Corning’s Gorilla Glass: UTV Windshield?

As I logged in to my Yahoo account Monday morning, I noticed a story about a 1962 product from Corning called “Gorilla Glass”. The Yahoo Gorilla Glass story essentially said this old invention may now find new life as a virtually indestructible dent- and scratch-proof glass for flat screens and other technological devices, such as the iPad and iPhone. Yahoo said Corning the Gorilla Glass is “poised to become a multibillion-dollar bonanza for Corning Inc.”

I don’t own an iPhone, iPad or high-end LCD, new flat screen or 3-D television, however, so I should have just skipped over the story. However, something pulled me in. Was it because a 68-year-old invention is about to finally pay off and bring in huge bucks for a 159-year-old company? It could have the link I found about Corning investing in US manufacturing. Or was it that fact that this glass — if it’s as unbreakable and damage resistant as claimed — could have even more value as a windshield for UTVs! Sure, it’s a small niche, but would demand a lot of material for each use.

I’m serious. It’s not like you have to worry about it breaking or getting scratched. It’s also not like you have to worry about visual clarity — it’s made for TVs for Pete’s sake. It’s not that far of a stretch. The Yahoo article states “…designers are again exploring using it in unexpected places, like refrigerator doors, car sunroofs and touch-screen hotel advertising.”

Who will be the first to introduce Gorilla Glass for the off-road industry?

More questions:

Will it withstand harsh winter temperatures or drastic temperature changes? Probably.

Can it withstand a blunt-force blow (say from a roosted rock or low-slung tree branch)? My guess is yes.

Will it cost a fortune to use Gorilla Glass instead of Plexiglass or high-impact, shatter-resistant Acrylic? Perhaps

Does high-impact, shatter-resistant Acrylic already do a fine job as a UTV windshield? Probably.

Can it be made large enough for a UTV? Large-screen LCD TVs can be protected…why not UTVs?

Any ATV Will Do

Let’s get one thing straight, I absolutely love riding sport quads. There’s nothing like the freedom, speed and maneuverability. However, some of my recent media escapades have put me on and inside machines that feel sporty, but don’t qualify as 400cc+ sport quads. Here are some off-roading myths I’ve recently busted, so to speak.

UTV are heavy and for farming: False!

I never thought I would become a UTV fan, seriously. They’re boxy, big, heavy and have a glovebox and cup holders for Pete’s sake. But since more of my time is devoted to these four-wheeled off-road machines, I figure if I can’t beat them, so I’ll join them. Besides, UTVs can be sporty and fun and a riot to drive, especially models like the Polaris Ranger RZR S. Sure, it’s a different experience compared to racing in the woods on a 450 quad or roosting sand on a 700cc four-stroke, but the ride they offer still puts a smile on my face.

Two-up ATVs are for old farts: Incorrect!

Considering that I’ll soon be 38 years old, I guess I could almost qualify as an old fart. However, I’ve always viewed two-rider quads as something retired riders (60+) would purchase so they can take the misses on slow-paced cruises through the forest and to every available scenic lookout on the map. Some recent seat time on a couple different Can-Am 2-up ATVs has recently proved me wrong again. These utility quads, with their long wheelbase and rear passenger seat, can be every bit as useful as a normal 4×4 quad and ridden sporty. However, I find these four-wheelers offer the most fun doing what they were engineered to do. Riding double! Riding double has always been frowned upon in the ATV industry, but it’s more readily accepted when it’s done a quad designed to carry two riders.

There’s just something about riding a quad when you have another person with you. Laughter, cooperative body English in turns, conversation, two dirt moustaches instead of one and, of course, there’s the important fact that you only have to buy one machine. If you’re brave enough to ride aggressively, a 2-up ATV can be an extremely fun and sporty investment.

Small Quads are for beginners: Error!

Small-bore sport quads (say 300cc and below) aren’t fun, or so I thought. Sure, I’ve ridden entry-level machines several times (I even raced a KYMCO Mongoose 300 at a GNCC) and have been thoroughly entertained for the most part. However, when it comes to riding aggressively (read: pinning it and cornering like a racer), I would certainly choose a bigger sport vehicle (or even one of the aforementioned machines).

Recent seat time on a Yamaha Raptor 250 has proven me wrong, again. Sure, the platform is rather cramped and the power is nothing like a 450cc YFZ450R (or comparable 450 sport quad), but it sure beats sitting around. Everyone always told me the little Raptor (aka the 250, not the new Raptor 125) was a gas, and now I can confirm the same thing. In fact, I would pay money — though not very much — to see the GNCC ATV pros and top ATV MX racers battle it out on Raptor 250s. I think it would be a classic race!

I hope the ATV industry continues to surprise me and change my attitude toward ATVs and UTVs that don’t fit in with my original definition of fun.

UTV Hayrides

So much for farm tractors … When I was growing up in Iowa, we used to take hayrides on just about every farm tour or Halloween pumpkin patch visit we ever took and every time a tractor pulled us along. I distinctly remember a few haunted hayrides that were decent, too, but more so for the companionship (scared girlfriends) than the spookiness of the ride. Things have progressed these days. No longer do farmers use tractors to tote a flatbed utility trailer full of riders.  Nope, they’ve moved on to utilizing a different machine sitting in their utility pole barn: A UTV!

On a recent trip to the Bill Dropik residence (farm) in Nelson, Minn., my kids were treated to their first family hayride. The Douglas County American Dairy Association presented Lunch on the Farm (cheese burgers, hot dogs, chips, milk, milkshakes, etc.) on Saturday, June 27, and invited the public to enjoy the food and tour the farm. We saw plenty of cows, farm cats, ate good food and took in some oh-so-familiar smells (at least for us in the Midwest). A good time was had by all and both Giggles the Clown and the cow-colored balloons and were a big hit!

Albeit smaller in size than the hayrides of my past, the trip from the nearby parking lot to the farm should have been a memorable one for the youngsters. I rode shotgun in the Cub Cadet and enjoyed the slow-speed journey across the pasture. Those antique tractors (Farmall et al.) we drove in front of must have been jealous of the UTV, because they didn’t say a word.

Bobcat Utility Vehicles: New and Improved

I’m typing this from the media center inside of Bobcat of Atlanta dealership in Georgia. Bobcat invited members of the off-road, trade, farming and construction industry in to get a closer look and test its latest line of Utility Vehicles (UTVs). I’m here for ATV Magazine as a complete test and overview story about the Bobcat Utility Vehicles will run in an upcoming issue.

Here are some key points you need to know about this all-new line of Bobcat Utility Products (Which was acquired by Doosan Infracore in 2007):

Four Bobcat Utility Vehicle Models:

• Third generation Bobcat Utility Vehicles
• 3200 (4×2), 3400 (4×4), 3400 XL (Up to 6 riders; 4×4) and 3450 (4×4)
• Diesel engine is available in all but the 3200
• All models featured increased horsepower: Diesel from 20 to 24 HP; 3200 from 13 to 29 hp; 3400 from 23  to 32 hp.
• Top speed has increased to 30 mph. That’s up by 5 mph on the 4x4s.
• High (30 mph max) and low-speed gearing (15 mph max)
• Increased payload capacity (up to 33% more)
• Electronic fuel injected gas engines
• Four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson struts, front; 5-way preload adjustable rear shocks with two optional mounting positions for load carrying)
• 3450 includes Bobcat’s exclusive RapidLink attachment mounting system
• Came from an 18-month shared engineering and design effort with Polaris Industries and designed according to Bobcat specifications and demands. Part of the 1 1/2-year strategic alliance between the two companies.
• All-new frame
• Only carryover from old UTV models is headlights.

For more information, visit Bobcat online. Bobcat videos!

Bobcat UTV Testing

This week I’ll be coming to you from somewhere in Georgia. I’m attending a Bobcat press event to showcase some of its product offerings, including its updated line of utility vehicles. That’s right, this week I’m wearing my utility cap. The eve before the big testing day says we may have to deal with some rain and sloppy conditions. One company rep went out to buy rain ponchos for the media – sweet! What’s more fun that driving off-road and playing in the dirt/mud?

I’ll try to upload some images and video for your enjoyment. Until then, check out this link to Bobcat’s own video:

Bobcat Utility Vehicle video

For more info, Bobcat Utility Vehicles

Off-road Expo 'Spring Break' At Pomona Fairplex

Looking for something to do this weekend in Southern California? If so, head to the Pomona Fairplex and experience the 2nd Annual Off-road Expo presented by Toyota. If you’re into quads, trucks, side-by-sides, motorcycles, Hawaiian Tropic models and more, this is the place to be.

For Immediate Release
POMONA, CALIF. — The 2009 Off-Road Expo ‘Spring Break’ presented by Toyota will invade the Fairplex in Pomona Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, with everything off-road including vehicles, thousands of parts and accessories, unbeatable show deals and more. Exciting new activities take center stage including Can-Am ATV demo rides, Hawaiian Tropic Model Search pageants, motorcycle trials stunt shows, and a truck and 4X4 Show & Shine. [Read more]

Hatfield-McCoy Trails: Wayne County Update

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails has announced that its officials have recently met with the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers to discuss a new trail system. The U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers controls the East Lynn Dam Area in Wayne County, W.Va.

In 2008, both sides met about the the East Lynn Dam Area and determined more would be done after the Hatfield-McCoy trail techs were allowed to “create” potential routes. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails says they’ve mapped about 60 miles of trails and that the Hatfield-McCoy trail authority took over management of all the current trail in the district.

Now, the trail system need to write a formal proposal, which includes both trail routes and trailhead sites. Once this is complete, Hatfield-McCoy with set the license agreements in place and begin construction.

For more info visit, TrailsHeaven.com or read the HMT blog

Mickey Thompson/KalGard Lubricants SXS Stadium Series

After a successful 2008, The Mickey Thompson/KalGard Lubricants SXS Stadium Series presented by Skin Industries is set to start the first round of the series February 21st at Perris Auto Raceway.
The racing will be headlined with the Stadium Truck class and will also include Side-x-Sides, Prerunners and many more off-road vehicles.

In 2008 action sports stars including Kyle Leduc, Brian Deegan, Mike Metzger, Dan Henderson, Nate Adams, Jeff Matiasevich, Todd Arthur, Chad George, Trenton Briley, Austin Reed and tons more attended and competed in the SXS Stadium Series/Dirt Alliance events. Several of these icons and many others are scheduled to be at the first round. [Read more]

U.S. Senate poised to shut Off-Highway Vehicles out of more than 1 million acres of public land

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. Senate is poised to act as early as Sunday on a massive package of public lands bills that would shut motorcyclists out of more than 1 million acres without adequate public comment, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The last-minute move just as the newly elected Congress takes over has raised the ire of the AMA and at least one congressman, who believe the proposal and process deserve more public participation.

“Those who say things get better with time obviously never encountered the public lands omnibus bill,” said U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah). “This bill was a bad idea last Congress, and it’s only gotten worse over the past month.”

Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, agreed.

“It makes little sense to lump together more than 160 very important public lands bills into one package that is nearly 1,300 pages long, and then expect the public to digest it all — and to rush a vote through the Senate on a weekend,” Moreland said.

More than 160 public lands bills have been grouped together by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The package would create more than 1 million acres of designated Wilderness land, which would shut out all motorized vehicles.

The last-minute congressional maneuver would also make the National Landscape Conservation System permanent. This system creates an additional level of bureaucracy for the National System of Public Lands and would remove much of the authority of the existing agency in managing those lands.

“Congress should put together a new package and pass it through committee rather than debate legislation carried over from the previous Congress,” Rep. Bishop said. “Poor process produces poor product, and this is an example of congressional process at its worst. Parts of this bill are good, and parts are very bad. Each part deserves to be discussed and voted on its own merits.”

“Continued responsible access to public lands is a vitally important right for current and future generations,” added Moreland. “This measure deserves to be fully analyzed and thoughtfully debated in the next Congress prior to a final vote.”

All AMA members and anyone else who enjoys outdoor recreation are urged to contact their U.S. senators and ask them to oppose the omnibus public lands bill. An easy way to contact your senators is in the “Issues & Legislation” area of the Rights section of the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.