ATV Sport articles from October 2005

ATV Sport archives from October 2005

Not part of the plan.(all terrain vehicle driving)(Editorial)
October 1, 2005... My summer wasn't supposed to be like this. I am writing this as a broken man--specifically, my left tibia. I missed a gear and came up short on a jump. When I heard the rev limiter kick in at the top of the take off, I thought I could still...

Suzuki LT-Z450 info.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The rumors, speculation and innuendo have run rampant about a new Suzuki sport quad making an appearance in the company's 2006 lineup. That's no secret. What is secret is what the final product will be. However, we do know some things and it...

Pink in support.(Breast Cancer Awareness, all terrain vehicle racers for the cause)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... "I think pink will stand out, being that it will be surrounded by lime green and orange," said Ron Moore, a Grand National Cross Country racer. Moore, 34, will sport pink plastic on his Kawasaki KFX700 at the remainder of the GNCC events in...

Kymco 450?(WHAT'S UP)
October 1, 2005... We just received word that Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco shipped both a Yamaha YFZ450 and Honda TRX450R chassis to its manufacturing facilities in Taiwan to research a possible 450-class sport quad addition to its lineup. According to our...

Polaris joins SVIA.(WHAT'S UP)(Specialty Vehicle Institute of America)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Polaris recently announced it was joining the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, an organization that represents the ATV industry on a variety of matters including safety, technical standards, regulatory issues and land access. Polaris...

Erratum.(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2005... We mistakenly referred to Cobra Motorcycles as a Taiwanese company in our previous issue. The company is based in the United States. The correct number for Noleen is 760/948-1677.

Pikes peak international hillclimb.(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... John Stallworth wasn't at last year's event because he was taking time off to recover from a nasty concussion, maybe a little time off was all he needed. Stallworth, with a time of 12:23.175, broke the course record. He had a tough time on the...

Gate draw.(WHAT'S UP)(Cartoon)
October 1, 2005... "This is the path you'll be training on for your next race. Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Polaris buys into KTM.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Polaris Industries Inc. has agreed to pay approximately $80 million in cash for a large piece of KTM, a move that would give the manufacturer an expanded retail network in Europe and valuable insight to off-road motorcycle production. At the...

GNCC schedule change.(WHAT'S UP)(Public Notice)
October 1, 2005... GNCC Racing announced the location of the September 10 Yadkin Valley Stomp GNCC just as we were going to press. The round will take place near Yadkinville, NC and will feature GNCC Youth ATV racing, too. To get the track, take 1-77 to Exit...

All about Kim.(LETTER OF THE MONTH)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... This is my good friend Kim who I go to school with at Banks High School. This picture was taken right before our 2005 Junior Prom. The trophy she is holding in her hand is a first-place trophy she won at The Woodland Races in the Women's class....

Suzuki impatience.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... When is Suzuki going to release information on the new 450? My friends and I are wondering if we should hold off upgrading for this machine. Everyone keeps saying it will be great, but that is talk. I want hard answers from you guys in the...

Get well wishes.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... It's been awesome reading about and following all the pro racers this season. It just sucks the seasons are already winding down and a bunch of top pros are fighting off injuries. I hope Doug Gust recovers from his crash at High Point and Chris...

Dissing Duncan.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I find Lenny Duncan's comments about the Polaris Predator in the August '05 issue to be both ignorant and unreliable. Saying that the Predator's power is "weak everywhere" and that it lags behind along with the Honda 400EX is a ludicrous...

Budding artist.(READER FEEDBACK)
October 1, 2005... Here is a picture of the ultimate ATV drag racer. I love to draw and read ATV Sport. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sean Kennedy Ettrick, Wis.

Mid-south Kawasaki.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... This is a picture of my 2003 Kawasaki KFX400 that I plan to race in the mid-south harescrambles. It has tons of mods; it is 70 percent aftermarket from the HMF pipe to the 440 cylinder racing kit, Elka shocks. Lonestar axle, nerfs, Renthal...

Two-stroke ban.(READER FEEDBACK)
October 1, 2005... I live in Oregon close to the dunes and am thinking about purchasing a Banshee for my next ATV. I've been hearing that two-strokes have been banned from the dunes in California. Is this true and have you heard anything about banning two-strokes...

Git-R-done.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I wanted to share this photo of my son, Chris Mainquis, on his Honda TRX450R at Ashland. Neb He is getting the job done His quad is complete with all the modifications to win: Viper A-arms, Elka suspensions front and back. Curtis Sparks exhaust...

Weeping Warrior.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I race my Warrior locally but would like to race a couple of GNC MXs. Unfortunately, the only class the Warrior could race in competitively is the air-cooled class that limits to 300cc. Is there anything we could do as racers to be able to race...

Props to John Natalie.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I just wanted to give a shout out to John Natalie on winning his first-ever outdoor GNC National Championship. He's been absolutely unstoppable this year, and that says a lot about his offseason training and how dialed his Honda is! Way to go...

K & T L.E.D. taillight kit.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... K & T's taillight kit for the Honda 400EX, 250EX and 250R features 13 L.E.D. bulbs that are separated into three rows. K & T says its kit mounts directly to the factory location and uses the factory wire harness. The kit includes nyloc nuts,...

Trinity Racing clutch covers.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Trinity Racing's three billet aluminum clutch covers for the Yamaha YFZ450 are available in a Stage IV, Trinity Racing or YFZ450 design. Trinity Racing says the 6061 aluminum is stronger than the stock cover, which allows for ultimate clutch...

Advantage Performance rev box.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... This adjustable Rev Max Box from Advantage Performance was developed specifically for the Suzuki LT-Z400 and Kawasaki KFX400. The rev box allows for three separate ignition curve settings, each with three redline options. The options are: stock...

Pro-Tec Raptor 350 exhaust.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Developed for the Yamaha Raptor 350, this Mach 1 exhaust system from Pro-Tec claims to increase horsepower and more power throughout the RPM range. Pro-Tec says the system is ceramic coated for proper temperature control. The exhaust comes with...

Moto-Vation Helmet Skinz.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Moto-Vation's one size fits all Helmet Skinz is available in more than 50 designs. Moto-Vation claims the helmet cover protects helmets from scratching, is fully ventilated and resists heavy mud from sticking. A double layer top panel is...

Rox speed FX 2 anti-vibe riser.(HOT PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... This anti-vibe 2-inch pivoting handlebar riser from Rox features shock dampening and reduces vibration in handlebars at high RPM. Dual rotation points makes Rox pivoting risers selectively adjustable forward and back, allowing handlebars to be...

Four ATV gear.(riding suit)(Product/Service Evaluation)
October 1, 2005... Comfortable and functional gear is a necessity when riding in hot, sticky weather conditions. Four ATV sent its Razorback gear that would be a perfect match for the dunes and hot weather. The Razorback pant was tailored specifically for...

Answer Ion gear.(riding suits)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
October 1, 2005... Tucker Rocky retailers have been salivating over the redesigned Answer Racing gear. Long gone is the old-school Answer "A" that looked much more like the anarchy symbol than it did a motocross logo. With its new line of Alpha and Ion apparel....

Alcohol fuel.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I own a Polaris Trail Blazer 250 and I am in search of more power and speed. What should I do to add power to my quad? I can only afford about $200 worth of upgrades. Also, I've heard that alcohol fuel is not good for the machine, but I would...

Quad search.(MECHANIC TIPS)
October 1, 2005... Q I am searching for either a Yamaha YFZ450 or Honda TRX450R to purchase. I like dual exhaust like the Banshee, though, and was curious if there are exhaust companies that manufacture dual pipes for either quad. I want the pipe to add more...

Blaster brakes.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I have a 1999 Yamaha Blaster with drum front brakes. Is there a company that makes a disc brake conversion kit for it? Or, can I use some other ATV that I can use the disc brakes from? Thank you for your time and any information that you can...

Warrior woes.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I have a 1990 Yamaha Warrior with a new piston and rings, new valve seals and a cam. Do you know if Yamaha changed anything in the transmission? I have a friend with a 1995 Warrior with a Wiseco piston and rings and he still pulls away from...

Low-end lapse.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I have a 2004 Honda 450R that doesn't have the low end power I'm looking for. I find it tough to ride in tight trails. Would putting a larger rear sprocket on help? If so, how many teeth should I go up? Patrick Edmonds Albertville,...

250EX upgrades.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I have a 2003 Honda 250EX, and I am looking at buying a pipe, air filter and jet kit. I found a nice pipe that I want, a White Brothers MX-4 slip-on muffler. Is this pipe good for my quad? Also, do you know if the proper jet kit comes with...

Arctic Cat pipe.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I just bought a 2004 Arctic Cat DVX 400. I like it a lot but I want to add a little more power to it. I'm searching for more speed and snap out of it. I looked all around but I can't find any pipes for a DVX 400. Would a pipe from a Suzuki...

Mojave mods.(all terrain vehicle maintenance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Q I have a 1985 Mojave 110 and I want to buy a bore and jet kit. What brand would you recommend? What else could I modify on the quad to boost power? Joe Connelly Philadelphia A I don't know about a big bore kit for the Mojave...

2006 model preview.(all terrain vehicles)
October 1, 2005... Some manufacturers have given us all the dirt on 2006 models, while others are not giving us all the finalized info. Bombardier, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki gave us preliminary info, but are waiting a few months to release everything. So we wait...

Rebel rouser: Polaris breaks tradition with IRS on its Outlaw.(FIRST RIDE)
October 1, 2005... There were no handkerchief-masked men wielding guns nor wile criminals breaking the law at Polaris' 2006 press launch. There was, however, several Outlaws in our midst, ready to stalk Coal Creek OHV area near Oak Ridge, Tenn., in the Smoky...

A family affair: Arctic Cat's DVX line grows with addition of a 250 and youth quads.(FIRST RIDE)
October 1, 2005... What was once a one sport quad ATV operation for Arctic Cat, now becomes a quad of, well, quads. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For model year 2006, Arctic Cat's sport quad segment grows. Joining the DVX 400 is a DVX 250. And, don't forget the...

The 700 express: new leaner and meaner Yamaha Raptor 700R is an all-purpose locomotive on wheels.(Cover Story)
October 1, 2005... "The Raptor 700R is the most versatile sport ATV ever produced," Yamaha Research and Product Planning Manager Travis Hollins declared. That's a bold statement to make, especially in front of the media. It's also brave because the YFZ450 is both...

Everyday duner: Duncan makes a wild 470R.(all terrain vehicle performance tuning, Duncan Racing )
October 1, 2005... Do you know anyone who doesn't like sand dunes? I sure don't! And of all the people tearing around the sand, motocrossers use the dunes to the absolute fullest. You're not going to see many hill racers scouting around for 80-foot doubles. Or...

Keep it like a secret: inside Kory Ellis' Alba/Yamaha YFZ450.(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
October 1, 2005... The Yamaha YFZ450 made its motocross national debut at High Point during the 2003 season. There, Kory Ellis piloted the brand-new machine to third in the Pro Production class. After that point, ATV racing changed forever. The 2004 season...

A Tennessee waltz: 72,000 acres and 160-plus miles of trails awaits at Coal Creek OHV.(GOINGPLACES)
October 1, 2005... The rain pelted down through the canopy of trees dousing the clay soil with an unneeded wetness. The rain and clay soil mix made for a downright muddy and slippery concoction. Rocks jutted out from the puddles and elsewhere as we shot up the...

Where do you fit in? How to determine what class and style of race to enter.(all terrain vehicle racing)
October 1, 2005... Traveling to a race venue is not hard. Hundreds of competitors and thousands of fans journey across the country--and in some cases, the globe--every weekend during the summer to take part in an activity they love. ATV racing is growing and as...

Fit and proper: little things for proper bike setup.(all terrain vehicles)
October 1, 2005... So you just bought a used ATV or maybe you just bought a new ATV. Think you can just go out and ride? Think again. The dealership or previous owner may have set up the machine, but it isn't set up for you. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We...

Zombie-fied Z: Suzuki project turns downright sinister.(all terrain vehicle modification)
October 1, 2005... Tyler Pilz says he's a fan of Jesse James--the king of sick machine modifications and of West Coast Choppers fame. He says James is more creative and "over the top" with his creations than Pilz is with his. Pilz says his Zombie-fied Z came...

Little big gun: trick Honda 90 takes aim on GNCC youth class.(Cody Hill's all terrain vehicle)
October 1, 2005... Since age 2, Cody Hill has had a passion to race ATVs. It could have something to do with his dad, Kenny, who is a former ATV racer. He attends every GNCC race, with Cody, of course. So you could see why Cody has wanted to race ever since...

Krank-it up! Zac Willett's Extreme Dirt Track Honda 450R.(Hot Wheels)
October 1, 2005... Zac Willett looks like someone who would rather be skateboarding or playing lead guitar in a punk band instead of racing ATVs, but don't let his fondness for music fool you. This 22-year-old ATV racer from Kentucky may be laid back and full of...

Three on the horizon: team makes it two in a row at Baja 500; Can it get all three?(Temecula Motorsports, all terrain vehicle racing team)
October 1, 2005... It has been said that anyone can win the Baja 500. That is not to say this is an easy race; it isn't. It also isn't intended to take anything away from the accomplishment of the winners. In fact, it is one of the toughest races to win. ...

6 hours in the woods: surviving Wisconsin for six hours.(Maxxis Six Hours of Wisconsin, all terrain vehicle racing)
October 1, 2005... The endless spring rains of '05 have been a real pain in the sprocket. Riders in the Upper Midwest have had to contend with much in the way of rain, it seems ATV riders and racers have upset Mother Nature. Heck, all across the country, race...

Tennessee holler: Joe Byrd lands on his first podium of 2005.(Moose/ITP GNC MX Nationals, all terrain vehicle racing)
October 1, 2005... Taking second place at the Moose/ITP GNC MX Nationals is almost as good as winning these days. Since 2004, the majority of Pro-class riders have been fighting for scraps like a mangy dog wandering a dark alley. Last year Doug Gust reigned...

Saturday slaughter: the Wisp GNCC proves tough for all racers.(all terrain vehicle racing)
October 1, 2005... Once again, the ski slopes of western Maryland came to life with ATVs as GNCC racing returned to the Wisp Ski Resort. It is a welcome race for many as the Wisp is the final round before the GNCC series takes its annual two-month break for the...

The great race: John Natalie wins inaugural Four-Wheel Frenzy event at Great Outdoor Games VI.(On Track)
October 1, 2005... Being great takes skill as well as it does luck and determination. Possessing all these attributes is what the Great Outdoor Games is all about. Like the Olympic games, the GOGs measure greatness by gold medals. ATV Racing, though competitive...

Return of the Bee: Goodman wins at Twin Creeks Raceway.(Harold Goodman, winner FMF Extreme Dirt Track ATVA Nationals)
October 1, 2005... Harold Goodman is fast. He's proven that in the past, with a Pro-class overall at the 1998 Ashtabula race when he smoked Tim Farr and Shane Hitt. He finished sixth overall in the Pro class in 2004, but even with that on his racing resume nobody...

Back on track: after missing races last season, Shane Hitt is back.(MIND PROBE)
October 1, 2005... Shane Hitt is back, but don't call it a comeback. After a disastrous accident when he was practicing before Round 4 of last year's motocross nationals, all looked lost. After smashing his ankle severely, he was able to come back four months...

Through thick and through thin.(Exhaust)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Grand National Cross Country racers are said to stick together through thick and through thin. We spotted this dynamic duo prior to the start of the afternoon leg of racing at The John Penton GNCC in Ohio. A lot of afternoon racers talk to the...