UTV Popularity
UTV Popularity
By Tom Marley
Utility all terrain vehicles, or UTVs, are continuing to gain more and more popularity among enthusiasts—and manufacturers have taken notice.
Of the seven major ATV OEMs, Yamaha, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Kawasaki have already entered the UTV market with high-powered side-by-side models, and Honda is just about ready with its Big Red slated as a 2009 model year release. That leaves just Suzuki and Can-Am, and you can bet that they’re already at the drawing table.
Many consumers, however, seem to be looking for more than just the stock units the manufacturers are providing.
The amount of new aftermarket accessories and modifications available for UTVs are staggering.
Follow up:
The speed at which some of the companies are coming out with accessories is pretty impressive. Kawasaki’s Teryx has only been available for a matter of weeks, yet DG Performance already has a selection of available add-ons.
“We’ve got a unique relationship with some people at Kawasaki Motor Corp. USA who have allowed us to borrow two vehicles prior to probably almost any other after market company, not only in the USA, but the world,” says Davie. “This entitled us to get a great jump on all the other brands.”
DG Performance already has key items such as bumpers and skid plates on hand and a new light bar and spare tire rack are not far from completion. The company has other products in the design phase.
“We’ll venture into making some more products that allow the user to personalize and customize their vehicle, but I think also towards the racing side of the UTV market as well,” says Davie.