By: Jason Giacchino
Email: offthepegs@atvsource.com

Off-Road Professor

Hello and welcome to the October issue of Off The Pegs, where apparently you, the loyal readers have decided that rather than devote my talents to rambling aimlessly (like I’m used to) that my space this month should focus on the art of question and answer. Fortunately, I've got you covered but just remember, you asked for it!

Our first question comes from Bryan who writes:

Hi, my name is Bryan and I have a couple of requests. I've been looking for some information on some old atvs. I just want an unbiased view on the three 2-stroke 3-wheelers in the 80's. the Honda atc 250r, the Yamaha Tri z, and I can't remember the third, maybe Tectate, not too sure. but I'm pretty sure you know which 3 I'm talking about. I just need details like performance for the stock vehicle, reliability, durability, speed, and if they were 5 or 6 speed. things like that. it's hard to find info on these things now adays. if you can find some info on these atvs, please send a link or just send written info to jman_1_7@hotmail.com I appreciate you taking time to read this and hope to hear back from you soon. Thanks a bunch.

Bryan:
Oh the nostalgia, mere mention of such names sparks thought of mullets, tight riding gear of white and hot pink and endless lawsuits resulting in the ban of all three wheeler production/ sales. But I digress. An unbiased view of the models you mention is indeed going to be difficult to come by these days (see above sentence regarding the three-wheeler ban). However I’ve indeed logged many hours of saddle time back in the day on both a Kawasaki Tecate-3 and Honda ATC 250R. As far as riding on three wheels goes, they proved to be some of the most stable, well engineered of the available options. The early year models were air cooled, which when given the high revving nature of a 2-stroke mill, wasn’t wise for slow technical terrain. However, in the end all of the models mentioned including Suzuki’s LT250R (Suzuki skipped over the three wheeler trend, producing performance quads right from the beginning) became liquid cooled. As far as reliability goes, Honda is generally known to use the finest components and manufacturing processes and as such, hold their value best for the most part. However, a well maintained model from any of the manufacturers listed above should provide endless hours of decent trail performance and there are good deals to be had, as a quick scan of online auction sites such as Ebay reveals. However, be forewarned- Most tracks require 4-wheel conversion kits if intentions of racing is on the agenda. Check out http://www.3wheelerworld.com/ as they are dedicated to keeping hope alive for three wheeler enthusiasts everywhere, the mullet however, is another story entirely.

Our next question comes from Christopher Scobie who writes:

Is the following an ATV, or do they need to be quadrupeds to make the cut? Hello, what do you make of this creature, (www.fxbikes.com) the FX Adventure Bike?

Kind regards,

Scobie, CJ.

Scobie:
After carefully studying the site, particularly the video clip of the Adventure Bike itself, I must admit that you’ve managed to get my attention with this one. As an avid mountain biker in addition to ATV enthusiast, this machine appears to adequately fill the void between the two sports. Although factors such as price, availability, and Stateside distribution are not made available on the site, the FX Adventure bike certainly has a unique appeal that warrants some attention. If I manage to come across more information, or an actual bike itself, expect a full test here at ATVSource.com. Good find.

Kim takes the time to inquire:

I’ve been interested in getting involved with quad riding ever since watching the movie Biker Boyz, do you know what kind of quads those were in the film? Thanks.

Kim:
The 2003 Film Biker Boys doesn’t really portray an accurate view of the joys of the ATV riding spectrum in it’s entirety as the quads are shown exclusively on the street as an alternative for road bike stunt riders. However, in answer to your question, those were Yamaha Banshees if memory serves me correctly.

Finally, we hear from Jill who writes:

Thanks for the funny column (Of The Pegs, September 2005) your advice did more for my marriage than any counselor could have. Keep it up.

Jill, thanks for the feedback, but remember my advice works only on those as obsessed with ATV’s as I am, that being said it’s a bit premature to begin assembling plans of starting my own private practice. On the other hand, with the off-season approaching, boredom may cause me to reconsider.

And so, another issue of Off The Pegs comes to a close, if you’ve got questions or comments, pass them along: OffThePegs@atvsource.com