Maldev Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Polaris has finally put airless tires on sale. The Polaris Sportsman WV850 H.O. ATV is the first vehicle to offer them and, considering that it's inspired by the MV850 military ATV, that seems appropriate. They pretty much make it the ultimate post-apocalyptic four-wheeler. According to Polaris, the TerrainArmor tires, can take a direct hit from a .50-caliber round and still drive 350 miles; they can also last 1,000 miles after running over a railroad spike. How do they do it? The tires' inner structure is a mesh design that supports the weight of the vehicle, while still being flexible enough to soak up bumps. There's still a rubber outer tread so, like conventional tires, different tread patterns can be developed for different applications. In addition to not never needing a trip to the gas station's air pump, the TerrainArmor tires are reportedly less wasteful, because only the outer tread section needs to be replaced. They also offer a more comfortable ride and reduce noise, according to Polaris. The airless tire was actually developed by Resilient Technologies, a Wisconsin startup Polaris acquired last year, presumably for this tire tech. The Polaris Sportsman WV850 H.O. goes on sale next month with a starting price of $14,999, but only in "very limited quantities." Other features include a steel exoskeleton chassis, and a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Drivers looking to put airless tires on their cars might have to wait a little longer, though. Michelin introduced the concept of the airless tire with the "Tweel" in 2005, and both Bridgestone and Hankook have subsequently unveiled their own version of the concept. However, none of these automotive airless tires have been put on sale yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 (edited) It gets better. Polaris just won the contract to supply the U.S. Special forces (green berets, seals, etc.) (SOCOM) with tactical ATVs. Take that, Harley Davidson! http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2013/10/polaris-to-provide-mrzr-tactical-all.html Edited November 18, 2013 by Dr. Mark 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycorn Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 hmmmmmmm.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabRat Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Didn't faithfully supplying the military not turn out so well for Indian last time around? JK, Nice to see a contract going to Polaris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toycar10 Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Now why didn't we have toys like that when I was in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 in a previous life we bought nothing but Polaris ATV for overseas....to my knowledge and after 8 13 years in the middle east off and on I never saw another ATV brand being bought and brought in for the US Forces. Likely one reason is because I am not aware of any others that meet the Made in USA of at least 73% US sourced parts or whatever the damn rule says now. Yamaha, Honda, suzuki, Can-Am, Bobardier....all Canadian or Asian. John Deer UTV were bought but they are way more expensive and did not have traditional ATV...just the UTEs. My previous company (right after retiring) was a reseller for Polaris...huge contracts...and great machines to boot. Wasnt lowest bidder it was best product for money and American company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Didn't faithfully supplying the military not turn out so well for Indian last time around? JK, Nice to see a contract going to Polaris. You are absolutely correct. I am a bit more optimistic this time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K2V2 Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 hmmmmmmm.... Welp, that one-ups the Ural military version! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firebird77clone Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I thought Harley got the WWII contract? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabRat Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 (edited) They both has the contract, Indian honored it, but HD kept bikes in reserve that they sent to dealerships to help keep them afloat. Edited November 19, 2013 by LabRat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Most of Indian's bikes got sent to lend-lease allies, which is why there are a shitload of Indians in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickkciR Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Most of Indian's bikes got sent to lend-lease allies, which is why there are a shitload of Indians in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. aaaaaaaaaaaaah... I learn something new everyday . That fact has always bugged me ( why so many over 'there' ? ) ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 They both has the contract, Indian honored it, but HD kept bikes in reserve that they sent to dealerships to help keep them afloat. and Indian honored the scope of keeping engine to certain size limit...HD went large and when they put young GIs on the bikes....big engines won just as they would with us at that age...hell at this age. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldev Posted November 19, 2013 Author Share Posted November 19, 2013 Then the Jeep came out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Mark Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Then the Jeep came out. Those fuckers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallRider Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 . . . but will they come in wide whitewalls? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallRider Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 . . . but will they come in wide whitewalls? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallRider Posted November 20, 2013 Share Posted November 20, 2013 I detect an echo. I hate redundant people who repeat themselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldev Posted November 20, 2013 Author Share Posted November 20, 2013 Say again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.