Minneapolis, February 13, 2009 – Polaris Industries today announced Polaris ATVs won three of the six ATV “Best in Class” awards offered by All Terrain Vehicle Magazine. The Sportsman 850 XP won “Best Sport Utility ATV,” the Outlaw 525 IRS took “Best Sport ATV: Trail” and the Sportsman 500 H.O. won “Best Value ATV.”
“Polaris is extremely excited to win three of the six All Terrain Vehicle ‘Best in Class” awards for ATVs,” said Matt Homan, vice president and general manager of the Off-Road Division for Polaris. “We’d like to thank the All Terrain Vehicle staff for recognizing the quality of our ATV product line.”
The 99 percent new Sportsman 850 XP takes the Sportsman’s power and ride to the next level. The ATV features a more-powerful 850cc, twin EFI engine that churns out 70 horsepower. Its upgraded suspension, including Dual A-Arm front suspension and Rolled IRS in the rear, makes the Sportsman 850 XP’s ride smoother and more controlled, with the highest suspension travel and ground clearance. To further enhance the ride, the Sportsman 850 XP has a patented, anti-kickback steering to decrease rider fatigue. The model also features better clutching, highest pulling and towing, and biggest rack capacity. Along with more power and a better ride, the Sportsman 850 XP has an updated look that includes better ergonomics, new wheels, and a better fit and finish.
The Outlaw 525 IRS was redesigned for 2009 with new, aggressive styling including a single headlight, lowered the center of gravity, conventional steering and a six-pound weight reduction. The model also sports aluminum heel pockets and front bumper, adjustable front brake lever and a steering post that accepts thicker bar mounts for easier customization. Polaris also moved the foot peg one-inch forward on the Outlaw 525 IRS and added 10-inch rear wheels on the Outlaw 525 IRS.
The legendary Sportsman 500 H.O. is one of the best selling automatic ATVs of all time. Re-introduced in 2008, this carbureted model sells for the all-time low price of $5,999 vs. its $6,499 price tag when it was introduced in 1996.
Polaris ATV enthusiasts can check out the award winners in the current issue of All Terrain Vehicle Magazine.
About Polaris
With annual 2008 sales of $1.9 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. 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 is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
