ATV Sport articles from November 2005

ATV Sport archives from November 2005

Racing entries up, so what's the problem?(all terrain vehicle racing)(Editorial)
November 1, 2005... I started this job in January 2001, at what was the beginning of four-stroke hybrid dominance on the motocoss scene. At my first GNC ATV MX race--Muddy Creek--I watched Tim Farr and Doug Gust battle each other during the final moto; it was a...

Bombardier race team(s) in 2006?(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... We hear that Bombardier is going to announce at least one ATV racing team for 2006. Our sources tell us that with the release of the Outlander 800. Bombardier is anxious to get out on the GNCC circuit and race in the utility classes, which have...

New ITP holeshot SX at Lorettas.(all terrain vehicle tires)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... We heard the rumors this spring, but we finally had a chance to see the tires up close and personal at the Loretta Lynn's ATV MX National. The newest tire from ITP is designed to excel at tracks where hardpack conditions develop quickly; think...

Internet poll results.(WHAT'S UP)
November 1, 2005... We run a poll question each month on www.atvsport.com and here are the results from some recent unscientific polls: Poll Results Would you rather buy a 2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R or a 2006 Yamaha YFZ450? YFZ450 ...

Ballance injured at Yamaha photo shoot.(Bill Ballance, all terrain vehicle driver)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... You could probably blame this one on us. Well not technically "us," but the ATV Press as a whole. While airing out some jumps at a Yamaha press introduction for the 2006 YFZ450, Bill Ballance crashed. He had been hitting the same jump several...

Gate draw.(WHAT'S UP)(Cartoon)
November 1, 2005... "If you find a $29,816 charge on your credit card, it's because there was a sale on ATVs. The price was so good I bought several." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Congratulations to Donny Banks.(WHAT'S UP)
November 1, 2005... Former ATV GNC champion Donny Banks was at Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch, but it was a whole week before the ATV National. What was he doing there? He was racing a dirt bike! Donny Banks qualified for the 2005 Air Nautiques AMA Amateur National...

Unadilla lap times.(BRP Northeast Nationals, all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... There were rumors going about after the BRP Northeast Nationals at Unadilla that John Natalie was pulling faster lap times than dirt bike racer Ricky Carmichael did on the same track two weeks prior. Well, we asked for the numbers and did some...

Annual GNC Awards Banquet.(WHAT'S UP)
November 1, 2005... Get those dancing shoes, suits and dresses ready because the GNC Awards Banquet is set for November 5th. Like last year, it will be held at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, Ky., (just outside of Cincinnati). The doors will open at 5 p.m. to...

Polaris president comments on KTM deal.(Bennett Morgan, Polaris Industries Inc. (Minneapolis, Minnesota))(Brief Article)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Joe Delmont, editor of our sister publication, Ehlert's Powersports Business, recently sat down with Bennett Morgan, who is president and COO of Polaris. The interview focused primarily on the recent Polaris and KTM deal. Morgan alluded to a...

Polaris family.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... First of all, I love your magazine. It is the only ATV magazine that I read. This year for Christmas, I got a 2005 Polaris Phoenix 200. I graduated from an Xtreme Tantrum 90. My parents take me and my little brother riding all the time. My dad...

Over the hill.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... My husband is a four-wheeler fanatic. He will be turning the big "40" in a few weeks. I was wondering if you know of any jokes or Web sites in reference to being old in motorcycle format. Example, your so old you were around when skid plates...

Gassed up.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Hey, a buddy of mine told me I could use pump gas to clean my carb when it gets dirty. Is this safe to do? I have a Honda 300EX with a K & N filter and a Pro Circuit T4 slip-on exhaust. Nice mag, keep it up! AJ Murphy Johnsonville,...

Brag times two.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for putting Hart Walker in your cool magazine. You really made our year. He is the talk of the neighborhood. My wife Michelle took the magazine to her work and had to brag about ATV Sport and of...

It's electric.(READER FEEDBACK)
November 1, 2005... Here's a photo of my 2-year-old son riding his battery operated four-wheeler. The quad held up for a while, but now the gears are stripping out. I think a Sportsman 50 or 70 is in the future. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Casay Edwards ...

Hand me down.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I bought a used Banshee from my friend. The tires and shocks are worn out. What tires are best for this ATV? Are shocks expensive? I'm not going to race, but I don't like the stock shocks. Please help. Wayne Gandy Graham, Texas ...

Show me riding.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I own a KFX400. I've heard ATVs can ride in St. Joes State Park in Missouri, but is this true? Are the trails good? How far is it from St. Louis? Anonymous via the Internet Yes, you can ride in St. Joe's State Park. There are more...

Racing wannabe.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I want to start racing four-wheelers. I've ridden my dad's Arctic Cat 300 4X4 for the past year, but he doesn't want me to ride it anymore. I guess that happens when you stick your dad's quad in the mud. Anyway, I was looking at getting a...

Strange days enjoyed.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I just read your article "Strange Days in Utah" from the September issue of ATV Sport. My husband and I recently took our Polaris Sportsmans down to Sand Hollow State Park for a weekend of camping and riding, and we loved it! I agree with you...

Universal Solex handlebar.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... This Solex 1 1/8-inch handlebar from Universal is available in one quad bend size and two mini bends. The handlebar is constructed from kinesium aluminum alloy with butted and tapered tubing that features an anodized finish. The handlebar...

High Stakes '06 calendar.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... High Stakes' 2006 ATV calendar features 60 pictures of bikini models and quads. The 15-inch by 15-inch calendar includes a 15-inch by 30-inch pullout poster and a special password to the High Stakes Web site that allows access to screen savers...

HDUSA brake line clamps.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... The Grunts brake line clamps manufactured by HydroDynamics USA are machined from billet aluminum and are available in two sizes (3/4 inch and 1 inch) to fit most stock and aftermarket A-arms. The Grunt was designed with an exclusive poly sleeve...

Moose fender tool pack.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... This Moose Racing fender tool pack mounts securely to the fender with a self-contained bolt-on mounting plate. Twin compression straps hold the pack together and keep items securely inside. The pack, made from 600D polyester with PVC backing,...

Alpinestars Vector backpack.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... Alpinestars' Vector backpack is constructed with nylon, polyester and TPU molded paneling. The backpack has oversized quick release buckles, a three compartment design, abrasion-resistant base and buckle-down cover. Anatomical shoulder and...

Clymer Raptor 660R manual.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... Clymer says its new Yamaha Raptor manual covers the 660R Raptor from 2001-05 and is ideal for routine maintenance or extensive repair jobs. Clymer claims its manual provides reliable and in depth information of all of the components of the...

AMS aluminum wheels.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... These cast aluminum wheels from AMS fit virtually all of today's popular sport quad models. Each wheel features an advanced, one-piece lightweight design and is constructed using a heat-treating process that AMS claims provides strength,...

Fat Boy 4 Predator exhaust.(HOT PRODUCTS)
November 1, 2005... Duncan Racing's Fat Boy 4 exhaust for the Polaris Predator comes with CNC bent 304 stainless headers, mid-pipes, tail sections and heat guards on the headers. Also, CNC-machined stainless steel header flanges, aluminum muffler and mounts, and...

AMS sand tires.(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... There may be a lot of little tricks that can help you optimize your ATV for sand riding, but nothing will make as much difference as your tire selection. Unless you are lucky enough to have years of dune riding experience, sand tire selection...

EVS SC05 knee pads.(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... EVS has made a name for itself in the motocross world by selling and perfecting loads of body armor for people who compete and partake in a demanding sport. Whether it's ATV MX or a casual dirt bike jaunt on your friend's property, body armor...

Cycra Pro Mechanic Rollcart.(mechanic stool)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... Know what I hate? I hate working in the shop all day, bolting on stuff to one of our project ATVs, only to leave the shop at night with an aching back. It seems like it is unavoidable. I hunch over the ATV all day, or I have to kneel on the...

Elka Dune Edition shocks.(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... Many devoted dune riding enthusiasts simply ride for the fun of it. Others, however, become addicted and have the trickest-looking ATVs one will ever see. It's a great lifestyle, but it can be frustrating to set up an ATV for sand riding....

Troy Lee Designs moto gear.(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... There is all sorts of garb one can wear while riding an ATV. We've see everything out on the trails. In the dunes, some of our favorite riders to make fun of are the ones who wear flip flops and no helmet. Yes, we make fun of riders who don't...

Leaky Mojave.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I have 2002 Kawasaki Mojave that leaks gas from the drain screw at the bottom of the carb. The drain screw is tight, but it still leaks gas. Do you know what the problem might be? Jeremy Papineau Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. A It...

Clean and sharp.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I currently own a 2002 Yamaha Blaster with only one mod, a K & N air filter. I was wondering if the quad needs to be rejected, or should I rejet it to get optimal performance? I am wondering what jet to use. My bike may not be the fastest,...

Power for the dollar.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I have 2004 Polaris Trail Boss 330. Are there any performance mods I could do to get more power for my dollar? Brenan Parkos via the Internet A Yes, there are a lot of performance upgrades you could make to your Polaris. Try EPI...

400EX jetting.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I have a 2004 Honda TRX400EX with a slip-on Big Gun exhaust and a K & N filter. I recently got the bike jetted to a 152 main jet, but that was before I had the K & N filter. Should I rejet again? What size would you recommend, 155 or 158? ...

Foreign racer.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I am from Nicaragua and the ATVs that race here are: Honda's 400EX, 450R and 250R, Yamaha's Raptor, YFZ450, Blaster and Banshee. I currently race a Blaster, but I want to go to the next level, Which race bike should I buy? Cristian...

Honda 450R electric start.(MECHANIC TIPS)
November 1, 2005... Q Is there a Web site I could go to or a phone number to call for an electric starter for a Honda TRX450R quad? I've had the bike for a year and love it! Although I'd love it even more with an electric starter! Sheila Webb via the...

Bent out of shape.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I recently completely tore down my '02 Yamaha Raptor 660R. The counter balance shaft was split and I bent the crank and rod while duning. I purchased a CD manual for my quad and followed it to the "T". The problem now is that the valves tick...

A 250 engine swap.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I would like to know how many modifications I would have to make to put a 2000 RM 250 engine in a 1985 LT 250 frame. I have both complete bikes, the LT needs a top end rebuild and the RM runs fine, but I am just a little too short to ride it....

Pipe preference.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I have a YFZ450 and I want to know which pipe will work the best for my bike. People have been telling me that I should get a Yoshimura pipe. What pipe do you you recommend? Daniel Garcia California A Go on the Internet and...

Scrambling for more power.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I just bought a Polaris Scrambler 500. I've installed a White Brothers E series exhaust, EPI clutch kit and a K & N filter. I was wondering if you had any recommendations on how I can get more power, speed and performance out of my bike? I...

Ugly Warrior.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q I've been having problems with my Warrior. When I climb hills on it or go down hills the machine starts to sputter or skip. I have no clue what is going on. Where should I start investigating the problem? It is so ugly now I just want to get...

Baldwin Bravado: two Baldwin Motorsports-powered quads pack a pop.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Fancy red and gold pit shirts and a trick hair style that screams out motocross-chic are part of Mark Baldwin's all-new look seen at the national tracks this season. While his appearance may have changed, his engines are what make him...

Enter here? Kymco Mongoose 250 and Polaris Phoenix 200 compared.(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... The entry-level sport market has become crowded with new entries in recent model years. What once consisted of the Honda TRX250EX and Suzuki LT-Z250. Now the segment contains five models from the major manufacturers. But there are other players...

Change is in the air: Yamaha improves 2006 YFZ450 with more than 80 changes.(all terrain vehicles)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... Nope, the YFZ450 wasn't broken. It really didn't need to be fixed either. The proof can be seen in terms of market share. The YFZ was not only Yamaha's No. 1 seller, but the sport quad industry's top seller, too. So why change it? Because it...

Looking back: QuadRacer 250 and Quadzilla 500; two ATVs that changed everything.(all terrain vehicles)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... Suzuki is a company of firsts. The first four-wheeler, the first performance four-wheeler and the largest displacement mass-produced two-stroke ATV ever. True, the period from 1992 until 2003 was pretty bleak and Suzuki had nothing even...

2006 Honda updates: just as we were going to press, Honda released its 2006 sport ATV information!
November 1, 2005... See it here first. There are major updates to three models this year, but nointroduction of new models. The TRX450R, TRX50EX and TRX90 all get mechanical and physical updates. The other news is no 650 sport quad, yet. We'll keep our fingers...

Super soakers: absorb our aftermarket suspension buyers' guide.(Buyers Guide)
November 1, 2005... Racers and hard core trail and sand riders will freely admit that stock suspension just doesn't cut it. Sure, manufacturers are increasingly entering the sport quad market with "race-ready" bikes, and the stock shocks have improved light years...

Conquering the rock: Oregon's rugged East Fort Rock OHV Trail System.(GOING PLACES)
November 1, 2005... Oregon's Deschutes (De-shoots) National Forest, located in the Pacific Northwest's Cascade Mountains, is visited by more than eight million recreational adventurers a year. It's a four-season vacation wonderland offering a plethora of...

Clean and happy: tips to air filter maintenance.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)
November 1, 2005... How long do you think your ATV could run without an air filter? Truth is, it could run a long time. There is another side to that truth, however. While it could run a long time, you'd be doing serious damage to the internal workings of the...

Slipping away from the pack: inside and outside an ATV's clutch.(all terrain vehicles)
November 1, 2005... The clutch. It is one of those things that everyone talks about, but no one bothers to illustrate. What does it mean when someone says that you need to "get a feel for the clutch?" An ATV's manual clutch is a complicated system, but it isn't...

Desert-storming DS: Greg Row's DS650 is one serious machine.(Bombardier DS650 ATVs )(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... Greg Row has more years of desert racing experience than just about anyone else on the course. Allan White, no slouch himself, has recently been making a name for himself by tuning some top-quality racing shocks as head of the ATV department at...

Next big Hitt? Shane Hitt's Sparks/Walsh Z450.(Suzuki Z450)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... In 2004, Shane Hitt found himself in unfamiliar territory as he suffered a severe leg injury. He battled back from what could have been a career-ending injury to race in four of seven events that year. He won Round 5 and placed on the podium in...

Heck yeah! Eric Jennings' HB ATV YFZ450.(Yamaha YFZ450)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 1, 2005... You could say Eric Jennings is a fast learner. His first official ATV race of any kind was at a local flat-track in 2003. In fact, he's only been racing TT or the FMF Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals for a little more than a year and he's...

A win's a win: heat victory nets little Extreme Dirt Track win at Ashtabula rain out.
November 1, 2005... For the second time in three years, the Ashtabula leg of the FMF Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals was scored on heat results because the main events were cancelled due to rain Sunday. Keith Little was awarded the victory in the Pro class,...

Grand old days: a staggering number of riders attend 20th GNC at Loretta Lynn's.(20th anniversary celebration of ATV GNC racing )
November 1, 2005... Simply put, riders swarmed Loretta Lynn's ranch. Almost 1,000 race entries made the final round of the Moose/ITP GNC motocross series resemble a busy ant colony exiting its ant hill. As the 20th anniversary celebration of ATV GNC racing at...

Blue streak passing: Kory Ellis flies in blue.(the ATV racer)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Kory Ellis is one of the few GNC regulars who call California home. In fact, all throughout the late '90s he was one of a handful of racers who made the trek from the West Coast back East to race the GNCs. These were the days before nationals...

The peoples' champion.(ATV racer John Natalie )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... We spotted John Natalie sporting this belt at the Loretta Lynn's ATV National. The night before the race, Natalie bought the belt at the local Wal-Mart as a joke. Well, a little paint and some stickers later, he was walking around the pits a la...