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WHO NEEDS A V-TWIN?

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WHO NEEDS A V-TWIN?

There are a number of different cylinder layouts for ATVs including single cylinder, parallel twin, even firing parallel twin, V-twin, and variations on mounting them, including transversely.

We’ve often heard comments from our readers telling us they think the V-twin is the ideal engine layout for a 4-wheeler.

Kawasaki, Arctic Cat and Can-Am are the most notorious users of the V-twin layout and there are some advantages to this cylinder configuration.

The most obvious is that a V-twin can be narrower than a parallel twin, potentially providing more foot space at the running boards.

The difference is actually marginal when compared to a normally mounted big-inch single because the foot area width really comes from the clutches and engine cases, not the fact the cylinders are one behind the other.

Probably the best way to get the running boards narrower is to mount the engine transversely like Honda does and Polaris with its XP models.

A V-twin is narrower up top and allows the designers to make the area above the rider’s knees a bit less intrusive, but foot well width is a bit more of a challenge.

If you’re arguing big-inch singles versus V-twins, there’s no denying a 700cc or larger single is far lighter than a comparable V-twin.

The low-end grunt factor from a big single is a real good feature when you’re slogging in deep mud or sand in 4WD, too.

V-twins, particularly smaller displacement ones, need to produce RPMs to get good climbing results or take advantage of gummy traction situations.

This factor is less noticeable with bigger displacements (over 700ccs), but we think the single cylinder layout is best for engines up to about 600ccs.

Certainly, the power pulses are smoother from a V-twin and there is less vibration with any twin cylinder engine.

Truth is, though, that just doesn’t seem to be much of a factor with ATVs owners seeking power. Most will gladly compromise smoothness to get power results.

STUPID GAS PRICES AND WHAT ARE WE GETTING?

Rick Sosebee
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STUPID GAS PRICES AND WHAT ARE WE GETTING?

Being mechanically inclined I work on many different small engines, but ATVs are my primary target.

I hear the same comments every year about fueling issues. Its typically asked like this, “My ATV will crank and idle, but then goes dead when I press the throttle.”

I usually tell the person to check the carburetor float bowl for varnish on the primary or enrichening jets. This is usually the culprit and when its cleaned they’re back to the trail for hours of fun.

When I started looking into the causes of varnishing I began to wonder just what’s added to my now $3.75 a gallon “cheap” gas and why the price is going up when the actual fuel content is being thinned by many foreign fluids.

We’re paying more for less and it seems to be causing more than just an empty pocket. The ethanol in the fuel contributes to the varnishing but we are supposed to believe that it does not. Some say that the gasoline you buy can be as much as 4% water as well!

I know that if a carbureted ATV sits for more than three to four weeks it will likely require a fuel system overhaul. My question is, how many additives are compromising the fuel we put into our tanks?

WHAT’S WITH 4 RIDERS IN A SXS?

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WHAT’S WITH 4 RIDERS IN A SXS?

Okay, we get it. If you’re working on a utility line or hiking around a work site, it makes a lot of sense to have room for a couple of extra passengers.

It’s a no-brainer that in a work environment, extra capacity rules and it’s not a bad thing if you can carry those extra bodies and still have ample room for gear and cargo at the back. There are Rangers and Teryxs that do a great job at it.

How do you explain the success of Polaris’ RZR XP 4, though? These things are selling like water bottles at a house fire and we’re in a puzzle why.

First, the 4-passenger RZR is based on the RZR-series’ most serious platform and is powered by the segment’s hottest parallel twin.

If you haven’t ridden one, this 900cc EFI 4-stroke makes awesome power and instant throttle response all through its power range.

In the 2-passenger version, this mill allows the XP900 to be a power-sliding, deep bump wonder with amazing stability and dagger-sharp handling under power.

We expected little else from the 4-passenger RZR and after riding it, we’re not disappointed.

In fact, we’ve been impressed by the RZR4’s ability to negotiate the same kind of terrain in the same kind of way as its shorter sibling.

Yes, there’s a fraction slower steering response and with about 700 lbs of passenger weight over the wheels the longer wheelbase is challenged a bit at initial turn-in.

However, the RZR4 will still break the wheels loose and broadslide competently. Even in the muddiest quags, its 4WD system is 100-percent effective.

With only two on board, and the weight biased more to the front, the 4 breaks the rear wheels loose easily and handles very much like the 2-passenger RZR XP.

We think it’s all about versatility and the ability to experience the sport with more people.

What Would You Buy: SXS or 2-Up ATV?

Rick Sosebee
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What Would You Buy: SXS or 2-Up ATV?

Someone asked me recently if I had a choice between a 2-up ATV or a side-x-side, which would I buy.

I really thought before I answered because there are a few fairly important factors I’d need to consider before laying down my money.

The first factor is the obvious financial investment. However with the price of a Polaris 550 Touring and a RZR 570 for example, being so close the more important factor for me is what’s best for my riding partner.

After careful consideration, I decided that a side-x-side was probably the better vehicle for me than a 2-up ATV and here’s why.

My riding partner is my wife and if I can share times on the trail with her sitting next to me and see the expression on her face it lets me know she’s having a good time, which as we all know guys, is going to make the post-ride more peaceful too.

I want whoever is with me on the trail to have a great time just like myself. On a 2-upper with the passenger behind me, I personally just can’t get that validation.

I am not anti 2-up by any stretch, but if given a choice between a 2-upper and a side-x-side, well I’d take a seat beside my co-pilot any day of the week.

IS THE PURE SPORT BUSINESS TOAST?

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IS THE PURE SPORT BUSINESS TOAST?

It’s pretty obvious with the current model selection of Pure Sport ATVs offered in the marketplace that sales in this segment have dropped considerably.

Interestingly, while Sport ATVs have been making less of a dent, Sport UTVs like the Wildcat and XP900 are selling like hotcakes.

It’s an interesting trend but we don’t think the two are really related much. Why? If you look at the buyers of Sport ATVs compared to the buyers of Sport UTVs, you’ll find they are two completely different profiles.

Our own surveys indicate that Sport ATV owners, particularly those who buy the hardest of the hardcore 450s, are much younger and, because of the current recession, less secure in their jobs than the buyers of UTVs.

This is evidencing itself in the actual numbers of Sport ATV sales out there and some manufacturers have actually suspended the production of certain Sport models because of lowered volumes.

Job security is a huge issue when people are making buying choices in powersports equipment and the younger the marketplace, the tougher it is to get people to commit to financing or making major purchases.

One interesting strategy has been evidenced with Yamaha. The company now controls the lion’s share of this segment and continues to amp up the hype for models like the YFZ 450 and the Raptor.

The reasoning likely goes like this: If the market is shrinking, it’s always better to control the greatest part of it and keep buyers’ interest growing.

Someday, when the market turns around, your customers will be so brand loyal, they’ll buy new stuff and never switch from your brand.

Also, there’s one certainty with young buyers: They eventually get older and more secure in their finances and graduate to other off-road types of vehicles. Yamaha’s got all the lights on.

Natalie and Hetrick Earn Pro Podium at Muddy Creek

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Team Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racers John Natalie and Joel Hetrick finished second and third in the Pro class at round two of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series held at Muddy Creek in Blountville, Tenn.

Can-Am X-Team ATV and side-by-side racers also had a successful weekend, winning several classes at races held in Texas and Iowa.

“We were excited to have both John and Joel reach the AMA Motocross Pro class podium at Muddy Creek,” stated Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Although we didn’t get the overall victory, both of our racers rode well, despite the slick conditions, put themselves in contention and ultimately earned a trip to the podium. John has led motos at both rounds and is currently second in the Pro class points race, while Joel has been the fastest qualifier twice, so they definitely have the speed and skills to win every race they enter.”

AMA ATV MX

In moto one, Natalie started the race in the top three and then led during the third lap.

The reigning AMA ATV MX Champion then began pulling away from the competition. Then the rain fell hard during the final four laps and the conditions became very slick.

On the final lap, Natalie slid too wide in a corner and was passed by the eventual moto winner. Natalie had to settle for second. Hetrick, who won the ATVriders.com Fastest Qualifier Award for the second time in two rounds, started in seventh place, but charged hard in to third after only a few laps.

Once the rain hit, Hetrick chose to ride safely and smartly, rather than risk losing his moto position with an attempted charge at the leaders. He finished third.

“Qualifying was great, the track was dry. I was hoping the rain would hold off and it would stay that way, but it didn’t,” said Hetrick. “I learned a lot in the past year riding with all these guys and I just laid low and just tried to hold third place.”

Natalie came out of the second moto in the fourth spot, while Hetrick was in fifth. Both riders pushed forward and eventually battled for second place.

After briefly swapping the second-place position with Hetrick, Natalie regained thespot and then aced ahead in attempt to catch the leader.

He ran out of time and finished the day second overall. Hetrick’s 3-3 moto scores were good for third and his first Pro class podium with Motoworks / Can-Am.

“We got out where we wanted to be for moto one, but I didn’t get the start I wanted in moto two and then got tied up; I closed in and took second, so not too bad,” said Natalie.

In other AMA ATV MX series action, Can-Am X-Team racer Cole Henry took third overall in the Pro-Am Production class. Former Grand National ATV Champion Travis Spader rode his Can-Am DS 450 to three class wins, earning the top spot in the Veteran 30+ A, 4-Stroke A and Junior 25+ classes. Merrill Crose, who also competes on a Can-Am, won both the Open A and 450 A classes.

Other Can-Am Racing Updates

At the third round of the Texas Off Road Nationals (TORN), Cody Miller held off his brother Hunter to win the ATV Pro class and extend his class points lead aboard his Louis Powersports-prepped DS 450.

Hunter later drove his Can-Am Commander 1000 X to victory in the UTV Unlimited class and is the current points leader.

At the District 22 Series MX race in Iowa, rider Zach Harris won all four motos he entered aboard his CR21 / Hicklin Powersports-sponsored Can-Am DS 450 on his way to winning both the Quad A and Quad A Production classes. 

Round five of the 2012 Can-Am / Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series is scheduled for April 28 at Park Mammoth Resort in Park City, KY.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

IS YOUR UTV FOR MORE THAN JUST PLAY?

Rick Sosebee
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IS YOUR UTV FOR MORE THAN JUST PLAY?

Lots of buyers of ATVs and side-x-sides tend to go for the fastest, coolest or even trendiest off-road chariots without considering the unit’s overall versatility.

Sure the off-road industry has its work horses, but if I had a large farm or ranch I would have to consider many different things about the machine I would purchase for obviously many different applications than simply trail riding.

On a recent hunting getaway I met some genuine cowboys and ranch hands that used their ATVs and side-x-sides to manage the herds of cattle and horses.

Not only did they use the side-x-sides to corral the occasional loose cow, but they also carried hunters on their properties to supplement their income.

To accommodate the change from workhorse to transportation they simply dropped off the tools and picked up the hunters with their gear adding a gun boot or tool rack for each purpose.

They based their purchase on which UTV would best serve them while doing their daily chores.

Now I’m not saying I want to convert my Grizzly or Outlander to work vehicles because that’s mot why I bought them.

Fun-filled days of riding my ATVs or side-x-side down tree-lined trails is exciting without a doubt, but if I had to use mine for work applications too I have to wonder if I would choose a different model than what I currently own.

Wienen Victorious at Muddy Creek Raceway

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Round two of the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series headed to Muddy Creek Raceway for round two of the ten-race series.

It was Chad Wienen who came out victorious, sweeping both motos of the day and extending his points lead over defending champion John Natalie in the overall standings.

Fastest Qualifier came from Motoworks/Can-Am’s Joel Hetrick for the second race in a row, as the young Pennsylvania rider showed some of the fastest speeds of the weekend.

And ATVMX veteran Harold Goodman shot out to the Moto 1 SSi Decals holeshot, but it was Baldwin Motorports/PEP’s Josh Upperman who got into the early lead before Natalie moved into the lead by lap three.

Wienen had a mid-pack holeshot but quickly put himself within striking distance of Natalie’s lead and the duo picked up the intense battle right where they left off at round one.

Wienen stalked Natalie until the final lap and once again cut underneath the Ironman to steal the last minute lead and Moto 1 victory as the rain started to fall on the Muddy Creek Raceway terrain.

Hetrick got off to a bad start but put his Motoworks/Can-Am into the third spot around lap five and kept a comfortable cushion on Upperman, who finished in fourth.

Thomas Brown struggled off the start, but worked his way through the pack on his TBROWN Yamaha powered by Moto-X-Perts, where he maintained a fifth place finish, just ahead of Lonestar/SSi Decals rider Nick DeNoble.

In Moto 2, Wienen took control early on, while Natalie settled into a close second and that’s how they finished. Hetrick started off in fifth place as he passed his way back into the third spot, gunning for the leaders that were less than four seconds away throughout the entire race. Wienen went on to secure his second straight win of the season, while Natalie and Hetrick grabbed the other two podium positions.

The new Yamaha is awesome, I’m starting to get more comfortable on it and especially in the mud today, I feel like I barely even rode the thing!” Wienen said. “

It’s crazy to think that nine months ago I was laid up in bed and after a lot of hard work and determination we’ve gotten to where were at and I’m just having fun and paying my dues, taking it one race at a time.”

Although Upperman claimed the SSi Decals Holeshot Award, the Honda rider settled into fourth and maintained that position for the rest of the second moto, going 4-4 for fourth overall for the day.

Thomas Brown (YAM) finished with a 5-6 score to take fifth overall, just ahead of Joe Byrd (HON), who took home sixth overall.

Nick DeNoble (HON) ended the day with seventh place, ahead of Derek Swartfager (HON), while rookie Mark Madl (HON) took ninth and Harold Goodman (HON) rounded out the top ten.

The 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championship heads to Budds Creek in Budds Creek, Md., for round three of the ten-race circuit. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ATVS FOR THE STREET?

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WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ATVS FOR THE STREET?

A few years ago there was a lot of spin going on about the fact off-road ATVs could easily be adapted to use on the street.

The whole rumor has kind of faded from prominence the last three or four years but we have to wonder if there isn’t still some interest brewing.

With gasoline prices escalating so rapidly and more and more congestion on the streets from gnarled-up traffic, we have to believe a converted ATV could be a pretty attractive, economical one or two-person vehicle for street use.

Certainly, their viability in urban areas where traffic is always bad could be argued strongly. However, their 4-wheeled design offers incredible stability compared to a motorcycle and would allow greater numbers of drivers (compared to 2-wheeled transportation) to experience the open air attraction and very good gas mileage of a road ATV.

There’s another biggie in this equation: Pollution. Yes, since consumers would be using less fuel and the much smaller displacement engines could be cleaned up even more with catalytic converters, there could be real potential for making an impact on the air quality in urban environments.

Frankly, we think a lot of current models could easily be adapted to street use by adding “turf mode” rear differentials, street tires and basic electronics for lights, signals and a horn. Affordable street ATVs could be a real answer to some pretty significant cultural problems.

Why is this idea currently off the table? It’s mostly because of dopey bureaucrats who can’t tell the difference between a car and an ATV. Their argument is, because these vehicles have four wheels, they are actually cars and should have all the built-in safety stuff cars have.

Add in ABS brakes, air bags, roll bars and yes, seat belts (??!!) and you have a completely different animal at a major price.

Makes you wonder how interested the government really is in solving consumption-pollution problems, doesn’t it?

Can-Am Podiums In Three Separate Series

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Can-Am ATV racers earned several wins and class podiums in three separate off-road racing series this past weekend.

BCS Performance / Can-Am DS 450 pro racer Josh Creamer won both the Pro and Pro-Am classes at the New England ATV Motocross (NEATV-MX) series.

In the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), Motoworks / Can-Am pro Josh Frederick took second aboard his DS 450.

At the fourth round of the Can-Am / Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, Can-Am X-Team racers won four 4×4 classes and Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 pro Chris Bithell was third in the Pro class in South Carolina.

“A busy weekend of racing turned out well for the entire Can-Am racing team and our X-Team supported riders,” stated Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Josh Creamer started off his quest for the NEATV-MX Pro and Pro-am class titles in perfect fashion, winning all four motos he entered. I was very happy that Josh Frederick overcame an illness and put in an amazing ride to finish second and retain the Pro class points lead in the WORCS series. And our Can-Am / GNCC racers all had a good day at Big Buck in South Carolina. Our Can-Am 4×4 racers were dominate winning five class and I was also excited to see Chris Bithell reach the podium and move into the top three in the Pro class points race.”

NEATV-MX

Creamer won both the Pro and Pro-Am classes at the NEATV-MX series opener at Walden MX in Wallkill, N.Y. Creamer, who was second overall last year, started second in moto one, but charged to the front and won by more than 10 seconds.

He grabbed the holeshot and never looked back in the second moto to secure his first win in 2012. In the Pro-Am class, Creamer was even better, taking both holeshots on his way to another dominant victory.

“I have to give thanks to Can-Am and BCS Performance for giving me the opportunity to race for them. I am going to do everything I can to give them a couple of championships,” said Creamer. “We are still doing some fine tuning, but this was the first race of the season and we still took the win in both classes, so it should get even better from here.”

Can-Am amateur racers – competing on the DS 450, Can-Am 4x4s and the Commander 1000 X side-by-side – also won 11 other classes at the series opener.

WORCS

Round four of the WORCS schedule was held at Speed World MX in Surprise, Ariz. Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 pro Josh Frederick, who battled with flu-like symptoms prior to the race, fought hard for the win, but had to settle for second overall.

He started in third, but took over the lead on lap seven. After pitting, he fell back one spot and could not regain the lead. The podium finish gave Frederick a four-point lead in the Pro class point standings.

“It was really slick out there today, but I was able to hang in there and get some traction and take it to the podium,” said Frederick. “I’ve been feeling a little under the weather, but I did the best I could and still came out on the podium.”

Motoworks / Can-Am pro Dillon Zimmerman followed up his round-three podium with a fourth-place finish in Arizona. He currently owns the fourth-place position in the Pro class standings.

Can-Am X-Team racer Collins Webster finished second in the Pro-Am class to retain his class points lead heading into round five.

Can-Am / GNCC

The Can-Am / GNCC series moved on to the Big Buck course in South Carolina, and the ATV and side-by-side racers were greeted with dry-and-dusty conditions.

Despite poor visibility, Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 pro racer Chris Bithell earned his second podium finish this year, taking third, and regained the third-place spot in the XC1 Pro class rankings.

In the morning classes, Cliff Beasley continued his U2 class domination aboard his 2012 Can-am Renegade 800 X xc. Beasley grabbed the holeshot and stretched his lead after each lap to win by more than three minutes. He has won all four races this year.

In the 4×4 Lites class, Can-Am X-Team racer Kevin Trantham is also undefeated this season after yet another convincing win. He won by more than 10 minutes and also was fourth overall on the morning amateur podium.

“It was really dusty and there were a lot of tree stumps and other things you couldn’t see out there, but I had a good race and I was able to win,” said Beasley. “The new Renegade has been working awesome and has so much power. A lot of people have a hard time believing that we are running stock engines.”

Can-Am X-Team racer Bryan Buckhannon posted his third 4×4 Open class win of the season aboard his 2012 Outlander 800R. He was joined on the podium by fellow Can-Am-mounted racers Zac Zakowski and Michael Swift (Team UXC Racing).

Can-Am X-Team racer Mike Penland notched the first 4×4 Senior class win of the season aboard his Outlander ATV and also finished sixth in his Commander 1000 X side-by-side vehicle in the XC2 Limited class. Tanner Bowles has now won three straight races on his Can-Am ATV after his victory in the 4×4 Novice class in S.C.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

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