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Kiser Earns 5th at Mountain Ridge

Press Release –

Somerset, PA – FRE KTM Factory rider Taylor Kiser earned 5th overall at round 9 of the GNCC Series at Mountain Ridge Park.

Kiser adapted well to the rough and technical track starting within the top five and maintaining that spot the duration of the race. His teammate, Adam McGill, was not far back off the start running inside the top ten.

Both Kiser and McGill had a good first few laps until bad luck struck McGill when he broke his shifter on a large rock. McGill rode as best as he could while stuck in 2nd gear until he made it to the pits where the KTM crew provided him with a new shift lever.

He pulled back on to the course dropping approximately five positions. In an attempt to make up time, McGill came upon the dreaded rock section once more and tried increasing his speed as he plowed through the boulders.

Unfortunately his left front wheel got stuck in between two rocks as he was speeding through which sent McGill over the bars while cracking the wheel. Once recovered, he again visited the pits to repair the damage.

With little time left in the race he charged through the pack to salvage as many positions as he could and eventually crossed the line in 15th. Kiser rode a smooth and consistent race to finish a solid 5th place overall.

The GNCC Series will now take a two month break. The next round is scheduled for September 13-14, 2008 in Snowshoe, WV.

Overall Results:
1. Chris Borich
2. Brandon Sommers
3. Matthew Smiley
4. Johnny Gallagher
5. Taylor Kiser – KTM

Overall Points:
1. Bill Balance – 191
2. Bryan Cook – 160
3. Brandon Sommers – 158
4. Chris Borich – 157
5. Adam McGill – 151
6. William Yokley – 131
7. Taylor Kiser – 125
8. Matthew Smiley – 124
9. Ryan Lane – 102
10. Jarrod McClure – 99

Genuine Suzuki Accessories for QuadSport Z400

Press Release –

Along with the 2009 QuadSport LT-Z400 introduction, American Suzuki Motor Corporation has also announced a new Z400 accessory line that will make this great track, sand and trail quad even better.

The following accessories will fit all QuadSport Z400s from 2003 through 2009 model years.

QuadSport Z400 Genuine Suzuki Accessories

A-Arm Guards

Heavy-duty, lightweight, 5052 H32 aluminum guards help protect your front A Arms. No drilling required – easy installation.
Part Number: 99950-70507
$98.95

Full Length Aluminum Skid Plate

Help protect the frame, engine and other components of your Z400 from damage caused by rocks and debris. Lightweight custom designed 5052 H32 Aluminum Skid Plate provides greater coverage than the original skid plate for added protection.
Part Number: 99950-70414
$104.95

Swingarm Skid Plate

Built from durable 3/16″ 5052 H32 aluminum, Swingarm Skid Plate helps protect your drive train and rear brake disc. Bolt-on installation in minutes.
Part Number: 99950-70425
$153.95

Rear Shock Link Skid Plate

5052 H32 aluminum Rear Shock Link Skid Plate helps protect your rear shock linkage from impact with terrain. Simple bolt-on installation.
Part Number: 99950-70399
$29.95

Large Front Bumper

Large Front Bumper is built from 6063 T52 aluminum for light weight and strength. Replaces stock bumper.
Part Number: 99950-70402
$129.95

Small Front Bumper

6063 T52 aluminum competition style Front Bumper replaces the stock bumper.
Part Number: 99950-70403
$89.95

Nerf Bars

Lightweight, durable 6063 T52 aluminum Nerf Bars feature tube construction and heavy-duty nylon webbing.
Part Number: 990A0-43009
$222.95

Prices in US dollars.

Rich Caselli Memorial Ride Day

Gorman, CA – A memorial ride day has been scheduled for July 12th at the Gorman Motocross Track in honor of the late Rich Caselli.

Come celebrate his life, support his 2008 ISDE Team, and enjoy free food with his family and friends. Rich was a humble man with a big heart that loved to see people smile and would only want to see his friends and family enjoy his life and the time he shared with all of us.

Rich’s son, Kurt Caselli, will take one final lap aboard Rich’s bike at 10:30am in memory of his father. Rich was the key man in the development of this year’s ISDE Team and in honor of his ongoing efforts to fund the team and give the U.S.A. the best possible overseas presence, all proceeds raised during the ride day will go toward the funding of the 2008 ISDE Team.

The track opens at 9am with a normal gate fee for those who want to ride an open track and free admission to all others. The bench racing and BBQ will start at noon. Rich’s Trophy Team will be in full force and accepting all donations.

The riders in attendance will include Nathan Woods, Destry Abbott, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Kurt Caselli and David Kamo. For more on I-5 MX at Gorman and directions to the facility, please visit www.i5mx.com.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a contribution in Rich Caselli’s name, you can donate via paypal to the following email kcn1a@aol.com or send a check to the following address:

Caselli Racing
1245 Coventry Pl.
Palmdale, Ca 93551

This is a wonderful opportunity to ride for a man who was a true enthusiast of the sport and has dedicated much of his life to improving the U.S. off-road racing efforts.

The Caselli family would like to thank everyone who has shown concern for their family in this difficult time as they feel blessed to have so many friends in the industry to help them through this loss.

For more on the 2008 ISDE USA team, please visit www.isde2008.gr/

BORICH WINS BIG AT MOUNTAIN RIDGE

Press Release –

Team Rockstar / Yoshimura / Suzuki’s Chris Borich scored his second win of the season with a strong come-from-behind victory at Round 9 of the GNCC ATV series in Somerset, Pennsylvania.

After a mid-pack start, Borich wasted no time heading to the front. By the completion of the first lap, he was well on the move forward.

On the second lap he made a successful pass for the lead. While the racing remained tight at the front, Borich would never surrender the lead and finished the race on the top step of the podium.

“The race went pretty good,” said Borich. “We had a mid-pack start but got to the lead on the second lap and just held onto it from there!” Borich also had praise for the Suzuki QuadRacer R450 in a race that saw many riders plagued by mechanical problems. “The Suzuki worked awesome, all I had to do was ride it!”

The winning result moves Borich up to fifth in the points standings. Two points hold the difference between third and fifth place.

Borich and Team Rockstar / Yoshimura / Suzuki look forward to the next round of the GNCC series in Snowshoe, West Virginia on September 13th.

First Look: Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI with EPS

By: Mike Lester

Yamaha has aggressively expanded its Grizzly lineup featuring the popular EPS power steering with the introduction of the Grizzly 550 FI.

The 550 Grizz is a spitting image of its big bro and is poised to take on Honda’s Foreman, which also features its own unique brand of power steering.

In comparison, the most immediate feature that puts the Grizz on top is its fully independent rear suspension featuring a class-leading 9.5 inches of travel out back– something absent on the Honda.

The front of the 550FI also features the Yamaha-exclusive wideArc front suspension, which offers a claimed five inches more of useable ground clearance up front.

If power steering doesn’t do it for you, you can opt for the more budget-conscious version of the 550 FI Grizzly without power steering for about $700 US less. We’ve been riding the 700 FI Grizz all season and its one of our favorites around the office.

Fuel injection makes a noticeable difference in throttle response throughout the powerband. It also delivers consistent power at higher elevations as the Fuel Injection system can detect and compensate for changes in altitude delivering an accurately measured burst of fuel every stroke.

The 550 FI Grizzly also features an all-new open gate shifter, which allows the rider to easily see what gear he’s in and is also displayed clearly on the LCD gauge cluster.

The Grizzly 550 FI EPS will be available at Yamaha dealerships in August 2008. Models are available in Black Metallic, Hunter Green and Steel Blue with an MSRP of $7,799. A Special Edition in Red Midnight Armor (MSRP $8,399) and a Hunter Edition in Realtree™ AP HD® Camouflage (MSRP $8,199) will also be out in August. The non-EPS model will be available in Black Metallic, Hunter Green and Steel Blue (MSRP $7,099) and a Hunter Edition version will also be available in Realtree™ AP HD® Camouflage (MSRP $7,499) at Yamaha dealerships in October 2008.

Watch for a full report in an upcoming issue of All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine!

Kolpin Sponsors CORR Pro Lite Driver Marty Hart

Press Release –

A winning partnership – Kolpin Powersports is excited to announce its sponsorship of 2008 Champion Off Road Racing (CORR) Pro Lite driver – #15 Marty Hart.

Mart Hart’s achievements are unprecedented in the world of off-road racing. Hart took the 2007 WSORR Rookie of the Year Pro Lite after a season of strong performances, but that is just another accomplishment in a list going back to 1983!

Career highlights include:

– 1983-1988 American Honda Factory Rider
– 1984 Score Baja 1000 Overall & 250cc ATV class first 3-wheel team to beat all 4-wheel cars/trucks
– 1984-85-86 AATVA Grand National Championship 250cc
– 1989 Mickey Thompson Off-Road Grand Prix Series Championship 4-wheelers
– 1990 Score Off-Road Series Class 5 Championship
– 2005 ESPN Great Outdoor Games: Gold Medal winner Terracross Event
– 2005 Rookie of the Year – W.E. Rock

“I have personally known Marty for some time and know first hand that his personal attributes perfectly align with the Kolpin brand – determined, never compromising, quality, innovative and durable. This sponsorship provides us exposure to the strong demographic crossover between off-road race fans and ATV/UTV enthusiasts. Additionally, Marty is not only a former ATV racer, but an avid user of ATV’s and UTV’s, which will provide us valuable product development input,” stated Tom Lutes, President/CEO of Kolpin. Kolpin looks forward to cheering this racing legend on to victories in the 2008 season.

The 2008 Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) season consists of 8 races at the following venues: Fairplex in Pomona on April 26-27, June 7-8 and August 16-17, Las Vegas on May 17-18 and Oct 25-26, and Chula Vista on July 26-27, Sept 13-14 and Dec 6-7. All CORR races receive extensive coverage on the SPEED channel and NBC Sports throughout the 2008 season.

Kolpin Powersports® Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV and UTV accessories. After more than 60 years, we continue to innovate and engineer only the highest quality accessories. Kolpin Powersports remains the leader in ATV and UTV product development and has repeatedly redefined the industry with patented innovations such as the world-renowned Gun Boot® cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks™ System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories.

How Can My Rhino Go Faster?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

How can I get more speed and better mileage out of my Rhino?

Chico

Response:

Thanks for your email!

There is a benefit to changing the ECU on the 660 or 450 Rhino which will allow for higher (non-governed) top speeds. If you do this you will get less mpg – not more.

Any mods you perform to the Rhino will most likely decrease, not increase mileage.

Motorhead Mark

Are Aftermarket Power Steering Kits Available?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Kent Lester was asked last year if there were any aftermarket power steering kits available yet. Is the answer still no?

The only quads with it from the factory are gutless single cylinder wonders compared to my 800 Can Am. Until I put tracks on it last winter, steering was not an issue.

However, with tracks on I can see that power steering would be a real asset; the bike has a tendency to get ‘sucked in’ to one side or another. That is to say when riding, if there is a drift or heavier or deeper snow on one side, the bike gets pulled off in that direction.

The bike is still pretty quick, but can’t be ridden on trails nearly as fast as it’s capable of because it constantly heads off into the woods.

Rod

Response:

Thanks for your email!

Think about this – if you were to “add” an aftermarket PS kit (when and if they become available) to an ATV not designed for such a system don’t you think the stress would potentially tear up your tie rods, ball joints and steering frog?

Power steering is useful on the ATV’s which we’ve sampled it on only with big mud tires.

We find little if any benefit from these systems with stock tires and wheels. Having said that, with a track kit I can only imagine how badly a PS assisted system could bend and wear out front end parts.

Our experience has been track kits used for substantial mileage on any ATV create advanced wear and loosened everything associated with the steering and suspension.

While I agree your handling woes would be made less severe, you would likely find the wear and potential expense to be a concern.

Motorhead Mark

Justin Waters Takes It on the Road

Press Release –

After several successful seasons racing WORCS ATV Nationals, #95 heads for the big show on the other coast

This time last year, the defending WORCS Pro-Am champion was chasing three titles on familiar tracks in the Western United States. 

This year, coming back from an early season injury, Justin Waters now finds himself aboard a Team Epic Racing Can-Am DS450, fighting hard for respect in the Amateur ranks of ATVA motocross racing.

At the Can-Am Northeastern ATV National in New Berlin NY June 7-8, Waters was introduced to a different breed of ATV racing.  “I wanted to just ride well enough to make Sunday’s races. I was surprised at my first event to qualify directly in. These guys out here are fast.”

It was a hard and memorable lesson in both Open A and Production A. “I was nervous and didn’t expect the contact that was going on out there.”  He logged a solid 7th and 4th place in his Open A motos, 7th and 14th in Production A.

Heading into the Oakley ATV Southern National in Blountville TN June 20-21, he was gaining confidence, but experienced the aggression in Production A once again.

“I got a good start but got hung up with another rider for a ridiculously long time.  These motos are fast – you can’t afford any mistakes like that. You just don’t have time to ride hard and recover like you can in WORCS.”

He posted his best effort in Open A – earning a podium in fact, with 3rd and 4th place finishes – but was pulled from the class when it was determined he was actually running a motor smaller than class allowances; for upcoming races this season, he plans to run in the 450A or Four Stroke A division.

In the meantime, he’s on the road and training hard.  “I’m starting to get more comfortable riding motocross, starting to get to the point where I can expect some good results. I’ve been training on a more technical motocross track, getting used to that style of riding. Gauging jumps, moving my body more for turns.”

Next up is the Suzuki Summer Nationals in Armaugh PA July 12-13, then Red Bud, then finally wrapping up the ATVA MX series at Loretta Lynn’s in August. Then Waters will head West to hit the last couple rounds of the WORCS season.  “I can’t wait to see how this mx training will help me in WORCS. I want to be on that podium in the Pro class, and this may give me the edge I need.”

Justin Waters sponsored by Moto X Nutrition
2008 Team Epic Sponsors: Can-Am, Epic Racing, BRP, FMF, Menards, Fox Shox, Maxxis, Douglas Wheel, Dasa, Spectro, DG, Tag, Velocity, Quad Tech, Precision, RPM, Tsubaki, WebCams, CP Pistons, Rotax, Falicon,Fortin, TLD, Dragon Alliance, Racer X Motorsports, Pro Design, Works Connection, Cycra.

KTM In Top 5 In Ste-Véronique

Press Release –

FMSQ Enduro, Endurocross & Extreme-cross: Ste-Véronique, QC, June 28th & 29th, 2008.

KTM dealer Moto des Ruisseaux rider, Bobby Desjardins had a very busy weekend as he participated at the Enduro race in Ste-Véronique and Sunday at the CMRC National in Tring Jonction where in finished 14th overall.

Saturday in the ATV Enduro race he rode a perfect race and passed the checker flag in first place followed by Amélie Lavallée from KTM dealership Grégoire Sport. Sonny Desjardins completed the podium by finishing in 3rd place.

Jonathan Beaupré also with Grégoire Sport finished in the top 5. In the Endurocross race Amélie Lavallée rode very well and finish on the second step of the podium.

Sonny started the race 10 seconds behind due to a bad start but quickly moved up to 3rd position and crossed the finish line in the top 5.