okay so i wanna get into atv racing mainly harescramble but i would like to get into like more um stuff with jumps stuff like that latter. Im 300 pounds i already lost 25 punds just for racing im trying to loss more and get in shape too what would be a good weight to be around to be able to race.im 6.5 so im thinking around 200-250 now please dont say i cant do it but can u tell me what im instore for if i race after i loos weight now also im thinking of buying the ktm 525 or the can am 450 what one should i get.Thanks any advice would be great.

 

Unless your around an area with lots of ktms/can-am's i'd say labor and parts are going to be through the roof. Lots go into building quads for XC stuff.. A nice set of front shocks are going to be around $1500, or you could go economy and find something cheaper, but it's still going to be up there. The list goes on! In short, a yfz or trx, ltr or something is probably going to be a bit cheaper.


Go for it!

 

thanks what would u say would be a good weight to be around

 

Woods racing is physically intense. I have never formally raced but the way I like to ride is that same as xc racing. You need to be in good shape. Your weight depends on your build, I guess you could use the body mass index as a guide.
What are you instore for? A total body work out. Its like being in a gym and working your arms and legs at the same time while doing sit ups for 4 hours.

 

Well in order to be considered normal weight for a height of 6' 5", you would need to weigh no more than 210 lbs (based on BMI). BMI does not take muscle mass into account, so if you have more muscle than "normal" you're going to appear overweight based on BMI even when you are not overweight.

Keep exercising and getting more fit. I've raced hare scrambles for a few decades. They're very physically demanding. Having a belly bouncing around while you're trying to blitz a set of whoops is no fun. Once you feel reasonably fit go ahead and give it a try. Then you'll know for sure if you're fit enough.

Can Am and KTM sport quads are a good start for racing. The suspension is better, so you don't have to spend the money on shocks like you may have to with Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. Besides, spend your time and money getting fit and practicing on your ATV, and you'll do better than you would by just spending your money on ATV mods.

 

For weight, the closer to ideal for your height the better, but don't let that stop you from racing now if you wish.

Machine wise, they are all good. Some just need a little more prep than others. The KTM may fit you a bit better than the Can-Am, but both are extremely capable right off the showroom floor. Whichever manufacturer you buy, they all need a shock revalve/spring set up for your weight for best results. That doesn't mean you couldn't adjust the stockers and give it a go though.

Machine prep is the biggest thing. You need A1 quality skid plates, bumpers, nerfs, etc. When $$ allows, get beadlocks as they will save you from a long walk and/or destroyed rim sooner rather than later.

As for parts availability, just get real cozy with a set of wrenches and your favorite mail order. My local dealers(and I have a few good sized ones) never had the parts I broke in stock. When you only have 6 days to clean and prep the machine between races, you need to have the parts on hand or get them shipped Monday/Tuesday ish. And you will break stuff when riding at a competitive pace.

As for what to expect physically, xc is one of the hardest things I have ever done compressed into 1.5-2 hour time frame. EVERY thing will hurt and be sore after your first full race. I could barely walk for 3 days after my first ever. Pace yourself and don't worry about where you finish, just finish. For example, my brother pretty much always smokes me the first lap; but I always have him beat when the checker waves because he can't keep up that first lap pace.

 

One more thing, xc setups don't fare well on an mx course. They are softer suspended and narrower than an mx machine. The 525 KTM may not be welcome for some mx series as well. The 450 is the exact same engine just a different jug/piston though. A pretty easy swap. The 450 has more than enough muscle to race xc anyway.