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Kawasaki 360 Issues

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

My 2004 Kawasaki 360 4×4 has just developed problem. When I shift into forward or reverse at idle speed it starts to creep ahead (or back). Plus the reverse light is flashing.

I have 5000 kms on it and the original belt, but the ATV is well-maintained.

Any thoughts?

Vince

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You are likely dealing with a sticky or stuck primary clutch on your Kwacker’s CVT system.

If you’ve run 5000 miles on the original belt you should think about installing a new one anyway. You won’t believe how the performance will improve with a fresh belt.

I suspect you have a build up of belt rubber in the bottom of the sheave faces on the primary (front) clutch (pulley). This causes the moveable (outer) sheave to stick and creates the notchy shifting and creeping you are complaining about.

Your reverse light is likely on from forcing the shifter and bending the linkage slightly from the load on the tranny while shifitng.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

Horsepower Comparos

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

what is the hp on the 2008 LT-R450 and the 2008 Raptor 700? How would you compare the two?

Thanks,

Ron

Response:

Thanks for your email!

There are no published HP #’s for these ATV’s. However, most aftermarket pipe builders dyno these engines. Unfortunately, most of the HP #’s we’ve seen vary widely – this is due to the difference in dyno’s. This is precisely why OEM’s don’t like to release HP #’s!

I think you are comparing apples to oranges. The LTR 450 is a full-on 450 spec class racing ATV like the YF-Z 450, the Honda TRX 450R, the DS 450 Can-Am, the Outlaw 450 MX-R and the new KTM. Compare the LTR to these and you have a solid foundation for drawing conclusions.

The Raptor 700 EFI is a high performance Pure Sport ATV aimed at the trail/dune rider. It isn’t built for competition but it appeals to a much wider audience than LTR or any 450 spec racer.

If you are into closed course riding and competition look at the 450’s. If you want to do a lot of things with an ATV, the Raptor is the right place to go.

Motorhead mark

What Polaris ATV SHould I Consider?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I am currently in the market for a Polaris four wheeler. I have grown up on polaris. I am debating on buying an 800 vs a 500. I am concerned about fuel consumption and overall benefits of the 800 vs the 500.

I do a lot of trail riding and have never had an issue with the 500 class.

Any suggestions?

Greg

Response:

Thanks for your email!

I’m assuming by your question price is no object in this decision. If it were me, I wouldn’t think twice about the 800HO! It’s super smooth, fast and torquey.

Sure the 500 EFI is a great ride but man – the power available with the 800 twin – and the inherent smoothness – with price as no object – that’s easy – get an 800 !!

Motorhead Mark

Polaris Dominates First GNCC Side by Side Race

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Press Release –

At this past weekend’s GNCC Ironman in Crawfordsville, Ind., Polaris Side by Sides were out in full force for the first-ever GNCC Side by Side race.

The race, dominated by RANGER side by sides both in entry and results, was a true test of the Side by Sides’ power and endurance, with a course that included a water crossing, gnarly hill climb, twisty tight trails and full-out straight-aways.

When the 45 min contest was over, five out of the six machines that went the most laps were RANGER RZRs.

Dana Creech took the UTV Modified 701cc+ class and Mike Hajec from Auburn, Ohio took the UTV Limited 701cc+ with the RANGER RZR.

Polaris’ new RANGER CREW debuted with a six-man team in tow in the UTV Limited 700cc class.

The RANGER CREW was entered for fun and although not race bred, did the full course without taking the easy routes.

INTRODUCING THE ITP SS112 SPORT WHEEL

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Press Release –

PERFORMANCE RIDING GETS STYLISH:

ITP has taken the outstanding features and benefits of its highly successful SS Alloy utility wheel line and applied them to the high-performance ATV market with the release of the all-new SS112 Sport.

Unique, head-turning good looks combine with exceptional durability and unmatched light weight thanks to ITP’s exclusive, extremely precise Advancecast manufacturing process.

The one-piece aluminum SS112 Sport wheel uses a bright, diamond-cut machined surface with black accents, all topped with a tough clear coat finish. Like all SS Alloy wheels, a custom SS wheel cap is included.

The SS112 Sport wheel is available in 10×5 front and 10×8 rear sizes for most of today’s popular sport quads. There’s no better way to enhance the appearance as well as the performance of a trail or dune riding ATV than with the light, strong and stunning SS112 Sport.

In 2007, ITP is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the world’s #1 ATV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative products for virtually all ATVs and applications.

To order, see your local ATV dealer. For a copy of ITP’s full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 930-A S. Rockefeller Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905.

Visit ITP’s website at ITPtires.com.

Muc-Off join Supercross and SuperMoto Team

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Press Release –

Muc-Off the UK’s number one bike cleaner, announced it is joining forces with TroyLee Designs as a technical sponsor for the 2008 Supercross and Supermoto season.

Commenting on the new partnership, Alex Trimnell Muc-Offs’ Managing Director said: “Muc-Off is proud to be working closely with Team TLD for their 2008 assault on the US Supercross and Supermoto titles. When contesting for the top spot on the podium, every possible advantage needs to be taken and high performance cleaning and maintenance products will help Team TLD maintain the edge they need to lead,” continued Trimnell.

“Muc-Off was specifically designed for fast and effective care of bikes which is particularly important for the performance of both on and off road racing motorcycles. The enhanced performance that Muc-Off brings to a team means their mechanics maintenance time will be drastically reduced to enable them to concentrate on the critical performance areas – which can mean the difference between winning and losing.”

Troy Lee commented, “We’re thrilled Muc-Off has stepped up their relationship in the US MX industry to become a sponsor of our team this year. As an extremely effective and safe bike cleaner, as well as a company with attitude, the brand is a perfect fit with the team and mechanics. Muc-Off is a new brand to the US MX market but I can already see it will become a brand leader in no time! We welcome them aboard, and we look forward to a great season.”

Thunder Cat Impressions

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Have you tested the new Arctic Cat 1000 yet? I’m dying to know what All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine thinks of it. How does it stack up against the 800’s?

I’m very interested in buying one, but want to wait for your test results first.

Thanks,

Mychal

Response:

Thanks for your email!

Yes, we covered – briefly – the T-Cat in the summer issue of All-Terrain Vehicle and gave riding impressions.

There are none on the ground for PR use yet so we anticipate covering the unit in detail early in 2008.

Motorhead Mark

What’s The Best Hill Climbing ATV?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I am considering purchasing a piece of land with a steep incline. What is the maximum incline which is safe for use of an ATV?

I am unfamiliar with different models of ATV so any assistance with models which are best on steep slopes, would be appreciated.

Sean

Response:

Thanks for your email!

Okay, this is a way, way too open question. You need to understand the limitations of your abilities before you purchase an ATV on the merits of its published incline potential.

An inexperienced rider can flip an ATV in a parking lot. Experienced riders can navigate slopes which far exceed what the owners manual of an ATV recommends – and this is not being irresponsible.

However, if you wish, check each model you are considering to see what the OEM says is the safe limit for inclines and descents.

That’s something you should research if you’re a novice.

Motorhead mark

2008 LT-R450 SPECIAL EDITION ACCESSORIES

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Press Release –

Genuine Suzuki Accessories is pleased to offer the following products for immediate release.

You can purchase these and hundreds of other Genuine Accessories at your Authorized Suzuki Dealer.

LT-R450 FRONT BUMPER

Manufactured from lightweight 6063 T52 aluminum with a durable black powdercoat finish. Factory tested and approved.

LT-R450 NERF BARS

Manufactured from lightweight 6063 T52 aluminum with a durable black powdercoat finish.

Features tube construction and heavy-duty nylon webbing. NOTE: Requires drilling of foot pegs for installation.

URBAN CAMO GRAPHICS

Stand out from the rest of the crowd on the track or in the desert with this cosmetic graphics kit manufactured by One Industries exclusively for Suzuki.

Kit includes graphics and backgrounds for side plastics and decals for front fenders. Made of 15-mil vinyl with 3M adhesive backing.

Go to suzukicycles.com for dealer locator.

Sport ATV Ski and Track Kit

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At the “Salon National du Quad” ATV show in Laval, Quebec this past weekend TJD displayed a wild new track kit option for sport ATVs.

The system we saw implemented two of TJD’s patented X-Gen tracks powering the rear of a 700 EFI Raptor and incorporated custom skis on the front making the ATV take on snowmobile-esque qualities.

This system is available for nearly every sport ATV and TJD claims there’s no other system like it in the world.

It also features TJD’s unique X-Gen track system, which utilizes a patented one-of-a-kind suspension system for a smoother ride and smaller footprint.

Watch for All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine’s full report on TJD’s X-Gen track system in an upcoming issue.