The engine is a unique design
and comes in multiple configurations. Presently
the company will offer a 450cc motocross model
as well as an open class 507cc model known as
the ATX Quad Racer. They are currently working
with one of the industry’s top fabricators
on a new chassis that will house their 950cc V-twin
engine in hopes of reeling in the desert crowd.
Just like the two-wheeled version, the company
expects the quad will be ready to tame the Baja
1000 right out of the box.
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The 450's engine is nothing short
of amazing either with it's current dual-exhaust
system, on-board EFI fuel delivery management,
& external over-sized oil filter,
this engine is sure to capture the hearts
of many ATV racers in the future |
The state of the art engine includes a computer
that, when connected through a data port, provides
detailed information on the machines every RPM,
power output and even includes a G-force meter
that reports the impact of the quad when landing
from jumps. It comes with a six-speed constant
mesh transmission and like many of its high
performance counterparts, Electronic Fuel Injection.
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demo-unit also came with dual Sil Engine
exhausts but most likely the production
model will come with an exhaust supplied
by Jardine |
The engine itself was designed by the late Mats
Malmberg and was based off the Folan 950 V-twin.
Malmberg took the design with him to Sweden where
he recreated and perfected the engine now used
in the company’s 950 Desert Storm motorcycle.
In 2006, using the same bottom end, cylinder and
head, Malmberg and his team of engineers created
the single cylinder version used in the company’s
350, 450 and 507 displaced engines.
Again, because they are in the beginning stages,
many of the components on the demo quad are not
the same ones that will appear on the production
models. The Sil Engine exhaust looks trick and
the company plans to retain the dual exhaust design
but is currently testing with Jardine exhaust
on their motorcycles and may ultimately run the
same exhaust on the ATV.
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The Highland 450 was right at home
on the sandy soilds of Glen Helen as our
test rider put it through it's paces.
The quad weighs in at an impressively
light 352 lbs. & it even comes with
electric start to crank over the powerful
EFI engine! |
Overall the quad is comfortable and we think
it looks trick in its aftermarket 250R style
skin. It features electric start but engineers
opted not to include reverse, further proving
that their focus is on racing. It weighs in
at 352 pounds dry which is significantly lighter
than several of its 450 class competitors. The
company hopes to begin production by the end
of 2010 making units available for the 2011
racing season. While they’re still in
the testing phase and finalizing production
plans, we’re excited to see this new manufacturer
hit the dirt. Offering a true race ready quad
out of the box that can compete at the national
level has never been accomplished and US Highland
is working hard to do just that.
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