I only ask this, because in reading the latest issue, it states "Last year we put the radar gun on the Raptor 660R and the DS650, and both topped out at 71mph.....)

Of course, if you go back to that issue, the Raptor "radars" at 74.9 mph. (In the latest issue, the Cannondale does 73.....)

This is in no way a rip on the Cannondale. It looks like a super inovative quad, and I'm glad more manufacturers are getting into the playing field.

What this is, is a Dirt Wheels complaint. It seems that they just take pictures of themselves riding the quads, and then make up the entire article.

Anyone else feel this way?

 

BCC- I agree, ever issue goes against what they say in earlier issues.I wish all the mags would come up with some standard test. I live at 800 feet elevation and all my quads seem to be a few mph faster than there results. Maybe they don't have 2 miles of flat roads. I am about to the point that i don't care to read them anymore.

 

Dirt wheels always roots for the new quads

 

Yep, Dirt Wheels sucks and I've been reading them regulary since '85. Now that other mags are coming out there is a choice. This will either force DW to shape up or they will eventually fold. I get very tired of reading their reviews and having to sort out the specs because they get thenm wrong. Also the shootouts are a joke, more so now than in the past. I just don't understand why they cannot be more like Dirt Bike since they are both from the same company.

 

Here's my theory on dirt wheels:

The manufacturers know that most people don't look at dirt wheels before they go and buy a quad. Example: time and time again I've been at my dealership when someone will come in that has no idea which quad is better, etc.; they just want something that will work for their needs.

Therefore, I feel the manufacturers think they're doing dirt wheels a favor letting them test their quads. If dirt wheels lays into them too much with their review (especially honda) - no more free tests. The manufacturers don't need dirt wheels, dirt wheels needs them.

People that ride dirt bikes tend to be more educated about what they want (in a general public sense). Therefore, there is demand for highly opinionated reviews. Since there is enough people seeking that info, dirt bike mags aren't worried that they will be cut off from the manufacturers.

ogre

 

Don't forget the $$$ angle. No magazine will crucify thier big dollar sponsors. If they **** of their sponsors, they lose advertising dollars.

Now if only a magazine like Consumer Reports would do a few reviews...

 

Car and Driver runs standardized tests on EVERYTHING. They set stuff up consistently, adjust for sea level and actually claim to calibrate their instruments. Road and Track sucks - they don't put half the rigor into their tests.

Dirtwheels is a good way to find out about stuff, but the reader really has to struggle to find out what the article means to them. They even used the word "tippy" on the 400FX review and called it a great handling quad! Motocross Action is also a hi-torque publication and those guys are ruthless. I actually value their opinions and have had good luck following their opinions (Fox Hybrid kidney belt review was right on). Now that there is some competition in the ATV arena, lets see if DW can grow some huevos.

 

Hey why don't you E-mail or snail mail the Magazine and call them on it. Maybe it was an honest mistake by a new guy. Give them the two issue numbers and the actual times they have printed and give them a chance to redeem themselves. If they don't put it in one of there issues with a correction or explination, you'll know they are definatly low rent. The more guys like you catch these things and call them on it the better chance we have of getting an informative mag. On second thought post the issue numbers and quotes of the times here and then a bunch of us could call them on it. There is strength in numbers.

 

No atv mag is good for actual comparisms. It's so pathetic it's funny....they can't even get the specs right.
Maybe the people with MAD magazine are making ALL of the atv mags too....just toying with us for their pleasure....for $5 a pop.