Polaris Debuts 2009 Product Line Up Geared to Win with Every Rider
2008-07-24 18:17:00
Polaris Debuts 2009 Product Line Up Geared to Win with Every Rider
Launch Marks New Level of Product Innovation and Quality from
Company’s ATV, RANGER, Victory Motorcycle and PURE Polaris Divisions
MINNEAPOLIS–(EMWNews)–Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today unveiled its product offerings
for 2009, highlighted by the company’s biggest product launch in
All-Terrain and Side-by-Side vehicle history, and its celebration of a
decade of success in the motorcycle industry.
The 2009 product line up featured an array of new machines driven to
showcase the powersports leader’s commitment
to delivering industry-leading quality and innovation to every kind of
rider. Polaris introduced its 2009 products to dealers in Las Vegas,
Nev., as part of its five-day summer sales meeting at The Palazzo Resort
and Casino, in Las Vegas.
“New product innovation is the driving force for Polaris success and,
with the biggest product launch in our history, Polaris continues to
fuel the fire and build momentum in 2009,” said Bennett Morgan,
president and chief operating officer, Polaris Industries Inc. “Despite
a challenging external environment, Polaris is thriving behind the
strength of its products and business practices which have fueled growth
and gains in all market categories.”
To introduce its 2009 model year motorcycles to its dealers, Victory
hosted its own “Bike Night” at the Arlen Ness Las Vegas dealership, and
kicked off its celebration as the first successful American motorcycle
company in 60 years with a one-of-a-kind stage show and custom cruiser
contest. The ATV and RANGER divisions rolled out their 2009
products with a red-hot, opening-night show filled with blazing flames,
fireworks and a collection of new, industry-leading machines which moved
dealers to the edge of their seats.
All-Terrain Vehicles
Polaris has led the way in product innovation both in the
Recreational/Utility and Sport markets. The Polaris Sportsman line was
the first American-made ATV with industry-firsts such as automatic
transmission, electronic fuel injection, independent rear suspension,
on-demand true all-wheel drive and engine braking. For high-performance
sport quads, Polaris introduced the first sport quad with independent
rear suspension and was the first manufacturer to offer a purpose-built
line up of sport quads for the track, trail and sand. The 2009 ATV
product line builds on the tradition and excellence that has come to be
expected from “The World’s Toughest ATVs.” In order to meet the
ever-changing needs of the powersports enthusiast, Polaris continues to
introduce new, innovative products and industry-leading improvements
which cater to every type of ATV rider. The new offerings in 2009 fuel
the Polaris Recreation & Utility, Sport and Youth ATV market to
unprecedented levels of performance and comfort.
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Sportsman® Line — More than One
million ATV riders have experienced the legendary Polaris Sportsman
line. How do you make a classic even better? Re-invent it with
exclusive and industry-leading features that make it the “Best
Sportsman Ever.”
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Sportsman 850 XP and 550 XP — The Sportsman 850 XP and 550 XP
join the Polaris family of premium 1-Up Sportsman ATVs this year. With
an even better ride than the classic Sportsman, these two new models
are built for “Xtreme Performance.” The Sportsman 850 XP and 550 XP
are 99 percent new and come equipped with exclusive and
industry-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 with 40
horsepower. An upgraded suspension including Dual A-Arm front
suspension and Rolled IRS in the rear makes the new Sportsman XP’s
ride smoother and more controlled. In addition, the two new models
feature better clutching, the highest pulling and towing power and the
biggest rack capacity of any ATV on the market, making it not only
scream down the trails but also an extremely tough work companion. For
added steering ease on the toughest terrain, Polaris is offering a
power steering version of both models. Polaris’
power steering system is the most powerful system available offering
variable assist which provides the least steering effort at slow
speeds and more positive feedback and more resistance at high speeds.
The new Sportsman XPs also boast an updated look that includes better
ergonomics, new wheels and a better fit and finish.
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Sportsman 800 6×6 Big Boss — There’s big and than there is the
Sportsman 800 6×6 Big Boss. New in 2009, the workhorse of the
Sportsman line has an 800-class engine, six-wheel independent
suspension and six-wheel shaft drive to go along with the Polaris
Engine Braking System (EBS) and Active Descent Control (ADC). The
Sportsman 800 6×6 Big Boss combines more power and a smoother
suspension to give riders the ultimate work ATV.
Polaris will continue to offer the Sportsman 800 EFI H.O., the Sportsman
500 EFI, Sportsman 500 H.O., Sportsman 400 H.O., Sportsman 300 and Trail
Boss 330 as part of its value line of ATVs in 2009. Polaris’ 2-Up
offering includes the most-versatile Sportsman X2 line (Sportsman 800 X2
and Sportsman 500 X2) and “The World’s Most Comfortable ATVs”, the
Sportsman 800 EFI Touring and Sportsman 500 EFI Touring also will be
available for 2009.
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High Performance Sport ATVs — Polaris has redesigned its high
performance line of Outlaw sport quads with a new look in 2009. Each
of the three Outlaw models (Outlaw 525 IRS, Outlaw 525 S and the
Outlaw 450 MXR) received new, aggressive styling with a single
headlight, a lowered center of gravity, conventional steering and a
six-pound weight reduction. The 2009 Outlaws also sport aluminum heel
pockets and front bumper, adjustable front brake lever and a steering
post that accepts thicker bar mounts for easier customization. The
2009 Outlaw models with their new look, key premium features to go
along with KTM power plants, 5-speed transmission with reverse and
hydraulic clutch deliver the highest level performance on the trail,
the track or in the dunes.
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Youth ATVs – For 2009, Polaris
combined their hottest-selling Side-by-Side, the RANGER RZR, with
its best-selling Youth ATV lineup to create the RANGER RZR 170. For
youth riders 12 and up, the youth RANGER RZR 170 has a
four-stroke, air-cooled, 169cc engine with electric start and an
automatic transmission. Styled similar to its adult counterpart, the
Side-by-Side has a sporty, aggressive look and holds a driver and
passenger for double the fun. Polaris will continue to offer the
Sportsman 90, Outlaw 90 and the Outlaw 50 which received significant
enhancements for a better ride. Polaris reduced the shifting effort,
improved the durability, ride, turning radius and cold-starting, and
added a running tail light on all Youth models for 2009. In addition,
the Polaris youth line continues to lead the way in rider
safety with features such as a removable ignition key and electronic
throttle safety control. Speed controls enable adults to set a maximum
speed control limit while other safety features including daytime
running lights, full floorboards 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 of the next-generation, 99 percent all-new Sportsman XP models,
the redesign of the Outlaw models and the addition of a Youth RANGER
RZR is part of our commitment to continue to innovate our ATVs to
meet the ever-changing needs of the ATV enthusiast.”
RANGER™ Side-by-Side Vehicles
Model Year 2009 brings the most significant product launch in Polaris RANGER
history with the introduction of the next generation of RANGER
utility vehicles, and the addition of the pure-sport RANGER RZR
S. Whether you want to work harder or play faster, the 2009 RANGER
Side-by-Side lineup brings exciting new models and big improvements to
everyone in RANGER country.
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RANGER Utility — The rugged re-engineered RANGER
utility lineup featuring the new RANGER 4×4, RANGER XP
and RANGER HD, the ultimate heavy-duty utility vehicle, ushers
in a new era in RANGER history. The new 2009 RANGERs
were redesigned to work harder with the most-armored front end ever
designed for protection of critical components, a redesigned bumper
for added durability, front end protection and other hardest working
features including easier steering, more dash storage and new,
work-enabling ergonomics. In addition, an exclusive, Dual A-arm,
motion ratio, preloaded suspension adjustment and anti-kickback
steering make the smoothest ride in the industry even smoother. The RANGER
CREW, the only six-passenger, electronic fuel injected and fastest
people hauler on the market, and the monster-traction RANGER
6×6 round out the hardest working, smoothest riding utility vehicle
lineup on the market
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RANGER HD – Known as
the ultimate “Hardest Working, Smoothest
Riding” Side-by-Side, the new RANGER
HD is perfect for farm, construction site or any application that
requires heavy hauling and towing. The new RANGER HD
is equipped with all of the new RANGER features plus the
first-ever Self-Leveling Suspension on a utility vehicle. When
hauling loads such as fertilizer, feed or building materials, the
Nivomat® shocks automatically adjust the
suspension resulting in the highest loaded ground clearance of any
utility vehicle. In addition, the RANGER HD’s
power steering with exclusive Variable Assist allows for one-finger
steering at low speeds and eliminates feedback at high speeds so the
operator can work longer and enjoy the ride.
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RANGER RZR – The RANGER RZR
took the Side-by-Side industry by storm as the fastest-accelerating
and only trail-capable Side-by-Side on the market in 2008. This year,
Polaris is offering the recreational rider thirsting for ultimate
sport performance, the new RANGER RZR S. Polaris also added two
red-hot RANGER RZR models for 2009 –
Nuclear Sunset with custom paint, cut and sew seats, custom decals on
the hood and sides, silver-painted cab and springs, and 8-spoke, cast
aluminum rims; and Sunset Red with custom paint, cut and sew seats,
black cab, silver-painted springs, and 8-spoke, cast aluminum rims. In
addition, the 2009 RANGER RZR features smoother transmission
shifting, a more-durable shoulder bolster, reduced exhaust noise,
covered, under-seat storage and a new heel pocket to limit motion on
the gas pedal for improved low-speed driving.
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RANGER RZR S – The new RANGER
RZR S is the ultimate, pure-sport Side-by-Side built for
the desert, dunes and open spaces. The machine delivers unmatched
performance using an 800 H.O. EFI Polaris twin engine that churns out
a 63 MPH top speed for the serious adrenaline junkie. Tocomplement the
screaming speed, the RANGER RZR S features Polaris’
exclusive, long travel suspension kit, high-performance features such
as Chrome-Moly upper front A-Arms and adjustable Fox®
performance shocks, and a custom Turbo Silver paint scheme with
race-inspired graphics, fender flairs and 26-inch Maxxis Big-Horn
tires with 12-inch, eight-spoke aluminum rims for an ultra-aggressive
look.
“The 2009 line up is the most-significant and
extensive product introduction in RANGER history,”
said Matt Homan, general manager of Polaris’
Side-by-Side division. “We took the
industry-leading RANGER and made it work harder and ride
smoother, creating the hardest 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 line up has a vehicle for any Side-by-Side
enthusiast making it the most-complete offering of Side-by-Sides by any
manufacturer.
”Victory Motorcycles®
Victory motorcycles celebrated 10 years of looking ahead with the
introduction of its 2009 lineup, comprised of the industry’s highest
quality, modern, innovative American motorcycles. In 2009, Victory once
again has delivered a full line of cruisers and touring bikes with
unique, progressive styling, including the sculpted fuel tanks,
custom-inspired bodywork and stunning paint and chrome that highlights
the bikes’ smooth, flowing lines it is renowned for. With over 50,000
riders on the open road, Victory’s growth has attracted new legions of
riders who are younger, better educated, more affluent and drawn more
women to its products over its first 10 years, and its 2009 products
embody that change. All Victory cruiser models this year will feature a
new monochrome Victory tank badge signifying an evolutionary change in
the company’s brand, along with other improvements and enhancements
providing riders with more power, better handling and superior comfort.
In addition, the entire 2009 cruiser line has received enhancements and
improvements to its lighting, drivetrain, fuel pump and fuel tank, along
with new wheels and sprockets, all geared to maintain the industry’s
highest customer satisfaction rating of 94 percent and provide riders
with the ultimate motorcycle experience.
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10th Anniversary Victory Vision® —
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Victory motorcycles, Victory has
taken 10 years of innovation and progressive design and put it into
the most exclusive motorcycle the company has ever offered — the 10th
Anniversary Victory Vision. Only 100 of these exclusively-numbered,
limited-edition bikes, based on a 2009 Victory Vision Tour, will be
produced. The 10th Anniversary Victory Vision
takes the class-leading comfort and breakthrough styling of the
industry-changing, American luxury-touring cruiser and adds to it
numerous special features. The bike is equipped with extra chrome trim
including chrome inner leg fairings, side covers, access panel,
grilles and a High Intensity Discharge headlight. A special
anniversary paint scheme of Antares Red with Black Metallic accents
and gold pinstripes – essentially the same
colors used on the first Victory Motorcycle ever built 10 years ago –
accompanies a special 10th Anniversary badge
above the taillight and on each side storage compartment. Additional
features include heated handgrips and seats, an electronically
controlled windscreen, communications and “infotainment” devices such
as XM Radio, CB radio, driver-passenger communications systems and a
Victory Vision GPS system.
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Next Generation Freedom 106/6 V-Twin Engine –
The most significant enhancement across Victory’s
2009 cruiser line up is the introduction of the Next Generation
Freedom 106/6 V-Twin Engine. The Vegas Jackpot, Hammer and Hammer S
will all be equipped with the new 106-ci/1731cc V-Twin engine,
featuring Stage 2 Cams and a 6-speed transmission with Overdrive.
Additionally, the Next Generation 106/6 V-Twin Engine produces 97
horsepower and 113 foot-pounds of torque, and includes a Closed Loop
Fuel Injection to ensure the most efficient fuel delivery for
consistently, optimized performance.
-
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
and stability to go along with a visually stunning machine. The
Kingpin Low has a lower seat height (25.2 inches –
over one inch lower than standard Kingpin) and sculpted side covers (1
1/2 inches narrower) that create a more direct reach to the ground.
Adding to the comfort and confidence of the rider is the Kingpin Low’s
easy-to-reach hand controls, 2-inch pullback handlebars and an
adjustable brake lever to accommodate riders with smaller hands. The
floorboards are set two inches rearward from the standard Kingpin,
moving the controls closer to the rider and the passenger
seat/footpegs have been removed in order to give the bike a clean,
cool look while optimizing a solo rider’s
comfort and confidence.
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Ness Signature Series – The creative
artistry of Arlen and Cory Ness, two of the country’s legendary custom
bike builders and Victory styling partners, is once again on display
in a pair of limited edition Victory models in 2009. Both the 2009
Arlen Ness Signature Series Victory Vision and the Cory Ness Signature
Series Vegas Jackpot have been produced in a special, limited-edition
quantity with less than one bike per each U.S. Victory dealer. To
reinforce the limited-edition nature of these models, each 2009 Ness
bike will have a metal plate with the bike’s
number, either the Arlen Ness or Cory Ness logo, along with a
facsimile of their respective autograph. Other features include custom
paint schemes, tons of newly styled Ness chrome and billet
accessories, along with Ness wheels and an extensive list of other
Ness-designed details. Victory has also extended its partnership with
the Ness family and will begin working with third generation custom
bike builder, Zack Ness, on future projects.
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Roland Sands Partnership – Victory
fueled its passion for bringing riders a fresh approach by announcing
a new partnership with custom bike designer, Roland Sands. Together,
Victory and Sands will continue to push the boundaries in modern
motorcycle design and styling, creating high-quality, custom
motorcycles geared toward attracting newer, younger riders. As part of
its 10th Anniversary celebration this week in Las Vegas, Sands and
Victory unveiled a custom 2009 Victory 8-Ball showcasing the
designer’s creative genius and the unique, progressive styling Victory
is known for.
“For 10 years Victory has been driven to present a new, higher level of
American innovation and a motorcycle for every type of rider,” said Mark
Blackwell, vice president of Victory Motorcycles. “The 2009 Victory line
up with entries in- more -every cruiser and touring 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.”
PURE Polaris:
In 2009, PURE Polaris is offering a full line up of more than 260 new
accessories for ATVs, RANGER, RANGER RZR and Victory. With
the introduction of the new Sportsman ATVs and RANGER
Side-by-Sides, PURE Polaris has a variety of new accessories for these
new models including an expansion of the industry-leading Lock & Ride
items. A new line of RANGER cabs and the introduction of the BOSS®
Lift & Carry System, which can lift and carry up to 500 lbs, allows the
Side-by-Side machines to work even harder. PURE Polaris is also offering
the industry’s first-ever 15-inch tires as part of its six new wheel and
tire packages for ATVs and RANGERs. Also in 2009, the PURE
Victory Gear team unveiled an expanded line of Victory Performance®
exhaust systems, including a stylish, new “2 Into 1 System” which offers
a smooth and powerful look to a bike.
About Polaris
With annual 2007 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers,
manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including the
Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory
motorcycles for recreational and utility use.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, one of the
largest manufacturers of all terrain recreational, utility and
side-by-side vehicles (ATVs) in the world, and rapidly making impressive
in-roads into the motorcycle cruiser and touring marketplace under the
Victory® brand. The Victory motorcycle
division was established in 1998 representing the first all-new
American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years.
Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure
Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “PII,” and
the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and
vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or
anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Editor Note: For photography requests, please contact Brian Israel at
(952) 346-6197 or bisrael@webershandwick.com.
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