Top Favorite Blog Posts
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Justin Waters Posts Best Finis
- From: hotseat
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Description:
Hot Seat Powersports/Yamaha Racer 4th Overall at ITP Quadcross 7/28/2009
After a few short weeks off from WORCS (World Off Road Championship Series) to train and tune, 19-year old Justin Waters made the trip to Victorville CA, for Round 5 of the ITP Quadcross series.
He explained the importance of Quadcross to his personal race program, “In WORCS a lot of the podiums are going to guys that are technical riders. It’s not good enough to just be fastest in the off-road part anymore - you’ve got to be really aggressive on the MX sections. That’s where I’m trying to concentrate some extra ride time.”
“I’m not at the level with my motocross yet that some of them [the top Pros] are, but since I run against them in WORCS, I need to race with them as often as I can”, he says.
Despite a good practice at Racetown Saturday, Sunday morning got off to a rocky start. After catching a berm in Open Pro practice and flipping, Waters found himself in need of a vital part – pronto. Fellow Yamaha riders Dustin Nelson came to the rescue with the part and Keith Taylor lent a pair of hands. They got it swapped out, and Waters made it to the line for Moto 1 – just as the gate dropped. Leaving the line last, he battled his way through the field and was more than satisfied with an 6th place finish.
In Moto 2, this time Justin was ready for the gate drop and launched out with a stellar start – hitting the first turn in 3rd place. He pushed hard to run with the lead pack of three or four riders. His only misstep was late in the race when he lost his seat, going through the whoops. Riding motocross without a seat is a challenge, but he managed to hold on to 6th for the Moto. That gave him an overall 4th place Open Pro for the day, his best finish at a Quadcross event this season.
“My Yamaha YFZ 450R is working great right now – especially on the start. The Fox shocks are awesome, and I definitely have to give credit to my Teixeira Tech A-arms and Rekluse clutch. It’s so much easier to stay focused and run hard if you know you have a bike that will take it. I can’t thank my sponsors enough for putting me on the equipment I’ve got right now.”
Top Five Finishers for the Open Pro Class:
Overall
Nbr 
Name Make Moto 1 Moto 2 1st # 19 JASON DUNKLEBERGER YAM 1st 2nd
2nd # 422 DAVID HAAGSMA KAW 4th 3rd
3rd # 3 BEAU BARON HON 3rd 4th
4th # 95 JUSTIN WATERS YAM 6th 6th
5th # 74 FRANCISCO RUANO HON 5th 8th
xxx
Justin Waters # 95
Professional ATV Racing with the support of: Hot Seat Powersports, Yamaha, Teixeira Tech, Fox Racing Shox, Precision Racing Products, AC Racing, G4-Graphics, Rekluse, Spider Grips, Powermadd, GYT-R, MotoX Nutrition, Flexx Bars, MSR, Scott USA, Gaerne, DP Brakes, DWT, Maxxis, Motion Pro, Spectro Oil, Quadtech, Regina Chains.
- Blog post
- 4 months ago
- Favorite count: 3
- Views: 477
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Can your candidate fire a gun?
- From: pattie_waters
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Description:
Hallelujah! Honestly, I'm not going to get into the general "Democrat vs Republican" thing, but I want a guy (or hell, even a woman) leading our country that can put a deer on the table when beef is $6/pound, kill a coyote that is chasing his neighbors sheep, and eats as many precious fish as he releases. I'm just saying.... And be sure to check out the link at the bottom of this press release, and see how much hunting and fishing are contributing the economy of YOUR state.
76 percent of sportsmen say they prefer to elect a President who hunts or fishes
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sportsmen have a solid history of voting, with 9 in 10 currently registered to vote and of those 83 percent say they will vote in the November election, according to a new survey by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. Overall, there are an estimated 40 million sportsmen of voting age in the United States.
"Sportsmen are active voters and prefer candidates who align with them on hunting and fishing issues," said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "The attention presidential candidates give to sportsmen's issues is well-aimed."
Among sportsmen, Republican John McCain holds a significant lead over White House opponent Barack Obama, with a 14-point margin according to the survey.
Asked who they planned to vote for in November, 45 percent said McCain and 31 percent said Obama.
Support for McCain among sportsmen extends from the voting booth to the field, the survey found.
Asked who they'd like to go hunting with, 49 percent said McCain and 27 percent said Obama. As a fishing buddy, 44 percent said they'd prefer McCain and 31 percent chose Obama.
"Sportsmen view John McCain as good company in the great outdoors," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which helped underwrite the survey. "They're just not sure how much fun Barack Obama would be in a duck blind."
By a 2 to 1 margin sportsman said McCain would be a better president on sportsmen's issues than Obama.
"Politically engaged sportsmen see John McCain as a supporter of their concerns," Sanetti said. "To sportsmen, I would say, don't be fooled. Make it a point to know where the candidates you're considering for office truly stand on hunting and firearms issues."
A majority of sportsmen polled said that it is important for a candidate to share their views on hunting and fishing issues, although the survey indicated the economy, homeland security and the war in Iraq are the top concerns for all Americans this election season.
When it comes to sportsmen-related issues, sportsmen are most likely to say that it's essential that a candidate support ensuring gun rights, clean water initiatives, and sustainable energy development.
"With an estimated $76 billion economic impact on the economy annually and direct support of 1.6 million jobs, the next president will need to pay attention to issues that impact hunting and fishing," said Crane. "Sportsmen need to ask candidates where they stand on our outdoor issues and take this into account when they vote on November 4th."
Other key findings of the survey include:
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A significant portion of sportsmen say this November's election is more important than past elections regarding their ability to hunt and fish.
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On the specific topic of gun rights, sportsmen say firearm issues are more important now than in past elections.
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Three-quarters (74%) say they would prefer to elect a president who personally owns firearms.
The telephone survey of 1,009 sportsmen was conducted July 10-24 by Braun Research on behalf of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Ketchum Global Research. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan group headquartered in Washington, D.C. A leader in promoting sportsmen's issues with elected officials, CSF works with the bi-partisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus in the U.S. Congress, as well as sportsmen's caucuses in state legislators around the country. The CSF does not endorse political candidates.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, based in Newtown, Conn., works to increase participation in and understanding of hunting and the shooting sports; to reaffirm and strengthen their members' commitment to the safe and responsible use of their products, and to promote a political climate supportive of America's traditional firearms rights.
The survey was also supported by National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, Outdoor Channel, American Sportfishing Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
For information on the economic impact hunting and fishing has in your state go to
http://www.sportsmensl ink.org/reports_and_data/Sportsmens-Economic-Impac t.html . -
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 3
- Views: 460
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Justin Waters Scores First Pro
- From: hotseat
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Description:After only six Pro starts, 19-year old Yamaha rider Justin Waters continued his march up the WORCS leaderboard, finishing his best-ever tenth in last weekend’s ATV Nationals in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
With a strong start again this weekend – fourth to the holeshot turn in a field of nearly 30 – Waters knew he had to ride strong, push himself hard but also pace himself in the nearly 90-degree heat, battling extremely rough, sandy conditions. Suspension would be key.
“I just got my new Teixeira Tech A-arms and it was the first time I really had them on with the Fox Shox. We could have used some more [practice] time.”
But when the gun went off for Sunday’s final so did the Yamaha, and it was a solid result at the end of the two hour event.
“I went out fast again. I knew some of the riders behind me were strong enough to probably come around me but it’s also about staying ahead of trouble as much as you can, so you can’t just let off. And I’m not going to just ‘let’ someone around me anyway. If they are faster than me, they’re going to have to come take it.”
“I did crash once – went off a jump next to Timmy [Tim Shelman], but there was only enough landing room for one of us, so I went off the side of the landing. Got back on and going as fast as I could. Didn’t feel it when I did it, but I guess I hamburgered my elbow pretty good. Think I ruined my new MSR jersey!”
If the only thing Justin has to worry about is a new jersey, he’ll be in good shape for the next round in Milford CA, the first weekend of May.
xxx
Justin Waters # 95
Professional ATV Racing with the support of: Hot Seat Powersports, Yamaha, Teixeira Tech, Fox Racing Shox, Precision Racing Products, AC Racing, G4-Graphics, Rekluse, Spider Grips, Powermadd, GYT-R, MotoX Nutrition, MSR, Scott USA, Gaerne, DP Brakes, DWT, Maxxis, Motion Pro, Spectro Oil
- Blog post
- 8 months ago
- Favorite count: 3
- Views: 263
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Fast Kids and Hospitals
- From: pattie_waters
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Description:
I've been around Off-Road.com a long time - like since I invented the internet. There are some things that never change.
One of the top five most-asked questions I see is "how can my kid get into racing?" Doesn't really matter if it ATVs, dirtbikes, off-road trucks, go-karts or pogo sticks - I think the most over-looked advice is GET GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE!
We seem to surround ourselves with dangerous "toys" - on purpose or otherwise. Never mind trying to chase a professional ATV racing career (two year tally for our teenager – one punctured lung, three broken ribs, dislocated hip, sprained elbow, concussion, uncounted contusions, bumps and bruises - 7 hospital visits, tens of thousands in medical bills) but even just hanging out it seems inevitable for those of us with off-road inclinations.
When our son was about 5 years old, we went four wheeling. Pretty common for us – we were in the Sierras with CA4WDC most every weekend. He wasn't driving, he wasn't even walking along side accidentally falling under the wheels. Remained safe and sound all day. Until campfire time, when he ran around the Land Cruiser to play tag or hide-and-seek or something really dangerous - and ran his head smack into the corner of the steel Rubicon Rack on the back. Roughly 12 hours away from civilization, with 6 miles of Panamint Valley Trail and two waterfalls to winch down between us and a hospital. So you wrap his head up tightly with a bandana like a pirate, and you hope chicks really do dig scars. (Man, did you know head wounds can really bleed? And if you have white-blonde hair, it’s like something out of “Saw!”)
So if your kid wants to race – make sure you are ready for them INTENTIONALLY doing stuff that is bound to be dangerous. Don’t run around looking for someone to sue when they do. Keep your insurance card handy, not your lawyer’s.
And as a side note, please don't be a “fence jumper”. You know - the mom that runs over to see if her baby is okay, getting to his side before the first scream can even echo across the track. That just embarrasses the kid and all the rest of us too.
That's all I'm saying...
-ptw
- Blog post
- 7 months ago
- Favorite count: 2
- Views: 2798
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Off Road Expo, Pomona
- From: jeepndel
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Description:
Hey, if you can swing it, the upcoming Off Road Expo in Pomona is ONE GREAT SHOW and we plan to be there. Look for us. Say hey.
Oh, and yea, the Off Road Girls will be there, so besides all the great parts, businesses and cool stuff for rigs and trucks, check them out as well.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 2
- Views: 737
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Reaching Alaska--Not So Easy
- From: DezertScorpion
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Description:
April 1, 2009 Off-Road.com Update
Stage: Pevek--Uelen
It has been a few days since our last update. Much has happened, including broken axles and other mechanical problems with both Jeep Expedition vehicles. The weather has been extreme, and some of the “McGuiver” repairs the team had to make to keep moving forward have been amazing.
It seems as though the only things holding together at this point are Matthias Jeschke and his Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs.
The team has yet to reach Uelen, and if they don’t soon, their chance of crossing the frozen Bering Strait will have been lost. Warmer weather is on the horizon.
Please show your support by posting comments. The team needs all the encouragement they can get to keep fighting their way to Uelen and successfully crossing into Alaska.
FROM THE ROAD
We share with you some of the most riveting journal entries from team leader Matthias Jeschke:
March 26, 2009: 60th short message (11:50 p.m. MEZ)
In the last night, we reached Egvekinot with front drive and a missing back wheel. It was an amazing "strange handicap run".
We met two Ural truck drivers on the way, who stayed and helped us. One of them let me cut of his dirt trap of one the wheels in order to build a sledge surface under the wheel, the other gave me his fender and some wood to attach it. At another spot one organized a damaged wheel out of thin air in order to bond it below the axis. Many thanks to you two super truckers.Now there is the task to quickly organize spare parts for both vehicles. Juergen Graf and his team is busy working on it and they try to make everything possible. I hope we will manage it in short time. Together with the team I am currently working on further solutions. We have still a maximum of 8 weeks left to reach Uelen. After that, snow and ice will melt and it would be impossible.
--
March 26, 2009: 59th short message (06:39 a.m. MEZ)
The tire made it, but after 60km the whole thing broke apart again. We used a wooden piece as runner - 90km left.
--March 26, 2009: 58th short message (06:39 a.m. MEZ)
Marco and Konstantin on their way to Egvekinot in the truck. Ulli and Matthias try to break through with the Jeep. Meanwhile lost tire and linchpin rear-left. We provisionally blocked and mounted the tire with belts. I am curious how a Wrangler MT/R manages to be pulled over snow, ice and stones in blocked mode. Will it manage 150km?--
March 25, 2009: 55th short message (02:07 a.m. MEZ)
What a drudgery. Team to some extent 46 hours awake - reaching personal limits. 24 hours and 100km with "two-step". 2m forward, 1m backward in order to take a run-up. Continuous shoveling due to snow drifts. We just slept some few hours because we necessarily had to leave the deep snow. We did not catch up with the trucks, so we have to struggle on our own. Food reserve 8 days. Fuel reserve 240l plus full main tank. Visibility worsens. Only minutes between sunhine and maximum 10 meters.
GPS cords.: N 67 24`47" / W 177 24`01"
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March 22, 2009: 49th short message (01:59 a.m. MEZ)
Perhaps it is the right time for news I normally do not write, but it reflects our feelings.
Certainly the expedition is currently in a difficult situation. Due to the global economic crisis we have to bare big losses. Exhausted of many technical backlashes and the fight against snow masses (more intense than for a long time), we are mobilizing every possible motivation to stand up against the difficulties. We try to fight with all power and emotion for continuation and hope that history is on our side.
Thanks to all who currently work for us, believe in us and keep their fingers crossed. Thanks to my team in Limburg, explicitly to you, Jürgen for you tremendous amount of good work and invested time.
The upcoming storm is taking our breath. If we do not manage to escape before it arrives, we have to stay here in Vacarem for another week. We try it and decamp. We informed nuteplement, we have left a note to a driver who is on his way to Vacarem. If necessary both can come for help.
Matthias Jeschke
--
March 21, 2009: (09:16 p.m. MEZ)
Many things happened which not only engrossed but also upset me. With unbowed will, we stick to the continuation of the expedition. On the day after tomorrow we will try to reach the Bering Strait (which is appr. 400km behind Vancarem) with the remaining vehicle.
What happened:
We had a perfect start after some hours sleep in Vacarem. Immediately we found a welder who quickly welded two small things and after some little time we found a guide who will accompany us to Uelen. We completed the formalities with administration and drove off as the rear axis of F2 did a suspicious snap. Again a differential out of order. Nobody could imagine our swearing. Nevertheless, the team demonstrated strength again in regards of that backlash. Everyone was sure: "The show will go on tomorrow; it has always been like that". Together with 2 men of the village, I changed the differential in an exhausting 24-hours day/night action under unimaginable conditions. The respect of life and the standing of one's ground of those people is reason that I do not go into further detail, but it was very extreme.
When I woke the team, one of the darkest days of the expedition began. At first, I realized that F1 was not running anymore (it was supposed to run the whole night). As this was the case for hours in an environment of slightly above -40°C, everything was frozen. I warmed the engine for ours with burning lamps, recharged the batteries with F2, tried to open the doors. Success after 4 hours and F2 was running again. Accordingly we decamped again, jumped into the vehicles and drove off, when the unbelievable happened. In the middle of ice and snow, the differential of F2 broke down again.
Kaspar new - although he had not known the upcoming diagnosis (differential out of order due to a weak axle box which could not hold the bearing shells due to multiple welding) - that we were not able to easily continue like that. He was sure, that F2 was irreparable and took me aside. He explained me in an emotional and confidential talk that he is sure, that F2 has no chance and that we have to continue with F1 alone. As we were 6 people, but only space for 5, he resigned and went back home to Switzerland. It was much more than a sad moment. An unbelievable coincidence, but for him a confirmation: No 5 minutes after our conversation - we were still standing together - a M8 helicopter flew above our heads, turned around and landed directly beside us. On Kaspar's demand, we asked the pilot to give him a lift.
Kaspar, at this point again my greatest respect and esteem for you as buddy and team colleague! It was great to have you with us. When Kaspar was flown out, the team strength totally changed.
It was an unexpected situation and therefore certainly difficult for the team to bear it. We dismounted F2 again in order to find out the real reason and what can be saved if applicable. As we could not have left the vehicle there, we rescued F2 in a tremendous action and brought it - together with both trailers and after uncountable phone calls / e-mails - back to the road camp via the 200km very difficult track. There, an expedition enthusiastic helper from Egvekinot - who especially made a more than 4 hours drive - took over F2 and brought him into the city. At this point, again, a huge THANK YOU to all involved helpers, especially to Alexander, his brother, and the manager of the road camp.
We returned to Vacarem yesterday night, after nearly 3 days and nights without sleep. On the difficult way back, a part of the chassis of F1 broke, which we are currently welding.
The trailer is ready packed, the vehicle as well. As soon as the part is fixed, we decamp. Unfortunately the good weather is coming to an end now. For the next week the forecast is snowfall and storm. Great.
Matthias Jeschke - Blog post
- 7 months ago
- Favorite count: 2
- Views: 465
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Ken Block Extreme Video
- From: Ultimate Off-Roader
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Description:
The guys at MadMedia are at it again. If you saw their Gymkana Rally video with Ken Block on YouTube, you know it burned it up. Literally. Now check out Part II. http://forums.off-road.com/not-off-road-lounge/232345-ken-block-gymkhana-part-2-a.html
And exclusive stills from the making of that video, and a sneak-peek at what's up next for MadMedia and Ken.... on the snow.
http://forums.off-road.com/not-off-road-lounge/232416-gymkhana-2-exclusive-photos.html
- Blog post
- 5 months ago
- Favorite count: 2
- Views: 251
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Moab 2009: Trail Ride with Wal
- From: Ultimate Off-Roader
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Description:
The time is getting close when the red rocks of Moab UT will be crawling with off-road vehicles of all types, for the Easter Jeep Safari.
10 days
31 trails
114 guided runsIf you are already planning to go, here's a rare opportunity for you - RIDE ALONG WITH WALKER EVANS! Goodyear is hosting an invitation-only trailride on Friday, April 10. Guiding this ride will be the one and only Walker Evans. Wanna come along with us and spend the day with a legend?
Drop us a note about why you want to go - we'll pick three to five lucky wheelers to join in. We aren't paying your travel there - you must already be planning to be at Moab, bringing your own vehicle.
Note - we can't tell you which trail yet, but THIS WILL BE A HARD CORE RUN! Your vehicle must have:
Minimum 35" tires
Locking Diffs
Winch
And of course run Goodyear tires.It's a great opportunity to see how Walker does it, get some driving tips, and score some action photos of yourself on the trail by Off-Road.com. Couple select print mags will be there too. Make your friends back home jealous, get a shot for your 2009 Christmas card!
Drop us a note here by COMMENTING on this Blog, or send an email to EDITOR@OFF-ROAD.COM
Make sure you give us your email address so we can get back to you asap -
Hurry! We need to hear from you by MARCH 30!
- Blog post
- 8 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 3262
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Don't Ask - Sneak Peek!
- From: PowersportsEditor
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Description:
Rick Sieman's monthly "Don't Ask" column doesn't go live on the Off-Road.com editorial site until next week. But I've decided to reward all our loyal Community members, and you get it here first! Here's just a taste, you can read the whole thing over there next Wednesday. Brace yourself!
SUBJECT: YAMAHA ENDURO CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Mr. Siemen,
First, let me tell you that after nearly 25 years of reading your stuff throughout my formative years, I finally have cause to write you. I will, no doubt, sound like so many other sniveling brats that have plague you with questions about their bikes, but I do so at my own risk.
I recently purchased a 1976 IT400C with 768 original miles on it. It has sat for four years with minimal use, and quite obviously, saw little use before that as evidenced by the actual mileage. The bike starts first or second kick, idles beautifully, and cycles through the gears with no problem. I do, however, have one issue.
When the bike is not running, and in gear, I pull the clutch in and attempt to roll the bike and the tranny catches. The clutch will not disengage. My first attempt to remedy the problem was to adjust the freeplay out of the cable at the perch. This helped, but did not cure it.
I took the case cover off and removed the clutch/friction plates after draining the oil, which it had plenty of. They look fine, but they do stick together in a mass when I squeeze the clutch, of course there is no centrifugal force to spin them apart because the motor is off. When I pulled them off the basket they separated with little effort.
The bike will start in first gear with the clutch lever pulled in. Do you think this is something as simple as the cable? Could it just be that I need to run her a bit with some light oil and get the clutch moving again? Finally, could the fiber have swelled and now be out of tolerance?
I appreciate your time and expertise.
Yours,
Matthew Buzzell
Beverly, NJ
The cork swelled up from all those years sitting in oil. You probably need new clutch plates, but before you buy them, try this. Take the cork plates out and clean them thoroughly with contact cleaner. Then, put a sheet of 200 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a small sheet of glass. A piece of glass from a picture frame works fine. Next, rub the plates on the sandpaper a bit (both sides) and after this, hit it with the sandpaper again. Let the plates dry a full day, then re-install. The plates will either work, or the cork will disintegrate. It's worth a try.
***SUBJECT: MAKING A 2002 CR250 SHORTER
Im writing this with reservation that my spelling/grammar may not be up to par. However, I do have a question regarding motorcycles, and as you may have figured short people. Im 5'7 , 23, and recently bought a 02 CR250, my first bike. Ive been riding for just under a year now and I really enjoy my bike, Ive been riding the Oregon dunes along with doing some minor trail riding. Obviously I need it to be lower; as you said anyone under 5'10; will experience problems, Im no exception. Ive read your article regarding shaving your seat foam down, and thats one option that I will take.
I was curious; are there any other avenues that I could explore regarding the issue? Some more experience riders have told me that you can soften up the front and rear suspension to effectively give you a shorter bike, but, warn it can severely change your ride. How much can I change my suspension without it changing my ride drastically?
On a final note, Im the third owner of this bike; is there a simple way to tell if your bike has been bored out? I wonder because the bike has a myriad of bolt on goodies including V-force reeds, FMF exhaust, etc. Finally, what should I take with me for parts, and do you have any insider knowledge- I should know- regarding the late model two strokes?
Thank you!
Short Guy
Tacoma, WA
Cutting the saddle will make a huge difference. Then you can raise the forks up in the triple clamps a bit (13 mms or so). Combine that with backing off the pre-load on the shock to 110 mms or so, should let the bike settle down a bunch. If you were going to race the bike, this would affect the turning of the bike, but for play/trail riding, it should be no problem. To tell what size piston you have in the bike would require that you take the top end apart.***
SUBJECT: NO SPARK IN A YAMAHA TTR225
We bought a Yamaha TTR225 that has no spark. Everything checked good by the shop manual specs except the stator checked no good. We installed a new stator but still no spark. Previous owner replaced the coil but the old one checks good. Do the stators sometimes take out ignition modules when they fail?
Thanks.
Kirby
Lafayette, TN
Chances are quite high that you have the wiring hooked up incorrectly. Check out all (and I mean all ) of your wiring for a dead short or a faulty connector. No, stators do not "take out" ignition modules when they fail, as a rule.***
SUBJECT: WHAT’S AN OLD YAMAHA IT465 WORTH?
looking to get back to enduro, friend has IT 465 ,not running for 6 months says minor issues what is a fair price to offer??? thanks
Mike
Gettysburg, PA
That's a tough question. In good shape, in average condition, a Yamaha IT465 would go for$700 to $1000, depending on details. The "minor issues" could be electrical in nature, which means big bucks. Or the bike could use a top end job, which should cost under $100. Find out what these issues are and deduct what it would cost to fix them from the price I gave you.***
SUBJECT: HAH! YET ANOTHER WEIRD BIKE
I just bought a Baja Motorsports dirt runner 50cc 4 stroke 3.8hp 2005 dirt bike off a free listings website when i went to see the bike it looked good. It started right up this is when i figured out this guy was putting mix oil in the 4 stroke bike. it went pretty good didn't even smoke that much. it has very weak low end power you have to find the sweet spot to get it to start revving up then it goes to about 5500rpm it starts bogging and you have to pulse the throttle to get it to rev to its max 7500rpm. if you don't give it the right throttle it just holds a bog and eventually dies i bought it for 150$ when i got it i drained the gas and put 94 in it opened up the carb and cleaned it good with throttle body cleaner and brake cleaner. the flout looked good and the high flow jet is clear i sprayed some throttle body cleaner right in the engine thew the intake cranked it let it sit then poured gas right in and cranked it then it would rev up a bit pretty cool with no carb. after all that it runs a farly bit better but still has no low end and bogs a lot the bog is usually consistent to cetain rpm i don't really know what to do next please help thx
Super Devon
Oakville, CANADA
Hmm, this email was far above the norm in degree of difficulty, so we enlisted the Divine Intervention of Father Matt Cuddy. After all, he's an expert in weird bikes and your bike qualifies. So here are his thoughts:
I thought Super Devon was glue, and it came in a tube … whatever.
Devon, here's my unsolicited thoughts on your Baja Motorsports "bike":
Since it is only fifty cee cees, and has less horsepower than most lawnmowers, you have to "go big" with a hop up kit to get the displacement to at least 600cc. You can do this by getting an electric drill and a hole saw, and attacking that puny cylinder with gusto. Just remember, when the fins fall off the barrel, you've gone too far. If you've managed to "bore" the cylinder out to a respectable 700 cee cees or so, you now have to find a piston and set of rings to fit. Might I suggest a piston from a 1923 Hispano Suiza? They work great, and the high silicone content in the cast iron piston insures long life between re-bores and ring jobs. The lord gives us these trials to overcome, and become a better person, or in this case a better Baja 50cc (ahem) "motorcycle".
Now about cleaning the carb with brake cleaner, that's a no-no. You should have used oven cleaner, and a nice big sponge. NEVER EVER use brake cleaner on a carburetor; that would be like using aquarium cleaner on a car bumper, or chrome cleaner on a poodle. Get the right tool for the right job Devon, er, Super Devon?
Maybe you can just get rid of the carburetor all together and run the gas line directly into the intake manifold, It ran OK when you did it last time, right? Maybe you've invented some kind of new fuel-infesting system, that needs no moving parts, or has been untouched by human hands. Amazing stuff there, Super Devon.
Now about the "BOG" you're experiencing, it might be that the motor's clogged up with cranberries. Get it? Bog? Cranberries? And if, in fact, it is cranberries causing the "bog", you can get one of those super juice machines from the Juice Man and squeeze up some Cranberry Juice that's good for the urinary tract. See, when life gives you bogs, make juice! Ha! That's a good one...
So Devon, er, Super Devon, I give you these thoughts so you can achieve greatness with your little Baja Bike, that I'm sure will one day be as fast as a top fuel dragster, and have all the torque of a Massey Ferguson tractor.
Send me five holy cards and say 15 Hail Marys.
Yours Truly
Fr. Matthew Cuddy
St. Finbar
Burbank - Blog post
- 5 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 2788
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Change all tires at once?
- From: TireGuy
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Description:
Question:
Do you need to replace all 4 tires on a Toyota Four Runner At the same time?
TireGuy Says:
This is a very good question. For the answer, let's refer to guidelines published by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). To quote the RMA document, Replacement Guidelines for Passenger and Light Truck Tires,"When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time for continued optimal tire performance."
So, in short, yes, it is recommended that you replace all four at the same time. This can be especially important on four-wheel drive vehicles like your Toyota 4Runner, as even small differences in tire diameter may lead to drive-train damage. When you purchase new tires, maintaining a regular rotation schedule will promote more uniform wear and optimum life out of your complete set of tires. On a four-wheel drive vehicle, frequent rotations are recommended - such as every 4,000 miles. The most miles you will want to drive between rotations is 6,000 miles.
See http://www.goodyeartires.com/faqs/Rotation.html for more details on tire rotation and the recommended pattern to follow.
For a sample of the RMA document that addresses this specific question and even more details on tire replacement, view the PDF at:
https://www.rma.org/publications/tire_service_professionals/index.cfm?PublicationID=11309&CFID=18842012&CFTOKEN=73784493 - Blog post
- 5 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 2192
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Josh Frederick Profile
- From: pattie_waters
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Description:
Several years ago I did a series of Profile stories on ATV racers in the west, for Off-Road.com. One of the first was Josh Frederick. At that time he was riding Pro in the WORCS series as a privateer. Now, after two championship seasons, he's the fully sponsored lead rider for Team MotoWorks/Can-Am. As-in a full time "this is my job..." gig. One of the rare ones in the ATV world these days. Good for him!One thing that struck me then was how NICE he was in the interview. Might have been because I really didn't know him personally, and he was quiet and being polite. But even now, years later, he's still the soft-spoken good guy at every race - before and after, near as I can tell. You just can't get him to say a bad thing about anyone, certainly not his fellow competitors.
One interesting answer that surprised us - the notorious "suppressed desire" question. "What would you do if you could do anything, that no one would ever guess about you?" Mike Cafro had told me that he would travel the world and surf; Josh Frederick? He wanted to be a rock star. (I THINK he was pulling my leg...)
You can read that profile HERE, by the way...
Now mid-way through his 2009 season and leading the points again for WORCS, he was injured last weekend at the ITP Quadcross race in Glen Helen. Word is broken tibia, fibia - bad enough to require immed surgery Sunday night. Best case? Out 6-8 weeks minimum. Is that reality? Not likely. Expect longer.So what happens to the points chase now? He had a comfortable lead - unless you get injured. With just one round, the second place rider will overtake him as long as he at least finishes. The next three can do it with two rounds. If he stays out the rest of the season, he will certainly end up out of the top 5 and there are some HUNGRY racers that know it.
All our best wishes out to Josh for a speedy recovery. We like to see these things decided on the track.
- Blog post
- 6 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 2114
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SEMA - why should you care?
- From: PowersportsEditor
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Description:
Readers of this post generally will fall into one of five categories - SEMA Veterans (you poor suckers); those that have heard of it, haven't gone and will kill to get an "Industry Only" attendee badge; those that have heard of it and couldn't care less; and those that have had their heads in the ground and can claim ignorance.
I want to talk briefly to the last two groups.
Since we at Off-Road.com have for the past 10 years thrown SEMA in your face for a solid week every October or November, you should at least be aware of it's existence. But maybe you're new, so let's start from scratch.
SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association, and their show is held in Las Vegas each fall. It's everyone who makes everything for cars and trucks. Period. Hundreds of thousands of square feet, hundreds of project vehicles on display. Nearly 2,000 exhibitors, showcasing everything from tools, electronics, wheels, tires to restoration and racing. It's Mecca for car-guys. (And guys that like women in tiny tight t-shirts with logos strategically located, but I don't need to go into that here.)
Several years ago they recognized the importance of the growing off-road industry and helped us out considerably by corralling the majority of our products and manufacturers into one floor of one hall. One immense hall. And of course it immediately overflowed into the huge parking lot for hands-on off-road proving grounds.
And to prove it’s really a business trip (I swear it is) there are hours and hours of educational seminars for dealers and retailers, hundreds of press conferences for Media to attend. Awards, recognition, luncheons, banquets. And more than a little cocktail schmoozing and big name guest appearances.
So why should you care? Well if you can't get there and drool in person, dream about things you only wish you could afford, then we take one for the team and go see it for you. We walk miles, work long hours, shoot hundreds of photos and loads of video. Besides the insane and ridiculous, chrome disco trucks, slammed chop-tops and Fast and Furious wanna-be's with ear-bleeding audio, there are hundreds of "why didn't I think of that?" off-road product ideas and killer custom vehicles that ARE within the realm of Joe Everyman. And probably even Joe Plumber, if he cares.
Often the featured vehicle of the show or spotlight manufacturer sees an immediate and long-running boom on that vehicle, as attendees of the show see many examples of after market products specifically targeting that car or truck. Remember the explosion of the Mini-Coupe? Blame SEMA. This year it’s the Chevy Camaro. Nice.
So what we’ll be bringing you on Off-Road.com, as usual, is anything that catches our roving editor’s eye – the latest new products from familiar names like Skyjacker, AEM, Banks, Toyo, Bully Dog; and some new guys like Allied Steel Buildings, AutoJaw, Goodyear GPS, Portable Parts Washer and Spikes Winter Traction Equipment. Besides extreme off-road applications, we are also looking for goodies to improve towing, hauling, and even the daily driver - 4wd or not.
And yeah, our cameras will probably zoom in on a hot girl or two.
Check back each day next week, November 4 – 7.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 1670
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Jeep Wrangler!
- From: MissLacieMarie
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Description:
Since I was in middle school I have dreamed of having a huge, hot pink Jeep...yes, just like Barbie, lol. Well, on Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, I will have my Jeep...and I will be able to start on my project!!! I am buying a 1996, silver Jeep Wrangler. I am so freakin' excited about this! Here are some photos...
Things I will need to do...
*get a suspension lift kit set up on her
*re-upholster the interior...there are a few cuts in the drivers seat
*get a fill-size cloth top...all this one has is a bikini top
*find the perfect shade of pink and paint this jeep up
*get a chrome grille, make the lights round instead of square
*get KC lights
*get a decent stereo system and cd player
Any input?
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 1115
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Name Jeep Seats - WIN!
- From: Ultimate Off-Roader
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Description:
MURIETTA, CA – August 1, 2009: Premier Racing Products (PRP Seats) is excited to announce the newest addition to their product line, the “New Jeep Style Seat.” Knowing that “New Jeep Style Seat” is a horrible name for a product, PRP is opening a contest to name this seat with the grand prize winner receiving a free set of “New Jeep Style Seats.”
The new seat is 35” tall and 22” wide, with a 5”-thick square headrest which is new for PRP. Through market research, PRP has found this type of headrest gives the most comfort and support for riders not wearing helmets, perfect for the daily driver. They lowered the sides of the seat to make it easy to slide in and out of the vehicle. Although it is called a “New Jeep Style Seat,” it is also perfect for buggies, trucks or any off-road machine. PRP’s new design is the first of its kind in the off-road sector.
“Cheryl and I are both excited about the future of PRP. The new Jeep line of seats should set us apart from every other suspension seat company,” said Griff Hamilton, PRP co-owner. Look for a recliner seat to also be released this month.
PRP Seats would like your help in naming the “New Jeep Style Seat.”
EASY - JUST REPLY TO THIS THREAD WITH YOUR NAME SUGGESTION.
Off-Road.com will be passing this link along to PRP, and they'll be monitoring the entries.
Enter as often as you like; please no profanity or personal names. The “New Jeep Style Seat” name will be selected on August 31st.
The winner will be notified by email or phone within five business days and will receive a set of the “New Jeep Style Seats.” The winner will be responsible for shipping.
PRP Seats takes pride that their products are American-made from the welding of the frames to sewing the covers and assembling the seats. All seats are custom-made to your order at their location in Murrieta, California. They also will embroider PRP at no charge on any seat or cover you order. PRP Seats currently has a two-week turnaround time on their seat production. Visit Premier Racing Products | Intro or call (951) 894-5104 for more information.
GO FOR IT - WIN SOMETHING!!! - Blog post
- 3 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 1035
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RZR Cyclone Ultra-Filters
- From: CHRISBTI
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Description:
Its almost time for desert season and I am worried about new owners with the Polaris RZR. Polaris makes a great machine that has an awsome record of reliabiliy accept for a few things. The Air Box and Air Filter. There have been plenty of complaints about the stock Air filter. I only hope that they double check the connection between the intake and the filter to make sure it is a tight seal since that in one of the points the fine dust is entering. Also the uni filter used is not the greatest, especially if it is not kept clean and oiled properly. I know you think I'm biased because we make the most popular and effective filter on the market, but I assure you that I am only speaking to those who don't know about the better products out there such as the
CYCLONE, UMP, or KMS filter and others that will go above and beyond the stock setup that will save alot of touble and money(i.e engine rebuilds etc) before they head out for a long weekend riding in dust etc..So please take a close look at your setups and ask the dealer if there are any recalls or more info related to these problems. The more info they have the more time and money saved!!!! Thanks and God Speed - Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 865
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My Dive into Blogdom or at lea
- From: teamrenezeder
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Description:
I've thought about putting a blog section on our team website serveral times, but for some reason kept putting it off. Don't know why really...it's a great way to share the wacky personalities that make up our team, and it's a great way to get direct feedback from all the fans. I guess my biggest concern was that it would turn into a pseudo-forum where people would start spouting off about all the things "they know to be true" about our team. It never ceases to amaze me - the number of Carl Renezeder experts there are out there on the forums. But then I realized that a blog would be a great way to get genuine team information out to the off-road community. Info sent out first-hand from the shop that helps tell the story of our team as a whole. By the way, the "I" in this is Jenn and will be most of the time...I'll be sure to let you know if we get a guest blogger in the house. So, here it is, the team's first blog post (I promise to keep it short):
We've actually already started blogging, in a sense, when we got together with Todd Huffman and began the web series: TR17 - Firin' on All Eight. It's a video blog of sorts that tells the behind-the-scenes story of the team. But a video series can only capture so much. The cameras can't roll 24/7, but my office door is open all day, so I get all the team info whether I want to or not. Like today, for instance. Bob came in wondering if I had a camera he could borrow. Um. Sure. What exactly did he need to shoot? Turns out Brett was out back with his shorts rolled up, socks rolled down to the tops of his low-top Doc Martins, and no shirt on spray painting a project in the sunshine, and it just had to be documented for the annual yearbook. Ah. Uh-huh. I had wondered what all of Mike's whistling was about earlier. Sadly (or happily, depending on our current mental status) this is not an anomoly. This is every day. And we love it.
- Blog post
- 2 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 681
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Off-Road Expo!!
- From: MissNicole
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Description:
OOOOOOOOKKKKKKAAAAYYYYY soooooo it was so amazing to meet all of you these past three days! I never thought id get sick of looking at my own name LOL...and on top of that i think i may have writers cramp haha ;) Thanks again to everyone for coming out to see all of us girls, we really appreciate all the love you showed us! I hope to see ya'll again soon, and if you ever see me out, dont hesitate to come up and say hello! much love to ya!
Nicole Christine<3
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 576
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Making Friends in Cold Places
- From: DezertScorpion
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Description:
March 9, 2009 Off-Road.com Update
Stage: Pevek—Uelen
Making friends can be challenging, especially when you don’t speak the native language and are in a foreign land. The Paris-New York Expedition team shows us how on their journey they have faced many challenges, yet have been able to overcome them with the help of new friends.
It’s amazing what humans will do to help a complete stranger under extreme circumstances. Might there be hope for humanity after all?Straight from the road, here are some journal entries from the 2009 Paris-New York Expedition team as they complete their journey through Russia:
March 08, 2009: 39th short message (07:14 a.m. MEZ)
We thank all Russian friends who we were able to meet in the mine and who helped us wherever possible. Starting with the possibility to sleep in the rooms of the workers, further the donation of the last available 300l fuel in the mine (it was from the vehicle of the director!), further the ladies who stitched our tattered clothes and so on and so on...Nevertheless it was time to continue. We had to leave this white mountain area as fast as possible, which kept us in a gilded cage in this gorgeous region in the snow.
It was a struggle against time and decreasing fuel reserve until we reached the roadcamp 20 hours after our start from Valonisti. Due to the fact that we received the warning from the German Weather Service, that a strong-wind-area (hurricane) will hit us (Sunday 12 p.m.), we had a time frame of 24 hours to escape there. That means continuous winching, driving, and shoveling from yesterday 12 p.m. until today morning at 8 a.m. Fast driving in order to reach the destination before the storm meant a higher fuel consumption, slower driving meant led to a decreasing time limit. Basically we had the rule: We have to escape, the show must go on.
And we succeeded. We reached the camp (app. 100km in front of Egvekinot) with the beginning of the increasing wind intensity. We should not have arrived any 2-3 hours later as there is such a storm right now again, that you cannot see your hand in front of your face. If we would not have managed it, all tracks of the convoy would have been gone and we would have been trapped to wait another week in the mountains.
We decided to wait here until the storm is over and to prepare the vehicles and trailers for the upcoming last 1000km on Russian ground. We were kindly offered two small rooms with bed in the camp and given the possibility to use the big garage of the cleaning dozers.
On our way towards Egvekinot, we also crossed the 180th degree of longitude! Now we are in the West and GPW-wise everything is the other way round.
GPS cords: N 67 01`21" / W 178 56`00"
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March 07, 2009: 38th short message (10:32 a.m. MEZ)
We started and try to reach Egvekinot.
We already wanted to decamp yesterday, but after a scouting at the first mountain with a chain-driven vehicle we realized that there was no chance. Today morning at 10 a.m., we noticed the first D10 bulldozer arriving at the mine. We were told, that 2 out of 3 bulldozer left the convoy appr. 35km away in front of Valonisti, due to insufficient fuel for another night. We started immediately in order to use the brand-new cleaned track. Now after 10 hours of driving we are appr. 45km away from the mine. The snow masses are unbelievable stirred. The trucks broke more than 1.5m deep into the snow surface. Extraordinary hard work for us to come through.
Team in good health, vehicles ok, fuel reserve low - only 350l left. We turn down the engines at every stop, heating with the Webasto Thermo-Tops as they only need 0.5l per hour. Outside temperature appr. -30°. Food reserve for appr. 6 days. We have to escape here. It is really a fight against time and a decreasing fuel reserve.
GPS Cords: N 66 39`22" / E 178 19`16"
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March 06, 2009: 37th short message (05:05 a.m. MEZ)
Engine fan is working. We built one by our own out of several Jeep and non-Jeep parts as well as Russian wrapping technique. It is spinning in the wrong direction but that doesn't matter. Main point is a non overheating vehicle and that we can continue our journey with F2. We will see if it provides the same performance with full load and trailer.
Furthermore, more or less catastrophic circumstances. Snowfall and winds are hardly weakening. We are not able to leave. Got stuck. A second convoy from the direction of Pevek also got stuck somewhere between 50 to 150km away from here. That means there are 12 trucks, 3 crawlers and 1 chain-driven scout vehicle with 30 people in total have to wait for improvement in the weather somewhere in the wilderness.
In terms of the situation, we currently have double risk. Insufficient fuel and too extreme track. We currently have 600l prepared fuel mixture. Normally that would perfectly be enough for the 300km to Egvekinot. But as we assume to be trapped in snow again, that could become scarce. Therefore we decided to wait for one of the convoys. If the one from Pevek is arriving first, we will refuel another 400l and start on our way. Then there would still be the risk of being trapped in the snow, but we are able to wait in warmth. If the convoy from Egvekinot is arriving first, we will start with the fuel reserve we have right now. As crossing of the pass must be possible, that reserve should be sufficient. Either way, we have to leave here. It is really blatant. The men told us, that last year was hardly any snow in whole Tschukotka. This year there are really huge amounts of snow masses - even for experienced ones.
--
March 05, 2009: 36th short message (11:57 a.m. MEZ)
Trapped between mountains
It is really stressful. On the one hand we are trying hard to find and modify a 12v fan engine, one the other hand the weather conditions appr. 30km outside of the mine are such extreme, that we are not able to continue. A convoy consisting out of 2 D10 bulldozer, one chain-driven vehicle in front and 7 trucks, which is on its way to the mine of Ewekinot, is trapped in snow masses since several days. Nobody knows where they are. They assume them to be appr. 32km away from Valonisti in valley in front of the dreaded pass. There is no radio contact with the trapped people and no dozers are starting due to safety reasons. It is simply not possible. Even a scout car which intended to start today came back. Sh**. - Blog post
- 8 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 551
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I don't have enough!?
- From: Younggun95
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Description:
" What happens if we dont have enough?" That was the question we just found ourselves asking the attendant at a toll booth in northern New York.
When we went through the first booth we were utterly confused. We pulled up to the attendant in the little box in our semi, leaned most of our body out the window to reach them, they handed a small ticket sort of thing to us, and said have a good day. We took that as our clue to take off. That was it, no directions for what to do with it or anything. We were left to ponder the next few miles what the hell we were supposed to do with that ticket. All we new is that it said something about being in trouble with the law if you lost the ticket. When we finally exited the interstate we went through another toll booth and luckily we saw the person in front of use hand them their ticket so we knew what to do with it. This time they asked us for about $9. We had enough cash to handle that. The next morning though we went a lot farther down the interstate. When we finally got back off almost 5 hours later we thought we had heard the person wrong. They were asking us for $40! They wouldn't even take a credit card from us. We dug around in our pockets for a while, and only came up with $26. They ended up taking our money and our license plate number, and sending us off with another ticket saying how much we owed. Luckily they gave us directions this time.
You would think chargin people that much the roads in NY would be amazing. But nope. They've been just as crappy as IL, OH, PA, MI and all the other states weve been through.
Lesson: Never travel in NY without a buttload of cash!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 501
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Project Big Bad Chevy
- From: Mike330R
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Description:
More info on Project Big Bad Chevy here!
Met up with a guy from the SCUFF forums (socalultimate4x4.com) and his friend at I8 and Highway 79. After searching for the trailhead, we came upon a truck towing a trailer with a Polaris Ranger. After talking to them we decide this was where we needed to go. They said they got 1/2 mile on the ranger and had to turn back due to it being to rough *eye roll*
We didn't let that stop us
As we headed up the trail we soon found what we did not expect. From the description of the trail from folks over at SCUFF we expected a smooth road up to the rock with just a few obstacles, but we found a rutted out road that would not allow you to hold a full cup of an ice-cold beverage without the need of a lid!
After airing down we bounced up the trail headed towards pancake rock. Took us a while but we made it along with taking a few pic's and video. Once on top of the rock the view was amazing! Clear as day towards the East but a heavy marine layer hovering over the ocean, which we were looking down on!
After a video/picture/snack/rest opportunity we headed down the rock and hung a right to continue on the trail expecting to eventually lead to anther paved road. We soon found a locked gate down in the valley L
We took another photo opportunity and headed back towards the rock and tried another trail. By this time my motor was going crazy and not wanting to stay running while in gear unless I was generous with the right pedal. Seemed like it was flooding and stalling out. Was fun to get restarted. Going down hills I would keep it in neutral and keep the RPM's up to keep it from stalling. We made our way down the second trail and soon found another locked gate!
Back we went towards the rock to take the trail we had come in on. My motor was getting worse. Once at the rock it's pretty narrow, I had to bash my way through there (being generous with the right pedal). I made it most of the way and the truck died. Got her started 5 minutes later and romped my way through. Once headed down hill, again I did the 'neutral/rev it' trick and basically bounced down the hill to the paved road. Glad this truck is beefy 'cause it took some nice hits.I'm ready to go again once the motor gremlins are ironed out! It was detonating like a mofo on the way home while hard on the gas
Also looking forward to new National Springs that aren't so stiff!
- Video blog post
- 5 months ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 495
