Rancho 4" Suspension System

When a name like Rancho turns out a product, you know you can trust it to be done right. Now you can replace just the shocks on your Rhino or RZR, or go with a full blown long travel system.

• Billet Aluminum upper control arms with contrast machining steel lower control arms.
• Delrin control arm bushings.
• Precision high strength rod end and uniball.
• Adjustable front camber.
• Add to that the RS9000XL ProSeries Coil Over shock, high performance self-lubricating replaceable composite bearings on shock ends, aluminum reservoirs.

Finish it off with hard parts like bumpers, quarter doors, cage extension and frame stiffeners.

GoRancho.com

J . Strong Industries

These guys have been on the leading edge of UTV cool goodies since the UTV market was born several years ago. The first Rhinos we ever saw at Indy were in the J. Strong booth, and that first year - and each year since - they were sharp. Custom painted graphics will catch the eye, and then you get closer to see the good stuff.

This year, it included a hard top that integrates accessories such as DVD, GPS, etc. That's if the stereo it comes with isn't enough for you. And it may be - since it rolls out the door with JVC CD changer MP3 control, front Aux input, two-line input, iPod ready, Sat radio ready. Be ready to lay out about $1,200 retail.

We aren't as in love with the folding windshield - the seam lands about right in the middle of your view of the trail just in front of you - but the top and half doors are well engineered and fit superbly.

Check them out at dealers served by distributors such as Motorcycle Stuff in Morgan Hill CA, J&M Supply in Arlington TN, Western Powersports in Boise ID and the monster Tucker Rocky Distributors of Fort Worth TX.

Progressive Suspension

A couple years ago, we met and fell in love with Progressive's high performance shocks for ATVs - then they quit making them almost as quickly as they hit our radar and went on our race quads. Turns out there is such as thing as TOO adjustable. The average Joe Schmo couldn't figure it out and they had more customer complaints than the trouble was worth. Luckily for us all, they have jumped into the UTV market.

New for 2008, Progressive presents their 425 Series. These shocks are targeted to the Rhino owner who has beefed up their cage and rear seating and needs additional suspension due to the weight increase, or maybe takes more advantage of the utility part of a UTV. Available in standard or heavy duty spring rate, these shocks are twin tube, come equipped with high pressure nitrogen charged dampers, and are beefed up with a 16mm shaft. And yep, they are easy to tune with threaded preload adjusters. Retail $349 a pair.

And to frost it, Progressive fabbed up a front Sway Bar as well.

www.ProgressiveSuspension.com

Curtis Rapid-Convertible System

Now here is a fold-down windshield we really like. There is still a minor blind spot, but it's less distracting to be along the bottom than mid-view. Most of the view blocked is really just the Rhino hood. We also like the modular system for the entire cab, comprised of seperate and easily-removable top, half door, polycarbonate windshield and rear window. Once the quick-release mounts are attached to the factory cage - no drilling required - it's literally seconds to customize your ride.

One thing we like that they listened to - in some states (such as Oregon), if your off-road vehicle uses a windshield on public land, it must have working windshield wipers. So either flip up the Curtis RCS windshield and run that way, or install the optional wiper kit. Total weight of all pieces is a minor 160 pounds.

They are the OEM supplier for the Yamaha Rhino and Polaris Ranger, and have even picked up the new Kawi Teryx. With good reason - for over 40 years, Curtis has been a well-known name for their "work" equipment on tractors and pickups. Get more info and find your local dealer at:

Curtis Industries LLC

And no, the Curtis components don't really come in these far-out colors. This is just to illustrate the different parts. Yours will show up in the ever-popular utility BLACK.

Maxxis Ceros UTV Tire

First we've seen - a tire not just sized for but specifically engineered for the UTV market. And from a name we're glad to see stamped on rubber - Maxxis. The tire will come in 14" and 15". The bad news? Good luck finding wheels! Douglas Wheels/DMC is working fast on it, so by the time the new Ceros hits the market in spring of '08, there should be some steel or aluminum out there to put it on.

Right now, GNCC Utility Champ Mike Penland is giving it a testing on Rhinos and RZRs, and taking it head-to-head with the familiar Big Horn rubber. In fact, this baby is so new there aren't even specs for it on their website but we're getting our hands on them, just for you. In the meantime, you can check out their other ATV tires.

Maxxis Tires

Beard Seats and Speed Industries

Our favorite new goodie? Bolt in seats from Beard Seats for the Polaris RZR.

If you've ever played with the adjustable RZR seats as they come from the factory, you'll know how ridiculous and unused that "feature" is for the average driver or passenger. I'll grant that if you are 6 foot tall, you are going to want every spare inch you can get in a RZR, or if your wife is perhaps height challenged and needs a boost to reach the grab bar, but for most of us, the "take it out and slide it up the bracket and then put it back in" is really a waste of time we're never going to bother with.

If the choice is to hard-bolt in a sweet race-style bucket seat from Beard, it's an easy choice in my book. For looks, feel and stability, the Super TZ can't be beat. They come stock trimmed in red, green or expanded metal grey, or go all out and have a set custom sewed to match your RZR. They are set up to accomodate a standard four-point harness to the factory roll cage, or can be cut for your own cage specifications and to include an additional slot for a five-point race harness.

Beard Seats

And with aftermarket Yamaha Rhino choices of half doors and quarter doors, soft and hard, our favorite had to be the offering by Speed Industries, also a RedArt company.

We like the fit and feel, latch mechanism, hinging and definatley the eye-appeal that carries the Rhino body lines forward onto this solid half door. Pick up their new Bimini top and light bar while you're at it. Available at any Tucker Rocky Distributor.

What else did we like? We did see some other worthy displays, like what we consider the Best Red Neck product, Best Use of Chrome and Creepy Crawlers, and of course our favorite "We gotta have one of those!", so check back for those next week.

Wish you'd been there yourself? If you're a motorcycle, ATV, UTV or snowmobile dealer, you could be there next year as either an exhibitor or an attendee. Either way, it's an awesome chance to make some connections and get a jump on what's new in the Powersports Industry.

Dealer Expo Home

-ptw