ATVConnection.com

As far as we can tell, there are two types of people in the world: UTV racing addicts and those who haven’t tried it yet. There is just something about the combination of open-air competition reminiscent of ATV racing coupled to the interior security associated with auto racing that makes taking a side-by-side to the track absolutely infectious.

We wanted to assemble a little guide to make your first UTV race the start of something very special. The trouble is UTVs come from the factory in many shapes, sizes and styles and lately you can add “many different states of tune” to that list as well. In other words, while our guide offers some generalized modifications you may wish to target to maximize your UTV’s performance potential, realize that some editions of popular models actually come stock with more than what you would need to get underway. Use your own judgment on which, if any, mods apply to you.

1) Exhaust

We almost always begin with exhaust when looking for performance gains. Why? Well a few reasons. First of all most factory stuff is restricted to meet stringent sound requirements. A choked up exhaust robs an engine of performance by restricting its ability to breathe. Additionally OEMs have to try to meet a price point when selecting materials with which to build components. You can often save precious pounds by simply switching to an aluminum or carbon exhaust. It is not uncommon to gain an additional 5-horsepower and a speed advantage of 4mph just by going with a slip-on system.

2) Intake

Just like with the exhaust side of things, gains that can be made by simply allowing an engine to breathe more effectively are not to be taken lightly. If you can swing it, aftermarket intake/ airboxes are literally designed to flow more air. However, even in keeping a tight budget, simply tossing the stock air filter in favor for an aftermarket unit from the likes of K&N or Twin Air (to mention a few) can often yield healthy power gains while cutting down on servicing in the process. Combine this mod with an aftermarket exhaust for maximum performance potential.

3) Shock Treatment

Fortunately these days more and more UTVs are wisely coming from the dealer with quality suspension from the likes of Fox and Ohlins. However, this wasn’t always the case and there are many that still use generic coil-overs. Performance riding/ track use can find the limitations of such shocks real quick! Fortunately the aftermarket UTV suspension scene is alive and well. Fully adjustable units from companies like Elka allow you to dial in the performance you seek for the individual track conditions in question.

4) Clutching

Getting off the line is a very important factor in all racing and in the case of an automatic UTV, a clutch kit can be invaluable. It can also be crucial in keeping your engine from staying buried in the rev limiter especially after having made other modifications.

5) Gearing

Unless you’re doing some wide-open desert racing, you may find it very beneficial to gear down your UTV. Just how does one gear down an automatic CVT transmission? The easiest way is to run slightly smaller tires believe it or not. However, since some tracks require more ground clearance than others, you may want to mount smaller tires on a spare set of rims so that swapping to meet race-conditions is a possibility.

6) Beadlocks

If you’re considering doing any sort of tire/ wheel modification, beadlocks are a good place to start. Not only are they better able to withstand harsher impacts, they offer protection against pinch-flatting while allowing you to run tire pressures way lower than normal.

7) Safety Bits

This one has all to do with the requirements of the sanctioning body in question and how your machine came set up from the dealer but fire extinguishers, 5-point harnesses, reinforced roll cages: check out your race organization’s requirements for participation.

Dear ATVC:

I’m looking for the year model with the most bugs worked out of it and least amount of problems. Which would be the best year for this?

Norf Georgia

Well the simplest answer to that question would be to go with a 2013. Why? Because not only is it the latest/ most refined version of the machine, it’s also going to come with factory warranty should you purchase it new.

Assuming you’re curious about used models, however, you should take comfort in knowing that the Grizzly has a long and proven history and that no particular model year was known for having problems.

The vehicle’s heritage can be traced back to 1998 (the Grizzly 600) that used an already proven motor from the XT600 motorcycle.

It became the Grizzly 660 in 2002 when Yamaha decided to integrate another time proven engine of theirs (the 5-valve 660 from the Raptor). It also went from a single shock to fully independent rear suspension in transitioning from 600 to 660.

From there you’d be hard pressed to find any changes made all the way up until 2007 when it became the Grizzly 700 and included such perks as fuel injection and EPS (Electric Power Steering). This is the top of the line Grizzly still offered today.

So in short, you really can’t go wrong with whichever year you decide. Base your choice on budget, location and the condition of the individual specimen in question.

Got questions for us? Ask them here!

Each week your loyal editors peruse SprocketList in the hopes of finding someone out there a good deal on a used ATV.

That said, this week’s find takes us to a place called Adel, GA.

According to the ad, this is 2005 Yamaha YFZ450, adult ridden that boasts a whole host of desirable mods. Among these: a new cylinder and high compression piston, fresh valves and springs, new rear wheel bearings, chain and a lightweight crank.

The tires are listed as fair and the seller says he’s throwing in the wheelie bar, helmets, chest protector, and full Fox riding gear. The seller claims simply to have lost interest and just wants to get rid of it all.

He’s asking $2500 but is also considering a wide variety of trades: Fox or SN95 (or newer) Mustang, hot-rod project (car/truck), jet-ski or a truck camper (but not a topper). Seller says he may even be willing to deliver.

Well you know what they say: what goes around comes around. For this week’s internet silliness, we find a hapless camera operator perched on his ATV while his friends circle him on their black sport machines, tossing roost in his direction.

Note the lack of helmets, absence of safety gear and the goggles too high to protect anything other than the dude’s hair. Yes kids, here’s not what to do on your ATV. But it is always funny when vengeance happens so quickly!

Yamaha’s second “Assembled in USA” Sweepstakes is upon us. This year’s contest was launched at the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), the largest outdoors industry trade show, and the sweepstakes will run through May 31 with Yamaha selling tickets onsite at the NRA Show in Houston, May 3-5.

The Special Edition Rhino, which is decked out in tactical accessories, is valued at more than $13,000 and is Yamaha’s most off-road capable and durable Side-by-Side vehicle (SxS) featuring the exclusive Ultramatic automatic transmission, the most durable CVT system in the industry, and Yamaha’s On-Command push-button 2WD, 4WD and 4WD diff-lock system.

The Tactical Black Rhino that will be given away at the end of the sweepstakes features an all-new matte black body and cast aluminum wheels for tactical design and durability. Like all of Yamaha’s 4×4 Grizzly ATVs, the Rhino comes straight from Yamaha’s production line in Newnan, Ga.

“Yamaha is proud to support HAVA and Feed the Children, and we’re excited to show off the Assembled in USA Tactical Black models at the NRA show next month,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “If you have $5 to donate to a good cause, we’ll be glad to enter you for a chance to win a new Rhino.”

Readers, your chance to enter without getting up from your seat can be done by clicking here.