Patent Publication Number: US-2023150588-A1

Title: Vehicle

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/183,770, filed Feb. 24, 2021, titled VEHICLE, attorney docket no. PLR-15-28382.02P-02-US, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/244,462, filed Jan. 10, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,960,941, titled VEHICLE, attorney docket no. PLR-15-28382.02P-US, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/615,684, filed Jan. 10, 2018, titled VEHICLE, attorney docket no. PLR-15-28382.01P-US, the subject matter of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) and utility vehicles (“UVs”) are used to carry one or two passengers and a small amount of cargo over a variety of terrains. Due to increasing recreational interest in ATVs, specialty ATVs, such as those used for trail riding, racing, and cargo hauling have entered the market place. Most ATVs include seating for up to two passengers which are either seated side-by-side or with the passenger positioned behind the driver of the ATV. Side-by-side ATVs, in which the driver and passenger are seated beside each other on laterally spaced apart seats, have become popular because of the ability to allow the passenger to share the driver&#39;s viewpoint. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising side by side seats; a cab frame positioned over the seating area; a rear body portion having an upper surface and comprising a utility bed recessed in the rear body portion below the upper surface, the utility bed forming a stepped portion relative to the rear body portion and having a maximum lateral width greater than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, and a minimum width less than a diameter of at least one of the wheels, whereby a spare wheel may be stored on the stepped portion of the utility bed. 
     In another embodiment of the invention a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising side by side seats; a cab frame positioned over the seating area; a rear body portion having an upper surface and comprising a utility bed recessed in the rear body portion below the upper surface, wherein the utility bed is defined as a removable tub, which can be removed from the rear body portion. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising side by side seats; and a rear body portion having an upper surface and comprising a utility bed recessed in the rear body portion below the upper surface, the utility bed having defined troughs in a floor thereof angled rearwardly wherein the utility bed has drains which drain away from any heat source of the vehicle. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising side by side seats; a radiator positioned forward of the seating area for cooling components of the powertrain; and a headlight positioned forwardly of the radiator, the headlight having a notched area at a rear side thereof with the radiator positioned within the notched area, such that at least a portion of the headlight is positioned rearwardly of a forwardmost position of the radiator. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a vehicle frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising at least one seat; a seat frame allowing longitudinal movement of the seat relative to the vehicle frame, the seat frame comprising longitudinally extending tubes coupled to the frame; and followers coupled to side edges of the tubes, to guide the seat relative to the vehicle frame. 
     In yet another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a vehicle frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising at least one seat, the seat having a seat bottom and a seat back; a shoulder harness assembly, comprising a seat belt retractor coupled to the frame forward of the seat, the seat belt extending under the seat bottom and rearward of the seat back, the seat belt extending over a top of the seat back and over the front of the seat back. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; a seating area comprising side by side seats; a cab frame positioned over the seating area, wherein the cab frame comprises: a single left side frame tube coupled to the frame at a position forward of the seating area and at a position rearward of the seating area with an intermediate frame tube portion over the seating area; a single right side frame tube coupled to the frame at a position forward of the seating area and at a position rearward of the seating area with an intermediate frame tube portion over the seating area; a left triangular brace coupling the left side frame tube to the frame; and a right triangular brace coupling the right side frame tube to the frame. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame comprising a main frame portion and a front removable frame portion; front and rear wheels; a front suspension coupled to the front removable frame portion with the front wheels being coupled to the front suspension; a rear suspension coupled to the main frame portion with the rear wheels being coupled to the rear suspension; and a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; whereby the front removable frame portion may be removed from the main frame portion. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame comprising a main frame portion and a front removable frame portion; front and rear wheels; a front suspension coupled to the front removable frame portion with the front wheels being coupled to the front suspension; a rear suspension coupled to the main frame portion with the rear wheels being coupled to the rear suspension; and a powertrain drivingly coupled to the front and rear wheels; whereby the front removable frame portion may be removed from the main frame portion. 
     In another embodiment, a seat assembly comprises a seat frame having a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame; and individual pads coupled to the seat bottom frame and the seat back frame to define a cushioned seat. 
     In another embodiment, a seat assembly comprises a seat having a seat back and a seat bottom; a seat mount for coupling the seat, the seat mount being rotatably fixed about a rear transverse axis and being movable at a front end thereof to vary the tilt of the seat; and a retaining mechanism to retain the seat mount in various tilt positions. 
     In another embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises an inner cover having a plurality of bosses surrounding an outer periphery thereof; an outer cover having a plurality of bosses surrounding an outer periphery thereof, wherein the bosses on the outer cover align with the bosses on the inner cover; and fasteners extending though the plurality of bosses on the inner and outer covers to retain the outer cover to the inner cover, the fasteners having a retention portion thereon which retains the fastener within the boss on the outer cover when the fastener is removed from the boss on the inner cover. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a steering assembly which both tilts and telescope, the steering assembly including a frame portion, a steering column, a wiring housing extending generally along the steering column, a disengagement member, where the disengagement member allows the frame to tilt up and down, a steering wheel coupled to the steering column, and a coiled wire extending though the wiring housing and at least partially wraps around the steering column with an end of the coiled wire terminated within the steering wheel, whereby the coiled wire can expand and contract within the wiring housing for tilt and telescope and can expand around the steering column during turning of the steering wheel. 
     Finally, in another embodiment a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a powertrain motively coupled to the wheels; an air intake system for drawing ambient air into the powertrain, the air intake system including at least one bezel for air intake and at least one duct coupled between the bezel and powertrain, the bezel having an angled surface thereof with a component facing forward for direct air intake, wherein the angled surface includes a vent opening for air intake. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle comprises a frame; front and rear wheels; a steering assembly which both tilts and telescopes; and a gauge is coupled to the steering assembly such that the gauge tilts with the steering assembly but is fixed in a telescopic axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front left perspective view of the vehicle of the present invention without the body panels; 
         FIG.  2    is a right front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a right rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a left rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a left side view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a right side view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a rear view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a front left perspective view of the frame of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a left rear perspective view of the rear frame portion of the frame of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a partially exploded view of the rear frame portion of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a left front perspective view of the front removable frame portion; 
         FIG.  15    is a partially exploded view of the front removable frame portion of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a rear left perspective view of the front removable frame portion of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    shows a right rear perspective view of the right and left couplers of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  18    shows a right front perspective view of the couplers of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    shows another version of the front removable frame portion of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a front left perspective view of the front removable frame portion exploded away from the main frame portion; 
         FIG.  21    is a left rear perspective view of the front removable frame portion of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a rear left perspective view of the couplers shown in  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a front right perspective view of the couplers of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    shows a lower left perspective view of the drive shaft support; 
         FIG.  25    shows a partially exploded view of  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  26    shows the bearing of  FIG.  25    exploded away from the support; 
         FIG.  27    is a front left perspective view of a first embodiment of cab frame; 
         FIG.  28    is an exploded view of the cab view of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a cross sectional view through lines  29 - 29  of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a second embodiment of cab frame; 
         FIG.  31    is an exploded view of the cab frame of  FIG.  30   ; 
         FIG.  32    is a cross sectional view through lines  32 - 32  of  FIG.  30   ; 
         FIG.  32 A  is a third embodiment of cab frame; 
         FIG.  32 B  is an exploded view of the cab frame of  FIG.  32 A ; 
         FIG.  32 C  is a cross sectional view through lines  32 C- 32 C of  FIG.  32 A ; 
         FIG.  33    is a rear left perspective view of the utility bed of the present vehicle; 
         FIG.  34    is a rear left perspective view of the removable tub exploded away from the rear body portion; 
         FIG.  35    is a front left perspective view of the utility bed of  FIG.  33   ; 
         FIG.  36    is a rear left perspective view of the removable tub which forms the utility bed ; 
         FIG.  37    is a top view of the removable tub portion shown in  FIG.  36   ; 
         FIG.  38    is a front left perspective view of the side-by-side seats positioned in the frame; 
         FIG.  39    is a front left perspective view of the seat and seat frame assembly; 
         FIG.  40    is an enlarged front left perspective view of the driver&#39;s seat and the longitudinal adjustment mechanism; 
         FIG.  41    is an underside perspective view of the seat of  FIG.  40   ; 
         FIG.  42    shows the driver&#39;s seat exploded away from the seat adjustment mechanism; 
         FIG.  43    shows the seat adjustment mechanism in an exploded view; 
         FIG.  44    shows an exploded view of the track mechanism of  FIG.  43   ; 
         FIG.  45    is a right side view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  39   ; 
         FIG.  46    shows a front left perspective view of the shoulder harness on the driver&#39;s seat; 
         FIG.  47    shows a right front perspective view of the shoulder harness of  FIG.  46   ; 
         FIG.  48    shows a rear left perspective view of the strap extending around the back of the driver&#39;s seat back; 
         FIG.  49    is a front left perspective view of the retractor mechanism exploded away from the seat frame; 
         FIG.  50    shows a rear right perspective view of the air system of the present vehicle; 
         FIG.  51    shows a front left perspective view of the protective panel located behind the side-by-side seats; 
         FIG.  52    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  51    showing the protective panel removed from the vehicle main frame; 
         FIG.  53    is a front right perspective view showing the radiator assembly and left headlight positioned adjacent to the radiator; 
         FIG.  54    is a top view showing the left headlight positioned adjacent to the radiator; 
         FIG.  55    shows a left front perspective view of the shifter mechanism; 
         FIG.  56    shows the shifter mechanism exploded away from the seat frame and assembly; 
         FIG.  57    shows an exploded view of the shifter assembly; 
         FIG.  58    shows a left front perspective view of the passenger grab bar assembly; 
         FIG.  59    shows an exploded grab bar mechanism of  FIG.  58   ; 
         FIG.  60    shows a left rear exploded view of the grab bar mechanism of  FIG.  59   ; 
         FIG.  61    shows an underside perspective view of the grab bar locking mechanism; 
         FIG.  62    shows a left rear perspective view of the a steering mechanism for the vehicle; 
         FIG.  63    is a left front perspective view of the steering mechanism of  FIG.  62   , with the wiring housing partially fragmented; 
         FIG.  64    is a cross-sectional view through lines  64 - 64  of  FIG.  63   ; 
         FIG.  65    is a cross-sectional view through lines  65 - 65  of  FIG.  63   ; 
         FIG.  66    is a cross-sectional view through lines  66 - 66  of  FIG.  63   ; 
         FIG.  67    shows a left front perspective view of the driver&#39;s side door; 
         FIG.  68    shows an inside perspective view of the driver&#39;s side door of  FIG.  67   ; 
         FIG.  69    is a right rear perspective view which is an alternative to the steering mechanism shown in  FIG.  62   ; 
         FIG.  70    is a rear right perspective view of the steering wheel shown in  FIG.  69   , partially exploded; 
         FIG.  71    is a right front perspective view of the steering mechanism of  FIG.  69    partially exploded, without the steering wheel; 
         FIG.  72    is a partially exploded view of the wiring housing of the steering mechanism of  FIG.  69   ; 
         FIG.  73    shows an alternate cab frame for the vehicle which is an alternative to the cab frames shown in  FIGS.  27 - 32     c;    
         FIG.  74    is a partially exploded view of the cab frame of  FIG.  73   ; 
         FIG.  75    is a cross sectional view through lines  75 - 75  of  FIG.  73   ; 
         FIG.  76    is a front left perspective view of a passenger grab bar which is an alternative to the passenger grab bar shown in  FIGS.  58 - 61   ; 
         FIG.  77    shows a right rear perspective view of the passenger grab bar of  FIG.  76   ; 
         FIG.  78    is an exploded view of the passenger grab bar assembly of  FIGS.  76  and  77   ; 
         FIG.  79    is a front left perspective view of a removable frame assembly which is an alternative to the removable frame assembly shown in  FIGS.  14 - 21   ; 
         FIG.  80    shows a lower left perspective view of the frame of  FIG.  79    with the removable frame portion shown exploded away from the remainder of the frame; 
         FIG.  81    shows a lower perspective view of the removable bearing which is an alternative to the bearing shown in  FIGS.  24 - 26   ; 
         FIG.  82    is an upper left perspective view of the bearing assembly of  FIG.  81   ; 
         FIG.  83    shows a front left perspective view of the cooling assembly of the vehicle with the mounting location of the voltage regulators forward and above the radiator shroud; 
         FIG.  84    shows an exploded view of the assembly shown in  FIG.  83   ; 
         FIG.  85    shows a front left perspective view of the radiator shroud shown in  FIG.  83   ; 
         FIG.  86    shows a front left perspective view of the seating area which is an alternative to the seating area shown in distress in  FIGS.  38 - 49   ; 
         FIG.  87    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  86    having removed the main vehicle frame; 
         FIG.  88    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  87    showing an enlarged view of the seat adjustment mechanism; 
         FIG.  89    shows a front left perspective view of the seat frame; 
         FIG.  90    is an exploded view of the seat frame of  FIG.  89   ; 
         FIG.  91    shows a front right perspective view of the longitudinally movable track system of  FIG.  86   ; 
         FIG.  92    shows an underside perspective view of the track system of  FIG.  91    coupled to the bottom of the driver&#39;s seat; 
         FIG.  93    is a front right perspective view of the track system and the seat of  FIG.  92   ; 
         FIG.  94    shows an underside perspective view of the seat of  FIG.  92    showing the release mechanism exploded away from the remainder of the seat; 
         FIG.  95    shows a left front perspective view of the seat release mechanism shown in  FIG.  94   ; 
         FIG.  96    shows a right rear perspective view of the seat release mechanism of  FIG.  95   ; 
         FIG.  97    shows a view similar to that of  FIG.  96    showing the components of the release mechanism exploded; 
         FIG.  98    shows a cross sectional view through lines  98 - 98  of  FIG.  95   , with the seat in the latched position; 
         FIG.  99    is a cross sectional view similar to that of  FIG.  98    showing the seat released in the unlatched position; 
         FIG.  100    shows a left front perspective view of an air intake system of the vehicle which is an alternative to that shown in  FIGS.  50 - 52   ; 
         FIG.  101    is a rear perspective view of the air intake system of  FIG.  100    with the vehicle frame removed; 
         FIG.  102    shows an air intake vent of the air intake system of  FIG.  100   ; 
         FIG.  103    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  100    showing the removable panel of the vehicle positioned forward of the air intake system; 
         FIG.  104    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  103    showing the upper portion of the panel removed; 
         FIG.  105    shows an exploded view of the entire panel; 
         FIG.  106    shows a front left perspective view of a seat assembly; 
         FIG.  107    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  106    showing the cushion portions of the seat removed; 
         FIG.  108    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  107    showing the backside of several of the cushions showing their latching features; 
         FIG.  109    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  108    showing the bottom seat cushion; 
         FIG.  110    is a view similar to that of  FIG.  109    showing the front bottom portion; 
         FIG.  111    shows an exploded view of the left shoulder blade pad; 
         FIG.  112    shows a front perspective view of a steering wheel having modular switches; 
         FIG.  113    shows a front perspective view of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) of the vehicle; and 
         FIG.  114    shows a cross-sectional view through lines  114 - 114  of  FIG.  113   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     With reference first to  FIGS.  1 - 10   , the vehicle of the present invention will be described. As shown, the vehicle is generally depicted as reference number  2  which includes front wheels  4  and rear wheels  6 . Front wheels  4  are comprised of rims  8  and tires  10 , whereas wheels  6  are comprised of rims  14  and tires  16 . Wheels  4  and  6  support a vehicle frame which is shown generally at  20  and which supports a seating area  22  comprised of a driver&#39;s seat  24  and a passenger seat  26 . A cab frame is shown at  28  and generally extends over the seating area  22  to protect the passengers from such objects as tree branches, etc. A 6-point shoulder harness  30  ( FIG.  5   ) is also positioned over each of the seats  24 ,  26  although it is only shown in the figures as positioned over the driver&#39;s seat  24  for clarity. A passenger grab bar  32  is provided for the passenger in seat  26 . As best shown in  FIG.  2   , vehicle  2  further includes a steering assembly at  34  for steering front wheels  4  whereby the steering assembly  34  includes a steering wheel  36  which is both tiltable and longitudinally movable as described further herein. 
     Vehicle  2  further includes a front suspension at  40  ( FIG.  2   ), which in the present disclosure is a double A-arm suspension and further includes a rear suspension  42 , which as shown in the present disclosure is a trailing arm-type suspension. A radiator  46  is provided for cooling purposes of the powertrain. As shown best in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , powertrain is comprised of engine  50 , a continuously variable transmission (CVT)  52  ( FIG.  4   ) and a shiftable transmission  76  ( FIG.  7   ) which is operated by a shifter assembly  60  ( FIG.  5   ). In a preferred version of the present invention, the vehicle is a four-wheel drive vehicle including a front angled gear drive  70  ( FIG.  9   ) having front stub shafts  72  coupled to the gear drive  70  for driving the front wheels  4 . A rear angled gear drive  76  ( FIG.  7   ) is provided to drive half shafts  78  which drives rear wheels  6 . Finally, and with respect to  FIG.  10   , vehicle  2  includes an air intake system  80 , an exhaust system  82  and a CVT cooling system  84 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  11 - 13   , frame  20  will be described in greater detail. With reference first to  FIG.  11   , frame  20  is comprised of outer frame tubes  100  and inner frame tubes  102 . Outer tubes include a longitudinally extending portion  104  and vertically extending portions  106 . Frame tubes  102  include horizontally extending portions  108  and vertically upstanding frame tubes  110 . Outer frame tubes  112  extend forwardly and generally parallel with frame tubes  104  and couple to upright frame tubes  114 . Frame tubes  114  support a U-shaped frame tube  116  having couplers  118  to which cab frame  28  is attached. U-shaped tube  116  is supported by a front frame portion  120  comprised of a fixed front frame portion  122  and a removable front frame portion  124 . Fixed front frame portion  122  is comprised of three sets of upwardly extending frame tubes, namely frame tubes  126 , frame tubes  128  and frame tubes  130 . Fixed frame portion also includes transverse frame members  132 ,  134  and  136 . Finally, fixed front frame portion  122  is comprised of longitudinal tube portions  140 . 
     With reference still to  FIG.  11   , a seating support is generally shown at  150  including transverse frame tubes  152  and  154  and longitudinal frame tube pairs  156  and  158 , which support the seats  24 ,  26  respectively as described further herein. A tunnel portion  160  is provided between the frame tube pairs  156 ,  158  and allows for routing of cabling, etc. from the front of the frame to the rear of the frame. A belly pan  164  is positioned under the seat frame  150  to protect the riders from rocks and dust as the vehicle traverses various terrain. It should be noted that belly pan  164  may also be viewed in  FIG.  8    from an under side of vehicle  2 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  11 - 13   , a rear of the frame will be described. With reference first to  FIG.  11   , a powertrain support area  170  is provided including rearwardly extending frame tubes  172  and upwardly extending frame tubes  174 . Frame tubes  174  extend upwardly and include brackets  176 , to which a rear portion of cab frame  28  is coupled, as further described herein. With reference now to  FIG.  12   , a cab frame support area  180  is provided having a transverse tube at  182 , which couples to forwardly projecting tube portions  174   a  of frame tubes  174 . Transverse tube  182  is also coupled to frame tubes  106 ,  110 . Brackets  186  couple to both frame tubes  174   a,    182  and include a base portion  188  and an upper plate portion  190  having apertures  192  therethrough with fasteners  194  on an inside thereof for receiving a bolt, as described further herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , a utility bed support area  200  will be described in greater detail. Support area  200  includes transverse tube  202  extending between upright frame tubes  110  and a rear plate  206  extends transversely of and is coupled to frame tubes  174 . A channel-shaped bracket  208  is coupled to plate  206 , and together with frame tube  202 , supports longitudinally extending frame tubes  210 . As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , frame tubes  210  may be held in place by way of fasteners  220  and  222 . 
     With respect again to  FIG.  11   , door support brackets are provided on both the driver and passenger side, whereby a bracket  224  and  226  extend forwardly from tube  106  on the driver&#39;s side and a bracket  224  and  238  extend forwardly on the passenger side. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  14 - 18   , a first embodiment of the removable front frame portion  124  will be described. As shown in  FIG.  14   , a coupler  230  is provided which couples to frame tubes  108 ,  109  and  130  and which provides an interface to the removable frame portion  124  as described herein. With reference to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the removable frame portion  124  includes longitudinal tube portions  234  which couple to a front plate  236 . Plate  236  includes an upper bracket portion  238  having apertures at  240 . An L-shaped bracket arm  244  is coupled between tubes  234  and plate  236 . L-shaped bracket  244  includes an upper arm portion  250  providing a mount for differential  70 . A rear coupler  254  is provided which is complementary with couplers  230  and is coupled to frame tubes  234 . Coupler  254  can be a cast metallic member such as aluminum and could be attached to tubes  234  by way of fasteners, industrial adhesives and/or welding. 
     As shown best in  FIG.  16   , mounting brackets  260  and  262  are coupled directly to frame tubes  234  for mounting of the lower A-arms of the front suspension  40 . Brackets  264  and  266  ( FIG.  15   ) are coupled to frame tubes  140  for mounting the upper A-arms of the front suspension. Fixed front frame portion  122  includes a mounting bracket  268  ( FIG.  15   ) having mounting apertures at  268   a.    
     With reference now to  FIGS.  16 - 18   , couplers  230  and  254  will be described in greater detail. As shown best in  FIG.  16   , coupler  254  includes a semi-circular opening  270  providing clearance for a drive shaft that couples to shaft  272  of differential  70 . Coupler  254  also includes indents  276  and apertures at  278 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  17  and  18   , couplers  230  include a base portion  280  each having faces  282  and  284 , each providing a set of coupling pegs  286 ,  288  respectively, arranged in a circular pattern. Each set of the coupling pegs  286 ,  288  are sized to be received in the inside diameter of tubes  109 ,  108  respectively, whereby the tubes are fastened to couplers  230 . Couplers  230  further include a semi-circular upstanding coupler portion  290  which couples to frame tubes  130 . Tubes  108 ,  109  and  130  could be held in place by additional fasteners or could be welded or held in place by industrial adhesives. L-shaped arms  300  also extend upwardly from body portion  280  and include horizontally extending walls  302  having pegs  304  and apertures  306 . It should be appreciated that pegs  304  correspond with indents  276  of coupler  254  and that apertures  306  align with apertures  278  when couplers  230 ,  254  are properly aligned. As shown best in  FIG.  18   , couplers  230  further include forwardly facing walls  310  having a through hole  312  and square apertures  314 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  19 - 23   , an alternate removable front frame portion  320  will be described in greater detail. As shown, removable front frame portion  320  is similar to removable front frame portion  124  with the exception that L-shaped brackets  244  are not included. Rather, brackets  322  for mounting the differential are coupled to frame tubes  132  and  140 , as in this embodiment, the differential  70  is not removed with the removable front frame portion  320 . Couplers  330  couple to frame tubes  108 ,  109  and  130  in a similar manner as described above. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23   , couplers  330  include a base portion  332  each having faces  334  and  336 , each providing a set of coupling pegs  338 ,  340  respectively. Each set of the coupling pegs  338 ,  340  are arranged in a circular pattern and sized to be received in the inside diameter of tubes  109 ,  108  respectively, whereby the tubes  109 ,  108  are fastened to couplers  330 . Couplers  330  further include a semi-circular upstanding coupler portion  342  which couple to frame tubes  130 . Tubes  108 ,  109  and  130  could be held in place by additional fasteners or could be welded or held in place by industrial adhesives. L-shaped arms  350  also extend upwardly from body portion  332  and include horizontally extending walls  352  having pegs  354  and apertures  356  ( FIG.  23   ). It should be appreciated that pegs  354  correspond with indents  276  of coupler  254  and that apertures  356  align with apertures  278  when couplers  230 ,  254  are properly aligned. As shown best in  FIG.  22   , couplers  230  further include forwardly facing walls  360  having a through hole  362  and square apertures  364 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  24 - 26   , a removable bearing assembly  370  will now be described. As shown best in  FIG.  24   , removable bearing assembly  370  is shown attached and spanning the longitudinal portions  108  of frame tubes  102  ( FIG.  11   ). As shown, frame tubes  108  include brackets  372  for coupling bearing assembly  370  to frame tubes  108 . Removable bearing assembly  370  includes a channel-shaped support  374  having a bracket  376  mounted thereto. As shown best in  FIG.  26   , bracket  376  includes upper support walls  378  and a recessed wall at  380 . Threaded openings are provided at  382  which receive fasteners  384 . 
     A bearing  386  is provided having an outer frame portion  388  with flanges at  390  having mounting apertures  392 . As shown, drive shaft  400  includes a front drive shaft portion  402  and a rear drive shaft portion  404 , where front drive shaft  402  includes splined outer shaft  406  and where rear shaft  404  includes a universal joint  408  having an internal spline at  410 . It should be appreciated that front shaft portion  402  extends forwardly to couple with front differential  70  ( FIG.  14   ) and where rear drive shaft portion  404  extends rearwardly and couples with transmission  56  ( FIG.  7   ). As shown best in  FIG.  26   , bearing  386  includes an inner rotatable bearing  420 , such that when in the fully assembled position of  FIG.  24   , surface  422  of front drive shaft portion  402  and surface  424  of rear drive shaft portion  404  engage bearing portion  420 , with the splined shaft  406  fully inserted into the splined coupling  410 . 
     Thus, when in the fully assembled position of  FIG.  24   , and when removal of the drive shaft is necessary for service purposes, the belly pan  164  ( FIG.  8   ) is removed which provides access to the removable bearing assembly  370 . Removal of fasteners  412  from their corresponding fasteners  414  on bracket  372  allows channel  374  to drop downwardly, such that the splined shaft  406  and splined coupling  410  disengage, allowing for removal of both drive shaft portions  402 ,  404 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  27 - 29   , cab frame  28  will be described in greater detail. As shown, cab frame  28  generally includes frame tubes  430 , cross tubes  432 , clamp assemblies  434 , cross tube  436 , clamp assemblies  438  and pillar portions  440 . As shown best in  FIG.  28   , frame tubes  430  are shown including a front portion  444  having a coupler at  446 , a central portion  448  and a rear portion at  450 , including a downwardly extending portion  451  having couplers at  452 . Each of the front  444 , center  448 , rear  450  and downwardly extending  451  sections are separated by an angled portion at  456 ,  458  and  459 . Cross tubes  432  and  436  include apertures at  460  and  462 . 
     Clamp assembly  434  further includes upper and lower clamp halves  470  and  472 , where each clamp halve includes a channel  476  having a radiused portion  478  and a generally straight section at  480 . The radiused section  478  positions on the underside of angled portion  456 , and the straight portion  480  receives tube portion  444 . The upper clamp portion  470  is a mere image of clamp portion  472  to receive an upper portion of the radiused section  456  and front section  444 . Clamp portion  470  further includes an embossed section at  486  having apertures at  488 . An arcuate corner at  490  is provided which matches the radius of the cross tube  432 . While upper and lower clamp halves  470  and  472  are shown exploded away from frame tubes  430 , it should be understood that they are welded together. 
     Inserts  494  are provided for insertion through an upper section and lower section of apertures  460 , where each insert includes a head portion  500  with tubular sections at  502  and with apertures  504  extending through the insert  494 . Thus, inserts  494  are positioned in apertures  460  with the head portion  500  positioned on the outside of cross tube  432  and with the tubular portions  504  extending into the apertures  460 . Clamp halves  470 ,  472  are then positioned over the tubes  430  with apertures  488  in alignment with apertures  504 , whereupon fasteners  510  may be received through apertures  488  and to receive fasteners  512  at the opposite end thereof. 
     Cross tube  436  is coupled to frame tubes  430  in a substantially identical manner as described above with respect to cross tube  432 , where clamps  438  include clamp halves  520 ,  522 , and inserts  524  include a head portion  526 , tubular portions  528  and apertures  530  extending therethrough. Tubular portions  528  of inserts  524  are positioned into apertures  462  of cross tube  436 , whereupon clamp halves  520  and  522  may be positioned above and below frame tubes  430  and cross tube  436 . Fasteners  534  may be positioned through apertures  536  of clamp halve  438  to receive fasteners  538  after fasteners  534  pass through clamp halve  522 . The stack up of the inserts  524  against each other within the cross tube  436  is shown in  FIG.  29   , whereby the inserts  524  are shown positioned through cross tube  436 , such that the inserts abut each other and prevent the crushing of cross tube  436 . Meanwhile, clamp halves  520  and  522  are shown positioned over inserts  524  with fasteners  534 ,  538  retaining the clamp halves  520 ,  522  and frame tubes  430  and cross tube  436  together. It should also be appreciated that the cross sectional view through cross tube  432  will look substantially identical to the cross section of  FIG.  29   , with the exception of the direction of front section  444  of tubes  430 . 
     Pillar  440  is shown best in  FIG.  28    as including an inner pillar portion  540  and an outer pillar portion  542 . As shown, inner pillar portion  540  includes an upper flange portion at  544  having apertures  546 . Inner pillar portion  540  also includes a lower aperture at  548 . Outer pillar portion  542  also includes an upper flange portion  550  with apertures at  552  and lower apertures at  554 . Inner and outer pillar portions  540 ,  542  align with each other as shown in  FIG.  27   , such that apertures  546  and  552  are aligned. This also aligns aperture  548  with the left-most aperture  554 . A bracket  560  ( FIG.  28   ) is coupled to each side of frame tubes  430  whereby fasteners  564  are receivable through apertures  552 ,  546  and  562 . It should also be appreciated that fasteners (not shown) are receivable through apertures  554  of outer pillar portion  542  and received through apertures  192  ( FIG.  12   ) for coupling with fasteners  194 . This couples the pillar portions  540  and  542  to the frame tubes  430  and to the frame bracket  190  ( FIG.  12   ). 
     It should be appreciated from the above description that the frame tubes  430  are continuous one-piece members with bends at  456 ,  458  and  459  to define the frame tubes as shown in  FIG.  28   . Also, the inner and outer pillar portions  540 ,  542  could be stamped and formed metallic members or could be a cast material such as a cast aluminum. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  30 - 32    an alternate cab frame is shown at  570  which can be used in the place of cab frame  28  as previously described with reference to  FIGS.  27 - 29   . Cab frame  570  generally includes longitudinal tubes  572 , cross braces  574 ,  575 , front clamps  576 , rear clamps  578  and pillar members  580 . As shown in  FIG.  31   , tubes  572  include forward portions  580 , center portions  582 , rear portion  584  and angled portion  586 . A bent portion  588  is positioned between tube portions  580  and  582 ; a bent portion  590  is positioned between tube portions  582  and  584 ; and a bent portion  592  is positioned between tube portions  584  and  586 . A coupler  594  extends from tube portion  580  and a coupler  596  extends from tube portion  586 . 
     Clamp members  576  are similar to clamp members  434  and include clamp halves  600 ,  602 . Clamp halves  600  and  602  are identical to clamps  470 ,  472  with the exception that clamps  600 ,  602  include an embossed section at  604  including apertures at  606 . Cross tube  574  includes an insert at  610  having apertures at  612 . Clamp halves  600 ,  602  clamp to tubes  572  by way of fasteners  614  positioned through apertures  606 ,  612  and receiving fasteners  616 . While upper and lower clamp halves  600  and  602  are shown exploded away from frame tubes  572 , it should be understood that they are welded together. 
     Clamps  578  include clamp halves  620 ,  622  and are substantially similar to clamp halves  600 ,  602  having embossed sections  624  and apertures at  626 . Inserts  630  are identical to inserts  610  and have apertures at  632 . In a like manner, clamps  578  include fasteners  636 ,  638  to join the tubes  572  and cross tube  575  together in the configuration of  FIG.  30   . As shown in the cross sectional view of  FIG.  32   , inserts  630  include a body portion  640  for receipt of embossed sections  624 . A reduced diameter portion  642  is positioned within cross tube  575  and can be held in place by such known techniques as fasteners, welding or industrial adhesives. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  31   , pillar  580  will be described in greater detail. As shown, pillar portion  580  is a substantially triangular configuration having an inner surface with substantially cylindrical insets at  650  profiled to receive embossed sections  652  on tube members  572 . Fasteners  654  are received through embossed members  652  and are received in threadable openings  656 . A lower end of pillar member  580  includes extensions  660  having apertures  662  which align with apertures  192  ( FIG.  12   ) for coupling of pillar portion  580  to bracket portion  186 . Pillar portion  580  includes a forwardly facing aperture  664  having a threaded lug  666  in alignment with aperture  664 . Aperture  664  could be used for mounting a retractor in the event a 3-point harness is desired as opposed to the 6-point shoulder harness  30  ( FIG.  5   ). Fastener assembly  668  could be provided for accessory mounting directly to the cab frame  570 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C , another embodiment of cab frame is shown at  1250  which can be used in the place of cab frame  28  or  570  as previously described with reference to  FIGS.  27 - 32   . Cab frame  1250  is similar to cab frame  570  and includes like longitudinal tubes  572 , cross brace  574 , and front clamps  576 . The rear clamps  1252 , rear cross brace  1254  and pillar members  1256  are different and will be described herein. 
     As shown best in  FIG.  32 B , rear clamps  1252  include a partially cylindrical member  1260  having apertures at  1262 , which as shown are complementary with embossed sections  652  so as to receive embossed sections  652  therein. Rear clamps are either welded over embossed sections or are held in place with industrial adhesive or other known fastening techniques. Rear clamps  1252  further include integrated couplers  1266  which are substantially similar in configuration as couplers  594 ,  596 . Cross tube  1254  includes a tube  1270  having couplers  1272  at each end thereof which are complementary with couplers  1266 . Fasteners  1274 ,  1276  attach the couplers  1266 ,  1272  together, and resultantly couple cross brace  1254  to longitudinal tubes  582 . As shown in the cross sectional view of  FIG.  32 C , inserts  1272  include a body portion  1280  and a reduced diameter portion  1282  positioned within cross tube  1270  and can be held in place by such known techniques as fasteners, welding or industrial adhesives. It should also be understood that front cross brace  574  could be constructed such as rear brace  1254 , together with rear clamps  1252 . 
     With reference again to  FIG.  32 B , pillar portion  1256  will be described in greater detail. As shown, pillar portion  1256  is similar to pillar portion  580  and includes a substantially triangular configuration having an inner surface with substantially cylindrical insets at  1290  profiled to receive embossed sections  652  on tube members  572 . Fasteners  1292  are received through embossed members  652  and are received into threadable fasteners  1294 . A lower end of pillar member  1256  includes extensions  1296  having apertures  1298  which align with apertures  192  ( FIG.  12   ) for coupling of pillar portion  580  to bracket portion  186 . 
     With reference still to  FIG.  32 B , pillar portion  1256  includes a forwardly facing aperture  1300  having a threaded lug  1302  in alignment with aperture  1300 . Aperture  1300  could be used for mounting a retractor in the event a 3-point harness is desired as opposed to the 6-point shoulder harness  30  ( FIG.  5   ). As in the case of pillar portion  580 , pillar portion  1256  could be a forging or casting, such as aluminum or other strength metal. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  33 - 37   , a rear utility bed  670  of the present invention will now be described. Utility bed  670  is positioned within a rear body portion  672 , such that utility bed  670  is defined as a removable tub which can be inserted and removed from the vehicle when desired by the operator. As shown best in  FIG.  34   , the body portion  672  includes an upper platform portion  674  having an opening  676  therethrough formed by an upper perimeter wall  678  defined by a front portion  678   a , angled portion  678   b,  side portion  678   c,  rear angled portion  678   d  and end portion  678   e . Body portion  672  is supported by the cross tube  182  of the frame, as best shown in  FIG.  35   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  36  and  37   , removable tub  670  includes a floor portion  680  which forms a perimeter around the inside of removable tub  670 , as best shown in  FIG.  37   . A raised portion  682  is defined with a pattern of channel sections  684  which in this embodiment extend in V-shaped channels angled rearwardly. Removable tub  670  includes a front wall  690 , angled front walls  692 , side walls  694 , angled rear walls  696  and a rear wall  698 . As shown best in  FIG.  36   , removable tub  670  also includes an upper perimeter wall  700  having a front lip at  702 , angled side lips  704 , side lips  706 , rear angled lips  708  and rear lip at  710 . It should be appreciated that the removable tub  670  is slidably received in the opening  676  ( FIG.  34   ) of the rear body portion  672  and that the perimeter wall  700  of the removable tub is supported by the perimeter wall  678  and longitudinal frame tubes  210  ( FIGS.  13  and  35   ). The removable tub  670  can be latched in place by way of quarter turn locking members  716  having handles  718 , rotating latch members  720 . 
     The removable tub  670  has defined drain holes, namely two drain holes  724  at the rear thereof ( FIGS.  35  and  36   ) and two at the front thereof at  726  ( FIGS.  35  and  37   ), such that the channel  680  feeds into the openings  724 ,  726  for drainage. It should also be noted that the drain holes  724 ,  726  are positioned such that the location of the water draining downwardly does not contact any hot surfaces or items of the vehicle that could be damaged by the water, such as electrical controls of the vehicle. 
     Finally and with respect to  FIG.  33   , the combination of the tub portion  670  and the rear body portion  672 , define a stepped area  730  by way of the combination of the perimeter wall  700  and an inner wall  732 . The stepped are  730  is defined such that a distance between opposing walls  732  of the rear body portion  672  is greater than a diameter of one or both of the wheels  4 ,  6 ; and such that a distance between opposing walls  694  of the tub portion  670  is less than a diameter of one or both of the wheels  4 ,  6 . This allows for the storage of a spare wheel on the stepped area  730 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  38 - 45   , a seating adjustment mechanism  740  will be described. As previously described, the driver&#39;s seat  24  and passenger seat  26  are coupled to a seat frame  150 . As described herein, seat adjustment mechanism  740  couples the seats  24 ,  26  to the seat frame  150 , while allowing them to move in a fore-and-aft direction, as well as to tilt. As shown best in  FIG.  40   , the seat adjustment mechanism  740  comprises a longitudinally movable track system  742  and a seat mount  744  coupled to the track system  742 . As described herein, the longitudinally movable track system  742  moves along the pairs of tubes  156  and  158 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  43  and  44   , the track system  742  includes two channels  748  which are virtually identical and include rollers  750  ( FIG.  44   , as shown four rollers  750  per track) which are held in channels  748  by way of fasteners  752 . As shown in  FIG.  44   , the tracks are shown disposed without the longitudinal tubes  156 , but it should be appreciated that the longitudinal tubes  156  would be positioned within the channels  748  and intermediate the pairs of rollers  750 , such that channel  748  would move fore-and-aft under the cooperation of rollers  750  on either side of tubes  156 . In addition to the fasteners  752 , and as best shown in  FIG.  44   , each channel  748  includes a post  754  which provides a spacer between the plates of the channel  748  and which receives one of the fasteners  752  therethrough to attach a bracket  756  having an elongate aperture at  756   a,  as will be described further herein. 
     As shown best in  FIG.  43   , one of the longitudinal tubes  156  includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings  758  for locking the channels  748  in various longitudinal positions. As shown best in  FIG.  44   , one of the channels has a cutaway portion at  760  coupled to an actuator  762 , and a locator  764  ( FIG.  43   ) is positioned between a rod  766  and the cutaway  760 , where pegs  768  can align with the spaced openings  758 . Thus, when actuator  762  is moved in the direction of arrow  770  in  FIG.  44   , rod  766  moves pegs  768  away from openings  758 , whereupon the channels  748  may move along the longitudinal tubes  156  under the cooperation of rollers  750 . As the cutaway  760  acts as a spring, release of the actuator  762  moves the pegs back to its original position and into alignment with two of the openings at  750  to lock the seat in a longitudinal position. The steady state position of the pegs  768  is in a locking position within two selected openings  758 . Although the locator  764  is shown with two pegs any number may be used. 
     With reference again to  FIG.  43   , the tilt mechanism  744  includes inner frame members  780  and outer frame members  782 , where each pair of frame members  780  and  782  are coupled at a front end thereof by pegs  784  and at a rear thereof by way of a spaced rod  786 . The inner and outer frame members include U-shaped openings at  788  as described herein. Tilt mechanism  744  is coupled to channels  748  by way of upper and lower hinge pairs  790 ,  792  whereby the hinge pairs reside between the frame members  780 ,  782  on each side and apertures  794  and  796  align with threaded posts  798 . Fasteners  800  can then be positioned over upper hinge  790  to couple the hinge pairs  790 ,  792  to the channels  748 . Each of the hinge pairs  790 ,  792  includes an arcuate configuration at  802  and  804  allowing the rotation of the rod  786  relative to the hinge pairs  790 ,  792 . This allows the pair of frame members  780 ,  782  to rotate or tilt relative to the channels  748 . This also allows the tilt mechanism  744  to move with the longitudinal movement of the track member  742  along longitudinal tubes  156 . 
     The tilt mechanism also includes a locking device to hold the seats  24 ,  26  in various tilt positions. This locking device is generally shown at  810  ( FIG.  43   ) to include a spacer rod  812 , a bearing  814 , a compression spring  816 , a lock device  818 , a rotatory cam  820 , an actuator  822  and an elongate fastener  824 . Spacer rod  812  is coupled to channels  748  by way of flanges  830  coupled to a top of each channel whereby apertures  832  are positioned over threaded members  836  and fasteners  838  couple the spacer rod  812  to the channel members. As shown in  FIG.  43   , outer frame member  782  includes an extending portion  848  having serrated teeth at  850 . Coupler  818  includes complementary serrated teeth on an inside surface thereof and a rotary cam face  854  on an outer surface thereof, that is complementary with rotary cam  820 . The extension portion  848  is positioned between bearing  814  and spring  816 , such that compression spring  816  presses coupler  818  outwardly under spring pressure when rotary cam  820  is not engaged. 
     Actuator  822  is coupled to the assembly  810  by positioning fastener  824  through the end of the actuator  822 , through rotatory cam  820 , through coupler  818 , through compression spring  816 , through extension member  848 , through bearing  814  and through tube  812 . Fasteners  860 ,  862  couple the assembly  810  together. Thus, when actuator member  822  is rotated, the rotary cam releases the compression against the extension  848  and the tilt mechanism  744  may rotate between extreme contact positions with slot  870  of extension  848  and the fastener  824 . When the user positions the seat in the proper tilt position, actuator  822  is activated to provide contact between the rotary cams bringing the coupler  818  and the serrated teeth into contact to lock the seat into position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  41 - 43   , the seat  24  may also be locked to the tilt mechanism  744 . A shown, tilt mechanism  744  includes two latches  880  ( FIG.  42   ) having apertures  882  coupled to openings  884  ( FIG.  43   ) of frame members  780 . Each of the latches includes a latch clasp at  886 , as described herein. As shown in  FIG.  42   , seat  24  includes a seat base  890  having slotted openings at  892  and a locking rod at  894 . As shown best in  FIG.  41   , locking rod  894  extends across and under the seat base  890 . To attach seat  24 , the two slots  892  may be positioned over the tubes  784  and the seat may be rotated downwardly such that rod  894  is latched into place with the clasps  886  over a top of the rod  894 , and with the rod positioned in a saddled fashion in the openings  788 , as shown in  FIG.  41   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  45   , a side view of the vehicle shows that the seat adjustment mechanism  740  has achieved both a tilt and longitudinal movement of seats  24  and  26  with little vertical movement upwardly, advantageously maintaining the center of gravity as low as possible in the vehicle, as the rider&#39;s weight in positioned in the seat. This is due to the construction of the tilt mechanism being integrated into the track system, as well as the rollers  750  being positioned along sides of the longitudinal tubes  156 .  FIG.  45    also provides a view of the fuel tank  898  which has a portion  898   a  below the seat  26  and a portion  898   b  rearward of the seat. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  46 - 49   , the shoulder harness  30  for the passengers will be described. As shown best in  FIG.  46   , harness  30  is generally shown as a belt system  900  and including a single retractor  902  coupled to cross tube  152 . As shown, the retractor  902  is coupled to the harness belt  900  which overlaps seat  24 , as described herein. With reference now to  FIG.  49   , cross tube  152  includes a bracket  906  coupled thereto, whereby retractor  902  can be coupled to bracket  906  which positions retractor forward of, and below, the seat  24 . This provides the weight of the retractor  902  at a position low in the vehicle to lower the center of gravity of the overall vehicle  2 . The retractor includes a single belt  910  which feeds rearwardly over a belt guide  912  ( FIG.  49   ) which is also coupled to cross tube  152 . Belt guide  912  includes guide walls  914  defining a belt passageway at  916  over which the belt  910  may move in a fore-and-aft direction. 
     As shown in  FIG.  48   , a strap loop is provided at  920  having a retainer  922  coupled to cross tube  152  which is rearward of the seat  24 . Strap loop  920  further includes a loop ring  924  through which belt  910  is fed. Belt  910  extends upwardly forming a Y-configuration having two belt portions extending upwardly over the seat, namely belt portions  926  and  928 . As shown best in  FIG.  46   , belts  926  and  928  extend upwardly through another set of loops  930  coupled to cross tube  182 , where loops  930  are identical to loops  920  to guide the belts  926  and  928  over left and right shoulders of the driver, respectively. 
     With reference still to  FIG.  46   , harness  30  further includes a lap belt  940  including belt portion  942  coupled at one end to a bracket  944  attached to frame tube  112 , and at the other end, to a buckle  946  having a release button  948 . An opposite lap belt  950  includes a tongue  952  which may couple with buckle  946  to hold the lap belts  942 ,  950  in a connected condition. As shown best in  FIG.  47   , lap belt portion  950  couples at the opposite end to a clasp  956  attached to cross tube  152 . As shown in both  FIGS.  46  and  47   , belt portions  926  and  928  include connecting portions  960  to couple the belt portions  926  and  928  to buckle  946  and tongue  952  respectively. The lower end of belt system  900  includes belt portions  960  and  962  which individually couple to the brackets  756  ( FIGS.  46  and  47   ). As belts  926  and  928  are directly coupled to the retractor  902 , and where the ends of belt portions  960  and  962  are coupled to the seat attachment mechanism  740 , the belts  926  and  928  are self-adjusting with the movement of the seat either in the fore-or-aft direction. As the lap belts  942 ,  950  are coupled directly to the frame at  944  and  956  (FIGS,  46  and  47 ), these belts may need to be readjusted for various fore-and-aft positions. It is anticipated that all or some of the belts would include tightening mechanisms to tighten or loosen the belts. 
     By providing the single retractor and the Y-loop at the rear of the seat, the harness  30  has several advantages. As mentioned above, the placement of the retractor  902  at a position low in the vehicle lowers the center of gravity, but at the same time the low mounting point reduces lockups of the retractor. However, this also assures that both shoulder harnesses lock together due to the Y-loop. This design also eliminates retractors normally positioned high and above the seat increasing rearward visibility for the passengers. Also by positioning the retractor in front of the seat, this allows a substantial length of the belt  910  (between the retractor and the Y-loop) allowing for significant variance in possible operator size and adjustability. Alternatively, the retractor  902  could be positioned under the seat. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  50 - 52   , the air intake system of the vehicle will be described. As shown best in  FIG.  50   , an air intake system of the vehicle includes air intake  84  for cooling of the CVT  52  and an air intake system  80  as air intake to the engine. As shown, air intake system  84  includes an intake bezel  984  which can be directly coupled to the pillar portions  440  in a trapezoidal area  986  (see  FIG.  27   ) of the pillar portion  440 , where aperture  988  allows air into the bezel  984 . Air is also drawn through louvers  990  and into bezel  984 . Air extends through bezel  984  and into duct  992  which is coupled directly to the CVT  52  for drawing air into the CVT  52  for cooling purposes. 
     In a similar manner, a bezel  994  is provided on the passenger side pillar portion  440  which couples to a duct  996  which is an intake to air filter  998  ( FIG.  52   ) which exits to duct  1000  having an outlet  1002  for intake to the engine. Air filter  998  is positioned directly behind the seats  24 ,  26  such that the removal of a protective panel  1004  which provides easy access to the air filter  998  as shown best in  FIG.  52   . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  53  and  54   , the packaging of the headlights relative to the radiator will be described. As shown in  FIG.  53   , radiator  46  is coupled to the frame by way of a radiator frame  1010  having a box shaped enclosure at  1012  to encompass the radiator  46  and side arms at  1014 . A top bracket  1016  is provided coupled to U-shaped support  116  having a bracket  1018  conforming to a top of the radiator  46 . A headlight  1020  is positioned adjacent to the radiator where the light has a diagonally shaped body portion  1022  ( FIG.  54   ) and the electronics of the headlight defines a staggered or notched design having a rear body portion  1024  and  1026  defining a notched portion at  1028 . As shown, radiator  46  is positioned in the notched portion  1028  such that the rear portion  1026  and the remainder of the headlight  1020  extends rearwardly of the radiator  46 , such that a rearward most point of the headlight  1020  is rearward of a forward most point of the radiator  46 . This design maximizes the location of the radiator and resultantly, the approach angle at the front of the vehicle. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  55 - 57   , a shifter mechanism  1030  will be described in greater detail. As shown, shift mechanism  1030  generally includes a shift lever  1032 , gate  1034 , shift housing  1036  and actuator  1038 . As shown, shifter assembly  1030  is coupled between front and rear frame tubes  152 ,  154  and intermediate seats  24 ,  26 . With reference now to  FIG.  57   , shift lever  1032  includes a shift handle  1040  coupled to a shift rod  1042 . Lever shaft  1042  includes a radiused portion  1044  including a bearing carrier at  1046 . A ball joint bearing  1048  is positioned within an inner diameter  1050  of bearing carrier  1046  and is held in place by snap ring  1052 . A spring retainer  1054  is provided having a lower cylindrical portion  1056  and an upper arm  1058  having a spring retaining aperture at  1060 . Shift rod  1042  also includes a lower flange at  1064  having a square opening at  1066 . In the embodiment shown, bearing  1048  is a ball joint bearing and spring retainer  1054  rotates with the shift lever  1042 . Finally, shift rod  1042  includes an eyelet at  1070 , and a spring  1072  is positioned between the eyelet  1070  and the aperture  1060  of spring retainer  1050 . Tension spring  1072  biases the shift lever towards the driver within the gate  1034 . 
     Shifter housing  1036  includes a lower flange at  1076  for mounting to front cross tube  152  and a rear flange  1078  for mounting to rear cross tube  154 . A gate support platform  1080  is provided which is flanked by upstanding walls  1082  having cylindrical supports  1084  which act as a trunnion for supporting shift lever assembly  1032 . Namely, a shaft  1086  extends through cylindrical members  1084  through bearing  1048 , through cylindrical portion  1056  of spring retainer  1054 . A snap ring  1088  which couples to a groove  1090  in shaft  1086  retains the shaft  1086  and the shift assembly  1032  to the cylindrical members  1084 . The actuator  1038  includes a front head  1094  having a square shouldered fastener at  1096  which cooperates with square opening  1066  and a fastener  1098  is coupled to threaded end  1100  to fix the actuator  1038  to the shift assembly  1032 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  58 - 61   , the passenger grab bar  32  will be described in greater detail. With reference first to  FIG.  11   , the frame includes a driver side bolster plate  1110 , and a passenger side bolster plate  1112  which couples a cross tube  1114  thereto. Bolster plate  1112  is a stamped component which allows a lightweight solution and a custom shape offering rigidity. Alternatively, bolster plate  1112  could be a casting. As shown in  FIG.  58   , brackets  1116  are coupled to the cross tube  1114  and lower brackets  1118  are coupled to brackets  1116 . As shown in  FIGS.  59  and  60   , brackets  1118  include a flange portion  1122  and a tubular receiver  1124 . Tubular receiver  1124  includes a slotted opening  1126  which extends to a front end of receiver  1124  ( FIG.  58   ). Receiver  1124  further includes lower flanges  1128  ( FIG.  60   ) which receive a rotary cam  1130  having an over center cam portion  1132 . A detent  1134  is provided in rotary cam  1130  which cooperates with detent opening  1136 . A sleeve  1140  is provided which is received in opening  1138  and has tab locks  1142  which cooperate with apertures  1144  of sleeve  1124 . Sleeve  1140  has an opening  1146  ( FIG.  61   ) at an underside thereof which receives the cam lock, as described further herein. 
     The grab handle  1150  of the assembly includes a U-shaped hand grip  1152  which may be covered with a grip portion, such as a thermos-plastic rubber or foam member, and two elongate attachment rods  1154 . As shown best in  FIG.  61   , a lower side of attachment rods  1154  includes scalloped detents  1156 . A free end of each of the rods  1154  includes an opening  1160  ( FIG.  58   ) with an aperture  1162  (FIG.  60 ) adjacent a free end of the rods  1154 . A leaf spring  1164  includes a guide tab  1166  positioned on one of the legs of the leaf spring  1164  and when positioned within opening  1160  of rod  1154 , guide tab  1166  protrudes through aperture  1162 , as best shown in  FIG.  58   . 
     Thus, when rods  1154  are inserted through sleeve  1140  and into tube  1124 , the guide tab  1166  is positioned in the guide slot  1126  and when the rods  1154  are moved to the fully inserted position, guide tabs  1166  protrude beyond the slot  1126 , as shown in  FIG.  58   . The grab bar  1150  however, may be moved to multiple other positions closer to the seat of passenger by rotating the cam locks  1130  downwardly, disengaging the rotary cam  1132  from the scalloped portions  1156 , and aligning a new scalloped portion  1156  with the rotary cam over center cam  1132  and moving the rotary cams  1130  back to the locked position shown in  FIG.  58   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  62   , steering assembly  34  is shown with steering wheel  36 . Steering assembly generally includes a power steering motor  1170 , a frame portion  1172 , a wiring housing  1174 , and a disengagement lever  1176 . Disengagement of the lever  1176  allows the frame  1172  to tilt up and down according to the arrow directions  1178  and  1180 . The steering wheel  36  is also longitudinally movable in the directions of arrow  1182 . Spring  1184  provides a biasing force in the position of arrow  1178 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  63 - 66   , the steering assembly has been modified to allow power to interface to the front of the steering wheel for such items as control features, yet allow the steering wheel to rotate, without the use of a clock spring. As shown best in  FIG.  63   , the steering assembly  34  is shown with the wiring housing  1174  partially broken away to show the internal electrical cord  1186 . Housing  1174  includes a tubular portion  1188  and a plate portion  1190 . A cap  1192  is positioned over the plate portion  1190 . As shown in  FIG.  64   , the cord  1186  has a portion  1194  extending from the housing  1174  and a portion  1196  which extends under the cap  1192 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  65  and  66   , the cord portion  1196  will be described in greater detail. As shown, the cord  1186  extends through an opening  1200  defined at the intersection of the tubular portion  1188  and the plate portion  1190 . The cord portion  1196  extends around the steering column  1202  and is wrapped in the direction of arrow  1204 . The cord is wrapped to a position  1196   a,  where it extends laterally at  1196   b,  and then forms a portion  1196  which extends rearwardly and interfaces the front portion  1210  of the steering wheel  36 . In this way, a robust yet sealed connection is provided which improves over the clock-spring style connections used in prior vehicles. This design has proven effective in the environment intended for the vehicle described herein, where dust and dirt may be present. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  67  and  68   , a door assembly  1220  of the vehicle is shown, including a body portion  1222  and an inner frame portion  1224  ( FIG.  68   ). Body portion  1222  is generally V-shaped, including an upper leg  1226  and a lower leg  1228  defining an opening  1230  therethrough allowing escape of the air in the cabin to move outwardly and to create an air flow therethrough. Opening  1231  at the front end thereof also provides an area for air to escape from the cabin. Frame  1224  is hingedly coupled to the frame brackets  224  and  226  at a rear side of the door  1220  and is latched to the bolster plate  1110 . Thus, the door swings outwardly about hinges  1232 ,  1234  but latches at the front end thereof. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  69 - 72   , an alternate steering assembly will be described which is an alternative to that which is shown in  FIGS.  62 - 66   . Steering assembly  1350  is shown with steering wheel  1352 . Steering assembly  1350  generally includes a power steering motor  1170  ( FIG.  62   ), a frame portion  1354 , a wiring housing  1356 , and a disengagement lever  1358 . The steering wheel  1352  is also longitudinally movable in the directions of arrow  1364 . Springs  1370  provides a biasing force in the position of arrow  1360 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  69 - 72   , the steering assembly has been modified to allow power to interface to the front of the steering wheel  1352  for such items as control features, yet allow the steering wheel to rotate, without the use of a clock spring. As shown best in  FIG.  69   , the steering assembly  1350  is shown with the wiring housing  1356  partially broken away to show the internal electrical cord  1372 . Housing  1356  includes a tubular portion  1374  in which the cord  1372  extends. A cap portion  1376  of the wiring housing  1356  is positioned adjacent to the steering wheel  1352 . As shown in  FIGS.  70  and  72   , a cup portion  1380  is coupled to the backside of the steering wheel  1352  by way of fasteners  1382 . The cup portion  1380  includes a wiring outlet  1384  extending from a backside through to the frontside of the cup portion  1380 . As shown in  FIGS.  69  and  70   , the cord  1372  has a portion  1390  extending from the housing  1356  and a portion  1392  which extends under the cap portion  1376  and then protrudes though the wiring outlet  1384 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  72   , the cord  1372  will be described in greater detail. As shown, the cord  1372  extends through the tubular portion  1374  and into the cap portion  1376 . The wiring housing  1356  includes an inner diameter wall  1396  which together with an inner diameter  1398  of cap portion  1376 , defines an annular opening  1400 . Thus when steering wheel  1352  turns, cup portion  1380  turns with the steering wheel  1352  and the cord  1372  is wrapped around the inner diameter wall  1396  and moves within the annular opening  1400 . The cord  1372  can expand and contract due to its coiled configuration and may be covered by a sleeve  1402  for sealing purposes. As the tubular portion  1374  is positioned along the side of the steering column, a gauge may be positioned on the cap portion and be movable therewith. Alternatively, the gauge may be positioned on the top of the steering column. 
     As shown best in  FIGS.  69  and  71   , steering assembly  1350  includes a housing  1410  from which steering post  1412  extends. Steering post  1412  extends through the wiring housing  1356 , though the cup portion  1380  and through an opening  1414  of the steering wheel  1352  ( FIG.  70   ). A fastener  1416  couples with the threads  1418  ( FIG.  71   ) on the steering post  1412 . It should be understood that moving the lever  1358  allows the housing  1410  to rotate in the direction of arrows  1360 ,  1362  ( FIG.  69   ) relative to frame portion  1354 . This also allows the steering post  1412  to move longitudinally relative to the remainder of the steering assembly. A decorative cover portion  1420  can be coupled to the steering wheel  1352  to cover fastener  1416 . In this way, a robust yet sealed connection is provided which improves over the clock-spring style connections used in prior vehicles. This design has proven effective in the environment intended for the vehicle described herein, where dust and dirt may be present. Also a gauge (see  FIG.  3   ) can be mounted to an upper surface  1422  and tilt with the steering assembly  1350  but not telescope. This self adjusts the position of the gauge  1424  as the rider adjusts the tilt position of the steering assembly  1350 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  73 - 75   , cab frame  1425  will be described in greater detail. As shown, cab frame  1425  generally includes frame tubes  1430 , cross tube  1432 , bracket assemblies  1434 , cross tube  1436 , bracket assemblies  1438  and pillar portions  1440 . As shown best in  FIG.  74   , frame tubes  1430  are shown including a front portion  1444  having a coupler at  1446 , a central portion  1448  and a rear portion at  1450 , including a downwardly extending portion  1451  having couplers at  1452 . Each of the front  1444 , center  1448 , rear  1450  and downwardly extending  1451  sections are separated by an angled portion at  1456 ,  1458  and  1459 . 
     Bracket assemblies  1434  includes flanges  1470  and  1472 , where each flange is coupled to a channel  1476  for receiving the cross tube  1432 . In a like manner, bracket assemblies  1438  includes flanges  1478  and  1480 , where each flange is coupled to a channel  1482  for receiving the cross tube  1436 . The cross tubes  1432  and  1436  include inserts  1490  coupled to ends of the tubes  1343  and  1436 , and are received in the channels as shown best in  FIG.  74   . As shown best in  FIG.  75   , inserts  1490  include apertures  1494 , for receiving fasteners  1496 , which couple to counter fasteners  1498 . 
     Pillar  1440  is shown best in  FIG.  74    as including a front tube  1500  and a rear tube  1502  with connecting tubes  1504 ,  1506  and  1508 . Lower couplings  1510  allow the cab frame  1425  to be coupled to the vehicle frame. 
     It should be appreciated from the above description that the frame tubes  1430  are continuous one-piece members with bends at  1456 ,  1458  and  1459 . Also, the inserts  1490  could be a cast material such as a cast aluminum. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  11  and  76 - 78   , an alternate passenger grab bar  1520  will be described in greater detail. With reference first to  FIG.  11   , the frame includes a driver side bolster plate  1110 , and a passenger side bolster plate  1112  which couples a cross tube  1114  thereto. Bolster plate  1112  is a stamped component which allows a lightweight solution and a custom shape offering rigidity. Alternatively, bolster plate  1112  could be a casting. As shown in  FIGS.  76  and  77   , tubes  1522  are coupled to the cross tube  1114  and to lower brackets  1523  are coupled to tubes  1522 . As shown in  FIG.  77   , brackets  1523  include a tubular receiver  1524 , where tubular receiver  1524  includes flanges  1528  ( FIG.  78   ) which receive a rotary cam  1530  having an over center cam portion  1532 . A sleeve  1540  is provided which is received in opening  1538  and has tab locks  1542  which cooperate with apertures  1544  of tubular receiver  1524 . Sleeve  1540  has an opening  1546  ( FIG.  78   ) at a side thereof which receives the cam lock  1530 , as described further herein. 
     A grab handle  1550  of the assembly includes a U-shaped hand grip  1552  which may be covered with a grip portion, such as thermos-plastic rubber or a foam member, and two elongate attachment rods  1554 . As shown best in  FIG.  78   , an inside of attachment rods  1554  includes scalloped detents  1556 . A free end of each of the rods  1554  includes an aperture  1562 . A leaf spring  1564  includes a guide tab  1566  positioned on one of the legs of the leaf spring  1564  and when positioned within open end of rod  1554 , guide tab  1566  protrudes through aperture  1562 . 
     Thus, when rods  1554  are inserted through sleeve  1540  and into tubular receiver  1524 , the guide tab  1566  is positioned in a guide slot  1570  and when the rods  1554  are moved to the fully inserted position of  FIG.  77   , guide tabs  1566  protrude beyond the slot  1570 , as shown in  FIG.  77   . The grab bar  1550  however, may be moved to multiple other positions closer to the seat of passenger by rotating the cam locks  1530  inwardly, disengaging the rotary cam  1532  from the scalloped portions  1556 , and aligning a new scalloped portion  1556  with the rotary cam over center portion  1532  and moving the rotary cams  1530  back to the locked position. It should be understood that the guide tabs  1566  are positioned in the guide slot  1570  only when the grab bar  1550  is in the full rearward position, closest to the passenger, and forms a stop so that the grab bar cannot be pulled out of the chassis. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  79 - 80   , an alternate removable front frame portion  1620  will be described in greater detail. As shown, removable front frame portion  1620  is similar to removable front frame portion  320  ( FIG.  20   ) with the exception that brackets  1622  for mounting the differential include slotted openings  1624  which allows the front final drive  70  to be suspended from the brackets  1622 . Removable portion  1620  also has frame tubes  234  having a coupler  254  which couples to the coupler  330  in a similar manner as described above. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  81 - 82   , a removable bearing assembly  1670  will now be described. As shown, removable bearing assembly  1670  is shown attached and spanning the longitudinal portions  108 . In this embodiment however, the recessed wall at  1680  has a window  1682 , which provides direct access to bearing  386 , whereas recessed wall  380  was solid (see  FIG.  26   ). The removable bearing assembly  1670  is otherwise substantially identical to that shown and described in relation to  FIGS.  24 - 26   . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  83 - 85   , a cooling system of the vehicle will be shown and described. As shown, cooling system is shown as  1700  which is generally comprised of a radiator shroud  1702 , radiator  1704  and fan  1706 . As shown best in  FIG.  85   , shroud  1702  is comprised of an upper wall at  1710 , side walls at  1712  and a lower wall at  1714  where wall  1710 - 1714  define an opening  1716  which provides access for cooling air against radiator  1704 . Side walls  1712  include flanges  1720  and  1722  for coupling with complimentary flanges  1724  and  1726  ( FIG.  84   ) respectively. Upper wall  1710  includes a defined pocket at  1730  which as shown in  FIG.  83   , provides a mounting location for voltage regulators  1732 . Voltage regulators are mounted to a bracket (not shown) which overlies the pocket  1730  and locates the voltage regulators in the pocket  1730  in the position shown in  FIG.  83   . As the shroud  1702  faces the front of the vehicle, air is moved into shroud  1702  across the radiator  1704  and through fan  1706 . As voltage regulators  1732  sit in the direction of air flow, the air flow also cools the voltage regulators. 
     A shown in  FIGS.  83  and  84   , latches  1734  extend forwardly from fan housing  1735  and latch to radiator  1704  when in the position of  FIG.  83   . Shroud  1702  includes a notch  1736  for clearance which receives a leading edge of the latch  1734  as best shown in  FIG.  83   . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  86 - 99   , an alternate seating adjustment mechanism will be described which is an alternative to that shown in  FIGS.  38 - 45   . As shown, seating adjustment mechanism is shown as  1740  which allows the seat adjustment in both the for and at direction as well as the tilt direction. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  86   , the for and at adjustment is substantially the same as that shown in  FIGS.  38 - 45    and will therefore not be described in further detail with respect to  FIG.  86   . However, the tilt mechanism  1734  is somewhat different and will be described. 
     As shown best in  FIG.  91   , seat adjustment mechanism  1740  includes longitudinally movable track systems  1742  which are substantially similar to that shown in  FIG.  43   . The tilt mechanism  1744  includes inner frame members  1780  and outer frame members  1782  and in this configuration, allows only three discreet positions of tilt by way of apertures  1784   a,    1784   b  and  1784   c  ( FIG.  91   ). A bracket  1786  is coupled to the top of the longitudinally movable track systems  1742  to which a fastener  1788  is fixed. Fastener  1788  is internally threaded and can be aligned with any of the apertures  1784   a,    1784   b  or  1784   c  by rotating the frame members  1780  and  1782 . Fasteners  1800  are therefore provided which can be positioned into any of the apertures  1784   a - 1784   c  and be threadably engaged with fasteners  1788  to lock the frame members  1780  and  1782  in any one of the three tilt positions. 
     In this embodiment, a release mechanism  1820  is also provided coupled to the bottom of the seat  24  as shown best in  FIG.  92    which is positioned intermediate the longitudinally movable track members  1742 . As will be described, release mechanism  1820  moves latches  880  rearwardly decoupling the latches  880  from locking rod  894 . As shown best in  FIG.  94   , release mechanism  1820  is coupled to the bottom of the seat  24  whereby seat  24  includes a front boss  1826  and rear bosses  1828  where front boss  1826  includes a threaded opening  1830  and rear bosses  1828  include threaded openings  1832 . Release mechanism  1820  is coupled to the bottom of the seat  24  by way of a front fastener  1834  which couples to threaded opening  1830  and fasteners  1836  which couple to threaded openings  1832 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  95 - 97   , release mechanism  1820  will be described in greater detail. As shown, release mechanism  1820  generally includes a tray portion  1840 , a release member  1842 , a link  1844  and an actuator  1846 . Tray portion  1840  includes a lower wall  1850 , front end wall  1852 , side walls  1854  and upright portions  1856  which extend from side walls  1854 . Front wall  1852  defines an arcuate ledge at  1860 , and upright portions  1856  define bearing portions  1862 . Release portion  1842  includes a lever portion  1870  extending forwardly from a shaft portion  1872  and leg portions  1874  extend downwardly from shaft portion  1872 . It should be appreciated that shaft portion  1872  cooperates with arcuate ledge  1860  and is rotatable therewith. Actuator  1846  includes a body portion  1880  having shaft portions  1882  extending outwardly therefrom and which are profiled to be rotatably received in bearing portions  1862 . Leg portions  1886  extend downwardly from body portion  1880  and have apertures  1888  extending therethrough. An actuator portion  1890  extends upwardly from body portion  1880  and extends transversely of body portion including a contact surface at  1892 . 
     Link portion  1844  includes a front coupling at  1900  having an aperture at  1902 . A rear coupling  1906  has an aperture at  1908 . A pin  1910  is receivable through apertures  1912  of arms  1874  and through aperture  1902  of coupling  1900 . A circlip  1914  is received in a groove  1916  of pin  1910 . A pin  1920  is receivable through apertures  1888  of actuator member  1846  and through apertures  1908  of link member  1844  where a circlip  1924  is receivable in a groove  1926  of pin  1920 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  98  and  99   , when the lever portion  1842  is moved upwardly in the direction of arrow  1930  to the position shown in  FIG.  99   , link  1844  is moved in the direction of arrow  1932  which causes a counter rotation of actuator  1846  in the rotation of arrow  1934 . This rotation causes contact surface  1892  to engage with latches  880  ( FIG.  92   ) and rotating them to release from rod  894 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  87 ,  89  and  90   , the movement of passenger seat  26  will be described in greater detail. With reference first to  FIG.  87   , passenger seat  26  does not have a longitudinally movable track system such as  1744  as in the driver&#39;s seat. Rather, the passenger seat has two longitudinally positions for the seat  26  but they are fixed positions as described herein. Also, the seat  26  has the same tilt positions as the driver&#39;s seat  24  as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  89  and  90   , the passenger seat does not include the longitudinal tubes  156  but rather has outer mounting rails  1940  and inner mounting rails  1942 . Outer mounting rails  1940  include two longitudinally spaced apart fasteners  1944  coupled to the outside of the rails  1940  and outer rails also include two longitudinally spaced apart set of apertures at  1946  including pairs of threaded openings at  1946   a ,  1946   b  and  1946   c.  Thus to position the passenger seat  26  in the seat frame  150 , the outer rail  1782  ( FIG.  87   ) has an aperture alignable with one of the fasteners  1944  ( FIG.  89   ) and includes a second aperture alignable with one of the apertures  1946   a,    1946   b  or  1946   c.    
     With reference now to  FIGS.  100 - 105   , an air intake system of the vehicle will be described. As shown best in  FIGS.  100  and  101   , an air intake system of the vehicle includes air intake  1950  for cooling of the CVT  52  and an air intake system  1952  as air intake to the engine. As shown, air intake system  1950  includes an intake bezel  1954  which can be directly coupled to the pillar portion  1440 , where air is drawn through louvers  1960 ,  1960   a  and  1962  and into bezel  1954 . Air travels through bezel  1954  and into duct  1958  which is coupled directly to the CVT for drawing air into the CVT for cooling purposes. As shown best in  FIG.  101   , bezel  1954  has an inner intake surface  1960  and an outer intake surface  1962 , for receiving air therein in the direction of the arrows  1966  and  1968 , respectively. Inner surface  1960  includes a portion  1960   a,  that slants at least partially outward such that air is received in the bezel  1954  when the air moves in the direction of arrows  1970 . 
     In a similar manner, a bezel  1980  is provided on the passenger side pillar portion  1440  which couples to a duct  1982  which is an intake to air filter  1984  ( FIG.  101   ) which exits to duct  1986  having an outlet for intake to the engine. As shown in  FIGS.  103 - 105   , air filter  1984  is positioned directly behind the seats  24 ,  26  such that the removal of a protective panel  1990  which provides easy access to the air filter  1984  as shown best in  FIG.  104   . As shown best in  FIG.  101   , bezel  1980  has an inner intake surface  1994  and an outer intake surface  1996 , for receiving air therein in the direction of the arrows  1998  and  2000 . Inner surface  1994  includes a portion  1994   a,  that slants at least partially outward such that air is received in the bezel  1980  when the air moves in the direction of arrows  2002 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  102   , debris screens  2006   a  and  2006   b  could be added to cover the inner surface portions  1960   a  and  1960   b,  while an outer debris screen  2008  could cover the outer surface  1962 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  103 - 105   , the removable panel is shown removed, accessing the air filter  1984 , when removable panel  1990  is positioned above a lower panel portion  2010 . Removable panel  1990  could have ¼ turn fasteners  2012  for easy removal and installation. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  106 - 111   , the construction of seats  24 ,  26  will be described in greater detail. With reference first to  FIG.  106   , driver seat  24  will be described, and it should be understood that passenger seat  26  is substantially identical to the construction of driver seat  24 . Driver seat  24  is comprised of a shell  2020  having individual pad portions attached thereto. Namely, a right shoulder blade portion  2022 , left shoulder blade portion  2024 , lumbar portion  2026  and seat bottom  2028  are coupled to the shell  2020 . A head rest  2030  is also positioned above the shoulder blade portions  2022  and  2024 . With reference now to  FIG.  108   , shell portion  2020  includes left-hand clips  2040  and right-hand clips  2042 . More particularly, left-hand clips  2040  include clips  2040   a,    2040   b,    2040   c  and  2040   d.  At the same time, clips  2042  include clips  2042   a,    2042   b,    2042   c  and  2042   d.  Meanwhile, the backside of pad portion  2024  includes catches  2050   a - 2050   d  where each of the catches engages with complimentary hooks  2040   a - 2040   d  respectively. 
     With reference to  FIG.  109   , shell portion  2020  includes catches  2060   a  and  2060   b  which couple with hooks  2062   a  and  2062   b  respectively to retain the lumbar portion  2026  within shell  2020 . As shown in  FIG.  110   , shell portion  2020  includes a hook  2070  which receives a catch  2072  on the lower side of seat bottom  2028 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  111   , the construction of the left shoulder blade portion  2024  is shown and is illustrative to the possible construction of all of the pad portions  2022 - 2030 . As shown, an inner frame portion is shown at  2090  which carries the catches  2050   a - 2050   d.  The frame portion  2090  could be a composite of plastic type materials with metallic catches  2050   a - 2050   d  or could be comprised of materials such as aluminum. An outer shell portion  2094  is provided whereby windows  2096  are provided such that window  2096   a  allows catch  2050   a  to protrude therethrough, window  2096   b  allows catch  2050   b  to protrude therethrough, window  2096   c  allows catch  2050   c  to protrude therethrough and window  2096   d  allows catch  2050   d  to protrude therethrough. Meanwhile, pad portion  2098  may be coupled to the combination of members  2090 ,  2094  and provide the padding and/or cushion for seat  24 . Rivets  2099  may also be added to increase the retention of pad portions  2022 - 2030 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  112   , a steering wheel  2100  is shown with modular control buttons  2102  for adding and control of aftermarket parts. The buttons  2102  are not pre-wired to the wheel, but all wires go through one cord. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  113  and  114   , the CVT  52  will be described. As shown, CVT  52  includes a CVT cover comprised of an inner cover  2110  and an outer cover  2112 . The inner cover has a plurality of bosses at  2114  and the outer cover  2112  has a plurality of bosses at  2216 . Fasteners  2118  couple the inner and outer covers  2110 ,  2112  at each of the pairs of bosses  2114 ,  2116 , as more fully described with reference to  FIG.  114   . As shown in  FIG.  114   , boss  2114  has a mounting face  2120  though which a threaded aperture  2122  extends. Boss  2116  has an inner cavity  2128 , an inner shoulder  2130 , a mounting face  2132 , an outer face  2134  and an aperture  2136 . Fastener  2118  has a head portion  2140  having an inner shoulder  2142 , a shank portion  2144 , a barb  2146  and a threaded portion  2148 . Barb  2146  has a leading edge  2150  and a rear shoulder  2152 . 
     Barb  2146  is profiled to be received into aperture  2136  and into cavity  2128 , but be retained in place once the barb  2146  gets beyond the aperture  2136 , as the outer diameter of the barb  2146  is greater than the inner diameter of the aperture  2136 . Thus, when the fastener is backed out (to the right as viewed in  FIG.  114   ) shoulder  2152  will abut the inner shoulder  2130  of boss  2116 . Furthermore, fastener is profiled such that it can be fully disengaged from the inner housing  2110 , and remain coupled with the outer housing. This is due to the profile of the fastener in that, from the fully engaged position (the position shown in  FIG.  114   ) the fastener can move a distance of X 1 , that is, the distance between the shoulder  2152  and the inner shoulder  2130 . The distance X 1  is greater than the distance (X 2 ) that the fastener  2118  needs to travel to be unthreaded from the threaded aperture  2122 . 
     Thus, the design provides ease of maintenance as the fasteners  2118  always remain coupled to the outer housing  2112 , even when they are disconnected from the inner housing  2110 . When the outer cover  2112  needs to be reattached to the inner housing  2110 , each fastener  2118  is already aligned with the corresponding boss  2116  and aperture  2122 . 
     While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.