"Installs in 20 seconds, costs under $20, guaranteed to increase performance. This is not just another product, it is THE SOLUTION."

    When a company advertises a claim like that, you can’t help being curious about whether or not their new product will really make a difference on your ATV. Whiplash Systems just introduced a new product called the VentStop, which was designed to prevent air from entering the fuel tank when the motor is not running. Whiplash Systems claims that fuel vapors can escape and moisture can enter when the motor is off and the fuel tank is still vented; causing loss of horsepower and possibly ruining your fuel.   
    The first thing that came to mind after receiving the VentStop was the popular phrase, "If it ain’t broke don’t fix it." However, in all fairness to Whiplash, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and decided to give the VentStop a fair test.

    Whiplash Systems' reasoning behind the VentStop is that the gas cap's vent hose allows air into the fuel tank as fuel is used when the engine is running. Once your engine is off, the vent hose is no longer needed but its venting purpose is still in effect. They claim this ruins your fuel and takes away horsepower. The full explanation can be seen on their website. Whiplash claims that by using VentStop you can cure hard starts, fuel varnish, engine knock, fuel oxidation, and a host of other ill-effects.
    We installed and tested the VentStop on a few different machines. To install the VentStop, we simply removed one of the mounting bolts from our brake-lever perch and replaced it with the VentStop. The VentStop holds the perch in place just as secure as the stock bolt did, and even includes a nut for the threads if you need it. For our application it wasn't necessary, but it could be useful depending on mounting location. Once installed, the VentStop doesn’t look tacky and won’t get in the way when riding.

    One of our test machines was a modified 4-stroke that was always a bear to kick over. It didn’t matter if it was cold or hot outside, unless the motor was already warm, you were going to wear out your leg getting it started. After installing the VentStop, there were a few noticeable improvements. The first was that it revved "cleaner" and felt slightly more powerful. Without running it on a dyno before and after, we don’t know if it was the VentStop at work or just our imagination, but it felt like it ran a better to us. However, there was one noticeable improvement that definitely wasn’t imagination. Our cranky thumper would now kick over on the second or third kick--consistently! When the motor was already warm it would usually start on the first kick. The easier starts on the test bike alone made it worth it!


Although we weren’t able to test and prove everything Whiplash claims the VentStop will fix, the theory behind its design and operation makes sense and we have no reason to doubt them. When you are done riding, simply plug your gas-cap vent into the VentStop. When you are ready to ride again, just unplug it. It’s also a handy way to make sure you don’t lose your gas-cap when filling up. Our only complaint is that on some quads the vent hose might not be long enough to reach the VentStop; like one Suzuki we tried it on. If you are thinking about buying one, see if your vent hose will reach to your brake or clutch perch mounting bolts. If not, you may have to buy a longer piece of hose to attach to your gas cap.

Not only will VentStop help your ATV’s health, it also helps the environment! Whiplash claims that by using VentStop you can prevent fuel evaporation and hydrocarbon pollution. With all of the negative press OHV’s are getting these days for the pollution they supposedly put out, here is something that may increase performance and helps preserve our riding areas. The VentStop is relatively inexpensive at $19.95. Included in the kit is an Allen-wrench for installation, instructions, explanation of product, and a VentStop decal.