the reason they are so inexpensive is not because they skimped on design, but because they avoided the cost of engineering the machines from scratch (we all know they are in large part copies of well known japanese quads), and because they've got millions of chinese working for two bucks a day producing the quads.

these quads WERE expected to jump. it's just silly to think that a quad would never leave the ground, no matter what the caution stickers say. that's like saying we don't need to design our cars for speeds higher than 65mph, cause thats the national speed limit.

it's inexcusable, and at the same time understandable that some of this stuff is not properly engineered, especially when you consider how they try to morph various machine designs into one, not fully understanding what exactly they are doing (like in the case of suspension geometry). but eventually, they'll get it right. look at how far along the two cycle machines have come.

i'll post pictures of my front end rework tonight.

 

geo, my reasons for my comments are based on my experiences with a 04 yamoto 150. The stock rear shock had 9/16" of travel. not a misprint. Not exactly what I would call top quality component. I understand people expecting more, also know they will be disappointed if they do.

Thanks for posting the pictures, looking forward to seeing them.

 

I know one of the biggest problems with the front end is the tires are way too soft. If you go and stand on the front bumper you can watch the tires will flex alot but the wheels stay put. I am 6'1 and 225lbs so when I get on my sons quad and back up the tires will toe in really bad. If I inflate the tires to where they are hard it does not happen. The tires are very cheap and only 2 ply. I used a neighbors front set of tires (6ply) off of a lt80 and it made a world of difference. And yes I think the newer atv's with the dual a arms would hold up and handle 100% better then the narrow single a arm. I can totally see your point about safety but i know these are cheap atv's and the limits would be alot lower then the name brands. I have done whatever I can to make it much safer for him to ride without worrying about the quad tipping or rolling end over. He has not had any problems going places I can go. I live in Pennsylvania so there are a ton of trails and hills that he has gone.

 

i didnt want to start a feud here i just wanted to let u guys know what was going on with 2 of them. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I dont see it that way at all. To me it is a exchange of ideas and experiences. We cant all have the same opinions, that would be boring. I appreciate all of the feed back here.

 

ok, i got some steering images posted. the mod amounts to relocating the mount to lower frame tubes, vs about 2" higher.
suspension images
click on the 'bumpsteer.AVI' movie to see how much the front wheel toes in during travel
the 'corrected.AVI' movie shows how little it moves after modification

 

geo, thank you very much for the pictures. The bump steer movie is really disturbing. My wife is definitely not even coming close to pushing her suspension limits but I may look into doing what you did. It is pretty obvious how bad it can be if the quads are ridden hard.

I was just looking at the tie rods on the wifes yamoto and they are mounted about as low as possible. I stood on the front bumper and jumped up and down and definitely doesnt have as much turn in as yours did but may have some. I need to take off a shock and see for sure.

I went out and pulled a shock off and cycled the front wheel. There is no bump steer at all. It is scary to me to watch your "before" video.

 

I don't know about jumping the Kazuma but I found good parts support finally!!!! Go to www.kazumausa.com or the toll free listed was 888-529-8621.

Robert