SideXSide Action - April 2008 - (Page 62)

APRIL 2008 SIDE X SIDE SHOOT-OUT {the classes} We wanted to make sure that each vehicle had a fair evaluation and that the vehicles were all tested under the same criteria. Since there are a lot of different types of Side X Sides on the market, we made sure that each vehicle was tested for its intended use. We devised three classes for the vehicles being tested: sport class, sport utility class, and utility class. While there is a lot of crossover between the three classes, it was important to break each vehicle into their intentional classes so they could be rated as such. Our line-up for the shoot-out (minus Tomcar) on a balmy 36 degree morning in Barstow, CA (Right). Representatives from each manufacturer were on hand to answer any technical questions (Top Left). Testing property impliments and towing capacities were a big part of the utility testing on Day Two (Bottom Left). course. cles excelled with the utility tests and some left us a little on edge (literally). Our mechanical team once again stepped up in the utility portion of the testing and measured the vehicles’ bed height under a load, and also made sure that each vehicle did not exceed the manufacture’s set limits. {the testing} The testing took place over two days in Barstow, CA. Barstow is well-known for its rugged offroad terrain and was a great place to get a good first impression of the vehicles tested. The first day of testing consisted mainly of free driving and mechanical specification tests. All of the Side X Sides were tested on a closed course by our panel of judges. The free ride drive consisted of loose dirt hill climbs, a tight canyon course, open flats, washboard whoop roads, steep downhill descents, dried sandy river bed roads, and a slalom-style Along with the free drive, mechanical testing was done for each vehicle to get some factual numbers. Our mechanical team measured a range of dimensions such as: overall length, seat height, bed capacity, ground clearance, width, height, wheel base, and turning radius. Along with measurements, the team also weighed each vehicle as it was tested so we could compare that weight to the claimed vehicle weight. Getting an accurate speed was important to us also, so we used a GPS to acquire each vehicle’s fastest 1/10th mile run. When it came time to test the utility side of each vehicle, we had each driver test a different portion of utility. First, we attached a trailer loaded with 1,025 lbs. Next, we fit each with a Kolpin Dirtworks 3-point hitch with rake attachment. Finally, we loaded each vehicle to half and full capacity to evaluate their performance under different conditions. Some vehi- {the machines} We contacted every manufacturer on radar to request a brand new demo unit for our series of tests. The criterion for the machines was that they had to be a brand new model with less than 10 miles on the odometer, and they had to be set up the same as they would on a dealership floor. The first to arrive at our office was a 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700. This year Yamaha answered consumers’ demands by adding a larger 686cc engine coupled with a fuel injection delivery system. The new 700 Rhino is completely redesigned this year with tons of upgrades, including a big safety advance in the form of factory bolt-on doors. 62 SIDE X SIDE ACTION MAGAZINE

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SideXSide Action - April 2008

SideXSide Action - April 2008 Contents Mailbox News Tips & Tricks Race Interview Next: Bobcat Soldier Meadows Win a Rhino CORR Season Wrap Up Race Year in Review Built For It: Rath Racing Prowler Product Review Shock Adjustments Tech: CDI & ECU Boxes Company Spotlight: Legend Off-Road Wheel Buyers Guide SXS Shoot-Out Gallery Shot New Products On The Go Photo

SideXSide Action - April 2008

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