ATV Sport back issues from September 2005:
A confession.(garage)(Column)
Sep 01, 2005; ... I have a confession to make: My garage is a mess. I also have another confession: I have garage envy. But I know I am not alone with these two confessions. Chances are many of you are in the same predicament. You have a nice-looking garage from the outside, but inside it is a complete ...
Cuartas snaps femur in 'good' leg.(Jorge Cuartas)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Jorge Cuartas, souvenir program guru and member of the FMF/Media Allstars racing team, broke his femur in his right leg while racing at the Red Bud motocross national. Cuartas is known around the motocross circuit for racing with a prosthetic left leg. "Apparently, it was caused ...
Natalie averts suspension.(WHAT'S UP)(John Natalie)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... After a looming suspension hung over John Natalie from reported rough riding at Round 6 of the Moose/ITP motocross nationals at Budds Creek, he raced Round 7 at Red Bud under appeal. As stated in the rulebook, Natalie is allowed to race under appeal if proper forms and fees were submited ....
Spader forced out at Red Bud.(Travis Spader, all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Travis Spader's return to Red Bud in Michigan will have to wait. The Yamaha rider hit the track before signing the mandatory waiver, which led to eventual disqualification. Spader took to the track to test Mike Walsh's Honda. Unfortunately for Spader, that move cost him a chance at racing ...
Correction.(Correction Notice)
Sep 01, 2005 ... The Yamaha YFZ450 Moflow airbox lid in the May issue is ...
Revered Poncho Castro dies in racing accident.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Desert racing was Poncho Castro's forte, but on May 7 he died doing what he loved. Just miles into a local desert race in La Paz, Mexico, Castro's ATV veered off the trail and down a steep, rocky cliff near San Juan de la Costa, an area beach. Castro died 2 hours later at the hospital from ...
Gate draw.(WHAT'S UP)(Cartoon)
Sep 01, 2005 ... "There's been some concern that you've been using performance-enhancing drugs ....
Kawasaki and Suzuki announce change to alliance.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Since 2001, Kawasaki and Suzuki have held a strategic alliance that allowed the two companies to share models and resources. However, that is about to change with the 2006 model year. Both companies announced they would discontinue all shared ATV models after the 2007 model year. ...
BRP DS650 X.(Bombardier Recreational Products)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... When the wraps were pulled off BRP's 2006 lineup, there was a noticeable downsizing of sorts in its sport quad offerings. The DS650 is gone, leaving the venerable DS650 X as BRP's only sport quad. Although the DS650 X is the lone sport quad, it returns with the Rotax 653cc four-stroke ...
ITP QuadCross update.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... With Round 1 of the ITP QuadCross at Glen Helen Raceway rained out, riders converged back at the track for the third race of the series on May 1. For the second time at Glen Helen this season, local rider Dana Creech emerged the winner. Creech held off rallies from Doug Eichner ...
Now and then.(LETTER OF THE MONTH)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... I would like to buy an ATV, but I am not too certain on what model to buy. I used to have a 1987 Banshee and loved it. The Banshee was light, easy to maneuver and fairly fast. I geared it up, as in putting on a larger front sprocket. I lost very little "off the line" get up and go, and the ...
Earning high points.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... I read "Weighing In" in the June issue of ATV Sport and saw that you gave such high points for educating kids about riding in your points system. I wanted to let you know about the race and safety workshops I started in conjunction with the Texoma Quad Racing Association. First, check out ...
Powder coat back issue.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... I am wondering if I could receive a back issue from October 2004 that had the article "Bring The Bling" in it about powder coating. Is there any way you could e-mail me those pages? I was deployed during that month and it seems I must have missed that issue. I was reading the June issue ...
Burly booger.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... This is my son Kaleb on my Blaster. He is 4 years old and will be racing his first race Memorial Day at Smith Road Raceway in Medina, Ohio. He is the new addition to the Burly Racing Crew. The team is happy ...
Suck up.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... ATV Sport is my favorite magazine. I love it almost as much as I love going riding! I have a 2004 Yamaha Raptor 660R. I love riding at the ...
A pipe shootout plea.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Honda owners everywhere are begging someone to do an exhaust shootout on the 450R. I personally have wanted to purchase a good exhaust system that will pass U.S. Forestry and GNCC racing requirements for some time now, but like many 450R owners, I have been ...
Tight fit.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Here is a picture of what we do just to go ride! The black quad is a Honda 450R and the yellow one is a 400EX. The trailer having a flat tire ...
Watch out for the Savosh gang.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... My name is Chris Savosh and I have two brothers, Jonathan, 12, and Nicholas, 8. We all enjoy your magazine. I have been a subscriber for about two years. I own a 2001 Honda 400EX. It has about a grand worth of performance and visual parts. Such as an FMF Power 4 Core pipe, DG bumper, ...
Addicted rider.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... I have a Honda 400EX and my friends and I all love four-wheeling and fixing and upgrading the quads. We even constructed a track in a cow field at my friend's house and, in the summer, all we do is ride. Last summer we made a video with jumping, mud ...
Big pimpin'.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... I would like to thank you for publishing the best ATV magazine out there. My friends and I are always looking forward to the new issue. We had prom not too long ago and decided to take pictures next to our real loves. We would have rather gone for a ride than go to prom, but the women made ...
On the pipe prowl.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Hi, I just bought a 2004 Arctic Cat DVX400. I like it a lot but I want to add a little more power to it. I want more speed from it and a little more snap out of it. I looked all around but I can't find any pipes for a DVX400. Would a pipe for a Suzuki Z400 work? I live in the country, but ...
Hooked on racing.(READER FEEDBACK)(Letter to the Editor)
Sep 01, 2005; ... My dad is my best friend and he took this photo of me at my first real race at Highlands, Texas. We both ride a Honda 300EX and love to practice. My Dad can't beat me anymore, but he is a good sport. I also have learned sportsmanship in this awesome family sport. I play baseball and ...
Motion Pro clutch lever.(HOT PRODUCTS)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Motion Pro's motocross clutch lever with a hot start lever is constructed with 6061-T6 forged aluminum for lightweight and durability. The clutch lever features a quick adjuster for on-the-fly adjustments, ...
Scorpion RaceCase.(HOT PRODUCTS)
Sep 01, 2005 ... This Scorpion RaceCase is a bio-foam helmet case for off-road helmets. The RaceCase incorporates auto-fit straps that fit most helmet makes. Scorpion's helmet case features a scratch-proof inner surface, carrying handle, external soft ...
G-Nome Kinky.(HOT PRODUCTS)
Sep 01, 2005 ... The Kinky, manufactured by G-Nome, bolts onto the Yamaha Banshee steering knuckle to decrease the turn radius by a claimed 30 percent. G-Nome Manufacturing says the Kinky makes the Banshee more nimble and effective while cornering on the track or in the ...
Nac's Racing graphics, seat cover kit.(HOT PRODUCTS)
Sep 01, 2005 ... This Nac's Racing Honda TRX450R graphics kit is made from heavy-duty 15mm material with a UV clear coat. Nac's claims the graphics kit with 3M adhesive withstands pressure washing and protects the plastic and decals. Also, stickers can be added or ...
Polisport YFZ450 injection molded plastic.(HOT PRODUCTS)
Sep 01, 2005 ... This injection molded plastic kit for the Yamaha YFZ450 from Polisport Plastic is made with durable gloss polypropylene, which provides strength, durability and a high-gloss finish. The plastic kit has detachable front fenders that are replaceable with a shorter version for racing ....
Pro Armor kill switch.(HOT PRODUCTS)(Buyers Guide)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Pro Armor's Pro Series Kill Switch has a "T" design pull knob to reset the switch and an internal o-ring for proper sealing to prevent contaminants from entering the main kill switch body. A removable bushing is included for 7/8-inch and 1 ...
Klim Revolt motocross gear.(HOT PRODUCTS)(Buyers Guide)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Klim's Revolt pant ($150) features three different high-tenacity nylons to insure protection, comfort and mobility. The pant also has two 14-inch zippered vents, heat and abrasion resistant side panels, double and triple stitches, gusseted crotch with stretch ribbed material and a ...
Park Tool straightener.(HOT PRODUCTS)(Buyers Guide)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Park Tool's FFS-2 handlebar and subframe straightener is constructed from 3/16-inch steel and comes with a lifetime warranty. Park Tool says the open-hook designed straightener allows mechanics to repair damaged tubing, including handlebars, subframes and ATV racks ....
Sidi boots.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Italians are known for many things: the mob, Sicilian pizza and pasta, Armani and their noticeably thick accents. But Sidi would like Italians to be known for something else: their high-quality leather. Italy has been known to produce top-of-the-line footwear for years, and Sidi carries on ...
Utopia goggles.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Utopia Optics might be a fairly new player in the eyewear market, but it is already starting to make an impact with its high-quality goggles. Utopia was started in Los Angeles in 1998, and since then, it has been ramping up its efforts to become a marquee player vying for your eyewear ...
Noleen J6 alignment gauge.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Anything that makes our lives in the shop easier is OK in our book. When Clark Jones--suspension tuner for Yoshimura/Suzuki approached us with this strange-looking tool, we weren't sure what to think. It didn't look much like a tool at all, rather it looked like a cane! On one ...
Oakley MX Pro goggles.(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Prior to our trip to Glamis in Southern California, Oakley sent us a care package of goggles to wear and test in the silky-smooth sand. One pair we especially took a liking to were the MX Pro goggles. The carbon fiber frames with Iridium lens coating were ideal for the sunny times at ...
Precision Racing Products steering stabilizer.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... There is a movement among many of the top cross country and motocross pros toward a new steering stabilizer that recently hit the market. The movement started at the opening round of the GNCs at Glen Helen. There, Tim Farr was approached by the owner of Precision Racing ...
HJC AC-X2 helmet.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Helmets are hard to test, because the ultimate test is a crash test, and we don't like to crash. Luckily, there are some other tests that we can use to evaluate how well a helmet performs. HJC has long been known in the snocross circles as a class-act helmet manufacturer. Being ...
ITP 12-inch wheel & tire combo.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Pimping rides is the thing to do these days. From cars and trucks to semis and Harleys, people love to add life to their stock machines. ITP tire and wheel knows this customizing craze also attracts ATV owners. ITP is banking on its latest tire-and-wheel combination to become the first big ...
EVS Freighter gear bag.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Creating a perfect gear bag can be a tough task. It takes more than just sewing a bunch of fabric together, adding a few zippers and handles and calling it good. We've tested several styles of gear bags over the years, and with the amount of travel we encounter on a yearly basis we've ...
G-Force axle.(PRODUCT TESTING)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Before we get started with this review, let us say Rocky Mountain MCs G-Force axle scores big because of its $199 price tag. That price also includes an anti-fade nut--or what RMMC calls a posi-lock axle nut--and two castle nuts. Heck, that sticker price for only the axle would be a steal ....
Frame, motor swap.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q Can a motor and rear suspension from an 1985-86 ATC 250R be used on a TRX250R frame? Also, can a 250R engine be used in a 300EX frame? Thanks for the help. Anonymous via the Internet A I know an '86 ATC engine will fit in the 250R frame, and I'm pretty ...
King Quad trouble.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I own a 2001 Suzuki King Quad that starts and idles fine but when it is in gear and I push the throttle it bogs down and the engine shuts off. Sometimes the quad will backfire when not in gear and when I push the throttle. It has a new spark plug and air filter. I also drained the gas ...
Z400 carb.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I have a 2003 Suzuki LT-Z400, and I want to get a new carb for it. I feel that the next step to getting the power I am constantly craving is a bigger carb. I have a DMC Alien full exhaust system with the quiet-core insert, UNI air filter, 13-tooth front sprocket to compensate for taller ...
Struting.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q The front end of my 2002 Kawasaki Prairie 650 tends to feel soft at high speeds and rolls in the turns. Which companies make a good strut kit at a good price? And, are the kits hard to install? Steve Parkersburg, W. Va. A Pro Suspension and Elka both ...
450R electric start?(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q Do you know if Honda will ever make electric start available for the Honda 450R? I sure needed one on my 2005 450R last month. I stalled halfway up a very rutted hillside in Gorman, Calif., and I was unable to kick start it. The quad started to roll back down the hill. Luckily, my buddy ...
Young rider.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I'm looking to buy a bike and my brother told me I should go with a Yamaha Raptor or Banshee. I'm 11 years old, 5-foot-4 and like to ride fast. Also, is there a cheaper alternative to the Raptor or Banshee that I could get? Paul Winkler Klammath Falls, Ore. ...
Amp link?(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I have a '96 Banshee that I run 100 percent of the time in the dunes--mostly Glamis and my local dunes at Heber Beach. The Banshee is ported by Alba for mid to top end and has 34mm Keihin Carbs with K & N filters hooked up directly to the carbs. The Banshee runs 20cc domes in the ...
Quadsport rebuild.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I recently acquired an early '80s model Suzuki 230 Quadsport, which I'm rebuilding. I plan to modify it up to a 250cc with the Suzuki-factory kit I bought for it. I also want to tap into its oil system in order to add an outboard oil cooler if at all possible I understand the 230s did ...
KFX400 frame.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q I am writing about an article in your "Wrench This" column in the May issue of ATV Sport. In your column, a guy asked if you knew where to get a frame for a KFX400. His name is Joe Galther from Illinois. Well, it just happens that I have one in my garage that I just had swapped. It is ...
Panduit research project.(MECHANIC TIPS)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q Panduit is a manufacturer of stainless steel straps and ties for many markets including ATV and automotive. One application is to secure dust boots such as those used on CV joints. We are considering entering this market with a new product, but I need to understand the market size and ...
Sputtering Blaster.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicles )(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q My 1999 Blaster misfires at low RPM and sputters until it gets warmed up. The engine has been rebuilt and is bored .030 over. The Blaster is hard to start now and won't idle. I only see one screw on the carb, which has no affect on idle. Also, the first time I noticed it sputtering was ...
Mechanic caution.(WRENCH THIS)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2005 ... An oil filter and oil change might be a simple task, but even easy maintenance procedures can lead to a costly mistake. We recently spoke with Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports. He alerted us to an increasingly common and costly mistake four-stroke ATV owners are making: They are putting ...
Titanium? Tremendous! Cryonics? Incredible! Inside Graves Motorsports.(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)(all terrain vehicles)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Some people say that Southern California is the place to be for an ATV aftermarket company. But Graves Motorsports claims otherwise, as it is based in Renton, Wash., home of a huge Boeing airplane manufacturing site. As ATVs get increasingly high-tech, they borrow more and more from the ...
Reborn and remade: Yamaha unleashes new Raptor 700R and improves YFZ450.(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Yamaha kept a top secret ATV project under wraps so good it would impress even the most top-level Pentagon brass in Washington, D.C. Although Yamaha's secret was a far cry from some of the secrets the U.S. government keeps, the covert ATV is sure to be a hit, especially for ...
Banging Brute: one powerful, eye-piercing Brute Force 750.
Sep 01, 2005; ... Body builders, step aside, Magnus Samuelsson, reigning World's Strongest Man, you're no match Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, not even you could tackle this Brute. With savage, raw power, Jason White's modified Kawasaki Brute Force 750 has enough sheer strength and chiseled muscle to ...
Smooth criminal: Honda's 1/2-ton Ridgeline breaks traditional truck rules but delivers soft as silk comfort.(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Many Americans would consider it a crime to purchase any 1/2-ton truck other than one from General Motors, Ford or Dodge. In fact many big truck enthusiasts view buying or even driving a truck that isn't powered by a V-8, well, illegal. Or at least that's what their mythical 1/2-ton truck ...
Desert dual: the YFZ450 and TRX450R square off in the Wild West.(Yamaha YFZ450, Honda TRX450R)(Product/Service Evaluation)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Exhausting heat and endless sand at Glamis set the stage for the most recent Wild West showdown. For three days, two tough, burly opponents battled it out in an old fashioned duel. No, "Tombstone's" Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo didn't make a reappearing act and venture into Southern ...
Brakes & braking FAQs ATV.(all terrain vehicles)
Sep 01, 2005 ... Q. I just bought organic brake pads and wore them out in one weekend. Can I find longer lasting brake pads without paying too much? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A. There are a lot of factors that contribute to brake wear such as riding style, the weight and power of your ...
Strange days in Utah: sand hollow makes for unique riding.(GOINGPLACES)
Sep 01, 2005; ... The Doors have a song called "Strange Days," and I admit, I am a Doors fan. That song is one of my favorites by the band. But that has nothing to do with this article, or riding sport ATVs in southern Utah, does it? Still, that song went through my head as I rode in the Sand Hollow ...
Head games: four-stroke porting basics.(all terrain vehicles)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Whether the four-stroke engine powering your quad has four valves or five, it operates in the same four-stroke pattern. As the intake valves open and bring in the air and fuel mixture, the piston falls. After the intake stroke, the piston cycles back up and squeezes the mixture and adds ...
Watch out! Setting up for obstacles.(all terrain vehicles)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Whether you are on the track or the trail, setting up for obstacles is something everyone does. There are right and wrong ways to do it, however. The goal of any serious sport quad rider and racer should be to minimize energy expended while riding. For the trail rider it means more time on ...
Media circus: Mark Kendall putting on a show aboard a Honda.(Hot Wheels)
Sep 01, 2005; ... There are no elephants, tigers nor even fire-breathing sword swallowers traveling with the FMF/Media Allstars team, but it is doing its part to contribute to the media circus at every round of the Moose/ITP Grand National Championship motocross series. Mark Kendall rides his Honda 450R for ...
DeRisi knows: Santo DeRisi's expertise makes for a solid Honda 450R.(Hot Wheels)
Sep 01, 2005; ... Forgive Santo DeRisi for not finishing half of the first six Grand National Cross Country rounds: His time has been occupied elsewhere. DeRisi, owner of DeRisi Racing, is known as the suspension and Big Gun guru at GNCC races. Knowledge gained from hours aboard quads has led to dynamic ...
Cobra commander: this 70cc motocrosser dominates regular Joes.(Hot Wheels)
Sep 01, 2005; ... GNC Motocross is full of drama. Whether it is on or off the track, someone is always stirring up controversy. Take the story of the Cobra ECX70 youth quad. The rumors began well before the start of the 2005 motocross season that a Taiwanese manufacturer was prepared to release an ATV that ...
Nor'easter: Joe Haavisto and his Honda represent new England motocross.(Hot Wheels)
Sep 01, 2005; ... If you haven't heard of Joe Haavisto, you better start paying closer attention to the national motocross scene. This New Hampshire rider may be down in the points race after five rounds of racing, but he is starting to turn heads each weekend. His starts are improving and if he can get his ...
Battle at Budds: Farr takes points lead at Budds Creek.(Tim Farr, Moose/ITP GNC Motocross)
Sep 01, 2005; ... The weekend started out nearly like every other round of the Moose/ITP GNC Motocross nationals: wet. Saturday's qualifiers were soaked and everyone was wondering what it was that made Mother Nature so mad at ATV racers. But by Sunday morning, things started to improve, the track ...