Those looking procure their own DTV Shredder are in luck. The DTV (Dual Tracked Vehicle) that first crossed our desks in 2010 is now available for purchase via the BPG Werks website and through various international distributors. And the price of being able to tear it up over practically any terrain (with the exception of public roads)? Between US$5,000 and $5,500.
The DTV Shredder’s all-terrain capabilities come courtesy of its two continuous molded rubber tank treads and 196 cc, 4-stroke engine generating 13 horsepower that propels the vehicle to speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h). Unfortunately for adrenalin junkies, this falls well short of the 48 hp and 60 mph (97 km/h) top speed being aimed for when we first covered the Shredder, but should still be enough to provide quite a thrill.
The hand-held cable control found on the early prototypes is gone, replaced by a twist grip throttle and handle-mounted brake lever. Similar to a skateboard, steering is accomplished by leaning on the pivoting foot platform, which independently alters the speed of each track. The pivoting handle provides the rider with extra balance and stability.
The one gallon (3.8 l) tank should be good for around 30 miles (48 km) or one hour of riding on tracks designed to power over just about any terrain – including deep powder snow. It also has a sealed carburetor that allows it to cross water of depths up to 10 inches (25 cm). The current model can carry a load of up to 300 lbs (136 kg) and a "work-horse Shredder" for carting heavier loads also in the pipeline.
The DTV Shredder is available in black, orange or grey. The wait continues for one of BPG Werks other creations that also caught our fancy back in 2010, the UNO.
Source: BPG Werks
500 irresponsible hikers can damage the forest just as bad as any motorized vehicle.
The same rules that apply to snowmobiles, motorcycles, four wheelers, etc. also apply to this vehicle. One of those rules is that motorized vehicles are not allowed in a forest preserve except for use by forest service personnel.
And somehow, with billions of years of volcanoes, floods, erosion, ice and earthquakes, we outdoors people think the earth is holding up pretty well to a few wheels.
Oh, and just for kicks. let's give ol' chomper (see above) the benefit of the doubt and acknowledge that 500 of us tree-hugging environmentalist-hikers (what a delightful limbaughism) would somehow throw away all our beliefs to do as much damage as just 1 chomper on his Shredder. Even in that unlikely event, at least he won't be able to hear them despoiling his forest from a mile away. In fact, chomper, you'd hardly know we're there. Oh, I'm sorry, that's kinda scary for you, isn't it?