Eli's Rant
This month-let me rephrase that. This year has blown by like an F5 tornado going through the Midwest. It seems like just yesterday I was writing a story about our editorial team freezing our rear ends off on a camping trip in the mountains of California. Since that time I've traveled to eight states to either cover or participate in different events that range from motocross races to UTV rallies, and each one has been a great experience. Have I ever told you guys that I love this job?
Contrary to the popular belief of many readers, this job isn't all that easy. We have deadlines that must be met, and when you combine those with the amount of travel we need to do, they quickly sneak up on us faster than you can snap your fingers. Combine this with having to assemble project quads in between answering phone calls from people wanting you to test this or cover that, it can take a toll on everything in your life. I've had my ups and downs, but I can honestly say that I look forward to coming in to work. I know I'm fortunate for that because not everyone has a job that focuses around a hobby that they love. To the people in my life since I've had this job, thank you for tolerating me, and to all the people who want my job, good luck because I'm not leaving anytime soon.
Yamaha Earns Two 2008 Field & Stream Magazine Best Of The Best Awards
It's no surprise that the fine people at Yamaha are used to winning awards for its quality machines year after year, and 2008 is no different. Field & Stream Magazine has given Yamaha its prestigious Best of the Best Award for both the Grizzly 550 FI with power steering and the Rhino 700 FI. This was the first year the editorial staff has handed out separate awards for an ATV and a side-by-side vehicle.
"Yamaha is extremely proud to be named Best of the Best for these two machines by Field & Stream Magazine, one of the most respected names in the outdoor industry," said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha's ATV/SxS group. "Yamaha is more involved in the outdoor community than any other ATV manufacturer, and that helps us stay in touch with outdoorsmen's needs. The people at Yamaha who develop these vehicles make them the toughest, most versatile and off-road-capable ATV and SxS vehicles, and that shows in the reviews and awards we have received. We're excited to win the first-ever Best of the Best Award in the SxS category as well as our second in the ATV category, especially in the same year."
ATVR Reader's Ride
This month's ride comes to us from Gerry Syler out of Stuart, Florida.
ATV Rider,
Here are some pictures of my 2006 Suzuki KingQuad 700! This quad goes through hell and back but always seems to climb out the other end! Sometimes with me still on it!
Mod List:
HMF utility exhaust system
Power programmer
Bayou Snorkel trans kit, custom air intake snorkel
ITP SS112 wheels with reverse-offset rear wheels
ITP 28-inch Mud Lite tires Quadboss rear seat/storage box
JVC CD player, iPod, Sirius satellite radio
JBL waterproof speakers
Varad green LED lighting for night riding
Performance:
My KingQuad performs very well under all conditions. It has been to the Okeechobee Mudfest twice and has crossed the center of the main mudhole both times without hesitation (except to pull others out with it)! I really like the 4x4 button and diff-lock switch; it is so easy to engage with your thumb while riding. My friends have other quads and have to stop in neutral to engage their 4x4 systems, which means I usually have to pull them out at that point.
I have never owned anything but Suzuki since my first quad in 1983, which was an LT 125. I don't think I'll own anything else! I've ridden other quads, but none can compare. Thanks for putting out a great mag!