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• Rick Sieman - Don't Ask

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • Description:

    Every month, our dirtbike section burns up the line with Rick Sieman's "Don't Ask" column.  If you haven't read it before, you are missing out.  2 parts grouch slapping people for not using proper grammar, 2 parts grouch slapping people for asking stupid questions, amid a whole lot of technical motorcycle expertise, stirred together with a healthy dose of vintage nostalgia and bench racing.

    This month, it has spilled and overflowed, so we thought we'd bring you a sneak peek here first - look for the full column on the Off-Road.com Dirtbike Editorial site April 1.  But for now, enjoy.  And beware!

    DON’T ASK!

    QUESTIONS ANSWERED, INSULTS HURLED, LESSONS LEARNED

                                                     ***

     DIRE WARNINGS AND THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW

    If you choose to email a question to this forum, then you must conduct yourself accordingly.   Therefore, the following rules are in order

    1. Do not write your email to me IN CAPS. If you  do so, I will print out your question and do terrible things to it.

    2. Do not request a personal email response.  Since I get thousands of questions each month,  trying to answer them all would cut deeply into my leisure time, which I value more than your current state of confusion.

    3. Try to spell at least in a semi-correct fashion. If you choose to mangle the English language, expect no mercy from this quarter. You might be mocked severely.

    4. Do not ask for me to send you copies of my many manuals and literature. I am not in the library business, nor do I want to spend the bulk of my day at the copy machine just because you're too lazy to ask your dealer, or look around a bit.

    5. Don't bother me with truly stupid questions, like how to get 50 more horsepower for a buck and a half

    6. Now that you know the rules, think carefully and have at it!

    Oh yes … I’ll leave your email unedited, for what it’s worth.

                                        ***

    SUBJECT:  BUILDING YOUR OWN DIRT BIKE

    Im a 10 year old boy who loves to ride dirtbikes. I have a project Im working on. I have an old dirtbike frame and I have an old leaf blower that runs. I want to put the leaf blower in the dirtbike frame and I cant figure out how to rig up the throttle. Do you have any sugestions that might give me an idea for this project?
    J. Ryeley
    
    This called for some comments from Matt Cuddy, who has built more weird dirt bikes that any person alive. The fact that he's still alive is mute testimony to his skills in this department.  Read and learn:

    Very good idea there my 10 year old friend, but you didn't mention what type of frame you have, so I will have to think it's a standard mini-bike frame.

    The big problem with leaf blower motors is they are very small (about 30cc) and once you get the fan cage off, you'll see that the crankshaft end that's sticking out of the case is tiny, about the size of your pinky finger, and almost impossible to mount any type of clutch or sprocket to.

    Also, there are no "motor mounts" on the tiny motor to speak of, and the best bet would be constructing a motor mount that bolts to the case halves, and the bottom of the frame. Too much work, for too little power from that itsy-bitsy motor.

    I suggest you find a five horsepower Briggs & Stratton laying around somewhere (a 3 & 1/2 horse works too) and your problems will be solved, as there are thousands of places where you can buy parts for the Briggs, and even more places that sell clutches, throttles, hop-up kits, etc.

    While your idea on using a weed-blower motor is sound in thinking, in practical application it would be almost impossible to mount, and the low horsepower from the tiny little two stroke would hardly move you and your bike at the same time.

    Go with a Briggs & Stratton, or if you're really into technology, an over head valve 4 HP Honda. Please keep us updated on the project, and maybe we'll run a full report on it, in the dirtbike section of Off-Road.com.

                                                              ***

    SUBJECT:  REMEMBER MUNTZ CYCLE PARK?

    Hey Rick!

    I called you a few years ago. What a phone bill! You were still in Mex. Just wanted to thank you for Dirt Bike Magazine. I bought the first few issues, then here and there bought more. Shouda kept those first ones. Hope you are doing well. Remember Munts Cycle Park? Did it become Valley for a while? I rented some s**tbox Suzuki one time. ran like a...well...a rental dirt bike! Handled like wheelbarrow with a flat and only one handle! 

    I would have "ghost rode" it down that gnarly hill climb, but it couldn't make it up the back way. Wasn't the first bike to make it up that hill a dirt bike with a Kawasaki H500 triple in it? I heard the first bike to make it up was going to get $500 (the rider) Remember any of that? Right across from the Simi Drive-in used to be a Dunecycle rental track. Got kicked out 'cause my friend and I got to the very rear of the course and stayed there too long shooting around instead of just making the lap. 

    Well, I've read "MONKEY BUTT" at least 5 times, now. A very educational read. All dirt-bikers should buy it! All true, too! (?) I grew up in Thousand Oaks, California from '57 to '73 when I graduated H.S. and went into the Army. What a great time to be off-road! Also, I heard someone was looking for info on the Chris Cycle. A friend had one. It was cool! not quite a Hodaka powered Bonanza, but it still ran good. Had a long, chrome gas tank, a real clutch and i think a 4 speed. Made in Italy, I think. 

    Well, hope to hear from you and/or read your answers in "DON'T ASK". By the way, was my grammar and/or spelling okay? Take notes, mini-riders, It can be done. My skool musta ben gooder then yurs.

    Dave Fruhling
    Gold Hill, OR

    Wow, your email brings back a lot of memories.  Muntz Cycle Park got renamed Valley Cycle Park and it used to be a great place to ride.  Hang on to that first copy of DB, as it's going for around $200 now.  Your spelling was "way gooder" than normal.

                                                              *** 

    SUBJECT:  WHICH BIKE SHOULD HE GET? 

    Hi Rick,

    I was wanting a newer kx 500 kawasaki, I like them alot ,but i dont know if i can get on one as Im 5'10 but 30in, in the seam,? do i get an oplder bike and fit on it rick or do i get the kx and have it adjusted if its possible,? I was looking at the older 73 maico 400's in orange and the older 74 yamaha 250,360 mx's,too, I mean if i could fina an older maico id get it but ive heard about the thing on parts and pieces falling off but i still like them they were really something and handled really good, please help me Rick on this ok, im 48 and getting back into riding ok, thanks alot

    kirk c.
    Alton, KS

    If you're just getting back into riding, then consider a KDX 200, most any year in the last decade.  They're great bikes and very reliable.  If you want to race vintage and reliability is the prime issue, consider a CZ.  Stay away from the KX500.  In my opinion, it's a poor bike. 

                                                              ***

    SUBJECT:  ELSINORE OR PURSANG? 

    Rick

    I have found a one owner 79 elsinore $2500,,, Also, a 75 Pursang, same price , this is 175cc frame with 250 top end... whats your opinion? Both within driving distance, im a novice mxer although I have ridden them for a lot years (not lately) .

    Rohn Ussery
    Robins AFB, GA  

    Forget the Pursang and go for the Elsinore, although  the price seems high for a 79, unless it's perfect.  

                                                              *** 

    SUBJECT:  NO GAS TO A 1985 CR500 

    I just bought a 85 cr 500. I took the carb apart, cleaned it and the reeds and rad valve and put a new spark plug in it. It fired right up with the old gas still in it. then I drained the remainder out and put new gas in and now it wont start. Can you help?

    Brad
    Paso Robles, CA 

    From what you described, it sounds like the gas is not flowing into the carb.  Float level might be grossly off, or the float needle might be  stuck.  Check this first. 

                                                              *** 

    SUBJECT:  LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT BIKE 

    Hi Rick

    kirk c, from kansas here, still looking at bike,s I still like the TM 400 suzuki , I mean the 74 model Is  this one better than the 71's that were hand grenades? I hope so as i cant find anything that i like as much or the looks of than a TM 400, maicos are ok kinda crude looking, buls are neat if you worked on them first, 

    Yamahas are nice if you can find a good one,I like the 360 MX, 74 mod, I think the older yammies and suzukis are kinda in the same league, good quality, or as good as anything out there if you got good shocks, and redid the forks, and jet the carbs right than youll have a sweet bike, Plus,,,, they fit me alot better than the newer stuff that looks like puddle jumpers, 

    I m sure glad your doing good Rick, and i heard that you guys are moving back to Az, good move, Im not nuts just looking and not buying  but i have to be sure like you in what im gettingI know you said the older Elsinore 250M's were really nice too and id like to have one if people didnt think they were made from gold, and were asking wayyyy too much for one, or the old thing where pour all your money in it but get nothing out of it, 

    Im sure glad your there rick to help and guide guys like me  that know better than to be swayed by anything trendy and then it dies out, hope things are going good with you guys,

    cordially

    Kirk C,  

    The 1974 TM400 was actually better than the original beast.  If you want to race an older (and lower) bike, the best pre-75 bike you can get is a Maico.  Period.   

                                                              *** 

    Want more? Check out past editions of "Don't Ask!"

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 5498

• Craftsman Tools of the Trade

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • Description:

    Reclaim your garage!

    My favorite Press Event of SEMA so far - with an 80 year history in the auto mechanics business, Craftsman rolled out some cool goodies this year.

    Versatrack system - 4' sections of track attach to studs in your garage or shop - directly over drywall or with spacing to use the pegboard system.  Any configuration of hooks and cabinets, sliding, lockable to track.

    Then slap some of the magnetic stick-on tool cabinet "art" to customize your shop - with over 80 images, you can cheer for your favorite team or hoo-rah with the military.

    Buy just what you want and nothing more, with the Build-a-set series - custom order the individuals sizes you need, they come packed in an individual plastic tray that can be slipped into the main Craftsman Tool Storage systems or a new portable tool box.

    Pick up a remote control Craftsman RC truck - powered by the same cordless battery the big boy tools use!

    And best of all, the new Next Tech line, your favorite cordless tools "shrunk down" to a smaller and more portable size.  Reciprocal saw, cordless drill, flashlight and new Hammer Head tool.

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 4041

• Moab 2009: Trail Ride with Wal

  • From: Ultimate Off-Roader
  • 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 runs

    If 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
  • Views: 3259

• 2010 SnowShoot Sled List

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • Description:

    So what are we riding this week in Grand Lake Colorado?  In between 45 mph winds, we are scheduled to get on:

    Arctic Cat
    CF8 SP LE
    Z1 Turbo EXT
    Z1 Turbo SP
    Z1 Turbo LXR
    TZ1 Turbo LXR
    F8 SP LE
    F8 SP
    HCR M8 153
    CFR 800 LE
    Bearcat Z1 XT

    Yamaha
    RS Vector GT
    RS Vector LTX GT
    FX Nytro XTX
    Phazer RTX
    Nytro RTX SE
    Nytro MTX SE 162
    Venture GT
    Venture Lite

    Ski-Doo
    MXZ Adrelaline 800R
    Summit X
    Renegade X Back Country 800
    MXZ XRA 800R
    MXZ X 800R
    GSX LE 600 HO
    Summit Everest
    GTX 550
    GTX 1200

    Polaris
    Turbo LX
    800 Dragon RMK 155
    Rush 600
    600 LX
    800 Assault RMK

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 3071

• Hello my Hotties!!

  • From: MissJanica
  • Description:

    How is everyone doing today? I am having an amazing day so far...I am thinking about going to the beach in a little ...it is soo nice out today. ; ) Maybe go down to Malibu and surf...I hope that everyone else is having a great day as well.

     

    xo

    Janica

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 2867

• Don't Kill Your Buddy

  • From: pattie_waters
  • Description:

    With a racer in the family, we re-fresh and re-sell our race quads several times in a season.  The bike is barely used so the recreational buyer is always getting a heckuva deal. Win - Win.

    However, a recent deal struck a nerve -

    Got a call from a guy on an ad we had placed, and he was all excited to buy the hottest thing he could get his hands on.  We drive 5 hours, he drives 2 1/2 to meet in the "middle" (though since he's an hour and a half LATE, who knows what he'd been doing). 

    Eventually he meets us to pay for it and take it home. First warning sign was that the guy arrived wearing white sweats and loafers.  Okay... 

    His buddies back home have apparently assured him what he "needs" to buy is the fastest, bestest he can get, oh yeah, yeah! 

    So this guy - that has apparently NEVER BEEN ON AN ATV - takes off with a hopped-up YFZ450.  Generally we spend some time going through the upgrades on the bike so the buyer appreciates what he's getting, how to use and maintain it.  Set up for varying conditions.  He was most excited about the new decal kit that came with it.  This guy, all we could do is suggest he take the twist throttle off immediately and don't take it for a test-drive through his paved neighborhood when he unloads it, wearing loafers...

    He will likely be a statistic within weeks - one more number that someone somewhere can use to say "See! Look how dangerous ATVs are!"

    Somewhere back in Portland there are some idiots that this guy calls "friends." If they gave a damn about him, or knew what THEY were talking about, they would have advised he start out with a stock Suzuki Z400 or similar. With good resale value, he would have lost nothing after a season or two LEARNING TO RIDE. Put $4k into the bike and $500 into good riding gear, head to toe.

    And maybe tennis shoes and jeans to wear when you are loading it into your minivan, dude!

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 2855

• Fast Kids and Hospitals

  • From: pattie_waters
  • 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
  • Views: 2795

• Don't Ask - Sneak Peek!

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • 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
  • Views: 2786

• WORCS ATV Round 7

  • From: Younggun95
  • Description:

    This weekend is the 7th round of the ATV World Off-Road Championship series at Honey Lake MX in Milford, CA. I'm really excited to get back to the racing that I've done for a long time.

    Been a while since I've raced off-road instead of ATV MX. In January I competed in the BITD Parker 250, but I didn't even get to run all of what I was supposed to.

    Some of you might know that I've won 4 WORCS National Championships, one of them in Pro-Am, and a lot of people have been looking forward to me racing in the Pro class to see how I do.  I've got a brand new Can-Am quad, and an entirely new training regime, so I'm looking forward to my Pro debut.

    After this weekend, I'll let you know how the racing went. Pro main kicks off at noon on Sunday.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 2756

• Polaris Rush - First-Ride Scor

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • Description:

    

    *It does need to be stated right up front - our test riders are hard-core mountain sled fiends.  While they do have technical familiarity with and extensive seat time on the entire range of sleds, a truly "performance" model is going to have a harder time impressing them. So take that for what it's worth. If that's not your riding style, you may not agree with these opinions at all.

    So after all the hype, were our test riders dazzled?  Well, not entirely.

    As expected, the RUSH scored high and impressed on power and throttle response.  "Rips for a 600", "Great response, feels very snappy", and "Motor pulls hard!"  Braking scored well too, which is important if you've got 600cc's of clean-fire power you are needing to stop.

    However, with all the suspension technology one rider felt the Rush rode heavy. Of course, we'll admit our snow conditions on the morning we rode it were not optimum. Polaris specs state estimated dry weight of 459 pounds.

    While it's not intended as a touring or really even a trail sled - it's all performance - we had to ding it for having zero storage capacity, but you can pick up some accessory bags.

    For looks, one rider liked it, one not so much, one said it was "interesting". One rider felt the windshield was too narrow, a larger rider found the bars too wide when cornering.

    Here's our reviewer first impression scores from SnowShoot at Grand Lake CO:

    	Dan	Rowdy	Dusty	Ave
    Handling	4	4	4	4.00
    Suspension	4	5	4	4.33
    Braking	5	4	5	4.67
    Throttle	5	5	4	4.67
    Power	5	5	5	5.00
    Weight	4	4	4	4.00
    Skis	3	4	4	3.67
    Engine Access	5	4	3	4.00
    Looks	4	3	4	3.67
    Seat	5	4	4	4.33
    Windshield	3	4	4	3.67
    Handlebars	4	4	4	4.00
    Running board	4	3	4	3.67
    Storage	3	1	1	1.67
    Overall Tech/Ingenuity	4	3	4	3.67
    total	62	57	58	59.00
    average	4.13	3.80	3.87	3.93

     

    Undoubtedly mags will be naming it Snowmobile of the Year all over the place, because it really is about the only thing new and different for 2010. What did our sled guru think? We are still awaiting his decision, but he asked we prepare an award for Mountain Sled of the Year and Trail Sled of the Year, so who knows what he's thinking... We do know at over $10k, he is concerned about price...

    Stay tuned for Dan Canfield's detailed Expert Opinion on the RUSH, as well as the entire 2010 Polaris line up, coming to Off-Road.com's Snowmobile section in a couple weeks. 

    And Yamaha reviews will be up for your reading pleasure next week! CORRECTION - Yamaha Line up is UP!

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 2682

• Hayabusa Powered Class 10 Bugg

  • From: CraigPerronneatORC
  • Description:

    Okay so check this thing out. Its a tiny Class 10 buggy desert racer. For those that don't know, Class 10 is a more limited version of the Unlimited Class 1 buggies. While Class 10 can run pretty much whatever they want for suspension, they are limited in engine. The crew at Speed Unlimited decided to take a buggy and shrink it way down. The total weight is on 1,400 lbs. Instead of using a conventional engine, the crew then stabbed a Suzuki Haaubusa motorcycle engine it that produces 185 horsepower. It then runs through a small chain to a gear box that is simply a set of gears and not a transmission. Best of Hayabusu engines are cheap (around $3000) compared to the $15,000 that a well built Class 10 engine can run. Total package turnkey should run around $50,000. It reminds us of the old Mini Mag concept except with a much better engine package. Pretty cool!

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 2205

• Change all tires at once?

  • From: TireGuy
  • 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
  • Views: 2190

• Josh Frederick Profile

  • From: pattie_waters
  • 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
  • Views: 2112

• EFI Ease!

  • From: Younggun95
  • Description:

    I definetly dont miss the days of carburetors! I guess a lot of quads still use carburetors but most of the new 450's have all been switched to fuel injection.

    On my old Yamaha YFZ when we built a motor for it with ported head and changed exhaust and everything else, you had to spend hours getting the jetting right. Running the quad, checking for popping or sputtering, analyzing the color of the exhaust tip trying to tell if it is lean or rich. Removing the gas tank and plastic a million times to be able to get to the carburetor. Then carrying around a huge pack of different jets, needles and clips so when you travel to a race 14 hours away you aren't left stranded with a poorly running quad.

    I just had a GYT-R Head, Piston, and Cams added to my '09 YFZ450R, but instead of doing these hours of jetting, all I had to do was call Dynojet, the maker of the PCV Powercommander, ask them for a map for my quad, and 5 minutes later I had a map emailed to me to make all of my modifications run right. Now, all I have to do is plug my laptop into my Power Commander, upload the map to the little Power Commander box under the seat on my quad, and Im ready to roll!

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Views: 2053

• Not A Cream Puff

  • From: pattie_waters
  • Description:

    I am not a cream puff. Van Holmes says so.
    

    Maybe still a squishy éclair, but I have officially graduated from Cream Puff!  That’s a much nicer term than off-road chicken, wuss, wimp. All actually pretty accurate.  

    I don’t know if I was born scared or if it was pounded into me growing up. The only thing I knew about motorcycles was that my dad’s cousin had been killed on one, and they were BAD. I was forbidden to ever ride, if the opportunity ever came up. Which oddly, it really didn’t. (Could my parents have been pre-screening my friends?) Never mind that falling off my horse sent me to the ER at least three times that I remember, but now THAT was okay.

    Or maybe fraidy-cat was duly earned when the first time I did ever actually ride an ATV it was a three-wheeler with my soon-to-be-husband. We of course rode double, and while I did have a helmet on, I apparently needed back-armor for when he would flip it over going up a hill, impaling the handlebars into my back. (He avoided any injury.) Put another notch in the SCARED OF THAT column.

    So of course it makes logical sense that the industry I have now spent over fifteen years in, is off-roading. 4x4 trail riding, ATVs, the occasional snowmobile. Don’t even think that it’s because I got over my fear and managed to amass a spit-load of awesome off-road girl skills. Nope. Totally still a chicken, completely skill-less. When it comes to the tough or remotely challenging riding assignments, I hire a reporter and off they go. Have a good time, don’t miss it a bit.

    Although I will admit one brief moment of insanity when I actually rode in the Adelanto Grand Prix. Nope, I won't call it racing - I was more like a moving obstacle for other riders to avoid as they roosted by, but I did it - more than half the laps of the leaders, so that counted as a finish! But come on - that's flat land through town. How much trouble was I going to get into there?

    So how was it that I ended up behind the wheel of a 2009 Yamaha Rhino in the San Bernadino Hills – for a SAFETY ride, of all things? Yeah, nothing like experienced drivers, right?  But I had full safety gear head to toe, a calm experienced voice riding along with me that knew the vehicle and knew the trail, and on anything tough, a guide in front of me as well, showing me the exact line to take. If I was going to challenge myself and TRUST some wheels, this was it.

    Guess what?  I survived. And more than that, I had a blast. Reminded me of the good old days when our son was about 8 and I could almost keep up with him when we went out on trail rides as a family. That was a very long time ago, and I had since become a camp-sitter, as he got faster and faster, and so did all the people we camped with. I got a lot of reading done. Never regretted it, I was perfectly content. And safe.

    But there I was, on the trail with other ATV magazine editors and writers, marketing and product reps from Yamaha, and I was having at it!  There was one hill I did trade seats and shoot video instead of driving, and I probably would have been fine. But 70+ miles is a lot for someone who generally navigates a desk chair and keyboard, so I think I paid for the fun with enough sore muscles for the day.

    So what’s the moral? I guess you are never too old to try something new, you gotta trust someone sometime (even if it’s not your husband, that’s probably okay), and there really is a place for UTVs and ATVs beyond the wild sand dune flyers or crazy mud boggin. This was one of the most relaxing, enjoyable days I’ve had in years, made me feel alive, and showed me some beautiful scenery I never would have experienced otherwise.

    I might not do it again any time soon, but I won’t forget it either. So don’t you DARE try to legislate that away from me.

    -ptw

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 1928

• Friendly Competition

  • From: jburns
  • Description:

    Ahhh, sometimes the best ideas are dreamed up in bars ... a few Negra Modelas during dinner last night spawned a little friendly competition between editor Scott Rousseau and I. We strated talking about overall winner in the Trophy Truck class, and before we knew it we had a small wager mapped out, with each of us picking a few teams in the class. We picked four teams, but only our top two will be in play. Our wager is on the combined finish of the top two, and then we have a seperate one on whether or not we pick the winner. Our waiter Victor pulled out a coin to decide which of us picks first ... I guessed wrong. Just a note: Always call tails! For some reason I abandoned this rule. Awesome.

    Anyway, Scott jumped out and took Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, then  I took Brian Colins/Chuck Hovey and we went from there. Here's how the teams shook out:

     

    Scott:

    Mark Post/MacCachren

    Larry Roeseler/Roger Norman

    Rick & Ricky Johnson

    Mark Miller/Ryan Arciero

     

    Josh:

    Brian Collins/Chuck Hovey

    Ironman BJ Baldwin

    Chad & Larry Ragland

    Robby Gordon

     

    You'll be hearing plenty of gloating or whatever at some point, but we both feel pretty good about our teams. Scott definitely had the advantage with the first pick, but I'm feeling solid on mine. Anything can happen in Baja ... like my team kicking his to the curb. Go team JB!

     

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 1707

• Kevlar Conquers the Cinder Con

  • From: JeepCreep
  • Description:

    Kevlar Conquers the Cinder Cones

     

    Goodyear’s new MT/R tires work well in an unusual environment.

     

    By Jim Brightly
    The Jeep Creep

     

    About 18 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, on US 89, hard up against the shoulders of the Sunset Crater Volcano—and adjacent to its monument—we found Fun with a capital “F”. Known throughout the Arizona off-road community as the Cinder Cones, you’ll find trails winding between pine trees, hills that make the Glamis dunes look like ant hills, and challenges galore.

     

    You’ll also find plenty of level areas among the trees for camping, whether you’re in a tent, trailer, or motorhome—and plenty of space for entire clubs as well. Watched over by the US National Forest Service, you’ll have to see a ranger for a fire permit; or you could stay next door in the Bonita Campground within the monument (it has running water and flushing toilets).

     

    But let’s get to the reasons for our trip to the Cinder Cones in the first place. Two reasons: It’s a cool place to visit—literally and figuratively—during the middle of an Arizona summer, and we wanted to test the new Goodyear MT/R tires with Kevlar on our 2007 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited (for more information on the modifications to the JK see all six facets of “Polishing a Rubi” here on ORC), so we spent the July Fourth weekend in the high country.

     

    0    This is one of the shorter hill climbs in the Cinder Cone area. Gordon and Cheri Both brought their Cherokee to show us the way. Gordy had let his air down as soon as we hit the cinders.

     

     

    Over the years that I’ve been testing off-road tires, starting in the ‘70s, I’ve found that almost any tire can exhibit great traction if its pressures are reduced. The real test of a new tread and tire design comes when it’s left at highway pressures and is still expected to perform off road. If you’re familiar with your vehicle’s performance, then you can better evaluate the tires’ performance when they’re full of air.

     

     

    The one-way tread design of the new MT/R (it must have the correct sidewall facing outward when mounted) appears to be wide open enough to operate well in mud and sand, and the added lugs on the sidewalls promised to add traction in the soft stuff and when the air pressure is reduced. (As I’ve already indicated, the MT/R tires with Kevlar worked very well on the red rocks of Moab, but the soft stuff was still an unknown.)

     

     

    Cheri’s trying the hill now with Gordy standing by with a camera. The JK climbed these slopes with nary a niggle, even full of air.

     

     

    On the more level and hard-packed trails, the MT/R tires acted much as they did on pavement: low noise, excellent traction (fore, aft and on curves), with very good stability. When we hit the less-traveled trails—which were steeper and softer—I could feel them digging in slightly, then the sidewall lugs began working and the JK flowed right along through the pines with just a slight increase in RPM and an occasional downshift (albeit I did need low range once we began the climbing, possibly because of the altitude, which was hovering on both sides of 8,000 feet).

     

     

     

    Only the extreme trails, both in length and angle, defeated the JK. But now that I know that the Goodyear MT/R tires with Kevlar could conquer the Cinder Cones when full of air, I’ll be returning soon with only 8 pounds in them. Watch out, Cinder Cones!

     

     

     

     

    Many of the hills—or cones—topped out with loops like this one to give successful climbers a 360-degree view.

     

     

     

    Looking east-by-southeast, we could almost see the curvature of the Earth the air was so clear and the distances were so great.

     

     

    Looking back toward Flagstaff, we were able to see several steep trails, which we later explored.

     

    

    

    Here’s the “Cadillac Hill” of the Cinder Cones. This is the grand-daddy of all the cones, and only hefty horsepower was the only thing that could get you to the top. We couldn’t even estimate its height, but it dwarfs anything at Glamis.

    We did run into some unexpected roadblocks on the trails at the Cinder Cones, purely nature-made, probably from washouts or lightning strikes. Driving in cinders is just like driving in sand. The lower the pressures you can go, the better. Next time I’m going the tackle the cones with only 8 pounds in my Wranglers.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 1693

• SEMA - why should you care?

  • From: PowersportsEditor
  • 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
  • Views: 1670

• Can-Am vs Arctic Cat at a dese

  • From: Vtr_Racing
  • Description:

    Its true! The newly formed pro class in the Score desert racing series has these two ATV`s going at it for the victory at this years Score San Felipe 250 in Baja Norte Mexico. Jason Wade`s Can AM 800cc Renegade is a purpose built quad just for desert racing. Originally built by Epic Racing a few years ago, this quad has some very unique features. Fines Double Racing`s Reid Rutherford and team on their Arctic Thundercat is not going to let Jason get off easy. While both are friends this is fierce competition and

    bragging rights for Can Am or Arctic Cat. Desert racing has never really had Utility quads racing in their midst. Josh Fredericks rode the other Epic Renegade a few years ago at the Baja 1000 and did well. This bike was at that very same race.The ArcticCat raced last years Baja 1000. This should be an epic battle between 2 very large machines. The 1000 CC Arctic Thundercat has the horsepower advantage here. However, the Can Am has the suspension and is lighter and this race has many miles of infamous San Felipe whoops. Very tough on machinery. Good luck to both these teams. Follow the Can Am team here....Spot GPS Tracking.

    http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0hfzusXEpUjlFuM2WfdM08miPoOik52l4

    

    Correction, Honda did run a pair of Honda Ranchers a few years ago in the pro class at the Baja 1000. They won! Doug Eichner road one and so did the late Pancho Castro (rest in peace brother). Wayne Moridian from PEP did the shocks on them.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 1462

• My First SEMA

  • From: DirtSports1
  • Description:

    So it's time again for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to host its big aftermarket trade shindig in Las Vegas. Coming from the motorcycle world, I've never really had the opportunity to visit the SEMA show, and I have to say that I'm pretty stoked to finally get the chance.

    For years, a buddy and I have talked about heading to Vegas and figuring out a way to sneak into the show. We talked about doing stuff like showing up with one of his really nice Mopar musclecars and trying to convince them that it's a display vehicle or "borrowing" a couple of those yellow Staff Pro geek jackets and taking a horseload of steroids so that we could convince people we were there to "work security." He eventually managed to weasel his way in, but I'm still waiting for my chance to go to SEMA. It's finally going to happen this year.

    It'll be nice to be able to walk in with a legitimate badge. The only bummer is that it means I will actually be working the show as a Dirt Sports guy. That should be okay for our loyal readers, as I plan to show you as much cool off-road stuff from the show as I can find.  With acres of Las Vegas Convention Center real estate showcasing thousands of exhibitors displaying everything under the sun and tons of cool project vehicles, there should be plenty show you. I'm planning to post stories and videos, so you'll want to check back here to see what I come up with. I'll probably spend a big part of the show working the off-road hall, but that won't be the only place I'll be. It should be cool. 

    If you're there, and you know what I look like, stop me and say hello. I always dig talking to enthusitastic Dirt Sports and ORC. If you have a complaint about something that you've seen, just keep walking. 

    In either case, make sure to check back on ORC during this next week. There's going to be a lot going on from SEMA.

    SR

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 1401