Polaris Industries was awarded a 5-year, $10.3 million contract by the United States Department of Defense’s Special Operations Command for the production and delivery of up to 700 Polaris all-terrain vehicles. U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq currently use Polaris ATVs.

The agreement, a result of more than two years of collaborative design work with Special Operations Command (SOCOM), includes the Polaris Sportsman MV (Military Version) model designed specifically for military use. The MV boasts the chassis and engine of a standard Sportsman 700 but incorporates a number of unique features, making it ideal for military use in all types of terrain.

Each Sportsman MV features: infrared lights for enhanced night vision, a roll bar, run-flat tires, keyless ignition, a fortified steel exoskeleton and enhanced suspension for increased protection and the ability to cover rough terrain. Metal front and back racks able to carry twice the cargo of a standard all-terrain vehicle, front and rear winches capable of towing 2,500 lbs. each and increased fuel capacity for longer range travel are all part of the package.

“We’re honored to do our part to help defend the United States of America by providing the world’s toughest ATVs to the world’s toughest military,” said Tom Tiller, Polaris CEO and president. “Polaris builds ATVs capable of withstanding rigorous use on some of the world’s toughest terrain. The confidence our nation’s military has in our product gives this company a tremendous amount of pride.”

The agreement also includes Polaris Sportsman 6×6 models modified to meet military specifications. Polaris began producing finished MVs in March of 2003, and has supplied hundreds of additional models to other branches of the military based on existing RANGER 6×6, Sportsman 6×6 and Sportsman 500 models.

Well, it’s here! Maybe a better description would be… they’re here! Yamaha has just introduced two new Kodiaks with independent rear suspension.

Both the 450 and 400 will be available as IRS models for 2005 sporting dual parallel A-arms in the rear and a rear sway bar. Minor changes to the frame and a whole new rear chassis clip set the new Kodies apart from their ancestors.

Not only has suspension travel been increased but there’s considerably more ground clearance with the new models. This move will put Yamaha right in the hunt in both the 400 and 500 class.

As you may know, the Kodiak is a stellar handler and has always offered best in class low weight plus great power. These new IRS models will offer all of the above with a much improved rear suspension. Great news.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) quietly released a study in the fall of 2002 that shows, on a per capita basis, ATV-related injuries were lower than most other recreational activities. The injury statistics were gathered through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which compiles statistics from a sampling of 99 hospitals, including children’s hospitals.

The statistics revealed the estimated rate of product-use related injuries was 201.0 for bicycles and accessories, and 73.9 for ATVs (all figures are per 100,000 population in the U.S. and territories). Other recreational activities had the following rates – baseball, softball 106.9; football 147.3; and basketball 232.3.

The statistics refute many false perceptions regarding ATV rider safety. Although the figures may surprise some, many people who ride and use ATVs regularly agree the study confirms their experience.

The ATV industry points to the extensive ongoing promotion of rider safety as an important factor for improving user safety. The Canadian All-Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV) is a national not-for-profit trade association and has played a leading role in promoting the safe and responsible use of ATVs across Canada.

The Canada Safety Council, a national non-government not-for-profit public service organization, also plays an important role in improving rider safety. It administers ATV Rider Safety Training courses operated by certified instructors across Canada.

The courses are based on field-tested techniques regarding operating controls, reading terrain and analyzing risk, turning, ascending and descending hills, avoiding obstacles and stopping at slow and higher speeds. A separate course is also available for children under 14 whose parents permit them to ride an ATV.

For additional information go to www.catv.ca.

Honda Canada Inc. announced the launch of the Honda Junior Red Riders Club for young off-road motorcycle enthusiasts in Canada. The program focuses on safety and providing parents with answers to many of the questions they have relating to off-road motorcycling.

The Junior Red Riders is tailored for enthusiasts’ from 6 to 12 years old; however, Canadians of all ages are welcome to become members of the club. Membership is absolutely free and all members receive the following benefits:

-Honda Junior Red Riders personalized membership card and lanyard
-Subscription to the Honda Junior Red Riders Magazine (2 issues per year – July & November)
-An opportunity to participate at Honda Junior Red Riders Camp Days (a mobile “learn to dirt bike” school)
-Contests
-Invitations to special events
-Honda Junior Red Riders “SWAG” (stuff we all get)
Visit www.jrr.ca for the Camp Day schedule and to register.