in RANGER country.

-- RANGER Utility -- The rugged re-engineered RANGER utility lineupfeaturing the new RANGER 4x4, RANGER XP and RANGER HD, the ultimateheavy-duty utility vehicle, ushers in a new era in RANGER history.The new 2009 RANGERs were redesigned to work harder with themost-armored front end ever designed for protection of criticalcomponents, a redesigned bumper for added durability, front endprotection and other hardest working features including easiersteering, more dash storage and new, work-enabling ergonomics. Inaddition, an exclusive, Dual A-arm, motion ratio, preloadedsuspension adjustment and anti-kickback steering make the smoothestride in the industry even smoother. The RANGER CREW, the onlysix-passenger, electronic fuel injected and fastest people hauleron the market, and the monster-traction RANGER 6x6 round out thehardest working, smoothest riding utility vehicle lineup on themarket

-- RANGER HD - Known as the ultimate "Hardest Working, SmoothestRiding" Side-by-Side, the new RANGER HD is perfect for farm,construction site or any application that requires heavy haulingand towing. The new RANGER HD is equipped with all of the newRANGER features plus the first-ever Self-Leveling Suspension on autility vehicle. When hauling loads such as fertilizer, feed orbuilding materials, the Nivomat(R) shocks automatically adjust thesuspension resulting in the highest loaded ground clearance of anyutility vehicle. In addition, the RANGER HD's power steering withexclusive Variable Assist allows for one-finger steering at lowspeeds and eliminates feedback at high speeds so the operator canwork longer and enjoy the ride.

-- RANGER RZR - The RANGER RZR took the Side-by-Side industry bystorm as the fastest-accelerating and only trail-capableSide-by-Side on the market in 2008. This year, Polaris is offeringthe recreational rider thirsting for ultimate sport performance,the new RANGER RZR S. Polaris also added two red-hot RANGER RZRmodels for 2009 - Nuclear Sunset with custom paint, cut and sewseats, custom decals on the hood and sides, silver-painted cab andsprings, and 8-spoke, cast aluminum rims; and Sunset Red withcustom paint, cut and sew seats, black cab, silver-painted springs,and 8-spoke, cast aluminum rims. In addition, the 2009 RANGER RZRfeatures smoother transmission shifting, a more-durable shoulderbolster, reduced exhaust noise, covered, under-seat storage and anew heel pocket to limit motion on the gas pedal for improvedlow-speed driving.

-- RANGER RZR S - The new RANGER RZR S is the ultimate, pure-sportSide-by-Side built for the desert, dunes and open spaces. Themachine delivers unmatched performance using an 800 H.O. EFIPolaris twin engine that churns out a 63 MPH top speed for theserious adrenaline junkie. Tocomplement the screaming speed, theRANGER RZR S features Polaris' exclusive, long travel suspensionkit, high-performance features such as Chrome-Moly upper frontA-Arms and adjustable Fox(R) performance shocks, and a custom TurboSilver paint scheme with race-inspired graphics, fender flairs and26-inch Maxxis Big-Horn tires with 12-inch, eight-spoke aluminumrims for an ultra-aggressive look.

"The 2009 line up is the most-significant and extensive productintroduction in RANGER history," said Matt Homan, general managerof Polaris' Side-by-Side division. "We took the industry-leadingRANGER and made it work harder and ride smoother, creating thehardest working, smoothest riding utility Side-by-Sides ever built.We improved the hottest Side-by-Side on the market, the RANGER RZR,and added the RANGER RZR S for the pure-sport market. Our 2009 lineup has a vehicle for any Side-by-Side enthusiast making it themost-complete offering of Side-by-Sides by any manufacturer.

"Victory Motorcycles(R)

Victory motorcycles celebrated 10 years of looking ahead with theintroduction of its 2009 lineup, comprised of the industry'shighest quality, modern, innovative American motorcycles. In 2009,Victory once again has delivered a full line of cruisers andtouring bikes with unique, progressive styling, including thesculpted fuel tanks, custom-inspired bodywork and stunning paintand chrome that highlights the bikes' smooth, flowing lines it isrenowned for. With over 50,000 riders on the open road, Victory'sgrowth has attracted new legions of riders who are younger, bettereducated, more affluent and drawn more women to its products overits first 10 years, and its 2009 products embody that change. AllVictory cruiser models this year will feature a new monochromeVictory tank badge signifying an evolutionary change in thecompany's brand, along with other improvements and enhancementsproviding riders with more power, better handling and superiorcomfort. In addition, the entire 2009 cruiser line has receivedenhancements and improvements to its lighting, drivetrain, fuelpump and fuel tank, along with new wheels and sprockets, all gearedto maintain the industry's highest customer satisfaction rating of94 percent and provide riders with the ultimate motorcycleexperience.

-- 10th Anniversary Victory Vision(R) -- To celebrate the 10thAnniversary of Victory motorcycles, Victory has taken 10 years ofinnovation and progressive design and put it into the mostexclusive motorcycle the company has ever offered -- the 10thAnniversary Victory Vision. Only 100 of these exclusively-numbered,limited-edition bikes, based on a 2009 Victory Vision Tour, will beproduced. The 10th Anniversary Victory Vision takes theclass-leading comfort and breakthrough styling of theindustry-changing, American luxury-touring cruiser and adds to itnumerous special features. The bike is equipped with extra chrometrim including chrome inner leg fairings, side covers, accesspanel, grilles and a High Intensity Discharge headlight. A specialanniversary paint scheme of Antares Red with Black Metallic accentsand gold pinstripes - essentially the same colors used on the firstVictory Motorcycle ever built 10 years ago - accompanies a special10th Anniversary badge above the taillight and on each side storagecompartment. Additional features include heated handgrips andseats, an electronically controlled windscreen, communications and"infotainment" devices such as XM Radio, CB radio, driver-passengercommunications systems and a Victory Vision GPS system.

-- Next Generation Freedom 106/6 V-Twin Engine - The mostsignificant enhancement across Victory's 2009 cruiser line up isthe introduction of the Next Generation Freedom 106/6 V-TwinEngine. The Vegas Jackpot, Hammer and Hammer S will all be equippedwith the new 106-ci/1731cc V-Twin engine, featuring Stage 2 Camsand a 6-speed transmission with Overdrive. Additionally, the NextGeneration 106/6 V-Twin Engine produces 97 horsepower and 113foot-pounds of torque, and includes a Closed Loop Fuel Injection toensure the most efficient fuel delivery for consistently, optimizedperformance.

-- Kingpin Low - The 2009 Kingpin Low brings the ride, handling,and power of the Kingpin and introduces it to a new rider base.Developed to provide a better fit for smaller or shorter riders,the lowered classic cruiser brings a new level comfort andstability to go along with a visually stunning machine. The KingpinLow has a lower seat height (25.2 inches - over one inch lower thanstandard Kingpin) and sculpted side covers (1 1/2 inches narrower)that create a more direct reach to the ground. Adding to thecomfort and confidence of the rider is the Kingpin Low'seasy-to-reach hand controls, 2-inch pullback handlebars and anadjustable brake lever to accommodate riders with smaller hands.The floorboards are set two inches rearward from the standardKingpin, moving the controls closer to the rider and the passengerseat/footpegs have been removed in order to give the bike a clean,cool look while optimizing a solo rider's comfort and confidence.

-- Ness Signature Series - The creative artistry of Arlen and CoryNess, two of the country's legendary custom bike builders andVictory styling partners, is once again on display in a pair oflimited edition Victory models in 2009. Both the 2009 Arlen NessSignature Series Victory Vision and the Cory Ness Signature SeriesVegas Jackpot have been produced in a special, limited-editionquantity with less than one bike per each U.S. Victory dealer. Toreinforce the limited-edition nature of these models, each 2009Ness bike will have a metal plate with the bike's number, eitherthe Arlen Ness or Cory Ness logo, along with a facsimile of theirrespective autograph. Other features include custom paint schemes,tons of newly styled Ness chrome and billet accessories, along withNess wheels and an extensive list of other Ness-designed details.Victory has also extended its partnership with the Ness family andwill begin working with third generation custom bike builder, ZackNess, on future projects.

-- Roland Sands Partnership - Victory fueled its passion forbringing riders a fresh approach by announcing a new partnershipwith custom bike designer, Roland Sands. Together, Victory andSands will continue to push the boundaries in modern motorcycledesign and styling, creating high-quality, custom motorcyclesgeared toward attracting newer, younger riders. As part of its 10thAnniversary celebration this week in Las Vegas, Sands and Victoryunveiled a custom 2009 Victory 8-Ball showcasing the designer'screative genius and the unique, progressive styling Victory isknown for.

"For 10 years Victory has been driven to present a new, higherlevel of American innovation and a motorcycle for every type ofrider," said Mark Blackwell, vice president of Victory Motorcycles."The 2009 Victory line up with entries in- more -every cruiser andtouring segment honors the past 10 years and, more importantly,points to the future and Victory's commitment to bring innovative,new products to our riders all over the world."