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
Polaris Industries Inc. (PII) 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.
* 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.”
* 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.
* Sportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss -- There's big and than there is the Sportsman 800 6x6 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 6x6 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.
* 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.
* 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.”
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