Want to get some opinions on if you think Yamaha will come out with a 426 quad? The reason I bring this up is that the AMA Rules for 2003 will not allow a motorcycle engine to be used in a quad. So, do you think Yamaha will do it or not ????????

 

I kind of doubt it since Yamaha really is not into sponsering race teams at this time. If that rule change is true, looks like there will be a lot of expensive play quads for sale.

 

Just my oppinion. I think by 2003 all the manufactures will have a race quad out and race teams. Don't know if we will see a Gust or Farr replica though. Last I heard Hitt was going to run the new Honda 4-stroke dirt bike engine next year, now I wonder what he will run. Anyway all my oppinions could just be wishes but I shure hope not.

 

Also, you gotta wonder since cannondale is basically starting all this factory support, they will have a full year ahead of the other factory teams if they decide to participate. Next year will tell a lot as far as if you will see mfg's. coming to our sport.

 

I agree, next season will be a very exciting year for ATV racing. I'd almost put money on Yamaha,Honda,Suzuki,and Kawasaki getting back into the sport. You know Suzuki and Kawasaki havn't forgot about the early years of ATV racing. There just seems like there has to be something left in these guys if you know what I mean. As far as Honda, well I think they will try to get a jump on the two and start a Team first. Yamaha hasn't ever realy built something to compete with the others (250cc 2-stroke), but times are changing and something in the way of a 4?? 4-stroke seems logical. I could be just kidding myself about all this, but like I said I shure hope not. I personaly can't see the manufactures letting Cannondale take all the glory of having factory riders. I mean even though most people that buy sport/highperformance ATV's dont race they do have a racers likeness about them. And they will take notice of who's doing what in the racing scene. Who knows?

 

THe 426 will never make is as a production atv engine. I a race, where it can be torn down frequently for new pistons, etc, no problem. In the real world, the factory will not produce it because of the service life issues of the piston, etc.

 

Doesn't Kawasaki already have their own racing program? It may be in the GNCC but its still a team. And I personally think it takes way more skill to ride GNCC than the GNC. We are talking like 2 hour races maybe more, no break times, different terrains. That is the series that seperates the men from the boys.

 

I remember reading in one of the dirt bike mags that the 426 was soon to be discontinued in favor of something larger to compete with Hondas CRF450. Anybody else remember hearing this?? I've heard a lot of speculation that the 426 is tuned to within an inch of its life, and doesn't stand up to quad abuse without frequent rebuilds.