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Powersports Business • April 2026 • 17

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.’”

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILD 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

Corey Kruse, owner of CK Powersports, is building a heavily modified vintage Honda Pilot ATV for actor Dax Shepard after the celebrity responded to one of Kruse’ s social media posts.( Photo: CK Powersports / YouTube screenshot)

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.

DELIVERY PLANNED IN NASHVILLE 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.

VINTAGE MACHINES GAIN ATTENTION

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. Can-Am says every detail on its custom-built Defender was driven by how the MeatEater crew actually hunts, travels, and works in the field.( Photos: Can-Am)

KEY FEATURES 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.

CAN-AM & MEATEATER 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.

DEFENDER MAX HD11 LONESTAR CAB

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.

SEE THE MEATEATER DEFENDER IN PERSON

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