Polaris scoops the awards pool with Predator and Sportsman 800 Twin EFI ATVs

The 2005 Troy Lee Designs version of the Predator is loaded with premium performance equipment and has new gear ratios that improve roll-on acceleration. The TLD model also has aluminum shocks, front and rear, and the front shocks have remote reservoirs and compression adjustability so riders can really dial in the Predator’s ride and handling. Maxxis Razr radial tires are standard all around. The combination of the new shocks, new tires and close ratio gears results in a distinctly different and more performance-oriented ride on the Predator 500 Troy Lee Designs edition.

“We selected the Polaris Predator TLD edition because Polaris used a strategic reconditioning plan to improve its overall appeal and competition potential for the machine,” said Jerrod Kelley, editor of ATV Sport Magazine. “This model does not alienate the average rider or recreational rider, yet it has the potential to perform in competition formats, especially GNCC-type settings. Transforming this model from a “Limited Edition” model to a standard offering in the lineup was critical.”

ATV Sport created the annual awards in 2003 in an effort to bring recognition and acknowledgement to the sport niche of the ATV industry. With more manufacturers releasing new sport models and the interest in sport quads and racing on the rise, ATV Sport and Ehlert Publishing Group, Inc. determined it was time to reward the manufacturers’ sport efforts. The overall award is determined by the group of ATV editors at Ehlert.

“This year’s Predator Troy Lee is already establishing itself as a tough machine to beat on the trails with Matt Smiley’s four top-ten finishes in the first four races of the GNCC season, including two podium spots,” said Bennett Morgan, vice president and general manager of the ATV division at Polaris. “We’re thrilled that consumers and the industry are as excited about this machine as we are. We believe we’ve made dramatic improvements over the 2004 model and much of that is due to consumer and dealer feedback. Keep it coming.”

To receive the award a machine must be all-new or significantly redesigned. It also must meet at least one of the three prerequisites: Market Appeal, Competition Potential and Innovation. The Sport Quad of the Year award aims to serve as an annual accolade for a deserving niche of the market -- to recognize a growing segment and prove there is an increase in interest, from the manufacturers and consumers, and a future for the sport. Ehlert wanted to recognize these efforts and models, some of which will help shape the future of the sport.

”This redesigned quad also fits in with Polaris’ redesigned racing effort, which includes GNCC contingency and factory-backed GNCC pro Matt Smiley,” said Kelley. “Incorporating dealer and consumer feedback improved the Troy Lee Design Predator’s overall package and truly made it a better for everyone.”

The toughest of the tough

Finally, from the company that markets its ATVs as the world’s toughest, check out the new 2006 model MV7 – it’s a military-strength ATV with additional ground clearance, towing capacity, carrying capacity and run flat tyres (sometimes it’s not a good idea to stop and fix a puncture). When we spoke to the Australian Polaris distributor about the MV7 he bemoaned the fact that the vehicles are only available to the military – in a country renowned for being brutally tough on its off-road work vehicles, the MV7 would be a best seller.