Project EyeCATcher – From Blah to Brah!

STUDIO PHOTOS BY: CannonBomb.com

Without a doubt, I can say one positive thing about COVID-19 – it’s pushed many people  to dealers to purchase campers, fishing boats, dirtbikes, PWC, UTVs and ATVs.

I was fortunate enough to purchase this 2019 Alterra 450 4×4 from Thomas Sno Sports at the beginning of Arctic Cat’s Green Tag Sales event, which was about the same time the COVID-19 hype flared up.

Shortly after I purchased, these midsize, value-priced units were quickly snatched up by new and veteran offroad enthusiasts who were/are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors with their families.

I added simple bolt-on products to transform this base model Alterra into a true Eye CATcher, while still maintaining low out of pocket costs. You can do the same to your ATV, no matter what model you own, or have recently purchased.

A graphics wrap is an assured way to change the look and attitude of any ORV. Blown Concepts (Find them on Facebook) primarily uses a 3-color design process for a timeless look, and their thick 10mm gloss laminate provides the ultimate in durability when playing offroad. BC chose a high-viz orange race theme to compliment the classy dark blue Alterra bodywork. We requested to add some “sponsor” logos and number plates. Why the number 19? – I always put the model year on custom projects. Blown Concepts will customize your graphics to your liking, and the outcome is definitely not cookie-cutter. 

The team at RoxSpeedfx.com (Rox) sells a complete Handlebar/Riser Combo Kit taking all the guess work out of a handlebar/riser setup. Each kit is designed to be far more comfortable and far more adjustable than your stock setup. Our kit included a 5-inch pivoting black billet riser, LIFT high bend fat bars and dash relocation panel. For extra hand protection, we opted for the Rox MX Handguard Kit with billet mounts and added Rox Spider Handgrips on the bars. Do your hands a favor, and buy these grips. They absorb vibration and provide excellent gription (that’s a word).

Got a ripped seat cover? While duct tape is an option, it sure isn’t sexy. Rox offers an all-new lineup of ATV (and Snow) seat covers using military-grade fabric. Their ultra-rugged design gives your rig a custom look. We chose carbon fiber pattern with a gripper seat top that fits like it just came from the factory.

We opted to upgrade the floorboard traction with something a little more aggressive for when the riding gets dirty. These Rox universal billet pegs measure 8” long x 3” wide and include mounting hardware that attach as quick as you can turn a wrench.

Like graphics, custom wheels always add style and personality. My go-to for custom wheels is always Racelinewheels.com. One of my favorites for ATVs is the 12-inch satin black Mambas constructed of heavy-duty A356 aluminum with a reinforced lip and end milling for a subtle contrast. Raceline has some killer designs for your UTV, truck and even trailer. They also carry a line of UTV/ATV tires, but our Kendas were new, so I reused them.

Those familiar with Team Arctic racing (Snow & Dirt), have come to know the Speedwerx.com name and performance. The crew there built a stainless Slip-On Exhaust System with black billet end cap which increased our power, added acceleration and throttle response, saved weight and gave our Alterra 443cc engine a new deeper throatier sound. The fitment, welds, and styling on this exhaust are of the highest quality. If you own an Arctic Cat product (Dirt or Snow), it’s my opinion you should look at Speedwerx for their line of performance products. 

This was a fun transformation build. Let me know your thoughts in the Comments section.