ATV Sport articles from March 2006

ATV Sport archives from March 2006

What is in store?(Editorial)
March 1, 2006... For the past three years, we've said the same thing at the beginning of each year. Usually, it revolves around how the next year will be one of the biggest for the industry, how everything is going great and we will look back on [insert year...

Tale of the tape.(WHAT'S UP)
March 1, 2006... We know a lot of consumers, especially those who have not purchased a new sport quad, will want to do a direct head-to-head comparison of the 450 four-strokes. We decided to make it easier, grouping these four beasts in a "Tale of the Tape"...

2005 AMA Sports awards.(WHAT'S UP)
March 1, 2006... Recently, the AMA held its own awards banquet, which honored many athletes of the two-wheel ilk. However, in recent years, the ATVA has been a part of this ceremony and has given awards to athletes of the four-wheeled type. On the GNC MX...

Gate draw.(WHAT'S UP)(Cartoon)
March 1, 2006... "I would love to sell this ATV to you, unfortunately, I doubt the bank will allow you to finance it for 5,000 months." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

More national MX series?(WHAT'S UP)
March 1, 2006... File this report under the "we'll believe it when we see it" category. It all started shortly before the 2005 GNC Banquet. Rumor had it there was one, maybe two companies gearing up to produce a national series complete with a "major"...

2006 WORCS schedule and update.(World Off-Road Championship Series)
March 1, 2006... The World Off-Road Championship Series continues to grow and is quickly establishing itself as the premier off-road racing series west of the Mississippi. One factor into this growth is the manageable schedule that is spread throughout the...

Napa Montreal supercross results.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Remember the old Valvoline Supercross that a lot of the top GNC ATV Pros used to race? Well it is still going on, although with a different title sponsor. The 2005 race at Stade Olympique in Montreal, Quebec, featured many American racers, and...

Bombardier moves jobs to Mexico.
March 1, 2006... Canada-based Bombardier recently announced that it would move 150 manufacturing jobs to a plant in Mexico in 2007. The following year, another 150 jobs will be moved to Mexico from its facility in Valcourt, Quebec. Bombardier officials...

Mom knows best.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... Dustin and I just wanted to thank you for all your support to our organization, the ATVA. In 2003, Dustin won an ATV Sport People's Choice Award for his finish in the Pro Am classes. Now he has turned Pro and I am sure it will take a while for...

Need for speed.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... After reading the December issue, I'm craving the Honda TRX450R. For Christmas my dad is selling my Predator 90, and I'm upgrading. My dad lets me ride his Trail Boss 330, and I love it. I will be getting the Trail Boss, while my dad gets a new...

Mini donut.(READER FEEDBACK)
March 1, 2006... Just wanted to let you guys know that we appreciate the coverage that you give the mini quads. Here is a picture of my son Austin riding his Kasea at a friend's track. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Fridley Family via the Internet

Smooth words from Elka.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I work at Elka, and I'd like to say that you are doing a great job with your mag. A sports ATV only mag is what we needed. Great articles and great pics. I'd like some stickers for my new 2006 Yamaha YFZ450, with Elka Suspension, of course....

Please focus on me.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I love to ride, whether its 110 degrees or minus 20, but I have a big problem. Well, not just me because many riders have the same problem: I read all of the articles but never see one on prescription goggles. It's very hard for me to wear...

Drag king.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I just want to thank ATV Sport for all of the articles in the December issue that were focused on drag racing. I absolutely love competing against other riders on a drag strip. I'm no Tony Pedregon or John Force on my Yamaha Banshee, but I have...

Honda two-step.(READER FEEDBACK)
March 1, 2006... Thanks for another solid Buyers' Guide! I've been riding around on the Honda 250R for several years now, and I'm thinking of making the step into the four-stroke era with an electric start Honda 450R after thumbing through the Buyers' Guide....

Awaiting the QuadRacer.
March 1, 2006... I, like countless others are I'm sure, am awaiting the all new Suzuki LT-R450 QuadRacer. I am a diehard Suzuki fan (I've had a Z400 for two-and-a-half years) and have been awaiting this release for quite a long time. However, the new Raptor...

Street legal raptor.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I have some good news for your magazine! I have created a street legal Yamaha Raptor 660R in California. Everybody says that it is nearly impossible to accomplish a street-legal ATV, but I did it. Here is a picture, so it can be believed. ...

DS250 dad.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... It sounds like the Bombardier DS250 is a pretty good entry-level ATV after reading ATV Sport's review (Downright Snazzy, Buyers' Guide). My two sons already ride Bombardier's DS50 and DS90, so I figure a DS250 for myself makes sense. I like...

Performance parts made easy.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I bought ATV Sport for the first time after seeing the Buyers' Guide issue at my local bookstore. I really appreciated the performance parts directory. Finally, a resource I can use that makes locating ATV companies easier. Something like the...

Wolverine love.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2006... I really loved the test of the new Yamaha Wolverine. I smell a comparison test of 400-ish, on-demand 4X4s with auto transmissions! Yamaha Wolverine vs. Polaris Scrambler, etc., would make for a fun test. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I always...

Exhausted.
March 1, 2006... I've subscribed to your magazine for three years now, and I must say I really like the Exhaust picture you now feature in the back. I like cutting out the photos and hanging them on my wall because they are different than most other pictures in...

Moose Racing 10X2 helmet.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... This Moose Racing 10X2 helmet is constructed with a light weight, tri-composite shell weighing only 3.2 pounds while meeting industry testing standards. Other main features include eight ventilation ports, goggle strap guide on the front and...

LustreLab ATV wash.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... Available in 24-ounce spray bottles, LustreLab claims its ATV wash is safe for all surfaces. LustreLab says its formula leaves a streak-free protective coating that repels grease and mud. An acrylic bond adds an enhanced shine to surfaces that...

GT Thunder rear linkage.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... GT Thunder's rear linkage for the Yamaha YFZ450 comes in two versions: motocross and cross country. GT Thunder says its linkages were designed to give the quad's rear suspension the proper amount of travel and correct location of that travel....

Caliber Back Up Buddy.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... The Back Up Buddy alignment guides attach with heavy-duty magnets (no tools required). The guides' height is adjustable to fit most trailers and hitches, and they extend for taller vehicles. The trailer alignment device allows for connecting a...

Alpinestars Crest Belt.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... This Alpinestars Astar Crest Belt has an alloy buckle with enamel fill that has extra thick casting. The leather strap belt is one size fits all and has a prong-type buckle with the astar design that has an alloy and enamel finish. The black...

Lonestar Racing Stem Clamp.(HOT PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2006... Designed to use on a stock Honda TRX450R chassis, this Lonestar Racing Stem Clamp is constructed from billet aluminum. The clamp uses the OEM bushing and comes complete with allen bolts. Lonestar Racing says the clamp reduces slack when using...

High idle.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I own a 1987 Honda three-wheeler and 2003 Yamaha 400 four-wheeler, both are air cooled and both idle at a higher RPM as they get hotter. What causes this? Can it be fixed without constantly adjusting the idle screw? Derrick Laskowski ...

Slippery situation.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q My friend has a 2002 Yamaha Warrior, and we discovered a gas leak with oil mixed in. The leak appears that it is coming from the breather tubes from the carb. Do you know what the problem could've been from? I figure the problem is coming...

Rising Phoenix.(MECHANIC TIPS)
March 1, 2006... Q I have a 2005 Polaris Phoenix and it runs like a charm. I'm only 16 and weigh around 110 pounds, so I'm like a rock skipping across the ground aboard the Phoenix. Still, I want more power from it. I was thinking of increasing the carburetor...

250R enginuity.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I have a 1986 Honda TRX250R that has an ATC250R engine in it. Do you know if they are the same engine? Also, would a TRX pipe and silencer fit on the ATC engine without any modifications? Finally, what is the best company to get performance...

Crossed up solenoid.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I have a 1995 Honda 300EX that won't start or even click when I try to start it. I checked for loose wires and there aren't any. The only time it starts is when I cross the post on the solenoid. Is the solenoid the problem? If not, what else...

Suzuki LT80 speedometer.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q Is it possible to install a speedometer on my Suzuki LT80? If so, which companies make a speedometer that I can use? Anonymous via the Internet A Yes, it is possible, even on an LT80. There are a bunch of electric computer...

Predator not firing.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I have a 2004 Polaris Predator 500 that sat for about two months and will not start. I put a new battery in it, but it still won't start and it's not getting a spark. Any suggestions? R. Dolan Lakeville, Pa. A My first words of...

Suspension swap.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q Is it possible to put front shocks from a Yamaha YFZ450 onto my '03 Banshee? I can get a good deal on a set and the idea of race-ready shocks for cheap sounds good to me. Mike Gergich New York A Mike, that is definitely a...

Softer clutch setup.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q Does any aftermarket company make a softer clutch for the Honda 400EX? The clutch on my quad is really hard to pull, even when it is lubed and cleaned. Dave via the Internet A If you bought the bike used or have had a clutch...

Proper mixing ratio?(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I just bought an '01 Yamaha Blaster with an engine that has been bored .60mm over and the oil injector is blocked off. What fuel mixture would you recommend? The guy I bought it from said 30:1, but it is smoking a lot right now. Also, there...

Partially guarded.(frame guards usage in automobiles)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I bought the GYT-R frame guards for my YFZ, and I am having issues installing them. I got the left side on no problem, but the right guard is becoming an issue. The frame bolts are on super tight. My guess is that I need to take off more...

After the aftermarket.(adding upgrades to Honda 300EX)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I just bought a Honda 300EX and was wondering what aftermarket upgrades I could add to it to increase speed and power. Any suggestions? Michael Bennett Stilwell, Kan. A Since the 300EX has been around for several years, many...

Mud pit woes.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Q I'm having a problem getting my 2003 Honda Rincon through the local mud pit. I've been told that the rev limit could be way too low. Are there any aftermarket rev boxes available that will help the Rincon churn through the mud? Right now, the...

Moose racing M1 riding gear.(PRODUCT TESTING)
March 1, 2006... A moose can be one of the meanest animals, but they sure look goofy and I never quite understood why someone would name a racing company after them. I have to admit, I feel a little funny with "Moose" emblazoned on my backside while hanging out...

Fox Racing gear.(PRODUCT TESTING)
March 1, 2006... Fox Racing continues to exceed our expectations with each model year of gear. Just when you thought gear couldn't evolve, Fox Racing takes it to a new level. We recently tested some stylish gear and an affordable helmet from the famous...

Alloy gear.(PRODUCT TESTING)
March 1, 2006... When I received my Alloy gear and began suiting up at Spring Creek MX Park, a fellow rider made an interesting comment: Not only did I have the same gear as Honda rider Tim Farr, I'd also be wearing the same Troy Lee Designs helmet and Sidi...

FullBore 450R plastic.
March 1, 2006... Let's face it, aftermarket plastic can be expensive. But what do you do when you've ruined the stock plastic? You have a few options. You could duct tape and zip tie your old plastic back together, but that's ugly and won't hold. You could buy...

Exclusive test! DS650 vs. KFX700 vs. Outlaw vs. Raptor 700R.(Bombardier DS650 X, Kawasaki KFX700, Polaris Outlaw, Yamaha Raptor 700R)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2006... With the spotlight shining brightly on the 450 class machines from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, it is easy to forget that there are trail machines out there with larger engines, equally-as-impressive extras and a gigantic fun factor; machines...

Introducing all new low prices at the all new trinityracing.com.
March 1, 2006... RAPTOR 700R 734CC BIG BORE KIT Pulling out all the stops on the new Yamaha Raptor 700R, Trinity Racing has blown open the true potential in the new EFI powered Yamaha! Utilizing their Stage III kit with Stage IV exhaust, Stage IV Fuel...

Euro 450R: England's top Pont de Vaux Honda.(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
March 1, 2006... "A four-stroke will win the next 12 Hours of Pont de Vaux," states KIK ATV's Keith Ivan Knowles (no relation to CT's Allen Knowles). And not just any four-stroke. When asked about his team's plans for next year's event. Keith Knowles replies...

Phat cat blackjack: 21 ways to make your arctic cat DVX purr.(Arctic Cat DVX 400)
March 1, 2006... It didn't take us long to figure out how to keep our cat happy: Just feed it aftermarket accessories like it was catnip and the little fur ball purrs its face off. Our cat, the Arctic Cat DVX 400, has had a steady diet divided into 21 stay-fit...

An army of one: individual components combine strengths to produce a "special forces" YFZ.(Interview)
March 1, 2006... If the mind truly is the most powerful weapon, then Tyler Pilz should be considered a brilliant force when it comes to building customized quads. He is as creative as he is driven. He's also undaunted by the task at hand and seems to show...

Looking back: 1985-1986 Yamaha TRI-Z250; The beginnings of high-performance ATVing.(all terrain vehicle riding)
March 1, 2006... By today's standards, they're decidedly low-performance, no question about that. But two decades ago, a 250cc, two-stroke three-wheeler with 10 inches of front wheel travel and an engine derived from a motocross motorcycle (instead of a...

Battle ready: fortifying and prepping a quad for Baja.
March 1, 2006... The Baja 1000 is the longest point-to-point race in the world. It's quite an accomplishment just to finish such a demanding race. This race is the real deal and a true test of man and machine. Only nine ATVs in the Open Pro class even finished...

It never fails: Susan Parker hopes to make a return to national scene.
March 1, 2006... There are many young racers who probably never heard of Susan Parker. It is understandable because Parker is not around the national race scene these days. That is about to change next year, however. Parker won the Women's GNC Motocross...

The winner: Wayne Matlock's Baja 1000 TRX450R.
March 1, 2006... There were big changes for Wayne Matlock at this year's Baja 1000. With his long-time goal of racing with American Honda now a reality, Matlock was finally able to build exactly the machine he wanted for the desert. In fact, he built two of...

A custom LuTZ400: this Cherry Bomb Suzuki LT-Z400 bursts into view.(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 1, 2006... What's in a name? For Laura Lutz, it's L-T-Z, making her last name a natural fit for her to purchase Suzuki's LT-Z400. After a host of personal touches, it's safe to say this 2003 Suzuki can now be called a LuT Z400. Appropriately named...

Turning heads: Polaris Revolver concept vehicle unveiled in Europe.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Manufacturers enjoying brisk sales of ATVs in places like Germany, Spain and France now are padding their product line ups with four-wheeled vehicles specifically designed for the European market, where, outfitted with lights and turn signals,...

Rock 'n' more rocks: would Rausch Creek's rocks prove to be too much?(Maxxis 12 Hours of ATV America, all terrain vehicle racing)
March 1, 2006... For three years the Maxxis 12 Hours of ATV America called Iowa home. This year, promoter John Pellan decided to move the race to Pennsylvania, more specifically Rausch Creek Off-Road Park. It is a good facility that has hosted several ATV...

The Lone Wolf: Suzuki-mounted William Yokley rides again at the Ironman.(The Klotz Ironman, Grand National Cross Country all terrain vehicle racing)
March 1, 2006... Twenty-two pro ATV riders competed at The Klotz Ironman, the 13th and final round of the Grand National Cross Country series. Can you guess how many of those racers were on a Suzuki? Here's a clue: One, and he won the dang thing. It was only...

Into the dusty unknown: ATV teams battle the extreme elements of the Baja 1000.(On Track)
March 1, 2006... Tacos, burritos, cerveza and cruise ships are just some of the things Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, is known for. When November rolls around, Ensenada is attractive for those same things, of course, but this late in the year, the town...

The end is the beginning: ATVA nationals postseason awards banquet.(All Terrain Vehicle Association)
March 1, 2006... The All-Terrain Vehicle Association's 20th season of Grand National Championship quad racing ended the first weekend in October, but the season is never officially over until the ATVA Grand National Motocross and Extreme Dirt Track Banquet...

Tougher than most: Jessica McCreary tackled the Baja 1000 ... alone.(MIND PROBE)(Interview)
March 1, 2006... It's early in the morning in Ensenada, Mexico. The street is full of geared-up racers and well prepped ATVs. Walking past the competitors getting ready to start the longest point-to-point off-road race in the world, the 2005 Tecate SCORE Baja...

Six for No. 1.(Exhaust)
March 1, 2006... Yamaha's Bill Ballance unleashed the "No. 1" to our photographer prior to the start of the afternoon racing session at The Ironman GNCC. Ballance's 2005 Pro class crown was his sixth in a row. If Ballance wins the Pro class title next year, he...