Press Release –
The July 15th WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour telecast, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN2, will be preempted by rain-delayed live coverage of the Indy Racing League event from Tennessee.
Round 4 coverage of the PowerSports ATV Tour will be rescheduled and the make-up telecast date will be announced soon.
Please stay tuned to PowerSportsTour.com for updates.
Press Release –
Team Joyner International is relatively new company formed in 2003, with it corporate Office in Tempe, Arizona where all the vehicles are designed, engineered and tested. The vehicles and their parts for the North American market are distributed from this location so we are able to receive parts with overnight service.
The manufacturing facility is located in China with many of the components of these vehicles coming from many other countries.
With the variety of engine sizes, 150cc to 2.0L and their options there is a Joyner vehicle suitable for everyone’s needs.
The motors are made by three different companies. The smaller engines with centrifugal clutches are manufactured in China by the CFMoto Group, who since 1989 has perfected the single cylinder water cooled 4 valve engines to International standards. They are currently exporting motors, mopeds, motorcycles and 4X4 Quads with motors up to the size of 500cc to numerous countries including Canada and the United States.
Some of the motors are being built by Isuzu, a Japanese based company who have been in business since 1937 and are now the leaders in producing low pollution engines reducing harmful emissions.
Some of the larger motors, some with double overhead cam shafts, are being produced by the Chery Chinese Automobile Manufacturer. This 10 year old Japanese run factory uses Austrian Engineers and Italian designers and automobile parts made in many other countries. This company is the largest auto manufacturing company in China and on July 15, 2007 signed a deal with the Chrysler to manufacture cars that will be sold in Canada and the United States by 2010.
The Joyner All Terrain Vehicles bring you trend setting, cutting edge technology and engineering unrivaled by any other products. All vehicles 650cc and up are totally gear driven eliminating costly and time consuming down time. These motors are tough enough to accommodate an after market turbo kit that is available and well as numerous other options. They also come with a true posi rear drive elevating their high level of off road performance in extreme rough terrain and muddy conditions.
The Joyner engineers had the corporate market place in mind when they built the two and four seat Commando, Renegade and Trooper 4X4 Sport Utility Vehicles. These vehicles come with full enclosures and because of the engineering may be fitted with mud or swamp tracks. These vehicles are currently being used by Oil and Mining Operations and has peaked an interest by the Forestry and Motto-cross Industries.
A four and half year extended warranty on all parts and labor may also be attained.
Tundra Motorsports based in Winnipeg Manitoba is the exclusive Canadian Distributor for Team Joyner International products. Buying your off road Sport or Utility vehicle through Team Joyner Canada will give you peace of mind because of the time, effort and money invested over the years by Team Joyner International. This company has focused their effort on instilling a mentally based on the premise that quality comes first. The philosophy and mission of both Team Joyner Canada and Tundra Motor Sports is to have their efforts far exceed their customer’s expectations.
Even though the quality and engineering on these vehicles have far surpassed those of the big box stores the pricing has remained relatively low in comparison. Suggested retail on the side by side 650cc 4X4 Commando Sport Utility Vehicle with winch and alloy rims that are standard is only $12,495.00.
All vehicles come in a rainbow of colors and are powder coated. They are equipped with full light packages including extra driving lights for safety. The 650cc and up vehicles come standard with alloy rims and full gauge packages. Many of the models come with nerf bars and roof cargo racks. Some come with AM/FM CD players and 2500 to 3500 lb. winches. Their dual hydraulic four wheel disk breaking system, rack and pinion steering, gear driven standard transmissions, and inch and half tubular frame and roll bar construction make these vehicles leaders in the industry.
By: Tim Criddle, Calgary, Alberta
Review of Copperhead Engine Control Unit (ECU) for Suzuki King Quad 700 from Velocity Devices Inc of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
As an owner of a 2006 Suzuki King Quad 700 with a K & N air filter, Carlisle ACT X/LR 6 ply radial all conditions tires, quad boxes front and rear, front winch, and rear Highlifter springs, there are certain features of my quad that I think are second to none.
That’s pride of ownership coming through I’m sure. Having said that, there are certain things about the quad that I would like to see changed, or at least things that I would like to have the ability to change or modify (mods, a word synonymous with owning quads and other power sport ‘toys’).
Although the engine, single cylinder 695 cc fuel injected unit is quite powerful, and the top end speed of this quad is simple too darn fast for sane people to want to ride at on 4 or 5 psi tires, there is an annoying “lag” from a standstill, a low end “detune” engineered by Suzuki intentionally.
This is one of the safety features that has been engineered into this quad to essentially harness and control the huge amount of power potential that the engine has. Why would they do this? To keep the front end down, to prevent the front end from coming up and over when hill climbing, presumably, if someone, especially an inexperienced rider, were to use too much throttle in that situation.
I don’t blame Suzuki for engineering safety features into their products, but in this case, they seem to have gone to quite an extreme in limiting the power of the engine that they chose to utilize in their big bore machine.
So much so that there are other annoying safety features that, again, may benefit a novice rider, but are not completely necessary with experienced riders. These other safety features include an engine rev limiter while operating in reverse. There is a manual override button the operator must depress to have access to more engine power when in reverse, but only for a short bit of time before the rev limiter takes over.
When operating in reverse, it is a pathetic and sorry state of a machine with the rev limiter, as it barks and sputters like a sick mule. The same thing occurs when operating with the front differential lock engaged; there is once again an engine rev limiter that must be manually overrode to have access to greater engine power.
When you are in a situation that requires the front diff lock to be engaged, quite often that would mean you are in a technically challenging spot and should focus more on maneuvering the quad without having to think about depressing the override button.
Another annoying side effect of the engine detune is the apparent retarded firing, which causes the engine to fire with the piston somewhere midway down the cylinder. This causes a lack of power, intentionally, as you won’t get full stroke on the piston.
As I understand it, you also have all of that heat from the combustion being shot right into the cylinder walls, causing serious engine heating. With my stock ECU, my engine gives off a lot of heat and the fan cuts on frequently.
The Copperhead to the rescue
In 2006, I started reading about the development of an aftermarket ECU to replace the stock Suzuki one. Lyle at Velocity Devices Inc (www.velocitydevices.com) owns an Artic Cat 700 with the same Suzuki 700 engine, and the same detuned ECU. Since he has taken on the challenge of developing, successfully, replacement Coppperhead ECU modules for the Kawasaki Brute Force and the Yamaha Grizzly, he threw his R and D efforts at a replacement for the King Quad and AC 700s.
Lyle’s approach to this project has been to engage owners of the King Quads in the discussions and on-going development of the Copperhead, which is a very unique approach. Most R and D projects take place in very secretive and controlled environments. King Quad owners lived and breathed every one of Lyle’s hiccups and set backs and discoveries and victories in a very public on-line forum. Faithfully, Lyle would update his legions of followers on the status of the development.
Since I own a King Quad, live in Calgary where Lyle is located, and am extremely interested and curious in the development of this major performance enhancer, I contacted Lyle and offered the use of my King Quad to him for testing. He took me up on it, and had it to his shop three times for tuning, testing, and horse power verification on his dyno.
I became one of his Beta Testers as well, putting the Copperhead to the test on the trails in real world environments. For approximately two months, I, amongst others, worked with Lyle in the final stages of the development of the Copperhead for the King Quad and AC700.
The Copperhead has now been released to the masses, with a huge waitlist gobbling up the first 250 units in mere days. Try and tell me people did not notice the annoying low end lag, eh?
From my experience on the seat of my King Quad, here are the most memorable and key points:
No Low End Lag. It’s gone. I never knew how responsive the engine could be until the lag was eliminated. As I understand it, the Copperhead has added roughly 21% more horsepower to the King Quad’s power across all throttle ranges, and up to 40% in the mid ranges. In fact, if you are so inclined, put the quad in low range 2 wheel drive, and punch the throttle. You had better be careful, and be wearing a helmet and suitable riding gear, because the front end comes up and the unit will wheelie like a champ (wheelies, for some crazy reason, are a significant test requirement and measurement of the Copperhead’s performance, a badge of honor, if you will.).
Now I don’t mean standing on the back rack and pulling up on the handlebars with ape arms either…pure torque to the ground will pick up the front end. I have a front box on mine, full of tools too. In high range, you can wheelie the unit with a gentle tug back on the handlebars.
The other anecdotal measurement of the Copperhead performance is off-the-line drag race speed. I am not into drag racing my quad nor am I overly interested in it’s top end speed, but I can assure the masses who do care, the off-the-line response is simply outstanding. I’ll let others find out what the new and improved top end speed is. However, while wheelies and drag racing are not important to me or my riding style, having crisp and immediate throttle response is important.
Why would you want the low end lag gone? Let me put it to you this way. To climb over an obstacle such as a log or up out of a rut for instance, with the low end lag, you end up using more throttle than you should have to in order to reach the power to get over the log.
Once clear of the log, your quad is now revved up with too much power and you have to back off right away. To use a knife analogy, it’s safer to cut with a sharp knife than a dull one. Why? Because it takes less effort and force to cut with a sharp knife, whereas it takes more effort and force to cut with a dull knife, potentially causing someone to lose control and cause injury to them or others.
If you had the required amount of power and throttle response, you could clear the log without actually using too much throttle, and not be in a situation of having too much power once the engine caught up.
The rev limiters are gone both when operating in reverse, and when operating with the front differential engaged. You now have full engine power to back up out of a mud hole, or to power straight through tough, rugged, muddy, technical situations. It’s that simple.
The engine runs cooler. One day while still beta testing, I ran the King Quad in the morning with the Copperhead installed in lots of stop, start, and low speed operations, when typically the engine heats the most. In the afternoon, I put the stock ECU back in. It was not until mid afternoon that I realized that my fan had barely turned on all morning in the direct sunlight and heat of the day, while in the overcast and cooler air of the afternoon (the weather changed and it got cooler) it was running almost constantly and the heat emanating from the engine compartment of my quad was simply radiating. As I understand it, the Copperhead advances the timing, giving the engine more power, and causing less heat being disbursed out through the cylinder walls.
What about inexperienced or novice riders? No problem. The Copperhead comes with two changeable settings with a small toggle switch. One setting is for pure performance with full engine power and rev limiters eliminated. Another setting can be for stock settings, with safety features enabled. However, the Copperhead can be ordered for pure performance with one setting for 87 octane fuel and a the second setting for 91 octane fuel.
What about firmware changes or programming/fine tuning? As an option, customers can purchase the USB interface cable and USB Memory Interface as well. This enables you to download firmware or fine tune the firmware settings and download them into the Copperhead from a laptop computer. VDI have a very good reputation for after sale support, and also have a good support section on their website complete with a good Copperhead whitepaper, well worth the read.
What about tuning for aftermarket pipes? Lyle has indicated that in short order, he will have maps for use with aftermarket higher flow exhaust pipes. Watch the support section on VDI’s website for updates.
How does the Copperhead compare to already available PC fuel controllers? Read the comparison white paper here.
What is the price? At the time of writing, VDI are selling the Copperhead ECU for the King Quad for $500.00 Canadian plus taxes and shipping. The USB cable is $10.00 and the USB Memory Interface for programming is $50.00, Canadian prices plus shipping and taxes. They are available on their e-commerce web site, and in short order will be available from select retailers. Contact VDI to find a dealer near you.
Is it worth it? Above all else, that is the most important question. It really boils down to what type of rider are you? What type of conditions do you ride? What demands do you place on your ATV? If you are experienced and can handle the big bore quads, ride in situations where low end lags and rev limiters will simply frustrate you because your quad will not be performing at it’s peak, then for sure, the investment in the Copperhead is for you. Isn’t that the name of the game with power sport toys to begin with? I mean, what fun would these things be if we didn’t have mods to add to them to enhance performance, appearance, functionality, and the overall FUN factor?
For me, my riding style and performance demands of my quad, it’s worth it.
For more information, please visit Velocity Devices Inc at www.velocitydevices.com
Press Release –
With the partnership between Monster Energy and Kawasaki halfway through its’ first year, Kawasaki’s Marketing Director Bruce Stjernstrom sat down to discuss how the relationship has been going.
Q: The partnership with Monster Energy has been in effect for over six months now. Can you describe how it’s been going on the racing side from the professional teams all the way to the amateurs?
B.S.: The Monster Energy Kawasaki relationship has been in the making for over a year. Everyone agreed that it was a great idea. The colors obviously work great for them and us with the lime green and black.
It was a matter sorting out what we were going to do. Monster Energy wanted to include all the racing teams and we wanted to do that as well. It seems like we have been doing it a lot longer than we have been but it just took awhile for it to come together.
I think from both sides it is a good marriage. The relationship is good. The product is good. I think it works well for us and it works well for them too.
Q: So in terms of Monster Energy, have they expressed how the relationship has been going so far?
B.S.: Well they have been working with the Pro Circuit team for a couple of years. They felt that motocross/supercross was a big part of their marketing program.
They were really positive about that and felt strongly about how important that was for them. The relationship with us started out of that.
They were interested, not only in our 450 team but with road racing, off-road, drag racing, our new ATV team, and Team Green™ as well. Even though motocross was their first experience with motorcycle racing, they were excited about expanding that whole thing into the other venues.
Q: Do you think its boosting the appeal for both Kawasaki and Monster Energy?
B.S.: Well, I can answer for Kawasaki. I know that there are a lot of people that are aware of Monster Energy and have been attracted to our team because of it.
Within the industry, I think people look at Monster Energy as a real viable product and a company that is a good fit for our industry.
Obviously there have been other energy drinks that have been involved with our industry but Monster Energy has been a big player in our industry and their industry too.
I think Kawasaki’s racing program is something that gives them a really strong anchor in our industry. It’s a great mix because our audience is skewed young and theirs is skewed young as well.
Q: Some manufactures don’t have title sponsors and Kawasaki has decided to share its name. Why do you think that some people don’t decide to share their name?
B.S.: A few years ago we had a similar relationship with Chevy Trucks. And obviously General Motors is a big company.
We had a great relationship with them. Also, it gave us a lot of experience in how to work with a title sponsor and know how to make it successful for both sides. We had a five year relationship with GM, which was pretty good.
Coming into this relationship, I think it helped us determine how we wanted this relationship to work and how we thought it would help them.
It’s important to understand that we not only work for Kawasaki but we work for Monster Energy too.
It’s an important part of our racing teams. Monster Energy is putting a lot into our teams, not just financially but also with commitment to promotions and marketing.
I think it’s been good as far as helping generate a lot of awareness for our racing teams and our company. The value of having Monster Energy as our title sponsor has really been their commitment to us.
That’s what we were looking for in a partnership when we put this whole thing together.
Q: Is there anything new that will be happening with the group?
B.S.: When we began working on this relationship, there were some things that seemed to happen last minute.
Now that we have had some time to work together, we are just going to streamline how we are going to do things, prioritize the efforts we put into it and get the best value for our joint efforts. That’s our main goal for next year.
Press Release –
Snowmobilers have long relied on track studs for confidence in icy conditions. Now winter-time ATV riders can get the same peace-of-mind with a studded version BRP’s Apache Track System.
380 tiny studs imbedded in the track lugs – 114 studs on each rear track, and 76 on each front one – improve acceleration, braking and cornering on ice. The studs on all four tracks are installed in the ideal pattern for the perfect balance of handling and control.
The Apache track system, for Can-Am Outlander ATVs, takes winter riding to a new level thanks to BRP’s nearly 50 years of experience making Ski-Doo snowmobiles.
The system replaces each wheel with a specially-designed track for flotation and traction on snow.
Studded Apache Track System
P/N: 715000534
MSRP: $3359,99 USD / $4049,99 CDN
Press Release –
The 2008 QuadRacer R450 was presented to the North American media for riding, scrutiny, and a whole lot of fun this week. The press ride was held at none other than Digger Doug Gust’s Salem, Wisconsin home.
Doug’s house also doubles as a complete quad testing facility and training center, which made this venue a perfect choice. Using Doug’s home was made even more meaningful as Gust, a multi-time champion and racing icon, helped develop the QuadRacer at this very facility.
The new 2008 QuadRacer R450 features over 100 changes. There are over 50 changes alone in just the chassis area. Suzuki engineers worked hard to make the best even better. The refinements in total make for an even better machine as evidenced by the collection of editors, test riders, and racers on the challenging Gust practice track.
The all new ECM Logic and Ignition Control System and reshaped cam profiles were instantly evident upon riding the new QuadRacers The new ECM monitors throttle position (TP), engine RPM and the transition rate of both the Throttle Position (TP) and the Engine RPM.
It then determines the optimum Fuel Injection Volume and Spray Timing, along with the optimum ignition timing that improves acceleration. Across the board, everyone who rode the yellow test QuadRacers, noticed this marked improvement in increased engine output, especially in the low to mid rpm range. There were also gearing changes and a new countershaft to improve shifting feel.
Next up were revamped suspension settings with new Kashima coating that reduce friction and allow for a definite smoother performance. The 2008 suspension is supple yet firm giving the riders even better steering input and a much smoother ride. The ’08 QuadRacer soaked up both large hits and stutter bumps with ease. The smoother ride was also enhanced with a trick “gripper” seat cover, new rubber mounted bars and new tires with a larger diameter.
Digger Doug was pouring on the praise for the new QuadRacer, “The ‘08 QuadRacer is unbelievable. Over a hundred changes and you can really feel the difference. The power is unbelievable, the suspension is way better, the seat has a great feel, everything is in tune with a rider’s comfort and control. It’s a lot like my race bike.”
Gust went on to comment about the actual on-track performance, “It was amazing. I was out there doing all the jumps on my track on a stock bike. I’ve been racing quads for 20 years and that is something I’ve never ever been able to do. Now, I can do it on this new 08.”
When asked what riders are going to notice most about the ’08, Doug answered: “That’s easy – the suspension and the power. It’s even more race ready than before.”
Doug’s teammates agreed. Chad Wienen said, “Suzuki took a lot from what they learned from the ’07 racing quads and put it into the suspension, motor and transmission of these new bikes. With these improvements, they are even more raceable as a stock ATV, as well as a great all around sport ATV. I know I could go race a stock ’08 and do really well.”
WPSA Series points leader Dustin Wimmer said: “What I noticed most was that the suspension is a lot better – softer a lot of the way around but still able to absorb the big hits. Also, it has much better low end power. Tires are also a lot better. The rubber mounted handlebars and seat are really nice…the seat is a lot like our race seat. The new Engine Management System will help people out on the dry slick tracks. All around, it’s just faster, smoother with better handling. I like it a lot.”
Suzuki, always working to make things better, brought along a contingent of engineers to join in the fun and answer technical questions to the assembled press.
The new bike will be available in August and will come in yellow, white and a new limited edition black model.
Quick Facts:
• Muc-Off is an all over Motorcycle Cleaner, which cuts through grime while protecting your bikes finish
• Muc-Off releases the surface tension of dirt and grime to make cleaning effortless.
• Moisturizing Ingredients to replenish Dull looking Dry Frames and rims and bring out that new factory shine!
• Will not harm seals or Brake disks or brake pads (will not cause glazing) like other brands
• Fully biodegradable
• Alkaline based
• Safe on carbon fiber
• Retail of $11.96
Muc-Off Motorcycle Cleaner is an all over cleaner that cuts through dirt and grime, while protecting your bikes finish.
Its unique cleaning formula makes life easy regardless of the weather conditions or time of year.
Muc-Off has an incredibly effective cleaning formula that also cares for your bikes delicate finishes. It contains no harmful acids, CFC’s or solvents and is alkaline based and fully biodegradable.
Muc-Off is completely safe on anodizing, paintwork, suspension seals, rubber, carbon fiber, disc brake pads and more importantly the user too! The formula cuts through oil and grime quickly and safely leaving your whole bike sparkling clean.
Muc-Off was created in 1995 as an advanced all over bicycle cleaner which was safe to use on all parts and materials.
From this single product a complete portfolio of products has been created in the bicycle, motorcycle, car, dirt bike, RV and marine industries.
contact For more information about Muc-Off’s product range, visit www.niksindustries.com
Press Release –
While there are many new products coming to market for the new Can-Am® DS 450 sport ATVs, only one group of products are designed and engineered by the same people that designed and engineered the industry’s hottest new ATV. BRP now offers a new line of performance and protection parts for the DS 450.
For boosting performance, there are fully adjustable KYB front shocks with high- and low-speed calibration, front and rear sprockets and a premium chain.
Added protection is available with nerf bars, an aluminum front bumper, full skid plate protection and a-arm protectors. Customizing the look of the DS 450 is easy with a full selection of colorful parts, including front grill and handlebar wind deflectors.
Genuine BRP accessories are a great choice because they look good, fit perfectly and meet the same quality standards as the vehicle. And when installed by a BRP dealer at delivery, they are covered by the vehicle warranty.
See a Can-Am ATV dealer for more information, or can-am.brp.com.
Press Release –
Girlyz Pro ATV Racer, Traci Cecco has the kind of natural beauty you might expect to see on the cover of a women’s fashion magazine.
Fortunately for the world of four wheel racing, she is instead, out shredding through the countryside smokin’ the competition on her Yamaha YFZ450.
An active positive roll model for young girls coming up in this world, she is anything but a just a pretty face smiling for the camera. A woman with true grit, talent and determination, she has taken quad racing to a new level.
At a little past the half way point of the GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) ATV Championship, Traci has taken seven out of eight possible overall wins and given the competition something to worry about again.
What’s her secret to success? The age old combination of absolute commitment to hard work and training coupled with experience and tenacity. She trains as hard as the men, competes in triathlons to keep in tip top shape, and when it comes time to deliver the real thing, she comes through.
Winning isn’t new for this veteran pro racer, she is consistent and expects this of herself at every race, putting together a race program that makes sense and has earned her five GNCC Championships already.
No stranger to putting a full minute gap in front of the second place rider, Traci has established herself as the premier woman in her class, the one to beat, the one to catch, a seemingly daunting task for the competition and something that rarely happens.
Traci started riding quads when she was 10 years old and has won numerous championships since starting to race at the age of 16. With 5 GNCC Women’s Class Championships under her belt, she is in pursuit of her 6th and it’s looking good so far.
Not one to let the boys have all the fun, she is the first female racer to win a GNCC Overall and was the recipient of the 2003 GNCC “Swamp Fox Award” given to riders showing true grit and sportsmanship under pressure.
Cecco pushes hard and is no stranger to overcoming the obstacles. In 2004 she broke her arm in a crash during the race but continued on to finish second. In 2003 she had to win three out of the last four events to take the championship.
With determination and a cool head, she wrapped it up on the last lap of the final race, many times working her way through the pack in those last races to get it done.
Traci will continue to race for the championship at Round Nine of the GNCC Championship series, September 1-2 at Mountain Ridge, Sumerset PA.
If you get a chance to make it to one of these events, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be able to spot her quite easily out in front on her #201 Yamaha YFZ450 wearing the Girlyz “Vision” Race Gear. Get that autograph and put it proudly on the wall. There are very few women out there like Traci Cecco.
Visit GIRLYZ.COM
Question:
First of all I have to say I love this magazine and its sister mag Supertrax. Best of the best on the market keep up the good work.
Anyway, I have a friend who is planning on buying a 1998 Arctic 454 quad and I was looking for a review on the net for it but couldn’t find much about it.
Just wondering if you have any experience with it and what it is like overall?
Chad
Response:
Thanks for your email!
We did test the original 454’s some time ago and found them to be durable and functional but not particularly plush riding.
There were some welding issues with the original rear swingarm and shaft drive system. If it hasn’t broken by now – it likely won’t!
I believe this ATV used a “semi” independent rear suspension which “flexed” over bumps. It was a unique system at that time.
As far technology was concerned in 1998, the 454 AC had most of the stuff buyers wanted. Look for low miles and good general over-all condition before buying any used ATV.
Good luck and thanks for the kind words too, they are appreciated.
Motorhead Mark
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