Man vs. Magazine

Compliments of ATV Magazine forum members Warrior-Kid and Cchagros.  Video footage from their epic ride in New Hamshire.  For more discussion on this and other topics please visit the ATV Magazine Forum

Growing Up Empty? Kids Without Quads

It is really a shame that my son and daughter, 7 and 6 respectively, can’t learn to love the sport that paid my bills that last decade, developed life-long friendships and given me a career others call the greatest job in the world. I’ve traveled the world and ridden OHV trails in almost every state and love to interact with nature in this manner. I’ve shared a tiny bit (two small backyard rides on an older loaner vehicle) of the ATV experience with my two young kids and loved every minute of it. Seeing them smile and learn to ride was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s also one I’ll have a hard time every reliving since the CPSIA legislation went into affect. I can’t even get the appropriate sized (50cc) youth quad for them to ride. This also means I can’t test the machine for publication (online or in a magazine). The restrictions also prevent me from aiding the industry and its manufacturers (and ultimately the consumer) by showcasing the machines and each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.

I’ll never let them ride a larger displacement ATV because they are too little, have too little experience and it is unsafe and irresponsible. This CPSIA lead ban needs to be reworded or rewritten to exclude ATVs and other small displacement OHVs. I can understand protecting my eighth-month-old son from ingesting lead-coated baby toys, but to eliminate family interaction and joy in both my life and my kids’ is unfair and unsafe.

That’s why I’ve taken the step to contact member of Congress and let them know why they need to alter this legislation. I signed the petition at the Indianapolis Dealer Expo, but don’t want it to stop there. I’ve also contacted members of Congress on my own. I no longer want my kids to miss out in the sport I love.

Here’s are some key points the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) said we nee to point out to our members of Congress:

Excerpt from Russ Ehnes’ article in the NOHVCC newsletter:

“Enthusiasts and other stakeholders should reinforce three key reasons why youth ATVs and motorcycles should be excluded from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions:

1. The lead content poses no risk to kids. Experts estimate that the lead intake from kids’ interaction with metal parts is less than the lead intake from drinking a glass of water.
2. The key to keeping youth safe is having them ride the right size vehicle. Kids are now at risk because the availability of youth ATVs and motorcycles is limited due to the lead ban.
3. The lead ban hurts the economy for no good reason when everyone is trying to grow the economy and create jobs. MIC estimates that a complete ban on youth model vehicles would result in about $1 billion in lost economic value in the retail marketplace every year.”

You can also check out this info from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). Here’s how you can let your voice be heard. Visit Stop The Lead Ban and do your part.

Get Some GRUB: ATV Style

If you own an Apple iPhone/iPad Touch and are an “App-oholic” then I think you should go get some grub. No, not in the sense of grabbing a six-pack of tacos at a fast-food joint, but instead downloading ATV GRUB for your favorite electronic “toy.” Essentially, ATV Grub hooks you up with ATV news (blogs) from all over the Web in one location and eliminates the need to search for ATV and off-road news. The developer said the App operates in a “super clean and organized format.”

Here’s a user’s feedback about ATV GRUB: ” ATV love! — The update for this app has done justice. It runs smoother, has better animation at startup, and if you love your ATV you’ll love this app! I am so happy to see ATV apps on here finally, i look under iTunes and there is barely any good atv videos. I love my 09 YFZ450R and from this app, I can look at parts, reviews, and other cool things. Way to go ! Keep up with the updates!” Vic Ellison- Corning NY (source ATV GRUB)

ATV Grub features news feeds and posts from several ATV enthusiast blogs (including this one) and established sites like GNCC Racing and ATVSport.com, F0ur-Wheeler Mag and more.

I’m in need of a phone overhaul — with the text messages I receive but do not send — and thought about stepping up to an iPhone. If I do, I’m going to satisfy my ATV appetite with ATV GRUB.

Other GRUB APPS:

BMX

MX

BEAUTY

CYCLING

SKATE

How it came to be…

The power sports industry is some what at a cross roads in my opinion.  The manufactures are trending to wards more discipline specific machines, following what the motorcycle side of the business has been doing for the last 20 years.  Example Yamaha’s YFZ450, you have the “R” model more focused to wards motocross racing and the “X” model that is focused to wards off road/woods racing. The differences are subtle (just like their motorcycle brethren), but enough to make each model more specialized to the needs of  that particular discipline.

This prompts me to look back at the older models that I have had experiences with and somewhat compare to what we have today. First off in the past an ATV was sort of a generic term for any machine with 4 wheels. The general public barely had a grasp on the concept that there were two different types of machines under the the umbrella term ATV.  Of course we as offroaders know these two to be Sport and Utility.  Just recently added is the SxS market which now has its own division but that is another topic for another day.

Back to the discussion at hand.  I am going to look back at my own experiences with machines gone past, give a brief opinion of what I thought at the time as well as opine on if the model would be a good choice for someone looking in the used market. In this economy the used market is becoming a more prominent area for the new ATV rider as well as the established rider to find their next machine.

3 wheelers, I have already written about them and my introduction to riding through them so there is no need to rehash it here.

Team MGR rider Derek Hinrich on the 250X in one of its last races before retirement

1987 Honda TRX250X

 Starting off with probably hands down the quad I have had the most experience with.  This very ATV (pictured left) has been passed around our group so many times I forget who owned it when.  This thing did everything: race, ride, loaner quad, you name it.  My impression then: Excellent starter quad, 5 speed manual lets you control the power and when you want to shift just like a racer, but tame power for the beginning-intermediate skill level.  Ride is cushy and can handle moderate jumping.

Now: Still an excellent beginner ATV, bullet proof from almost every prospective.  Suspension is not all that bad but benefits from at least an upgraded rear shock.  This machine holds its value pretty well so as long as you don’t over pay when you buy it you should expect to at least get 80-90% of your money back when you sell.

 

Actual LT250R I have ridden, owned by Team MGR team mate Chris Flodine

1987 Suzuki LT250R

 This collectible gem can be credited with starting the sport/race ATV segment of the industry.  This particular model is the 3rd year of production featuring an update engine with a power valve and a variation of Suzuki’s first full floater link-aged suspension.  My impression then:  Wickedly fast on a motocross track.  Handles well, jumps straight, feels like a true race machine should.  Suspension is plush in the rough stuff but compliant for big g-outs and triple jumps.

Now: Still a very collectible machine.  A bit underrated and overshadowed by Honda’s TRX250R that was a response to this machine.  Engine can be finicky to tune and the power valve on later models are complicated and expensive to replace/repair.  Suzuki’s full floater might have been the best idea for a linkage type suspension however it had twice the parts of a conventional rocker arm type thus more parts to grease and wear out.  Suspension on used machines is usually thrashed.  Parts are not easily crossed between some model years.  Wickedly fast and still competitive in the amateur ranks.

 

1989 Yamaha YFS200 “Blaster”

 Yamaha’s entry level machine to capitalizing on the ever growing sport market.  Not quite a full size machine but not quite a youth machine.  My thoughts then:  This thing is terrible.  Feels like Yamaha went into the parts bin and just grabbed an engine from a street bike (converted to air cooling), frame, wheels and tires from other motorcycles and ATVs to produce a machine.  Engine is peaky and is all top end power.  Rear shock is mismatched to the frame and swing arm geometry.  Rear shock is a linkless design.   Suspension is not very adjustable and unfortunately what adjustment there is does not help the lack of damping this thing just bounces around.  The handling is not helped by the balloon type tires on the rear.

Now: Almost zero updates in its whole production run.  It took until 2002 for hydraulic front brakes to be added.  Previous models have drum brakes that are almost impossible to adjust so each functions equally.  Balloon tires? Really? Need I say more.  Best mods are to add some length to the swing arm, better shocks all the way around. Longer A-arms help stability.  Square profile “sport” tires in the rear.  Flywheel weight helps power delivery.  Know what your buying when buying used.  This ATV is not for everyone.

 

1995 Yamaha YFZ350 “Banshee”

 The legendary dune machine.  Yamaha originally developed this in response to Suzuki and Honda’s 250cc sport machines.  Using a variation of a 350cc twin 2 stroke street bike engine the Banshee lived up to its name.  My thoughts then:  I only had a brief encounter in a sandy trail area.  Blindingly fast in a straight line but suspension felt like it had none.  The length helped the straight line stability and off the line launches, but was a major hindrance in the trails.  The thing just would not turn without deliberate effort.  Motocross track, nope not without some serious modifications to the suspension and engine for better more palatable power delivery.

Now:  If your into strictly dune riding this is the machine, even in bone stock for this machine will climb, jump and out run most anything (with the right rider).  Unfortunately this is all the machine does good.  Its not a very good trail machine nor a race machine for the track.  Extensive modifications can be made to it though to make it handle terrain better but it will cost you.  This machine is not for everybody, expect used machines to be molested in some way and plan on tuning it to your liking before you will feel comfortable on it.

Team MGR rider Chris Flodine on his 400EX

2001 Honda TRX400EX

 The machine that rekindled the sport ATV market in 1999.  Honda borrowed its tried and true 400cc engine from the XR400 dirt bike and threw it into a frame reminiscent of the 250R of the past.  My thoughts then:  Finally a machine that put it all back together again.  Similar in nature to the 250X of nearly a decade before it, the 400EX is just a larger package.  Plenty of power all around, decent suspension for track or trail with a bit of adjust ability out back, front shocks lacking but no more than other ATVs.  Aftermarket is plentiful with BBK’s and other parts to tailor it to the rider.

Now:  The 400EX started showing its age in about 2005.  It has seen no major update since its inception other than a reverse gear in 2006.  MSRP’s have steadily risen but performance has stayed stagnant.  Used machines are the best bet here.  The ATV as a whole is rock solid reliable.  Aftermarket parts are still plentiful.  Best mods include, better front shocks, different cam profile, exhaust and a few other ergonomic upgrades.  The machine is still a good ATV in stock trim for light racing, but serious racers look elsewhere.

 

2001 Yamaha YFM660R “Raptor”

 Yamaha’s answer to the question no one asked, “Bigger is better, right?”  The Raptor is the first of its kind, a big bore sport quad (excluding the LT500R of the past).  Engine borrowed from another one of Yamaha’s motorcycles not imported to the U.S.  My impression then:  Loads of torque.  The engine is a stump puller nearly identical to the Grizzly.  The whole package is compact if a bit top heavy.  Frame, suspension might be a bit under built for how much power the engine puts out.  Suspension is a bit stiff out of the box but has enough adjust ability to suit most recreational riders.  Not as at home on the track but if lowered a bit it can be made to handle well enough.

Now:  The 660 was replaced by the more capable and more well thought out 700R meaning you can only find these used.  In my opinion there is no reason to look for a used 660 now that there are used 700’s on the market.  The 660 was a half half hearted attempt to progress the big bore sport quad market but really this ATV doesn’t do much well in comparison to other models available on the used market.

 

2004 Suzuki LTZ400

Suzuki’s late to the party entry into the sport market.  Engine borrowed from the instant legend DRZ400 off road and dual sport motorcycle.  My impression then:  Wow! this is what the 400EX should have been.  Water cooled, modern shocks, light weight frame, powerful high reving engine.  This ATV is happy on the trail as well as the track.  Not much modification needed to be a competitive racer even against custom built 250R clones.  Aftermarket parts are plentiful to maximize the potential on and off the track.  MSRP not much more than the Honda.

Now:  The Z400 has seen steady updates and refinements over the years and recently adopted EFI.  Used Z400’s hold their value fairly well compared to other models.  Look for 2006 and up, those models feature fully adjustable suspension components.  Best mod on carburated machines is finding a Keihin 39mm FCR carburetor to replace the anemic CV Mikuni BSR36.  The FCR is found standard on early model DRZ400″E” models.  Also swapping camshafts from that bike will move the power up the rev range a tad making this an even more high performing ATV.

The 450’s….

I have only had brief encounters with the early 450’s, Yamaha’s 2004 YFZ450 (actually only a 440cc engine to comply with the ATVA rules at the time) and Honda’s TRX450R.  Both I thought were amazing at the time, but their was not much to compare to at the time.  Today they are pushing to wards more genre specific, motocross and off road.  This is a good thing, unlike the early years where every ATV was a compromise on all around performance.

There you have it my opinions on machines of the past that I have had explicit experiences with.  Some may agree and some may disagree.  Feel free to discuss it on our own ATV Magazine Forum

On the Road with the Bomb Squad

The ATV Lifestyle keeps getting better and better!

[Read more]

American company acquires foreign company? Polaris?

It may seem shocking to most, especially in this recession as well as the state of the country where typically the news headlines talk mostly about American companies leaving or being acquired by foreign entities.  The somewhat shocking news of the exact opposite happening raises and eyebrow for me.  This company is Polaris of all companies.  Now not being a hard core fan or follower of Polaris’s development of machines over the years I will be brief.  My perceptions of Polaris’s ATV’s are mixed.   I see the small displacement and older models very problematic, while the newer models are light years ahead of previous models and fairly reliable in the long run.  What does this have to do with the recent acquisition of Swiss Auto power sports?  I think Polaris will be coming out with some very exciting and probably radical ATV and motorcycle designs that people actually want to buy.  Even though I probably will never buy a Polaris I am excited in them taking a risk in developing new engines and technology that can only help the industry as a whole in the future.

To read the press release follow this LINK.   To read a more in depth analysis on the acquisition CLICK HERE

Growing In Glamis, Aboard Yamaha SE Quads

Back in 2007, when I was still new to  ATV Magazine and ATV Sport, our staff took a trip out to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA, a.k.a. Glamis) in extreme Southern California for a 450-class sport quad test. I had been riding my whole life, but had only ventured outside of the Midwest to ride a few times at this point – to North and South Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky and West Virginia. Everybody said I just had to ride in the dunes. From the descriptions I heard, I was very excited and a bit intimidated by such an alien riding environment of towering dunes, stadium-sized sand bowls.

Back in ‘07, we were there to ride the newly-expanded fleet of 450cc sport quads including: Yamaha YFZ450, Suzuki LT-R450, Honda TRX450R and Kawasaki’s new KFX450R. We also had a few built-up machines out there, which I really had no business riding for my first visit, in such fast company.

I learned all the basic techniques before my first ride: don’t stop at the bottom of a hill, turn out (back downhill) if a hill climb isn’t going your way, maintain speed on off-cambers to keep the quad planted, look out for witches eyes (quad-swallowing divots created by shifting wind patterns) and, most importantly, don’t go off on your own unless you’d like to become a well-dressed stick of beef jerky. [Read more]

ATV Super Stars to Attend Winter X Games

Indeed it’s true…brothers Caleb and Colten more, widely known for their high flying freestyle motocross acrobatics, have secured invitations to compete in this years Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado.

[Read more]

Video killed the magazine star?

Action sports videos are all the rage these days (specifically in our sport). It seems that the segment of the video market has boomed in just the last 5 or 10 years. I attributed it to the drastically lower prices on consumer based video production equipment compared to years ago. DV, MiniDV, hard drive, flash media versus 8mm and 16mm Cellulose acetate film or Polyester Film, gone are the days of film splicers, Moviola’s, and dark rooms. Now all you need is a inexpensive DV camera and PC with the correct hardware to produce a DVD worthy video. Oh and not to mention some sort of creative talents.

With the drastic cut in start up and post production costs for an aspiring action sports film maker, the industry is literally flooded with video releases (all at $15-$30 retail I might add) how does the armchair ATV or motorcycle junkie pick a video from the sea of videos in Motorcycle parts catalogs, on-line stores, and dealership shelves?

First it might be informative to introduce some of the pioneers in what is now the action sports genre.  The two most prominent names that come to my mind are, Warren Miller and Bruce Brown. Warren Miller known for Ski Films releasing one feature length documentary style ski film a year since 1949, and has developed an intense following among the winter action sports segment. Bruce Brown first claim to fame with feature length surfing films starting in 1958 with “Slippery when wet” and his most popular break out film “Endless Summer”. But the film most of us offroaders identify him with is 1971’s “On Any Sunday”. More on this later.

With video entertainment media such as this, everything is very subjective and everybody has their preferred style and or wants from an action sports video. I will break them down into 3 categories of (self described) genres. Keep in mind I personally lean toward documentary, lifestyle or educational videos of these type.

Action/Freestyle

This genre is basically wild stunts, some racing footage, and epic locations with professional riders set to popular heavy metal or alternative music of the day. The videography is usually very stunning and some are almost like a travelogue of popular destinations around the world. The downside of this genre is the whole movie is just a bunch of short segments (about the length of the song used in the back round) filled with jump cuts and fast edits. There is usually no cohesive “plot” or storyline to keep the viewer engaged. These types of movies appeal best to the enthusiast and are best watched in a group in the garage bench racing with your buddies and some cold ones. Non riders or casual viewers will find these movies boring after probably the first 5 minutes. Typically these movies are not feature length lasting only around 40-50 minutes (with some exceptions). Biggest take away is these types of movies are not very timeless and are not generally that memorable. I love the Crusty Demons and H-Bomb series but I cannot say there is one memorable movie or segment that stands out from all the rest.

Best picks from this genre

Fleshwound Films (Dana Nicholson and Cami Freeman) Crusty Demons of Dirt series (currently 14 films to choose from)

H-Bomb Films (Wes Miller) Huevos series (currently 12 films to choose from)

 

 

Race Documentary

These movies narrowly focus on either one race or series of races. Typically these movies mix a small amount of “back story” on the riders or race and lead into the current race or series they are documenting. Filmed somewhat in a reality show style, they follow the top riders in the race or series highlighting the ups and downs and any other drama to build the characters and storyline to culminate to the finish of the race or finally of the series. These films are fairly niche based requiring a bit of knowledge of the race, racers, or series history to fully appreciate the videography and drama of the characters. These films will mildly appeal to the casual viewer as most do a good job of bringing the viewer into the drama and suspense of “whats going to happen next” although to fully appreciate the movie some riding experience is necessary. These movies do stand the times a bit better as they are more like a time capsule and are fun to watch from a historical aspect years later.  Typically these films are feature length.

Best picks from this genre

The Great Outdoors video series (2002-present), documenting the National motocross circuit

Enduro at Erzberg (2005-present) documenting the Erzberg Enduro

Motorsports Documentary

There are very few  films in this category.  These films take a general overall look at motorsports as a whole and condense it down to a feature length film.  The good ones that stand out do a good job of explaining each motorsport discipline in layman’s terms while highlighting the achievements to the exceptional riders from each sport.  These movies tend to be more palatable to non riders and casual viewers as they teach as well as entertain, trying to answer the universal question of why. An example of this is with the movie On And Sunday I can show this movie to nearly any non rider or casual viewer and they stay almost glued to the tv and come away with a sense of “wow, I understand why you love the sport so much”. Its a film that has aged gracefully and I consider it required viewing before even buying a machine.

Best picks from this genre

On Any Sunday (1971, Bruce Brown) updates: OAS Revisited, OAS Motocross, Malcom, and More

Dust to Glory (2005 Dana Brown)

Honorable mention:

Dirt (1979 Eric Karson) A rare gem not seen by most motorsport fans, features lots of 4 wheel racing.

Well there you have it!  My take on the whole action sports video genre as it applies to my favorite sports.  Every body has an opinion on their favorite film or film series, so let us hear about yours! Leave a comment below or visit the ATV Magazine forum. Also to watch some of my own videos follow the link to my Youtube page.

Find Your Ride

Editor’s Note: John Prusak’s Find Your Ride was published in the Buyer’s Guide 2010 issue of ATV Magazine that’s on newsstands now.

It looked like an ominous task – clearing the rugged, uphill, rocky section of trail just south of Moab, Utah, site of the 2010 ATV Trials event. I was fourth in line, and in front of me, three full-sized, four-wheel drive ATVs with experienced riders needed several attempts to clear the pile of jagged rocks ahead of us.

As I watched, the Can-Am Renegade in front of me went forward, then back, locked into four-wheel drive, tried again, then waited for the Visco-Lok to kick in and tried again. The machine lurched sideways over one rock, the driver leaning hard to the left attempting to put the machine back on its intended path. The rider who had just cleared the obstacle came back to help out – grabbing the front of the mighty ‘Gade to both move and stabilize the machine.

I gulped as I watched the struggle of man and machine versus nature-made rock pile while sitting on my Kawasaki Bayou 250. I was next, and there were about 10 witnesses on their own ATVs behind me. If the mighty Renegade and its rider were having this much trouble, how would I clear it on this diminutive utility quad? I had less than half the horsepower, only two-wheel drive and a chassis that features just a couple inches of ground clearance. Clearly, I was going to hold up the entire group behind me – we’d probably have to lift the machine up the rocky incline, I was thinking.

After a couple more attempts and with some unsolicited advice from onlookers, the Renegade and its rider finally cleared the hurdle. My turn. C’mon little Bayou, don’t make a fool of me now!

Up the incline I went. The narrow stance of the Bayou allowed me to pick a different line than the one tried by the Renegade driver, and the light weight of my machine allowed my body inputs to have a great impact on the wheeler’s path. Carefully I selected which rocks to bounce over, when to blip the throttle and when to pin it. On the first attempt, I was up and over in a heartbeat. Yes, it’s true – size does matter, and sometimes it helps to be small.

There are a lot of specialty quads on the market nowadays, but sometimes it’s surprising what some of the little machines will do. Our 2010 Buyer’s Guide is here to help you find a machine that will do exactly what you need it to do – and more.

There’s something out there for everybody. Maybe you’re in the market for a 2-up super quad, like Polaris’ Sportsman Touring, which features a new chassis and power steering, or a dependable middleweight with a high-tech transmission, like Honda’s Rancher, with its new seat and rack. Some swamp rats will want to check out Arctic Cat’s new MudPro 1000, while desert rats may be drawn to Yamaha’s Raptor 700R. Aggressive trail riders may want to peruse Can-Am’s Renegade 800R X xc, now with power steering, while MX riders may froth over the QuadRacer 450 from Suzuki. KYMCO’s sporty new 4×4 Maxxer 375 will raise eyebrows, while Kawi’s Bayou appeals to a 2×4 work crowd and KTM’s 505 SX will draw interest from cross-country racer-types.

Bottom line: There’s something here for everybody, no matter how specialized your need. And, if you find yourself in a situation a little bit outside of your original, intended purpose, many of today’s ATVs are up to just about any challenge, as long as the driver is willing to give it a shot.

- John Prusak, ATV Magazine

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