Bringing new riders into the sport

From time to time we all run into or meet new people that are eager to get into the sport, and because most of us are thrilled to share the joys of the sport we all know and love, we are more than happy to introduce and teach the “new blood” all there is to know about riding ATV and motorcycles.  Problem is we as the unofficial mentor of this new rider tend to get overzealous and over-estimate the new riders abilities (from our own excitement).  Over estimating this new riders abilities can either present a less than desirable outcome and in some cases present a dangerous situation for this “newb”.  Below are some considerations to keep in mind when introducing a new rider to the sport for the very first time. [Read more]

Ultimate ATV: Mini Rip

While cruising the ATV Magazine/ATV Sport forums, I found a post from Elite Member “Grey Grizz” of Massachusetts, that linked to Howe and Howe Technologies from his home state. He shared a link to the H&H’s new Mini Rip, which looks like a snowmobile with tank tracks. In a testing video Geoff Howe called the Mini Rip “the most fun swamp buggy ever built.” Like many of the Forum members, I envision a scene out of “The Road Warrior” or maybe “Escape From New York!”

The Mini Rip has 10 inches of ground clearance and 12 inches of suspension travel. (Courtesy of Howe&HoweTech)

Howe and Howe Technologies Inc. calls itself  an “internationally known and respected” company known for its line outside the box approach and, more importantly its “extreme vehicle fabrication and design.” It has a TV show on the Discovery Channel and also does government contracting.

Check out this Mini Rip video. Here’s another vid of the Howe brothers testing the Mini Rip.

Howe and Howe describe the Mini Rip as a mini Ripsaw “developed for the consumer” and the best off-road ride ever!

I don’t about that last claim, but the 85-horsepower Mini Rip (Polaris 4-stroke powered) does look like the most thrilling off-road ride I’ve seen. However, when you factor in the price ($55,000), weight (1,200 lbs.), zero ride protection and 40-mph top speed, it becomes less appealing. With that said, I’d love to ride it and could envision many uses for this wild creation.

The Mini Rip uses computer-controlled, fly-by-wire clutching, braking and steering system. (Courtesy of Howe&HoweTech)

Here’s what some of our forum members had to say:

Grey Grizz: “Well, all the 2-up ATV’s are approaching 800lbs. 800lbs will squash you almost as well as 1200. But tracked machines are a he|| of a lot more stable than wheeled one’s. I routinely grade slopes with bulldozers, running sideways at angles approaching 45 degrees. Dedicated tracked vehicles have a much lower center of gravity, and much more contact area with the ground, than any wheeled one. You really would have to work at it, to roll that thing over. At 55 grand though, I don’t think any of us are going to see them on the trails. But if somebody had money to burn; it would be a fun toy. Howe and Howe’s shop is only about an hour from me, in Eliot Maine. I’d love to take a tour of their place.”

bbqmaster: “perfect for those ‘road warriors’”

high octane junkie: “That’s a disaster waiting to happen.. i wonder if you have to sign a waiver to purchase that? there’s no “bailing” off that thing.”

For more thoughts from our Forum members, visit the thread.

Go Social or Go Home

You can find me on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter and probably a few more social networking sites. I’m there to  showcase my stories, thoughts and other ATV industry tidbits I find on the Internet. The reason for this post is to remind those companies that have not created a fan page/business account on a social networking site to do so. It’s not enough to only have a Web site these days. Sure, people will still search for parts, accessories and news and find it doing a Google or Bling search, but you can also reach them in other ways.

Here’s just a quick search on Facebook for ATV companies (and a few I’ve found).

Companies like WARN Industries have a done a great job on social networking sites.

Houser Racing

AXO

EVS

Brimstone Recreation

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Shoe Helmets

Answer Racing

Polaris

Can-Am

KYMCO

Kawasaki

LRD

Bushwacker Enclosures

Troy Lee Designs

Barker’s Exhaust

HMF Engineering

LoneStar Racing

GNCC Racing

AWRCS Racing

ITP Tires

Yamaha Racing

Maxxis

There are so many more company that have profiles on Facebook, but many others that do not. If you’re one of the companies that has not created a fan page or profile, you really need to consider it. I’ve seen local dealerships and other online parts suppliers find new ways to interact with costumers through Twitter and Facebook. In fact this goes beyond ATV companies. I also recommend every ATV club and organization to create accounts to interact with their members, share events, photos and news with sponsors and the ATVing public.

Don’t just take my word for it:

http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2010/01/19/a-collection-of-social-network-stats-for-2010/

http://acquia.com/about-us/newsroom/coverage/7-questions-key-social-networking-success

“Online social networking is expanding. In December 2009, there were 248 million unique monthly users on the top eight social networking sites (SNS) in the US, an increase of 41% from January 2009. Mintelinternet users have a profile on at least one SNS, up from 41% a year before. Marketing spend on SNS increased 166% from 2007, reaching $2.4 billion in 2009, and becoming an increasingly important way to reach a young, often hard to reach audience finds that 61% of .”– [Source:www.researchandmarkets.com]

http://www.socialnetworkingwatch.com/2010/03/how-is-social-networking-useful-to-your-business.html

Win 'Huevos 5' DVD

It’s Saturday, April 3 and I’m feeling generous. That’s why I’m giving away an unopened copy of H-Bomb Films‘ Huevos 5 DVD. Yes, you read that correctly. The 101st person (not post) to reply to this blog will win the DVD (Must be 18 years of age).

Huevos 5, directed by Wes Miller and Jessica Young, is the fifth video in the “Huevos Family” and includes freestyle tricks, helicopter shots, motocross pros, a ride with a young Chris Borich and a trip to the world’s tallest sand dunes in Namibia, Africa.

Riders: Dana Creech, Sheldon Riggs, August Goebel, Tim Farr, Jeremiah Jones, Tavis Cain, Keith Little, Jon Chandler, Matt Smiley, Chris Borich, Mike Krachun, Ryan Bemis

Locations: South Africa, Namibia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan

Check out the Huevos 5 trailer.

ATV Riding Spots, Tracks, Photographers, MX Gear, Memories and Other Favorites

Since I’ve been in the ATV industry (January 1998), people always ask me for my thoughts and or advice on anything related to it. The No. 1 question is, “What is your favorite ATV?” I’m going to skip that one for now and say that it really depends on the end-use and personal preference. However, I prefer sport quads to utility 4x4s, but enjoy seat time on both types of machines. I’ve even learned to love UTVs. And, I’ve never had the need to purchase a machine, because of my journalistic duties within the industry. However, I have other favorites I can share with you.

MX Track:

Although I’ve never ridden on this track, I’ve covered races there several times. I’ll have to say Red Bud in Buchanan, Mich. I love its layout, jumps, history and that it welcomes quads! And Millville, Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park is great, too. I can’t wait for the ATV MX Nationals to finally race at this track.

MX Helmet:

This one is tough, because I’ve worn so many helmets. I firmly believe the Troy Lee Designs line of helmets is one of the best (in terms of fit, comfort and styling), but my Arai is a brilliant example of an off-road lid, too.

I wore this TLD gear and SIDI combo for our first test of the 2008 Can-Am DS 450.

MX Boots:

Well, this is a toss up for me. I typically don’t like internal booties, but have worn them in the past. SIDI makes a spectacular boot (without booties) and they are usually the first to hit my gear bag. And I enjoy my Alpinestars Tech 7 for riding in the sand. Oh, and I once had a pair of SIDI cowhide boots (from Ryan Young Products) that had the actual black-and-white spotted cowhide on them. Sadly, they were ruined by a week-long mud tire test in Buffalo, Minn.

MX Glove:

FOUR Mission gloves; See previous blog

Off-road Jacket:

My Scorpion XDR Commander jacket with removal waterproof liner has almost every feature I adore in a jacket. Sure, it’s heavy and the sleeves don’t zip off, but it’s very warm, protective, attractive (for photos) and versatile.

Riding Spot:

Glamis is tops for me. MX track: I really had fun at LACR when Yamaha introduced the 2009 YFZ450R, but really wish I could have hit the KTM intro at Red Bud. For woods riding, I enjoyed my time at Brushy Mountain Motorsports Park, Hatfield-McCoy Trails and Gorman, but my two riding trips to the privately owned Big Buck GNCC has to be the top woods stop (Thanks Henry). Scenic trails: Utah of course, but the Paiute ATV & UTV Trails just edges another favorite in Moab. I truly felt as though I was on top of the world and the beauty is amazing.

Here's a shot of me in Glamis taken by Adam Campbell.

Photographers:

I’ve worked with so many over the years, that it would be a disservice to only mention one. I enjoy Frank Hoppen for his truthfulness, antics and attitude (and of course the end result). Adam Campbell is brutally honest if you suck, a top-notch photog and a dedicated worker who can transform a slow, old dude into a helmeted marvel. Wayne Davis has been my bud since 1998 and I have a level of trust with Wayne that’s unmatched and his skills are exceptional. I’ve only worked with Enrico Pavia once, but that was enough to know he can make anyone look good. He has a great eye for the shot and capturing off-road action (beauty or in your face). There are more guys (Shane Hartman, Kinney Jones, Rob Brown, etc.) out there who possess great skill, deserve acknowledgement for their shots and creativity and a big thanks from me.

Photoshoot at ATV Sport:

Show me a mirror and I’ll look in it. That’s probably why I like the aforementioned Wayne Davis shots of me as a Mad Scientist for an ATV Sport carburetor story back in xx. Sure, there have been other stellar images, but this is one I can tell my grandkids about.

This Mad Scientist photoshoot is still one of my favorites. Thanks Wayne Davis.

Type of Riding:

Zipping through the trees and scraping through the narrowest of margins on an ATV has always been enjoyable, but so has jumping on an MX track. My favorite depends on the ATV and riding conditions. I have to say no to mud and hill climbs, though they each take their own level of skill.

ATV Memory:

Although some of my GNCC racing experiences were great, my fondest memory is when ATV Sport received the Darren Naccarato Memorial Award from former Nac’s Racing owners Jim and Shirley Naccarato at the ATV MX Nationals Postseason Banquet. This meant a lot to me and the staff and is something I’ll never forget.

I could probably go on forever listing some of my favorites, but that’s good for now.

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

A Diamond in the Rough: Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

MSRP on a Honda TRX 450R: $6,999.  Enough gas to make it there and back: $200.  11,000 acres of windswept, untouched sand beneath your paddle tires: priceless!  For one sleepy little town in central Oregon, Christmas lasts all year long.  At least for the ATV enthusiasts that live there that is. [Read more]

2008 Oregon Dune Fest Part 2

A classic machine roostin some sand at the Oregon Dunes

As promised, I have completed the second of the so called highlight reels from this years Oregon Dune Fest. Sadly, inclement weather made for a whole lost day of shooting so most of this action was from Saturday’s events.  Please don’t hesitate to leave feedback on the videos and also check out other related videos on my website at www.LocalHeroesNW.com  Enjoy!!! [Read more]

2008 Oregon Dune Fest

Main stage from atop Banshee Hill

Aw the sweet sounds and sights of thousands of ATV enthusiasts gathered together, united by a common goal:  Hardcore duning!!!  If you’ve never been to an ATV festival I strongly urge you to attend one at some point in your life. [Read more]

Labor Day…A Day of Rest (yeah right!)

Taking a vacation can be an awful lot of work, especially when your idea of a vacation is an overnight stint at you favorite riding locale.  Unlike most vacationers we can’t just hop on a plan and relax all the way to our destination, only to exit the plane and commence more relaxation, all while in the shade of a palm tree with a fruity drink of our choice complete with a little umbrella.  No for the ATVer its much more work to plan even a simple two or three day riding excursion.

Changing from paddles to knobbies or vice versa, re-jetting, looking for that whip flag you know you put somewhere that you’d be sure to remember, gathering an endless amount of camping gear, grocery shopping since you’d like to eat while your gone, and then wrangling the kids into the rig only to spend an un-godly amount of time on the road all the while convincing yourself, “Its gonna be worth it.”  Yes vacation for the ATV enthusiast can often times be a lot of work as I was recently reminded while making plans for Labor Day weekend.  From my experience, I’ve discovered what I believe to be the 4 most important steps for a stress free vacation. If nothing else, feel free to laugh at my misfortune and by all means, share one of your own vacations that took a turn for the worst. [Read more]

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