To the Max: testing the Max Power Z455 play quad.(MACHINE TEST)(Product/Service Evaluation)

Publication: ATV Sport

Publication Date: 01-OCT-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Ehlert Publishing Group

Max Power prides itself in building top-notch powerplants for a wide variety of powersports equipment, including quads. Max Power, based in Madison, Wis., has even helped quad racing teams like Hetrick Racing with its custom engines and cylinder coating expertise.

When MP's Will Bredeson called and asked if ATV Sport was interested in building a Suzuki LT-Z455 that claimed to produce 50 percent more horsepower over stock, we were immediately interested. And, at the time, the race tracks and market were flooded with YFZ and 450R stuff, so we determined it was time to give some ink to the "other" race quad (two more if you count Arctic Cat and Kawasaki).

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The project then transformed into building an aggressive trail machine that could still carve a berm or handle a few rounds on an MX track. Ultimately we agreed upon a machine that could be competitive in any riding environment and entertain recreational riders and racers--a Suzuki to the max.

"Of course, any time you build a machine to perform in more than one area, you are sacrificing here to gain there; robbing Peter to pay Paul would be a good analogy," explained Bredeson. "The motor was no trouble, the 455 pulls hard off the gate, and out of the tight corners with enough punch to launch you over the toughest doubles. Likewise, in the woods the motor has the power necessary to lift the front end over the tough obstacles that would leave the stock-quad pilot over the bars.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

"The toughest choice was the suspension and A-arm setup. The Elka shocks worked wonderful, and, we felt, the Houser +1-inch A-arms were a good compromise between the track and the woods."

Bike Assembly

Because Bredeson and Max Power knew the Suzuki was the most lacking in the power department, the main objective was to boost this ATV's power. The Suzuki was also aimed to be a good all-around performing quad, not MX specific, and needed other mods. To do this, Bredeson contacted several of...

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