I know I'm probably gonna catch some heat about this from the racers out there, but I feel I must bring this up. I joined this forum a month or so ago....since then, I've just been a fly on the wall....reading but not responding. I don't have much to contribute when it comes to technical questions, so I'd rather just observe and try to learn something.

What I've noticed is the overwhelming number of riders who modify their quads. I'm sure many of these people race on a regular basis and need every last ounce of power. I must say that I see a large number of posts from "weekend warriors" who have these sick machines with half-a-dozen mods as well.

I'm curious about the number of riders out there who enjoy their stock quads for what they are....I mean will gaining a few mph or a small acceleration increase really make a difference in the long run? What we have to be careful of is the "never satisfied" attitude. Unfortunately, this mind-set is quickly becoming ubiquitous....gotta have more, gotta have that bigger SUV, need more power, need to go faster, must buy the latest version....you get the point.

I have two atvs...both 250cc. The recon is my wife's and the ex is mine. I'm 6ft tall and weigh 165lbs....this quad is more than enough for me...even when I'm out tearing it up with the guys who all have Brute Forces and Prairies and Mack Trucks...I can keep up 98% percent of the time. The remaining 2% consists of them using 4wd through deep water holes (bad idea regardless), or climbing ungodly hills that I don't care to attempt, or on a long enough straightaway to get them up to full speed. Do I feel inadequate during those moments? No, because I know that every quad has its weak points....conversely, I have a much easier time weaving in and out of trees....I can lose all of my friends on tight trails because their atvs are more cumbersome in that setting.

This being a strictly opinionated post, I'm sure I'll get arguments from both sides...that's fine, I welcome your comments. Just remember that "bigger is better" mentality seems to be affecting our country and economy currently. We have an insatiable consumer thirst that can never quite be quenched...let's not pass that on to our children.

-sean

 

agreed for the most part. Many people enjoy atving and that is great. ITs their hobby so they enjoy starting with their basic atv. They have a job and the pick what the want to get next. Atleast thats how i do it. Its fun putting little things on your atv to make it unique and fit you better. Thats why many people do it. Some though kinda get out of hand by basically not even having the same atv the bought when done modding it.

 

You know, I just recently picked up a mini for my son, and I have to say until I rode it, I never really understood what the whole 3 wheeler thing was about back in the late 70's early 80's. I mean, who wants to ride around on something with no or limited suspension and little power? That mini is a lot of fun in the right environment, kind of the same as how you like your quad just the way it is. Me, I have modified mine, mostly body armor/extra protection for both the quad and me. I added an exhaust for more power and a better sound, it is nice to be able to pull hills and corners a gear higher than I could before. Stock was fine, but modded is better[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

I do think you may be off a bit on the economy thing though. While the vast majority of atv's sold are made overseas and thats were the profits go back to, aftermarket accessories are where the US shines. If starting tommorrow no one bought aftermarket goodies anymore, the only economy that would be impacted would be our own. If you have the $$ to spend, go ahead and buy that latest techno gadget.

 

i have a rancher and yes i want more power, more ground clearance,lock differential, hell i even want a radio and built in refridgerator! but seriously its human nature to want to do better ,go further, quicker. right? competition makes individuals thrive. with out it were all the same. just my opinion!!

 

There are a bunch of kids on here that think a pipe and jet..are big mods...The longer you read on here you will see that there is a hand full of us all around the US that meet up for sanddrags..And theses forums help us stay in touch with each other..As for just gain a little HP..Well ill put it like this...When my rappy was stock i think they put out around 35 HP..Im not going to give my HP numbers out..couse there are some people on here i really dont want them to know what they are..I have MORE then doubled my HP..And there is more to come by this winter..Thats going to put me on the point of blowing her up LOL..But that the thing if she shells ill just have Mr CrayCraft rebuild her..She will be a wild ride..And i Trust Mr Craycraft to build me a motor that will run a long time..

 

Thanks for all of your comments....I knew that I'd start a mild landslide with this topic.

Let me clarify a bit. Yes, certain mods are not bad at all....extra protection for yourself and your quad are not what I'm opposed to. Skid plates, A-arm guards, hand guards, nerf bars, and so on are great ideas...I think safety is crucial to good riding and these additions to any quad are highly recommended. You and your quad will hopefully endure less abuse and less broken parts/bones as a result.

My rant on the economy was more or less geared for those that still feel the need to manufacture/buy vehicles that are way over the top. Yes, I understand many people need full size trucks for their jobs or lifestyles and that's fine. But how many people in the US have a very large SUV or truck or pseudo-sports car on the market just because it makes them feel good? When watching car commercials, and most commercials for that matter....try and see if you pick up on the main theme...you won't feel good about yourself or complete unless you have this product. If you have this vehicle with the highest HP in its class, you might attract the opposite sex better.

My point is that a large portion of our population buys into this, I have friends who just can't think of owning a vehicle with anything less than a six cylinder engine...and trust me it's not out of necessity. I have a truck with a four cylinder engine and it suits me fine...I still get from point A to B. Maybe my acceleration isn't award winning, but my fuel economy is. I'm merely expressing my utilitarian side, sometimes alittle restraint is a good thing. I don't want my child to grow up thinking she needs to have the most expensive, the fastest, the latest and greatest to feel good about herself. She has the ability to do that on her own.

Modifications that help improve performance: Yes your quad will be faster, have more HP, start off the line more quickly....in a race, this is important. When you're goofing around with your friends, not so important. Just my opinion though.

Will modifications make you a better driver? My first inclination on this subject is no.
Yes, your quad may be easier to control, thus allowing you to ride more aggressively, but does that teach the rider about developing a natural feel for his/her quad or understanding their own physical limitations? It kinda reminds me of the old saying about buying the latest basketball shoe, it won't make you a better player.....remember the Converse All Stars?

What I'm getting at is that although modding your quad for more performance is relatively benign in the grand scheme of life, it does reflect the attitude that you can never be happy with what you get. Our kids will develop the same attitude and thus perpetuate an ideal that may not be easily accommodated in the not-so-distant future. That is all.

-sean

 

Hmmm...what if the Pilgrims had been happy with what they got and never came here? Apparently the Amish people are happy with what they have and dont want anything more. Hopes are for something that you dont have and want.
You might be content with a slice of bread and say,"this is all I need". Me.........I want ham and cheese on mine!

Just my thoughts.

 

You've brought up something interesting ForemanDan, you used the word "need" when hypothetically quoting a person like me, and "want" when responding with your own thoughts.

Sure, to some degree I think we all WANT the biggest and baddest toys on the market...but that doesn't mean that we NEED them. When I approach large scale purchases, I usually buy good quality products, but don't feel the need to get the flagship model.....that doesn't mean I might not want it though.

On to the Pilgrims: well that may be alittle disconnected to what we're talking about here. The Pilgrims sought America because of political/religious pressures exerted by the British Government/Church. Remember separation of church and state really wasn't that prevalent back then. The pilgrims were dealing with life changing oppression, and the decision to sail across the Atlantic was not a light one.

I'm pretty much focusing on 20-21st century consumerism here....but I do see where you're coming from. You're analogy with the Amish is a fairly good one...the Amish take pride in being self-sufficient, don't require too much and try to keep things simple. Simple is good, for the most part. Unless we're talking about the gene pool...man did they ever keep it simple there. The downfall of the Amish is their isolation from a larger population....thus inbreeding has become an issue...polydactly, or extra fingers and toes is a common problem in Amish communities and is a result of inbreeding. And well the Amish are fanatically pious, and anti-technology...kinda outside the bounds of internal combustion engines and their uses.

-sean

 

IMHO everyone needs to put their own unique mark on their quad...

 

Just to add something. My first quad was my Foreman 450. I knew Hondas were reliable, but that was about all I really knew about quads. It is a very tough machine and I had a lot of fun on it. After riding it a while on some rocky trails I would really get sore (monkey butt). I decided I wanted something else. I wanted a softer ride (I'm not getting any younger) and figured an IRS set up would take care of that. I also knew I didn't want a belt drive. That only left the Rincon. It is still stock as far as performance and yes, it is enough. But this is my hobby and I like to tinker.