Dear ATVC:
I was browsing eBay for a used ATV and noticed many claim to be “green sticker” compliant. What’s that mean?
It’s a safe bet you live in a state that is not California. In Cali All motor vehicles are required to display one of the two stickers (either green or red).
What’s the difference? Red stickers are distributed to 2003 model year and newer that are not certified to California EPA emission standards. Red stickers are issued to vehicles that can access California riding areas seasonally only. In other words, some vehicles do not meet emission standards applicable for California OHV riding areas right from the factory and are thus restricted to use in limited areas/ certain times of the year.
All others are issued green stickers. In short, think of either sticker as proof of registration.
This all came about when representatives formed the California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks and Recreation. This Division is actually financed by the “Green Sticker” license fee that is included in the highway/road taxes that riders pay when they buy fuel that is used when driving their vehicles off of paved highways. California Air Resources Board (ARB) established enactment to limit the use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) that do not meet emission standards applicable for California OHV riding areas.
Last month, John Almiron wrote about his adventures at Glamis. Since reading that post I’ve been wanting to head out there. So I was pumped when our buddies over at Autoholics recently posted this video about the New Years festivities at the SoCal off-road mecca. Now, we tend to steer more toward low-brow, low-fi videos here, but since variety is the spice of life, we decided to give this one a chance—even though it’s beautifully shot, expertly edited and doesn’t feature any collisions with live stock.
Am considering having a Pro Charger supercharger installed on my UTV for duning but fear that doing so will destroy my machine’s trail-friendliness. Is the horsepower increase enough to make most machines too much to handle in technical terrain?
The short and easy answer is “possibly”. In reality, it depends on what model and size UTV you would be modifying, whether or not you were going any further with your build (fuel mapping, exhaust system, big bore kit, clutching and so on) and just what you consider technical trails.
Typically adding 30-40 pounds to the UTV, a supercharger can produce unrivaled horsepower gains. Just how much are we talking here? Well 40 to 50% gains on high quality pump gas! No other single mod delivers as much power per dollar as a supercharger. On the flip side at $4000- $5000 for the kit alone (plus installation), we can’t exactly call it “cheap horsepower” either.
Superchargers work on the concept of forced air induction: specifically through an impeller connected to the engine’s crankshaft (unlike a turbo, which relies upon exhaust pressure and hence delivers power with a deliberate lag).
As far as power-spread goes, you do have some control of how the increased power is distributed; namely in the form of your fuel delivery and ignition mapping. It’s not that far fetched to imagine tuning your UTV to deliver maximum top-end (aftermarket ignition box to raise the rev limiter) for long days out in the dunes and to then detune the maps for meatier bottom end delivery for the trails. Just expect increased throttled response in all situations!
We’re still in the first quarter of 2012 but Honda’s apparently unconcerned with Mayan calendars and doomsday predictions as they are the first manufacturer to unleash word on their 2013 line. Here’s what they have to say:
“With our wide-ranging lineup of utility ATVs, Honda offers something for just about everybody who spends time outdoors for work or recreation. Whether you’re out checking fences or just enjoying a casual trail ride with friends, Honda has your ATV needs covered.”
–Kevin Aschenbach, Off-Road Media Coordinator, Honda Powersports Press