Why not start a new category in the forum, where we invite the manufacturers reps to reply to our questions and comments. This would be good for us because we won't have to get information second or third hand, and it would be good for them because they would get immediate feedback from the customer!!! Then we could get answers like: "I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of a 650EX".

You moderators out there, what do you think???

 

The number one reason is because human sacrifices are against the law. There no reason for them to do it. It is obvious that the manufacturers don't care about the consumer enough to innovate let alone answer a million redundant questions. I'm sure it would take less than an hour of knowing that such a forum was actually visited by such an all knowing individual, before the system would be plugged up with questions like "who is the idiot that designed the airbox and chain tightener on the banshee?" and "why has it taken over 14 years to make it better?".
Then you would get the "other manufacturer" delegation that would chime in and say that the only reason "X" brand needs an on line "factory guy" is because they're about to go out of business and want to keep the few loyalists they can.
Top all of that off with where are they going to find such a knowledgable person. Especially one who has nothing better to do than read and respond to emails.
Don't get me wrong I think it's a great idea. But the liklihood is about the same as being able to call up the Pope and ask him what he had for breakfast.
On the other hand I think a moderated bulletin board would serve almost the same purpose.
A person could list the machine{s} they have and the pros and cons. They could also list the defects in the products they use {factory or aftermarket}. This would allow the manufacturers to "peek" at how their products are performing in the real world and then they could "post" whatever remedies they have put in place.
For example...

1999 banshee
pros...reasonable purchase price, dealers nearby, good owners manual etc.
cons...chain tensioners takes too many wrenches, air filter lets dirt into carbs, TORS system causes unexplained cutoffs, frame, a arms, steering stem, bent after simple rollover.
aftermarket...
Toomey pipes...
pros...excellent fit and finish, unique sound, accesories to adjust db output, tradein available for newer pipes, excellent same day tech help.
cons...kind of pricey

Manufacturers input...
We are sorry to announce we are firing Mr. Yomimurigawasishinikagumison for engineering the air filter and chain tightening systems on the 1987 thru present Banshee and will be offering a new bearing carrier thru your local dealer. Please use recall #00000001 with your request along with the original tensioner parts. We wish Mr. Yomimurigawasishinikagumison the best in his endeavors as an art teacher in the local preschool.


This way everyone benefits from our individual info and the manufacturers can see where they are falling short if they care to find out.
As far as squelching the rumors about what the next model quad is gonna be, we have to trust the main page of this forum to keep us informed OR rely on the ATV rag sheets that only give you yesterdays news.

 

Most manufacturers have technical service departments where you can get answers to questions and problems. So, many already have the staff on hand. I think this would be a good PR move for a manufacturer!