by J. Scott Olmsted - Monday, May 2, 2016
Bad Boy Buggies has become Bad Boy Off Road because, well, no one wants to buy a buggie. When Textron Specialized Vehicles bought the brand known throughout the Southeast for its electric-powered side-by-side vehicles, it knew right off the bat it would spend a couple years researching exactly what changes to make to put new vehicles front and center before sportsmen.
Several years later, that time has come. Enter the Stampede, which features a German-engineered, gasoline-powered 846cc, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel-injected engine that delivers 80hp and 58 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is coupled to a fully automatic continuously variable transmission and a four-wheel-drive system that is available with an optional rear locking differential. The undercarriage sports 11.25 inches of ground clearance, a four-wheel double A-arm suspension with 9.5/10.5 inches of travel front/rear and front/rear sway bars. Hydraulic disc brakes are found on all four corners. Fuel capacity is 9.5 gallons.
I drove the Stampede during a Texas turkey hunt in March, and I can say I’m excited for ATV consumers to learn just what the Bad Boy brand has done to itself. The 900-class SxS is capable and comfortable. Entering and exiting the vehicle is hassle-free thanks to forward-opening doors and 13 inches of leg room between the A-pillar and seat—no banging your legs while climbing behind the wheel. The extended cab is a big plus for hunters or ranch hands, as it boasts plenty of space behind the occupants for stowing guns and gear without resorting to using the bed. In all, there is 24 cubic feet of storage between the extended cab, dash pockets and bed. The unit can tow up to 2,000 pounds behind its 2-inch receiver. And it can haul 600 pounds in its bed.
More than 70 custom-fit, purpose-built accessories are ready and waiting for new Stampede owners including the Hunting package: a hard-top roof, split windshield, plate brush guard, plate rear bumper, gun mount and bow mount, Warn winch, hood rack, light bar mount, 42-inch LED curved light bar and two 6-inch flush-mounted LED light bars.
The Stampede is available in three configurations: 900 4x4; 900 4x4 EPS with electronic power steering and selectable locking rear differential; and 900 4x4 EPS+ with alloy wheels, 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and color-accented seats.
The base model is available in Forest Green and Inferno Red; 900 EPS colors include the former two plus Black and optional Realtree Xtra camo; 900 EPS Plus adds Platinum. Pricing begins at $13,799. Look for models at participating dealers beginning June 1.
Bad Boy is a Textron Specialized Vehicles brand headquartered in Augusta, Ga. Textron is a multi-industry corporation of aircraft, defense and industrial manufacturing that includes golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles. Textron brands include Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex and Lycoming. Textron Specialized Vehicles brands include Bad Boy Off Road, E-Z-Go, Cushman, TUG and Douglas.
