Yes it’s real. No it isn’t the same as the CDI. Dear ATVC: I have a 2002 Yamaha Big Bear 400 with electrical problems. I am trying to find out the purpose of the Motor Control Unit. It is different from the CDI box and I am trying to determine whether or not it’s functioning […] More »

Let’s separate fact from fiction. Myth: Higher Octane Number Means Greater Engine Performance We’ve all heard that one, right? Pump in some 93 rather than 87 and hold on tight. This is actually quite untrue. What a higher octane rating is good for is allowing an engine to be tuned for greater compression without preigniting […] More »

The CVT reigns supreme. These days almost all of our ATVs comes in one of two configurations as far as transmissions go. You either have a fully automatic CVT system or you have a fully manual 5-speed setup. They are distinct because they operate at extreme ends of the spectrum. In the automatic corner a […] More »

HISUN says it’s their most asked question. Dear ATVC: HISUN’s 1000cc motor is a knockoff of what name brand engine? While it is true that many Chinese off-road manufacturers simply create clone engines from older Japanese patents, HISUN prides itself on relying upon no such trickery. HISUN Motors (Chongqing Huansong Industrial Co. Ltd.) manufactures all […] More »

Relic from the past? Dear ATVC: What ever happened to compression release levers on ATVs? I remember in the 90s, all my machines had them (even my electric start Suzuki 4×4) and now they are all but non-existent. Have ATVs been designed to run less cylinder pressure in recent years? You are indeed correct that […] More »

BNGs can be considered a feature. Sorta. Dear ATVC: Stupid question. What’s BNG mean? I’ve been looking up my ATV’s model history and some years in the updates section, it just says BNG. I’ve never heard of this, what is it? Sometimes we as the media throw terms around for so long that their origins […] More »

Why no title? Dear ATVC: I haven’t owned an ATV since since my Yamaha Wolverine 15 years ago. I’ve been thinking about picking up something used, along the lines of a 400EX, LTZ400, maybe even a Raptor. There are a decent number of ATVs on Facebook Marketplace, but it seems like very few of them […] More »