QUAD: What is new at Kawasaki?
Russel: Kawasaki’s all-new 2008 KFX450R is the big news on our ATV side. With the new motor and aluminum chassis it has created a great amount of interest among our customers and dealers as we lead up to its release in the next several weeks. To support this exciting new ATV, we will field a factory supported team of riders for the 2007, William Yokley in the GNCC series, while Jason Luburgh and Josh Creamer will contest the WPSA series as well as select ATVA MX races. To guide the team, Kawasaki ATV legend Jim White has been brought on board to serve as team coordinator. In addition to this, Kawasaki has posted a contingency program that offers over $500,000 that covers five series, All-Terrain Vehicle Association MX series (ATVA), Grand National Cross Country series(GNCC), White Brothers 4-Stroke National, World Power Sports Association series (WPSA) and World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS). In addition to the KFX450R, other eligible models include the KFX700, Brute Force 6504×4 and 4×4i, the Brute Force 750 4×4i and the Prairie 700 4×4.
QUAD: What is Kawasaki’s most popular ATV?
Russel: Our most popular Kawasaki ATV is the Prairie 360 4×4.
QUAD: What’s the ratio of 4×4s compared to sport quads sold by Kawasaki?
Russel: Currently the ratio is 80% 4×4s (sport utility/utility) to 20% sport, though this ratio will certainly change once the 2008 KFX450R hits the dealers in March.
QUAD: The KFX450R is creating quite a buzz. What’s the quad like to ride?
Russel: Well, John and Thad will have a chance to ride the all-new KFX450R next month at our press introduction. I have had a chance to ride the ATV and can tell you it is incredible. The new chassis with frame’s single lower box tube allows for the use of longer A-arms that keeps the ATV planted in the corners. The fuel injection works great in conjunction with the new motor that allows the ATV to pull cleanly from low RPM all the way through to the higher revs. Trail riders and GNCC racers will really like the fact that this unit has reverse for breaking loose of bottlenecks quickly.
QUAD: What’s your favorite thing about ATVs and the industry?
Russel: My favorite thing about ATVs is how versatile they are, what they can do and where they can take you. The introduction of our new KFX450R fills out our ATV line, it is a really exciting time to be involved with Kawasaki ATVs because of this new model and new models we have planned for the coming model years as well. Being a relatively small industry, in terms of numbers of people, means that you get to know quite a few people. Since most of us like to ride there are opportunities throughout the course of the year to get together and spend some time on product with others in the industry. Whether it is riding with staff at the magazines, aftermarket reps or even your counterparts at the other manufacturers, this industry tends to let the good times roll (pun intended).
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