ATV Sport articles from March 2005

ATV Sport archives from March 2005

Joy ride: full speed ahead!(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... Wow, it's been seven long years since ATV Sport debuted as "the No.1 Sport Quad Magazine" in the ATV industry. It's been a fun ride the whole way and I look forward to many more years. It's impressive to think just how the ATV industry has...

The year in dirt volume one.(WHAT'S UP)(book)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Propagandist Inc., producer of the GNC event programs, is set to release a 100-plus-page photo book highlighting the GNC MX and TT Nationals, as well as the behind-the-scenes shots of the world's best pro and amateur ATV racers. The book...

Team FMF Media Allstars.(WHAT'S UP)(motorcycle racing teams)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... FMF has teamed up with the Media Allstars for the 2005 ITP/ATVA Grand National Championship MX series. FMF will lend support and a rig for the team to pit from. The team lineup for the season consists of nine amateur racers: Pro-Am MX and...

ATVSPORT.com results.(WHAT'S UP)
March 1, 2005... We've been throwing out clever web polls looking for your feedback on ATV-related topics. More recently we asked several racing related questions. Here are the results. It looks like many people think the Show Me State should be added to...

www.gnccracing.com.(Web Corner)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... GNCCRacing.com, the official site of the Grand National Cross Country Series, is undergoing a makeover. The site now includes a new Pro rider profile section on 32 of the top GNCC racers on bikes and ATVs. The Web site has all the need-to-knows...

www.watva.org.(Web Corner)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... If you are planning on ATVing or already live in Wisconsin, www.watva.org will have the information needed to make the ride a memorable one. This site is home to the Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA), which says it's "an established statewide...

www.msws.org.(Web Corner)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... This Web site is the homepage for the Mid-South Hare Scrambles Series (MSHSS). The MSHSS is a nationally recognized series in the southeast with race seasons in the winter and now in the summer. The site claims all winter series events and most...

www.atvfrontier.com.(Web Corner)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... It took a lot of searching to find this Web site, but we found the time spent well worth it. Atvfrontier.com has 6,788 members who post pictures in the photo galleries and interact on the forum discussion boards. The homepage has news, poll...

Digger and Dozer.(WHAT'S UP)
March 1, 2005... When a racer, like Digger Doug, is doing very well, some riders have a hard time accepting it... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Visit www.DougGust.com for more...

ATV Offroad Fury 3 tourney.(WHAT'S UP)(video games )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... At the Fifth Annual ATV Trails, held at the Hungry Valley SVRA near Gorman, Calif., ATV Sport staffers challenged representatives from the major ATV manufacturers. Sony Computer Entertainment was kind enough to ship us ATV Offroad Fury 3, a PS2...

Missouri Hare Scramble schedule.(WHAT'S UP)(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... The 2005 Missouri Hare Scramble schedule was recently released. Some classes were changed for next year and the Open Two-stroke class has been dropped from the '05 lineup. Classes for the 2005 year are as follows: AA A Open B ...

Texas Cross Country Schedule.(WHAT'S UP)(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... 2005 East Division Schedule JANUARY 16--Kilgore, Texas FEBRUARY 27--Gilmer, Texas MARCH 27--Pittsburg, Texas MAY 1--Hallettsville, Texas 29--Tyler, Texas* JULY 3--San Angelo, Texas (East vs....

Magazine surprise.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I just wanted to thank you for putting me in your magazine (page 97 of the July/August issue)! My wife was talking to your representative at the Steel Creek GNCC and next thing you know, my photo was in ATV Sport! At the close of the...

Helmets save.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I just wanted to show how important it is to wear a helmet. This is me wrecking at a Mid-East Hare Scramble in Shelby, N.C. I love your magazine and the information inside. Brooks Peeler Gaffney, S.C. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Alaskan survival.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I have subscribed to ATV Sport for four years and I love it more than any other ATV magazine that I have read. Here is picture of me catching a little air on my 2001 300EX at Jim's Creek, just outside of Palmer, Alaska. Your magazine helps me...

Warrior rider.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I have a 1999 Yamaha Warrior that is awesome. I live in southeast Kansas and my family owns a lot of land to ride on. We go to the Little Sahara dunes in Oklahoma every year to ride in the sand. I love your magazine. Bradley McVey ...

New reader.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... My name is Seth Dorscher and I am 9 years old. I just got my subscription to your magazine this year. Your magazine is very good. Seth Dorscher Burlington, N.D.

Cushier cushion.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I have been going nuts trying to find a company to make a thicker and softer seat for my Z400. I have already called Hi-Flight and Ceet, but they couldn't help me. I can't afford $2,000 in shocks and suspension upgrades, so I'd like a softer...

Holeshot bandit.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I didn't know my 400EX could smoke a 450R in a holeshot! I love your magazine! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jeremy Buurma via the Internet We didn't either. Did you get a head start or are you racing your grandma?--Editor

Sport buying dilemma.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I have two ATVs right now, a 1985 Honda TRX125, and a 1989 Yamaha Moto4 350. I've been riding for about eight years, and now I want to buy a four-stroke sport quad around the 300-350cc range. I have been looking at Honda's Sportrax 300EX...

Full of questions.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... My name is Mark Russell and I am 11 years old. I want to know what is better, a two-stroke or a four-stroke and why? I'm planning on getting a quad. Where can I get a quad for about $600? I am looking for any year or condition. Also, where...

It sure looks fast.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... This is a picture of my Predator rebuild. I race flat track and MX. I don't think I've seen another Predator that looks like mine. I would like to say thanks to my sponsor Doug Nicholas for all his time on my quad and give a shout-out to...

Fraternal freestyle.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... My brother and I are from north Texas. I ride a YFZ450 and he has a Z400. We recently started freestyle jumping. These pics were taken our second time on the ramps. We are now purchasing two ramps for our place. We love your magazine and it...

Redecorating with stickers.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I recently bought a 2002 Yamaha Blaster. I am very happy with the performance I'm getting out of it. Other than the jetted carburetor and the tuned exhaust system, it's completely stock. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I would recommend a...

Dune search.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I live in Charlotte, N.C., and I want toknow if there's some decent dune riding on the East Coast for quads. The closest place I have heard of is in Michigan, but that's a long haul from where I live. Thanks for your help and ride on! Alex...

Waptor?(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I want to show everyone what Maier Plastics did for me. I was frustrated that Yamaha released the Raptor 350 two months after I bought an '04 Warrior, so I called Maier and asked if there was an upgrade kit for my Warrior. After about six...

G-Force wheel spacers.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... These G-Force wheel spacers add 30mm of width to each front wheel and 45mm to each rear wheel. The wheel spacers are made from 6061 T-6 aluminum for superior strength and performance. Installation does not require removal of stock hub studs....

GoClaws tire accessory.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... GoClaws claim that its tire accessory can be put on a tow vehicle's tires in minutes without moving or jacking up the vehicle, even while stuck. GoClaws use the patented Pascal-Tech hydraulic gripping chambers that grab snow, mud or sand. The...

Tool Logic T1 TechLight.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... Tool Logic's T1 TechLight features six functions and can be carried on a key ring. Tool Logic claims the LED flashlight stays on hands-free, making it easier to operate. The TechLight also features a ball point pen, detachable clip,...

Lazer Star YFZ450 handlebar headlight kit.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... Lazer Star claims its CNC-machined billet custom headlight kit for the Yamaha YFZ450 will get a lot of power out of the stock stator. The headlight kit comes with a billet-aluminum handlebar clamp with two "shorty" billet lights, which include...

Lone Star pivot bolt.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... This Lone Star pivot bolt is available for the Honda 250R, 400EX and TRX450, Suzuki Z400 and Yamaha YFZ450. Lone Star claims the pivot bolt is machined from an industrial-grade hardened steel for strength and yellow zinc coated to prevent...

Maier 400EX front fender.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... Maier Manufacturing Inc. has taken the Honda TRX400EX stock front fender and combined it with side panels creating a seamless, one-piece alternative to stock. The fender comes with mounting hardware and a one-year warranty against breakage. The...

DG billet aluminum gas cap.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... DG Performance's new billet gas cap is milled from aluminum. DG Performance says the gas cap is CNC machined to allow easier action with your gloves on. The aluminum gas cap replaces the plastic cap to add a polished look. DG claims it will fit...

Magura JACK.05 hydraulic clutch.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... This Magura JACK.05 claims to have a beefed-up slave cylinder and longer pull distance that creates more room for light-touch clutch functions. The piston rod has been increased from 2mm to 3mm and comes covered with a rubber boot to keep out...

Motocomm Sidekick SK-55.(PRODUCT TESTING)
March 1, 2005... Walkie talkies have been around for a couple of decades and while the idea of putting them into a helmet is not new, it can serve as both an educational and safety tool for ATV enthusiasts. The engineers at Motocomm created several unique...

Scorpion VX-14 helmet.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Scorpion Sports Inc. )
March 1, 2005... Growing up as an avid hockey player in a rabid hockey state had benefits--one certainly wasn't the awful stench that rose like sewer gas out of a manhole from the hockey bag by midseason. The smell could have been blamed on mullet hockey hair...

O'Neal A-10 pant, Prodigy jersey.(PRODUCT TESTING)(racing wear)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... When I first ordered the O'Neal A-10 pant, my first thought was, "Would a 30-year-old really choose 'free-style pants?'" Now that I've worn the A-10s on several trail rides and on MX tracks, I can answer my own question with a resounding...

Air vents in a 450R.(WRENCH THIS)(motorcycle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q In the "We Build A 450R" article in the December 2004 issue, it says on page 53 in the LRD Performance section, "Don't even think about putting a hole in the airbox with the stock main jet. Not only do you risk burning the engine down, but...

QuadRunner not idling.(WRENCH THIS)(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q I have a 1991 Suzuki 4WD QuadRunner with low miles (300), and it has always been babied but exercised. When it reaches operating temperatures, it doesn't want to idle. I took it for repair/tune up and the fuel system, pump and carb have been...

Scrambling to race cross country.(WRENCH THIS)(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q What do I need on my Scrambler 500 to race it on a cross-country track? I want it to go really fast on the bottom end, and I also want top-end power because I ride on ice. I already have a HSP clutch kit and HSP super header. Matthew ...

A utility question for a utility champion.(WRENCH THIS)(cross country racing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q What utility 4WD quad should I get to race cross country? What modifications should I do to it to be competitive? I am 46 years old, 5-foot-10 and 250 pounds and on a smaller budget. I have experience racing--I competed in our local series...

Blast off.(WRENCH THIS)(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q What pipe would you suggest for a Blaster in terms of horsepower and overall performance? I'm currently looking at DMC Alien, FMF fatty and Pro Circuit Platinum pipe/silencer. Anonymous via the Internet A The pipes you listed...

Hay is for 250Rs.(WRENCH THIS)(motorcycle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q I have a 250R that I bought at HayDays in Minnesota. After my first ride, I noticed the Works Performance shocks and springs are too soft. I put 10W Bel-Ray shock oil and 225# nitrogen in and noticed a small difference. Then I bolted on stock...

Adding a wheel.(WRENCH THIS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q I just bought a 1984 Kawasaki 250 three-wheeler and was wondering if there is a conversion kit to change it to a four-wheeler? Do you know of any Web sites or companies that make a kit? Thanks! S. Fenton via the Internet A There...

Poor suspension.(WRENCH THIS)(motorcycle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q The suspension on my Honda 250EX is really bad. What kind of suspension do you recommend? I have started looking at the new Fox Airshox. What do you think, or what have you heard of those? Thanks! Keep up the good work! Jeff Garcia ...

Honda CDI swap.(WRENCH THIS)(motorcycle maintenance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Q Is it possible to swap the CDI out of a Honda CRF450 and put it into my TRX450R? I was told that the timing in the TRX is slightly different. Charlie Lake via the Internet A I wouldn't be able to answer that. It is beyond me....

Toed V-Force.(WRENCH THIS)
March 1, 2005... Q One of the wheels on my 2004 Kawasaki V-Force is toed out with the bars straight. I got out the service manual and set it to factory specifications. Now, it will not corner well and the front end pushes. I have Elka shocks all around and...

Mechanic tips.(WRENCH THIS)(motorcycle maintenance)
March 1, 2005... I own a Suzuki LT-Z400 and I'm pleased with the bike's performance. I've raced a couple of GNCC events and racing the bike is a blast. Even though it's a solid quad, an inherent problem of the Z400 and Kawasaki KFX400 is the seat and how it...

Loaded with carbs: Edelbrock carburetors feed off-road needs.(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
March 1, 2005... Edelbrock has been a huge name in the aftermarket performance automotive industry for years. Many, many years, to be exact. Edelbrock was founded in 1938 by Vic Edelbrock Sr., and has gone through many changes in its long history. A few years...

Ghoulish 700: a gangrene KFX700 spotted.(Hot Wheels)(modified Kawasaki all terrain vehicle)
March 1, 2005... As we stalked the Halloween-decorated pits at the Maxxis 12 Hours of ATV America, a mysterious fog escaping from a trailer caught our attention. With caution we approached the green glow emanating from the fog; in it, appeared to be an ATV. It...

The wide world of quads: strange goings on across the Atlantic!(Hot Wheels)(all terrain vehicles)
March 1, 2005... Part of the ATV racing experience in Europe is the fanfare. Big crowds, parades, exhibits, rentals, freestyle and disco until the wee hours. But another attractant is the quads themselves. You'll see wild-and-crazy creations and huge team...

Twice as nice: Looney Tuned Exhaust says two pipes are better than one!(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
March 1, 2005... According to many people, bigger is better. But is two always better than one? The answer is, "yes," if you talk to a northern California company with the unlikely name of Looney Tuned Exhaust and the riders who swear by its exhaust systems....

Cashed out: Kawasaki ends Team Green ATV contingency program for '05.(Interview)
March 1, 2005... Back in 1999, Kawasaki dug into its pockets and made a deposit into the bank of ATV racing support, an account that read "Insufficient Funds" for more than a decade. Kawasaki displayed gusto while other manufacturers were shying away from...

That's racin': three-tiered plan collapses on editor.(MACHINE TEST)
March 1, 2005... That's racin' has been said to me in countless post-race interviews of racers, but I never really grasped its true meaning until I had to mutter those same words myself. I knew those two words essentially meant, "tough luck" or "better luck...

WORCS it! Rocky Mountain ATV/MC World Off-Road Championship Series.(On Track)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC World Off Road Championship Series will undergo changes for 2005. The series will split into two separate circuits, one for motorcycles and another one for quads. With the split, the WORCS program will offer the...

Pismo-cross: the inaugural Le Pismo Dunes Endurance beach race.(On Track)
March 1, 2005... Motocrossers who love the dunes had a right to whine. Although there are several dune areas in the West (Sand Lake, Oregon Dunes, Pismo, Dumont Dunes and Glamis), you had to truck down into Baja to race a dune motocross. Racers would sit around...

Zion Ponderosa Resort: take a break and bring your ATV.(GOING PLACES)
March 1, 2005... Located at the edge of the Zion National Park in southwest Utah, the Zion Ponderosa Resort is a 10,000-acre, all-inclusive vacation spot. The list of outdoor activities includes skeet shooting, archery, equestrian, rock-wall climbing, paint...

Year-end bash: the ATVA GNC championship awards banquet.(On Track)
March 1, 2005... With more than 800 people attending this year's ATVA GNC championship awards banquet, the room was packed with more talent than you can shake a trophy at. There were racers, mechanics, team managers, media and race families. It's a good thing...

Signed and ready to ride: Jeremiah Jones turns yellow.(MIND PROBE)(joined Suzuki all terrain vehicle racing team)(Interview)
March 1, 2005... Jeremiah Jones is a loaded weapon on four wheels and he's been placed in Suzuki's holster for the 2005 MX showdown. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jones took a Yamaha YFZ450 to the fourth spot overall in 2004, but yellow snagged his attention...