Oakland
Valley Race Park Gears Up for AMA NASMOTO Grand Prix of New
York July 15 & 16
Cuddebackville, New York (7/10/06) - Oakland Valley Race Park
(OVRP) in Cuddebackville, New York is getting set to host
NASMOTO GP of New York Saturday July 15 & Sunday July
16. This will be a double-header qualifier for the NASMOTO
AMA Supermoto Grand Championship at the Queen Mary, November
4th and 5th in Long Beach, California.
Top
riders from up and down the eastern seaboard are hoping the
wet weather will clear up in time for the new Doug Henry designed
dirt section to dry out for this exciting race weekend. Activities
will start on Friday July 14 with past AMA MX Champion and
current supermoto star Doug Henry hosting his new supermoto
school from 10am to 5pm. Saturday kicks off with practice
at 10am and heads straight into the qualifiers and finals
at 1pm.
“We
are pleased to be going to New York and OVRP,” says
Ted Baker, VP of NASMOTO. “Craig and his crew have been
the longest running supermoto track on the east coast and
we are proud to support his program. He has put a lot of work
into his new dirt section and is really planning to attract
some new riders to his great facility and the sport of supermoto”.
The
big news of the weekend is this will be the first time ATV’s
have ever raced at OVRP. So far this season the ATV’s
have stolen the show at every round with Media Alstars, Kellogg’s,
FMF backed rider Zac Willett winning both Ohio and Wisconsin
rounds. Once again the ATV riders will be battling for the
Duro Cash Award of $500 that goes to the winner. In order
to be eligible for the NASMOTO contingency and awards you
must register here
“OVRP
has committed big to the supermoto scene by hosting the Cycle
Performance NASMOTO Northeast Championship,” says Craig
DeMaio GM of OVRP. “We are looking to put on a great
show for the local fans as a fun filled family day.”
For
times, rider registration, directions and more information
on Oakland Valley Race Park, Doug Henry Supermoto School,
and the AMA NASMOTO Grand Prix of NY please visit www.OVRP.com
www.OVRP.com
305 Oakland Valley Rd.
Cuddebackville, NY 12729
845-754-8500
Tim
Farr back on Top, Extends Points Lead over Keith Little
Round 5 - Birch Creek Motorsports Park on July 8th
Extreme Dirt Track Pro Podium (Left to Right) Shane Hitt,
Tim Farr, Keith Little
Ringgold, VA (7/9/06) - Finally, the ATVA Extreme Dirt Track
Series was able to wrap-up a day of racing without having
to deal with the threat of rain, but Honda’s Tim Farr
was able to throw some water on Keith Little’s fire
as he takes the win in the Pro Main with Little finishing
in second place ahead of Shane Hitt and Harold Goodman.
The Birch Creek event attracted a descent turnout with 339
race entries, and the Pro Class had an impressive 24 entries,
which shows the Extreme Dirt Track Series is alive and well
as it continues to attract even more racers to test their
ability to conquer the oval.
Check
back for a complete report on Round 5 of the Extreme Dirt
Track Series.
ATVA
Extreme Dirt Track - Pro ATV Top 20 Results
Finish Rider Name Brand
1 Timothy Farr HONDA
2 Keith Little HONDA
3 Shane Hitt HONDA
4 Harold Goodman HONDA
5 Adam Anderson YAMAHA
6 Scott Morris HONDA
7 Darin Ogden YAMAHA
8 Chuckie Creech HONDA
9 Clayton Smith HONDA
10 Michael P. Coburn HONDA
11 Chad Lohr YAMAHA
12 Brad Riley YAMAHA
13 Trent W. Powell YAMAHA
14 Cody Anderson YAMAHA
15 Zac Willett HONDA
16 Danny McGraw YAMAHA
17 Shawn Stamm HONDA
18 Kelsey Stamm HONDA
19 Jason Steadman YAMAHA
20 Zach Stanley HONDA
Kawasaki
Releases its 2007 Sport ATV Lineup
2007 Kawasaki KFX700 (More info)
Always a favorite, the Kawasaki KFX®700 all-terrain vehicle
(ATV) continues to be popular among off-road enthusiasts.
Its powerful V-twin engine, automatic transmission and racing-style
chassis, make aggressive riding on the KFX700 fun and easy.
2007 Kawasaki KFX450 (More info)
Aluminum Chassis
All-New Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Electric Start
Reverse Gear
Aggressive Styling
2007 Kawasaki KFX90 (More info)
The KFX®90 is the perfect choice for riders 12 years and
older. This ATV offers great mid-range engine performance
with full-size ATV flair in its styling. Power comes from
an easy to use and environmentally friendly four-stroke air-cooled
powerplant.
2007 Kawasaki KFX50 (More info)
The KFX®50 is a best in class ATV perfect for beginning
riders age six years and older. The KFX50 combines an environmentally
friendly four-stroke air-cooled engine with solid handling,
especially important for young riders.
www.kawasaki.com
2005
- 2006 LT-Z400 Magnesium Clutch Cover Recall
Brea,
California (6/29/06) - Suzuki has received field reports on
2005 and 2006 model LT-Z400 ATVs regarding erosion of the
magnesium clutch cover in the sealing area adjacent to the
water pump cavity. This erosion can affect the sealing ability
of the clutch cover and in extreme cases allow engine coolant
to contaminate the oil. While we have received reports of
the erosion, very few cases of coolant seepage have occurred.
It
is common that over time corrosion occurs in the cooling system
of motor vehicles and periodic maintenance such as flushing
and cleaning is required. Starting with the 2005 models, the
clutch cover material for the LT-Z400 was changed from aluminum
to magnesium. Suzuki engineers have determined that the erosion
found in the 2005 and 2006 model LT-Z400 clutch cover is not
normal and is a result of a chemical reaction between the
magnesium alloy and the coolant. Suzuki has decided that the
best long term solution is to conduct a Customer Satisfaction
Program and replace the clutch cover with one constructed
of aluminum. In addition to replacing the clutch cover, your
dealer will replace the engine oil, the oil filter and the
coolant at no cost to you.
Contact
your Suzuki dealer to schedule an appointment for the Customer
satisfaction Program service. Your dealer will then order
replacement parts and schedule a service appointment for your
LT-Z400 ATV. Parts are currently available for your dealer
to order.
During
your pre-ride inspection, if there is no indication of engine
oil contamination (oil is milky in color)found and the engine
coolant level is normal, it is OK to operate your ATV. If
engine oil contamination is found or coolant level is abnormal,
please contact your Suzuki dealer to make an appointment for
this Customer Satisfaction Program service before operating
your ATV.
If
you do not reside near the dealer from whom you purchased
your ATV, or you purchased your ATV from a private party,
you can contact the nearest authorized Suzuki dealer to schedule
an appointment for the service. You can obtain information
about Suzuki dealers in your area by calling the toll-free
dealer
locator telephone number of 800/828-7433.
To
save yourself time and travel, do not bring your LT-Z400 to
your Suzuki dealer until you have made an appointment. Please
be aware that no other conditions or service is covered by
the Customer Satisfaction Program. The cost of any additional
service you ask your dealer to perform is your responsibility.
If
you have an additional question that is not addressed in this
letter, please do not hesitate to contact your Suzuki dealer
or you may contact the American Suzuki Customer Service Department
for assistance using the direct Customer Service telephone
line at 714-572-1490. You will need to have your Vehicle
Identification Number ready when calling.
We
apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause, but
we are certain you understand Suzuki'sinterest in your satisfaction
with your LT-Z400 ATV.
Sincerely,
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
www.suzuki.com
A
Short ATV History Lesson
12/12/2003
By Eric Putter
Honda
was first to bring ATVs to the market when it introduced the
ATC in 1969. These fat-tired three-wheelers were mainly playtoys
until the early ‘80s, when their utility in farming
and ranching environments were realized. Yamaha, Kawasaki,
and then Suzuki (briefly) jumped on the ATV bandwagon with
their own versions of the wildly popular three-legged machines.
Breaking
tradition in 1985, Suzuki unleashed a four-wheeler and called
it a Quadracer. By this time, the ATV market was geared more
toward such sporting machines, while utility machines complemented
manufacturers’ lineups. Sport ATVs fell out of favor
after 1988 as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)—and
consequently, the general media—attacked the ATV industry
for having highly disproportionate injury statistics compared
to other forms of motorized recreation.
The
true crime here was that ATVs were deemed harmless by riders:
they didn’t have motorcycles’ tendency to fall
over immediately when ridden by unskilled operators. Most
of the public-relations damage was inflicted by uneducated,
non-helmeted, beer-guzzling adults riding like total goons
and unsupervised kids crashing adult-only machines.
With
major sanctions on the horizon, manufacturers concentrated
on the booming utility segment while backing out of the sport
and racing markets—until the past few years. Industry
analyst Don Brown attributes the new boom in sporting quads
to an industry reaction to a major demographic shift. In plain
words, he says that the huge Generation Y (18- to 24-year-old)
demographic is exploding, driving the market to cooler, sportier
quads. Not to miss the boat, the OEMs are simply supplying
this demand. That said, more serious sport-oriented quads
such as the YFZ450 and Honda’s new TRX450R are a natural
progression.
The
term "all-terrain vehicle" is used in a general
sense to describe any of a number of small open motorised
buggies and tricycles designed for off-road use. However,
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines an
ATV as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with
a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars
for steering control. By the ANSI definition, it is intended
for use by a single operator. The 4-wheeled versions are most
commonly called "quads," "four-wheelers"
or "ATVs" in the United States and Canada, and "quad
bikes" or "quad cycles" in other English-speaking
countries. Models with 3 wheels are typically known as ATCs
(though this is a Honda trademark) and "three-wheelers,"
and less commonly "all-terrain cycles" and "trikes."
6- and 8-wheel models exist for specialized applications.
The rider sits on these models just like on a motorcycle,
but the extra wheels make them more stable at slow speeds.
ATVs can also be considered Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) or
Off Road Vehicles (ORV), along with motorcycles, Jeeps and
other off-road capable machines.
The
first ATVs were made during the 1950s. These early models
had six wheels instead of four. Honda made the first three-wheeled
ATV in 1970, and were famously portrayed in the James Bond
movie, "Diamonds Are Forever". Dubbed the US90 and,
later, the ATC90, it was designed purely for recreational
use. It featured large balloon tires instead of a mechanical
suspension. By the early 1980s, suspension and lower-profile
tires were introduced. The 1982 Honda ATC200E Big Red was
a landmark model. It featured both suspension and racks, making
it the first utility three-wheeled ATV. The ability to go
anywhere on terrain that most other vehicles could not cross
soon made them popular with US and Canadian hunters, and those
just looking for a good trail ride. Soon other manufacturers
introduced their own models.
Sport
models were also developed by Honda, which had a virtual monopoly
on the market, due to effective patents on design and engine
placement. The 1981 ATC250R was the first high-performance
three-wheeler, featuring full suspension, a 248-cubic-centimetre
two-stroke motor, a five-speed transmisison with a manual
clutch and a front disc brake. For the sporting trail rider,
the 1983 ATC200X was another landmark machine. It has an easy-to-handle
192-cubic-centimetre four-stroke that was ideal for new participants
in the sport.
Suzuki
was a leader in the development of 4-wheeled ATVs. It sold
the first ATV, the 1983 QuadRunner LT125, which was a recreational
machine for beginners.
In
1983, Suzuki introduced to the industry the first high-performance
4-wheel ATV, the Suzuki LT250R QuadRacer. This machine was
in production for the 1985-1992 model years. During its run,
it underwent three major engineering makeovers. However, the
major core features were retained. These were: a sophisticated
long-travel suspension, a liquid-cooled two-stroke motor and
a fully manual 5-speed transmission for 85-86 models and a
6-speed transmission for the 88-92 models. It was a machine
exclusively designed for racing by highly skilled riders.
Honda responded a year later with the FourTrax TRX250R-a machine
that has not been replicated. Kawasaki responded with its
Tecate-4 250. In 1987, Yamaha introduced a different type
of high-performance machine, the Banshee 350, which featured
a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke motor from the RD350LC
street motorcycle. Heavier and more difficult to ride in the
dirt than the 250s, the Banshee became a popular machine with
sand dune riders thanks to its unique power delivery. The
Banshee has retained its popularity over the years, but 2006
is its last year of production, due to EPA emmissions rules.
The ATV is commonly called a four wheeler in Australia. They
are used extensively in agricultureAt the same time, development
of utility ATVs was rapidly escalating. The 1986 Honda FourTrax
TRX350 4x4 ushered in the era of four-wheel-drive ATVs. Other
manufacturers quickly followed suit, and 4x4s have remained
the most popular type of ATV. These machines are popular with
hunters, farmers, ranchers and workers at construction sites.
Safety
issues with 3-wheel ATVs caused all manufacturers to switch
to 4-wheeled models in the late '80s, and 3-wheel models ended
production in 1987, due to consent decrees between the major
manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission --
the result of legal battles over safety issues among consumer
groups, the manufacturers and CPSC. The lighter weight of
the 3-wheel models made them popular with some expert riders.
Cornering is more challenging than with a 4-wheeled machine
because leaning into the turn is even more important. Operators
may roll over if caution isn't used. The front end of 3-wheelers
obviously has a single wheel making it lighter, and flipping
backwards is a potential hazard, especially when climbing
hills. Rollovers may also occur when traveling down a steep
incline. The consent decrees expired in 1997, allowing manufacturers
to once again make and market 3-wheel models, though there
are very few marketed today.
Models
continue today to be divided into the sport and utility markets.
Sport models are generally small, light, two wheel drive vehicles
which accelerate quickly, have a manual transmission, and
run at speeds up to 75 miles per hour (120 km/h). Utility
models are generally bigger four wheel drive vehicles with
a maximum speed of up to 65 miles per hour (104 km/h). They
have the ability to haul small loads on attached racks or
small dump beds. They may also tow small trailers. Due to
the different weights, each has advantages on different types
of terrain.
Sport
models are built with performance, rather than utility, in
mind. To be successful at fast trail riding, an ATV must have
light weight, high power, good suspension and a low center
of gravity. These machines can be modified for such racing
disciplines as motocross, woods racing (also known as hare
scrambles, cross country), desert racing, hill climbing, ice
racing, speedway, TT (Tourist Trophy), flat track, drag racing
and others. Examples of high-performance models include the
Yamaha YFZ450, Honda TRX450R and Suzuki QuadRacer R450. ATVs
designed for fast trail riding include the Yamaha Raptor 700R,
Suzuki QuadSport Z400, Honda Sportrax 400EX, Bombardier DS650
and Polaris Predator 500.
Six
wheel models often have a small dump bed, with an extra set
of wheels at the back to increase the payload capacity. They
can be either 4 wheel drive (back wheels driving only), or
6 wheel drive.
There
are also 6 and 8 wheel models where the rider sits inside,
known as AATVs (amphibious all terrain vehicles). These vehicles
may float and are designed to go through swamps as well as
dry land. These were around in the United States long before
4 and 3-wheeled vehicles were introduced (by Honda and other
Japanese companies). Current brands of these machines include
Argo and MAX. They consist of a fiberglas or hard plastic
"tub" with low pressure (around 3 PSI) tires and
use a skid-steer steering setup. Though not as fast as other
ATVs, they can be operated with precision at slow speeds,
and, of course, have the ability to float. The spinning action
of the tires is enough to propel the vehicle through the water,
abeit slowly. Outboard motors can be added for extended water
use. Technically, these AATVs are not true ATVs by the ANSI
definition of an all-terrain vehicle. Often they have steering
wheels or control sticks rather than motorcycle-type handle
bars and are intended for more than a single rider, in contrast
to ATVs that meet the ANSI definition.
[edit]
Criticisms of ATVs
Bank erosion started by four wheeler All-terrain vehicles,
Yauhanna, South CarolinaSince the early 1990s, ATV use has
tripled across the United States. This has led to greater
conflict between ATV users and child-safety advocates, rural
landowners, fellow outdoor recreationalists and environmentalists.
[edit]
Safety Issues
Since the expiration of the consent decrees between the major
manufacturers and CPSC in April of 1998, the manufacturers
have entered into "voluntary action plans" that
mimic the previously mandatory consent decrees. However, despite
the move from 3-wheel to 4-wheel models and the action plans,
some deaths and injuries still occur. Statistics released
by CPSC show that in 2004, there were an estimated 136,100
injuries associated with ATVs treated in US hospital emergency
rooms -- more than double the number of injuries treated in
the last year of the consent decrees. In 2003, the latest
year for which estimates are available, 740 people died in
ATV-associated incidents.
The
action plans in place with CPSC cover only certain manufacturers
of ATVs. Other manufacturers that have entered the market
since the expiration of the consent decrees are not covered
by the action plans and so are not bound by the rules governing
things such as labelling and safe marketing practices, and
what ages a distributor may recommend a particular sized ATV
for. These manufacturers and distributors, most of whom originate
from Asia and Italy, are completely exempt of government oversight.
Focus
has shifted since the consent decrees ended to attention to
machine size balanced with rider age. Many states have enacted
legislation specifically governing the usage of ATVs on state
run land categorized by age ranges and engine displacements
- in line with the consent decrees. ATVs are mandated to be
labelled from the manufacturer that the use of machines greater
than 90cc by riders under the age of 16 is prohibited. Critics
point out that blanket policies concerning age are not sufficient
and often use as example that early teen male children are
physically larger and stronger than many adult women riders.
Some localities have either banned minors (typically those
under 16 years of age) from using ATVs or are considering
such legislation. Advocates of ATVs argue that starting younger
improves safety. They recommend that children can develop
the necessary expertise by starting as young as 6 years of
age instead of waiting until age 16. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission approved the sale of sub-50cc ATVs for use
by youngsters as young as age 6.
In
1988, the All-terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) was formed
to provide training and education for ATV riders. The cost
of attending the training is minimal and is free for purchasers
of new machines. Successful completion of training such as
provided here is in many states a minimum requirement for
minor-age children to be granted permission to ride on state
lands.
[edit]
EPA Concerns
[edit]
Emissions
Due to the lack of emission controlling hardware and software,
for year 2000 all recreational spark ignited (SI) non-road
vehicles (of which ATVs are a subset) contributed 8% of HC,
.16% of NOx, 5% of CO and .8% of PM emissions for the entire
non-road EPA family. The entire range of non-road emissions
accounted for 49% of engine produced emissions of all types.
(Source: EPA 1) While recreational SI vehicles (of which ATVs
are a subset) produce an aggregate of <4% of all HC emissions
in the US, based on the relatively small population of ATVs
(<1.2M) and small annual usage (<350 hrs), EPA emission
regulations now include such engines starting with model year
2006. (source: EPA 2)
[edit]
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates that each ATV consumes less than 59 gallons
of fuel per year and obtains between 40 and 50 mpg, making
them not likely to fall under future fuel economy regulations.
(Ibid. EPA 1)
[edit]
Land Usage
Some ATV riders cross privately owned property in rural areas
and travel overland where their use is explicitly limitied
to trails. Further, environmentalists criticize ATV riders
for excessive use in areas they consider biologically sensitive,
especially wetlands and sand dunes. While the deep treads
on some ATV tires are effective for navigating rocky, muddy,
and root covered terrain, these treads also dig channels that
may drain boggy areas, increase sedimentation in streams at
crossings and damage groomed snowmobile trails. Studies have
also shown that ATVs may help in the spread of invasive species
such as knapweed.
To
address these land usage concerns, well funded ATV advocacy
groups have been organized to purchase property and/or obtain
permission of landowners, build and maintain trails suitable
for ATV riding and educate ATV riders about responsible riding.
Many states have also formed separate governing bodies that
license ATVs separately than other ORVs. The monies from these
registrations are used to secure trails to ride and perform
grooming and maintenance.
Unfortunately,
the image of the great majority of responsible riders is often
tainted by the actions of some who ride off designated trails,
on private land without permission, and under the influence
of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, self regulation has proven
particularly difficult considering that the main public complaint
against ATVs is excessive noise. Although the majority of
ATVs comply with noise regulations, there are those whose
intentional violation can disturb the activities of other
recreational users for miles across open landscapes. Tampering
with an ATVs exhaust silencer and spark arrestor is illegal
on all federal lands and most state lands, however enforcement
is spotty. It is also possible to install aftermarket exhaust
systems that do not have silencers and spark arrestors.
Fellow
outdoor recreationists who have expressed concern about irresponsible
ATV use are snowmobile users who resent improper use of exclusive
snowmobile trails, ATV trail riders whose trails have been
damaged by improper use and hunters whose game has been driven
off by those riding during prime hunting times.
Nationally,
the US Forest Service considers managed ATV use to be a legitmate
activity in national forests, yet it also lists their unregulated
use as one of the four greatest threats to long term forest
management. The US Forest Service recently released a national
travel management plan designed to minimize the negative environmental
impacts of ATVs while providing a safe, sustainable and enjoyable
opportunity for ATV users.
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