FEATURES DEPARTMENTS COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE RESOURCES CORPORATE | |
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ATV racing is far too expensive. Right? Well, before you go searching for a cheaper sport, consider some alternative ways of building a competitive, national-caliber racer. You just might be surprised to find that there are some options besides forking over the big bucks. TRADE YA! ATV salvage yards are popping up all over. These used parts  stores have quality stock and aftermarket parts available for very low prices. Don't think that they're out to sell you junky old parts that have little life in them. These fast growing cycle shops are in the business to satisfy customers, not lose their reputation and go out of business. The racing community is a tight-knit one, and bogus companies don't last long. Most used parts stores, will even trade parts. For example, perhaps you have an old 1985 or 1986 Honda ATC250R. You send the company your useless three-wheeler parts, and they send you quad parts. Of course, their quad stuff is worth more than your three-wheeler stuff because there is much more demand for quads. Don't send them everything though, as some three-wheeler components bolt right onto a FourTrax frame, including the axle, axle carrier, axle hubs, rear brake rotor, rear brake caliper, handlebars, throttle assembly, carburetor and, most importantly, the whole motor itself! It will bolt right into a Honda TRX250R frame. That's right! The '85 and '86 Honda ATC and Honda TRX250R motors are almost identical. The only differences are that the ATC motor has a slightly different gear ratio and the stroke is slightly shorter. Still, it's a very strong-running and competitive motor. Add a bigger carb and a pipe and the ATC motor is ready to race. Former GNC pro racer Dave Kister once pulled the holeshot at the Mt. Morris National on a stock ATC250R motor! By getting rid of parts that do you no good, but would help someone else, you can build a very competitive racer! HAPPY HUNTING
You say, "That's great, but I don't have a FourTrax frame just laying around to get started with." Okay, try talking to some racers. Four-stroke guys always have big projects going on, often involving two or more completely different machines. Also, many pro racers are switching to aftermarket frames, which means they may have stock frames and parts that they're eager to sell.
Izzy Burgard, owner of Burgard Cycle ([717] 225-6234) in Spring Grove, PA sells an ATC-to-FourTrax kit. It comes with all the parts that you'll need in addition to those from your '85 or '86 model ATC. Burgard Cycle sometimes has complete frames and motors available.
Okay, so you don't have an ATC250R just laying around? Check your local classifieds, garage sales, estate sales and ask around. You would be surprised to see how cheap you can get an ATC. We saw one with a strong running motor and some valuable parts, including a hardly used set of mud tires, for $500!
 Also be sure to check out the ATV Connection's classified section. You can buy or post ads to sell parts or entire ATVs. If you have an e-mail account, you can even have ads forwarded directly to your mailbox as soon as they are posted to the site. Best of all, the service is free! With over 50,000 visitors to the Connection each month, you're sure to do well.
When you finish this project, keep in mind that the money you did put into it is not gone forever. ATV racing is becoming more popular than ever, which means there is a demand for your racing quad. You may even be able to sell it for a profit! We'll see you at the races!
Cost Analysis:
The ATV Connection's Budget Racer is race ready for under $2000! Here's a list of what we got by doing some shopping. Hopefully you'll get just as lucky.
| Used 1988 TRX frame and accessories ($600): nerf bars, rear grab bar, front bumper, shocks, A-arms, pipe and silencer, airbox assembly, wiring assembly, steering stem, handlebars and levers, radiator assembly (including hoses and a Super Cooler), carb with cable and a kill switch tether cord. | | Burgard Cycle new and used, stock and aftermarket parts ($1300): JP Axle, axle carrier, Laeger swingarm lock nut assembly, front and rear tires, chain, footpegs, seat, seat cover, gas tank, rear hubs, front and rear rotors and calipers, front and rear master cylinders, Maier front and rear fenders, bolts, nuts and mounting brackets. | |
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