A small Nebraska powersports builder is gaining national attention after a social media interaction led to a custom ATV build for actor and comedian Dax Shepard.
According to reporting by KOLN-TV, Corey Kruse, owner of CK Powersports in Lincoln, Nebraska, is building a heavily modified vintage Honda Pilot FL400R for Shepard after the celebrity responded to one of Kruse’s social media posts.
Kruse, who refurbishes and sells used ATVs, motorcycles and other powersports vehicles, had posted a video showcasing one of his upgraded Honda Pilot builds when Shepard unexpectedly commented on the post.
“He was like, ‘BUILD ME ONE!!,’” Kruse told KOLN-TV. “At first I thought it was kind of a joke, but then after messaging back and forth it was like, ‘Oh wow, he’s serious.’”
Kruse said the custom build significantly upgrades the original machine while preserving its classic appearance. The vintage Honda Pilot originally came equipped with a 400cc two-stroke engine, but Kruse replaced the powerplant with an 800cc Rotax snowmobile engine from a Ski-Doo. The new setup is expected to produce roughly 140 horsepower — more than triple the output of the original configuration.
“He was like, 100% yes,” Kruse said of Shepard’s interest in the project. “He told me he’d driven a bunch of Pilots when he was younger but never owned one. It was kind of a childhood dream. He said he wanted one with a bunch of horsepower.”
The project required stripping the machine down to the frame and rebuilding it with modern components. According to Kruse, the build includes powder-coated chassis components, upgraded suspension and shocks, improved braking systems and a custom seat mount.
Despite the extensive upgrades, the vehicle will maintain a largely original look.
“It’s going to look stock, but it’s not going to drive stock,” Kruse said, describing the project as a “resto-mod” that blends classic styling with modern performance.
Kruse said the project began in October but was delayed by parts availability, with some key components not arriving until early February.
Once complete, he plans to personally deliver the custom Honda Pilot to Shepard in Nashville later this month. Shepard also purchased a stock Honda Odyssey FL350 as part of the deal.
Kruse told KOLN-TV he plans to document the delivery and handoff on the CK Powersports YouTube channel.
The project highlights renewed interest among enthusiasts for classic ATVs from the 1980s, particularly machines like the Honda Pilot and Odyssey that have become collectible in recent years. For custom builders and restoration shops, social media exposure has increasingly become a pathway to high-profile projects and new customers — sometimes from unexpected places.
Can‑Am is setting the bar for side-by-side hunting rigs with the MeatEater Defender, a custom-built Can‑Am Defender HD11 MAX Lonestar designed in collaboration with MeatEater as part of a growing partnership between the two brands.
A true one-of-one, the UTV is purpose‑built for backcountry hunting and deep-woods exploration. It is a unique machine that blends Can‑Am engineering, S3 Powersports fabrication, and MeatEater’s field-tested expertise to create a one‑of‑a‑kind hunting rig.
The team at S3 Powersports led the customization of the MeatEater Defender, equipping it with a full suite of Can‑Am accessories purpose‑built for hunting, conservation work, and outdoor exploration.
Perhaps the most eye-catching of all the features is the GoFastCampers V2 Pro Roof Top Tent, which offers off-ground shelter for overnight trips, while the Rotopax jugs store additional fuel and water. The Defender is also wrapped with custom Superior Graphics that feature FirstLite’s Cerca Camo.
From the custom molded panels and rear rack to heavy-duty suspension and bumpers, the S3 Powersports components amplify the Defender’s on-trail capabilities. It also features 35-inch BFG Mud -Terrain KM3 tires and 15-inch KMC Impact Beadlock wheels.
MeatEater and Can-Am expanded its partnership with Can-Am in Oct.29, 2025. The collaboration builds on a shared commitment to ethical hunting, conservation, and adventure in the outdoors. As part of the deal, Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides will be featured across MeatEater’s media platforms, including its flagship television show, the “MeatEater” series (now in its 13th season on Sportsman Channel, YouTube, and streaming platforms), as well as the MeatEater Podcast Network and social media channels.
“I’ve been a long-time fan of Can-Am, so it’s pretty cool to see this custom collab MeatEater Defender come together,” says Steven Rinella, founder of MeatEater. “The team at S3 Powersports did an incredible job bringing the build to life. It feels like a physical representation of our partnership and the kind of machine our crew relies on in the field.”
“The MeatEater Defender is all about enjoying the outdoors and showcasing the potential of the Defender platform,” adds Jeremi Doyon-Roch, marketing director at Can-Am Off-Road.
The MeatEater Defender is built upon the Can-Am Defender MAX Lonestar platform. It features a triple-cylinder Rotax HD11 engine, class-leading suspension, an enclosed cab with heating and air conditioning, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and leather interior.
The MeatEater Defender made its official public debut at the Bassmaster Classic, March 13-15, in Knoxville, Tennessee. It made two other appearances, stopping at Columbus, Ohio and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. It will also be on display two more times this year at the following locations and dates:
May 1-3: Florida Outdoor Expo | Palm Beach, FL
July 31-August 3: Ducks Unlimited Expo | Memphis, TN
American Honda confirmed it is bringing back the Talon sport side-by-side lineup for the 2026 model year, with the R range getting upgraded 30-inch tires for enhanced performance over rough terrain. The 2026 Talon 1000 range will feature six purpose-built configurations across both two-seat and four-seat platforms. This year, the two R trim levels receive factory-equipped 30-inch tires to increase ground clearance and improve obstacle-rolling capability. The four X versions retain their 28-inch tires, optimized for agility and precision in tighter terrain.
“Whether you’re carving through technical trails or hitting top speeds across open terrain, the 2026 Talon lineup delivers confidence-inspiring performance and versatility,” says Colin Miller, manager of experiential marketing at American Honda. “Made in the USA using domestic and globally made parts, these side-by-sides feature purpose-matched tire sizing and tailored trim options and are engineered to meet the diverse needs and preferences of off-road enthusiasts.”
Honda’s 2026 two-seat Talon 1000 side-by-sides offer configurations designed for everything from tight woods to wide-open desert terrain. The lineup comprises the agile 1000X in both standard Showa and Fox Live Valve versions, as well as the wider, longer-travel 1000R Fox Live Valve, which now comes equipped with 30-inch tires to increase ground clearance and improve obstacle-rolling capability.
Colors: Pearl Red; Matte Forged Bronze
MSRP:
Talon 1000X: $20,599
Talon 1000X Fox Live Valve: $22,799
Talon 1000R Fox Live Valve: $23,799
For the 2026 model year, Honda’s Talon 1000 four-seat lineup is suited for both tight, technical trails and faster terrain. The range includes the Talon 1000X-4 in standard and Fox Live Valve versions, as well as the wider Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Valve, which also features 30-inch tires.
Colors: Pearl Red; Matte Forged Bronze
MSRP:
Talon 1000X-4: $23,099
Talon 1000X-4 Fox Live Valve: $25,099
Talon 1000R-4 Fox Live Valve: $26,099
Polaris is giving $20,000 in scholarship funding to support students studying the powersports technician trade at Southeastern Illinois College (SIC).
A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to eight students enrolled in the college’s powersports technology certificate program. One scholarship has already been awarded, and seven remain available. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, mandatory fees, uniforms, tools and equipment, and course materials.
To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time in SIC’s one-year powersports technology certificate program and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Current powersports students are also eligible to apply.
The scholarship application will remain open until all awards are filled.
“This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” says Ralph Boots, SIC powersports instructor. “The support from Polaris helps remove financial barriers and gives students the tools they need to succeed in a growing industry. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that invests directly in their future.”
SIC is part of the Polaris Technical School Partnership Program, which provides students with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications while completing the nine-month certificate program that runs from mid-August through early May.
The powersports technology certificate program prepares students for careers in the maintenance and repair of side-by-sides, ATVs, UTVs, and other recreational vehicles. Students receive hands-on instruction with current technology and work closely with instructors in small classes.
Avid Cycles of Georgia was recently named the winner of Turn 14 Distribution’s inaugural UTV-build giveaway, concluding a months-long build and dealer-exclusive promotion centered around the company’s rapidly growing powersports segment.
Unveiled at the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show, this project marked a milestone as Turn 14’s first dedicated powersports giveaway vehicle. Starting with a Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR platform, the build was developed to showcase the depth of Turn 14’s UTV portfolio and the strength of its brand partnerships. Bilstein anchored the project with its Blackhawk suspension system.
A broad group of industry partners contributed to the final package, Turn 14 says, creating a performance-driven UTV constructed not just for display, but for outdoor driving. The installation and fine-tuning of the build were completed by One Offroad in Tucson, Arizona. Throughout the promotional period, customers earned points toward finalist selection through qualifying purchases of participating Turn 14 brands. Eight finalists were selected based on accumulated points, and Avid Cycles was chosen at random during a private live announcement.
“This project was an exciting milestone for our team,” says Nashona Haldane, powersports marketing manager at Turn 14 Distribution. “The Maverick build gave us the opportunity to showcase the strength of our powersports brand partnerships while creating something that genuinely reflects the performance potential of the platform. Seeing it go home with one of our dealers makes the entire project even more rewarding.”
With the conclusion of this giveaway, Turn 14 says it has two remaining vehicle prizes for 2026. Authorized Turn 14 (automotive) dealers can now participate in the S650 Mustang promotion at turn14.com.