What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
Nov 17, 2008 | 01:44 PM
#1
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Range Rover
Joined: Oct 2008
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What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
I saw a post (pretty sure it was the Polaris thread) where some guys were talking about the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) that is on the new generation of Utility ATV's. Someone asked "what will they think of next"? Well, I've given some thought to that question.
I gave some consideration about the new generation of 2-up MAX quads with the longer wheel base, and wondered how much it affected the turning radius of the machines. That is usually the trade-off. Please don't post about how much it does or does not affect it, that's not the point here, it just got me thinking...
What about Rear Wheel Steering (RWS?)?? Yep! A 4x4x4 ATV from a major manufacturer. They already have IRS so would it be that big of a deal?
If they added it, how would it be implemented? Would it work only at low speeds? Would it automatically determine when to activate? Really it could be just a 3-stage system: Straight (off), full-left or full-right. Since the rear wheels likely would not turn to a very aggressive angle, you could get away with that.
Well, what do you guys think? Hate the idea? Love the idea? Would you be willing to PAY for it?
I gave some consideration about the new generation of 2-up MAX quads with the longer wheel base, and wondered how much it affected the turning radius of the machines. That is usually the trade-off. Please don't post about how much it does or does not affect it, that's not the point here, it just got me thinking...
What about Rear Wheel Steering (RWS?)?? Yep! A 4x4x4 ATV from a major manufacturer. They already have IRS so would it be that big of a deal?
If they added it, how would it be implemented? Would it work only at low speeds? Would it automatically determine when to activate? Really it could be just a 3-stage system: Straight (off), full-left or full-right. Since the rear wheels likely would not turn to a very aggressive angle, you could get away with that.
Well, what do you guys think? Hate the idea? Love the idea? Would you be willing to PAY for it?
Nov 17, 2008 | 01:54 PM
#2
Moto Psycho
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,747
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
There's no way I would be willing to pay for it on an ATV and don't think it's neccesary, but they could make it work just like the GM pickup trucks with Quadrasteer. It would add less than $6,000 to the cost of your quad. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Nov 17, 2008 | 02:26 PM
#3
Extreme Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,101
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What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
I think the next BIG, BIG breakthrough will be HYBRID!
Yes, that would top it for me! Gas/Electric baby!!!!!
.........................................AND...... .................................................. ...........
MAKE IT STREET LEGAL! So I can ride it to work everyday![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
GREAT topic here!!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Yes, that would top it for me! Gas/Electric baby!!!!!
.........................................AND...... .................................................. ...........
MAKE IT STREET LEGAL! So I can ride it to work everyday![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
GREAT topic here!!!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Nov 17, 2008 | 04:25 PM
#6
Extreme Pro Rider
Mopar Man!
Mopar Man!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,333
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Co
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
The next big thing you will see is Dual clutch trannys like the one found in the new Honda Rancher A/T!
http://powersports.honda.com/a...009&ModelId=TRX420FPA9
http://powersports.honda.com/2009models/#/rancher-at
http://powersports.honda.com/a...009&ModelId=TRX420FPA9
http://powersports.honda.com/2009models/#/rancher-at
Nov 17, 2008 | 04:55 PM
#7
Pro Rider
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 583
Likes: 1
From: Southwest PA
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
You know sometimes I would like to have a lil electric power too. It would be great when sneaking into my huntin spot. Prob. wouldnt be worth the hassle but still cool thinkin about it. This is a good post. Keep em comin
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Nov 17, 2008 | 05:02 PM
#8
Pro Rider
Lets Ride!
Lets Ride!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 1
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
I'm not sure how much farther they can go........
Generally you look at automotive innovations to see what trickles down to ATVs..... and since it took 20 years for EFI to trickle down it will probably take another 20 years for the next big thing to follow......In that it will probably be a Ute or a UTV that gets a hybrid design or an alternative fuel engine, or flex fuel for ethanol or something else. But that might take 20 years to get here from there......
If you look at cars, no major revolution has happened since EFI was introduced until gasoline shortages forced their hands into the hybrid things. All they did was refine the basic EFI type systems with more ECU controls to refine efficiency and power..... so we will probably see similar things with ATVs for the next 20 years while all the manufacturers weed out the carbs and add in consumer controlled electronics to "dial in" settings for your terrain. They have aftermarket stuff now that will do that, and it is probably only a matter of time before we see it get into one of the high end machines....
Generally you look at automotive innovations to see what trickles down to ATVs..... and since it took 20 years for EFI to trickle down it will probably take another 20 years for the next big thing to follow......In that it will probably be a Ute or a UTV that gets a hybrid design or an alternative fuel engine, or flex fuel for ethanol or something else. But that might take 20 years to get here from there......
If you look at cars, no major revolution has happened since EFI was introduced until gasoline shortages forced their hands into the hybrid things. All they did was refine the basic EFI type systems with more ECU controls to refine efficiency and power..... so we will probably see similar things with ATVs for the next 20 years while all the manufacturers weed out the carbs and add in consumer controlled electronics to "dial in" settings for your terrain. They have aftermarket stuff now that will do that, and it is probably only a matter of time before we see it get into one of the high end machines....
Nov 17, 2008 | 05:48 PM
#9
Pro Rider
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Iliinois/Missouri
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
Some sort of heat exchange contraption. You know, somehow use the heat from the engine to keep my beer cold so I could quit buying all that ice!
Seriously I think the next big change will be some sort of hybrid.
Oh and always wear your helmet.
Seriously I think the next big change will be some sort of hybrid.
Oh and always wear your helmet.
Nov 17, 2008 | 06:46 PM
#10
Ride like you own it, Not like it's stolen!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
What is the next breakthrough or gadget on ATV's?
Turn By Turn voice activation...(standard).......Just in case you lost in the middle of the woods!!...LOL....
On Star..(standard).......Global tracking so if you lost you can be found........And if the Quad is stolen it can be found also
Not to hard to do..............What do you think?........Caper.......
On Star..(standard).......Global tracking so if you lost you can be found........And if the Quad is stolen it can be found also
Not to hard to do..............What do you think?........Caper.......