Now that you can pronounce it, do you really know who we're talking about? Sure, they make snowmobiles (SkiDoos), personal watercraft (SeaDoos) and outboard motors (Evinrude). With 75,000 employees in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia, Bombardier Inc also dabbles in aircraft (Lear Jet), financial services, jet trains - you name it. Do you recognize the name NOW? But while some may know that JA Bombardier invented the snowmobile in 1942, few associate the name with ATVs.

In a move that is sure to solidify their position in ATVs that they now enjoy in other personal recreational vehicles, for 2004 they are making a huge statement in the utility quad market. They are not merely slapping a sticker on a oversize ATV that says "Not Recommended for 2 Passengers" and calling the disclaimer sufficient. They know you are going to ride two people. We've all seen it. Quite a few of you have done it. They aren't just putting a back-rest on an existing design and selling it as a two-up quad.

They have totally redesigned an entire family of utility quads to provide SAFE, COMFORTABLE transport for two adults offroad. More than answering competition's efforts, they are seeing what you, the users, are demanding, and engineering the answer for you from the ground up in a whole new way.

THIS IS HUGE.

Instead of purchasing one new ATV for $5,000 and putting the little woman on the back when she wants to come along, or slapping down the Platinum Card and buying two at that price, how about investing $6,000 - $7,000, and both of you riding in style? One vehicle, one maintenance routine, one set of tires to replace every couple seasons.

We see immediate application for this lineup with ATV Rental or Tour Operators. We would expect agricultural use to be substantial. Commercial uses of ATV is just now exploding - What if your local Search & Rescue, Telephone Company or Road Surveyor could send out two bodies to work a trail with all their gear, without having to tromp through the woods in a larger automotive 4x4? Can you say "budget savings and less environmental impact?" This vehicle offering is long overdue, but comes to the market at an especially ripe moment.

We are truly excited about how this will open up the sport of ATV-ing to the whole family. Family members that may not be physically able to drive an ATV on their own, can now be a part of the adventure. We plan to drag along the mother-in-law and the brand new youth rider on weekend adventures fishing and sightseeing, thanks to the Max lineup.

The "Max" Family will include the Traxter Max, introduced last fall, and new Max versions of the Quest and Outlander. Each has a very specific target they are addressing and has been reengineered in subtle to major ways:

If you haven't seen one on the trail yet, the world's first two-rider ATV, the Traxter Max, is the workhorse of the family. The powerful 498cc Rotax motor is designed to work with gearing to apply the power band at the low end, making it ideal for pulling, hauling and towing, or moving through deep snow or mud with ease. The very engineering necessary to create a safe two-person quad, also increased it's stability substantially for even one rider. While the width remains the same as the standard Traxter or Traxter XL (equipped with extra-large box bed), the wheel base was extended 10", so even the passenger is seated entirely in front of the rear wheels. The Bombardier Step-through design allows the driver easy access to mount their seat, while the passenger gets to lounge against a comfortable backrest (think of a Goldwing, cruising down the highway!) and hold on securely with well-placed hand holds. Yeah, with a turning radius of over 93 inches, it's roughly the size of a small Volkswagen, but will take you more places than a Baja Bug. Think of it as a compact tractor, only easier to drive and way more fun.

The Outlander 400 4x4 Max is the ultimate sport/trail machine, taking all that suspension we loved so much from the 2003 Outlander and stretching it to share the ride.

What we rode recently at a secret hideaway in Whistler, BC, was absolutely the prototype, so we're not sure what will come with the XT Model and what pieces will have to be purchased seperately, but one option includes molded handguards and integrated GPS mounting rack. Definately plan to pick up the convertable seat that allows for amazing comfort for the passenger (our favorite of the three quads, hands down), that can be removed to allow one rider to haul substantial loads on extended rack surface and still look sporty. Ergonomically, the Outlander XT package is an amazing ride for the passenger, with slight changes to the seat and hand grips that take full advantage of the increased suspension performance of the Outlander. Long rides would be a true pleasure cruise.

The big brother, the Quest 650 Max, is actually a great in-between solution. Maybe you need to pull a trailer with a heavy load, but also want to stop off and do a little fishing when you're done feeding or building fence. Load your partner on the back, get the chores done, then head off down the trail. With the largest gas tank available on the market, 5.8 gallons, and an integrated "trunk" that will hold 8 gallons of necessary stuff, you are set for long-range hunting or trail rides right off the showroom floor.

We will give you a much more in-depth and up close look at the two newest of these quads as we near their shipping dates to US & Canadian Dealers next Fall. We'll also be looking at the laws governing their use on Public Lands. Current laws and regulations often reflect a one-person rule because of the hazards of riding double on a standard quad - expect some states to catch on to the Max Difference a little slower than others.

What you need to know now, is the answer is OUT THERE. It is coming to a dealer near you very soon. We've seen it, we've ridden it, and we are very excited to share it with you. It could revolutionize the line up of every major ATV manufacturer in the market - from now on, the rest are playing catch-up. As we hit the road for a busy season of 2004 product launches, Bombardier stands in front for Bold Innovation.

Whatever is French-Canadian for "Kudos" - Bombardier, we award that to you.

Check out the photo gallery of all three new editions in the wilds of Canada, and get your first taste of the "Max Experience."