Our Own Indy: Best New Products

Features, Other — By ATV Mag on March 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm

“Hey, are you going to Indy?”

When racing fans hear this sentence, they immediately think of the 500-mile open wheeled auto race held every Memorial Day weekend.

For insiders in the powersports market, however, “goin’ to Indy” means attending the biggest, baddest trade show around. This annual rite of spring (OK, late winter) is where product manufacturers go to show dealers the latest, greatest products developed for the ATV, UTV, snowmobile, motorcycle and personal watercraft markets. Every year we’re dazzled by the fresh thinking and new ideals that are showcased at this event.

Here’s a quick sampling of some things that caught our eye.

1. Warn Industries Power-Pivot
Plow more precisely with Warn’s Power-Pivot plow, an accessory for use with the company’s Plow Base/Tube Assembly. It uses an electrical motor to pivot your blade 25 degrees side-to-side in either direction, even under load. Different blade types and widths are available for a setup that matches your needs. Price: $479; Contact: Warn Industries, (800) 543-9276; www.warn.com

2. Kriega R20
We had never heard of Britain-based Kriega, but we’re sold now after checking them out. The R20 is designed for riders needing cargo capacity and hydration on the go. The innovative Quadloc harness system is designed to provide a comfortable fit that won’t dig in to your sides while riding. Price: $119; Contact: Kriega, (480) 782-9300; www.kriega.us

3. Vision Wheel Type 439
Ever see an ATV/UTV wheel with a covered lug cap? Odds are no, as Vision’s Type 439 is the first such product on the market, with a clean look that protects the lug nuts and hub cover. Its “Hyper Black” finish morphs from silver to black, depending on the light. Price: $106.95; Contact: Vision Wheel, (608) 758-1111; www.visionwheel.com

4. DWT ROK-OUT G2 Race Kit
Designed and packaged specifically for racers, the DWT ROK-OUT G2 Race Kit includes two front ROK-OUT wheels, two rear G2 wheels, two mud covers and an official DWT cap. It’s your job to pick the tire brand! Price: $450; Contact: DWT, (760) 758-5560; www.dwtracing.com

5. ITP TundraCross
ITP’s TundraCross is the industry’s first studded ATV and UTV tire for snow and ice. Each tire has 100 strategically placed carbide-tipped studs for incredible traction on wintertime surfaces. It’s based on ITP’s TerraCross R/T XD design, with thin lugs for traction-holding edges for slippery conditions. Price: $130.95 (front), $134.95 (rear); Contact: ITP, (909) 390-1905; www.itptires.com

6. Fox Podium X
The respected shock company’s new Podium X utility quad shocks are designed for aggressive riders looking for much higher performance than stockers can provide. Features include an aluminum body, spring preload adjustment, a piggyback reservoir, external rebound adjustment and dual-speed compression adjustment. Price: $995/set (front), $995/set (rear); Contact: Fox Racing Shox, (800) 369-7469; www.foxracingshox.com

7. Superwinch Winch-In-A-Bag
Rescue yourself, pull out a friend or move loads with your ATV or snowmobile with Superwinch’s new, completely portable Winch-In-A-Bag. It doesn’t require a winch mount, as you just store it in its bag, and it can be carried from vehicle to vehicle for easy and safe winching anytime. Price: $279; Contact: Superwinch, (860) 928-7787; www.superwinch.com

8. MBRP Performance Exhaust
Its first foray into the ATV market, MBRP’s zero-maintenance Powersports Line requires no packing, drilling or rivets over the life of the exhaust. All of the company’s mufflers incorporate sound wave cancellation technology to reduce engine noise, without hindering performance. Price: $149-$319; Contact: MBRP Inc. Performance Exhaust, (888) 636-7223; www.mbrp.com

9. Swisher Grappler
The new Grappler can turn your quad or UTV into an incredibly useful tool for picking up and moving big things — up to 250 pounds. The Grappler hooks up using Swisher’s universal fitting mount kit, is powered by your winch and includes a suspension mod for lifting particularly heavy loads or attachments. The gripping teeth are replaceable and it attaches in seconds. Price: $425; Contact: Swisher Mower & Machine Co., (800) 222-8183; www.swisherinc.com

10. Kenda Snow Mad Tires
Kenda’ new Snow Mad winter tires have a unique tread pattern designed to move snow away from the paddles and find traction. They feature a low temperature rubber compound and new soft, lightweight and flexible casing custom-made to handle extreme cold and ice conditions. Studs can be added for additional ice traction. Price: $75; Contact: Kenda USA, (614) 866-9803; www.kendausa.com

11. Cycle Country Hitch-N-Go
Don’t get stuck on shore, thanks to Cycle Country’s Hitch-N-Go watercraft trailer. The trailer, made of powder coated steel with a Teflon finish, allows owners to easily pull 10- to 18-foot canoes or kayaks behind their utility ATV, or up to 12-foot Jon boats or V-hulls weighing up to 400 pounds. A unique ATV/UTV Rod Locker keeps your poles safe and secure. Price: Call for pricing; Contact: Cycle Country, (800) 841-2222, www.cyclecountry.com

12. S&S Cycles High Performance Intake
S&S Cycle, known for its big V-Twin powerplants and custom bike accessories, has developed exhaust systems, intake systems, pistons, ECU replacements and parts for the Polaris RZR. The intake system includes an airbox, tuned runner, a pre-filter and a filter and flows 11 percent more air creating 4 to 6 more horsepower than the stock system, according to S&S. Price: $359.95; Contact: S&S Cycles, (608) 627-1497, www.sscycle.com

13. Curtis Sno-Pro Plow System
Plowing snow or moving gravel with a UTV just got easier, thanks to the Sno-Pro 72-inch Poly Tapered Plow System from Curtis. It features a quick-attach mounting system that allows owners to mount or dismount the plow with the flip of a couple levers and the disconnection of the winch cable. Price: Call for pricing; Contact: Curtis Industries, (800) 343-7676, www.curtisindustries.net

14. Moose Utilities Front Bumpers
Body protection rarely looks this good. Moose Utilities has new front bumpers that protect the headlights and front end of newer four-wheelers, and do so with modern styling that gives the front end of the ATV a cool, custom look. Available for many popular utility quads. Price: $215.95; Contact: Parts Unlimited, (608) 758-1111, www.mooseutilities.com

15. Kolpin ATV Cooler Trunk
Touring ATV riders should love the new ATV Cooler Trunk from Kolpin. Hiding inside of the foam-filled polymer shell are two levels of storage. The lower is insulated and can act as a cooler. Use the 1.25 cubic feet of storage for beverages and fill it with ice – it’s got a drain plug. The upper storage area is dry, with 1.0 cubic feet of weather resistant storage. Price: $399; Contact: Kolpin, (920) 928-3118, www.kolpinpowersports.com

16. FXR Ride Jacket and Pants
Manitoba-based FXR has subtle, stylish new riding gear aimed at the all-season ATV and UTV market. Both the jacket and pants are made of 600 denier nylon shell that is waterproof yet breathable. Seams are sealed in critical areas on both. The jacket has 3M reflective inserts, an adjustable shock cord at the waist and multiple zippered pockets. The pants have two additional pockets, plus reinforced knees for durability. Price: $140 (jacket), $100 (pants); Contact: FXR, (866) FXR-WEAR; www.fxrracing.com

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