By: Jason Giacchino
Email: offthepegs@atvsource.com

Upgrades Versus Repairs

In racing, it appears as though there are two separate but distinct levels of modification. The necessary which might be known otherwise as the repair and the unnecessary which we prefer to call the upgrade. Last winter while the snow gathered on the roof of my storage shed I focused primarily on the upgrade portion of the modification spectrum. For whatever reason, it was relatively painless in terms of parting with my hard earned cash, after all if the quad’s going to look better as a result, then money is no object. Likewise performance enhancements, it turns out, are also no object. Only recently, however, my money and I have been parting ways for some mods that fall into the “repair” area of the spectrum and quite frankly isn’t nearly as fun.

I believe this stems from the fact that paying money just to replace something that functioned fine mere moments earlier isn’t a fraction as appealing as slapping on components that either enhance appearance or increase performance. Especially when attempting to match OEM hardware which is not only most expensive, but least impressive when lining up on race day. Even more disturbing is the process in which the discovery of several “must do” repairs was made.

It began with the rear tires, which inevitably required replacing as clearly traction plays a critical role in the ability to grab a holeshot or hold a line. Granted it wasn’t as flashy as purchasing the ultra-light piston kit I had been saving for or new set of slick racing plastics, it was a necessary replacement and I viewed it accordingly. Unfortunately the pain came down the day I took the quad into the shop for the tire change. My usual mechanic/ racing buddy wasn’t available and with it being a Friday evening before a Saturday morning departure for the races, I was forced to take the machine up to a local motorcycle repair shop for the mounting.

The mechanic looked tired the moment I pulled up in my truck, even more so when he looked at the hoops I was busy unloading in his parking lot.

“Come back in an hour, hour and a half.” He said wiping his hands on a well stained shop rag.

I pulled away with the sinking realization that real mechanics charge by the hour, and judging by the fact that he threw the rag on the ground and kicked my new meats into the bay for mounting, I probably shouldn’t expect any special treatment.

I returned earlier than he recommended figuring perhaps I could assist, and lower the cost of labor in the process. Unfortunately the tires were already mounted a mere 45 minutes after initial drop-off dashing any hope of a reduction.

“How much?” I asked after being stared at disapprovingly for several uncomfortable minutes.

“$70 for the labor.” He said.

Ouch.

I handed over the cash and headed over to the quad to begin the load up process.

“I should tell you.” He said lighting up a cigarette. “You’re rear brakes are shot. Absolutely no life left on those pads, your close to digging into the rotor there. Front are a little better but I would put all new rotors and pads all the way around.”

Impossible I thought. They were recently replaced. Then again I have been riding quite a bit.

“Okay.” I said thinking about having it all done before the races. "How much we talking?"

"$199 for each of the front two rotors, $112 for the rear. About $80 for the pads all the way around + labor. Have to order it all though."

I swallowed hard.

“Oh and that chain’s garbage.”

“What?” I shouted assuming he was talking to the heavy set guy in overalls who was busily chewing on a sandwich.

“Yeah looks like some corrosion found its way into that O-ring, stiffened it right up. Had to beat the master link with a hammer to get it off. Better get a new one before you go racing on that thing. Its gonna eat up your sprockets.”

“Do you have one in stock?” I asked.

“No but I could order you one, probably around $200. Should be in next week sometime. I could put it on for ya in a couple of hours.”

It was the fastest load up in history. Needless to say, the remainder of this project will be taking place in my own shed/ race shop when my buddy returns.

As for the race? Spectator seating this week. The parts are on order so naturally the weather is about as perfect as its been all season. Waiting is no picnic nor is spending money on components that I thought were in tip top shape. As a result I purchased the finest chain and most performance oriented brake components the catalog had to offer. I figure if they improve the quad’s performance, even just a little, it should be an upgrade rather than a repair and perhaps that will help ease the pain.