The suspension and engine...
The suspension and engine package this machine offers is smooth and reliable. All of the quality workmanship and parts are sure to keep you DNF free.
Over the years, I've had the luxury of throwing a leg over various ATVs with similar modifications, only to find that they pull hard in the upper portions of the powerband but leave me desiring more in the low and mid. If you're into that two-stroke feel and type of power, those machines might be perfect for you though definitely not for me. The power of this Duncan engine allowed me to ride exactly how I prefer without feeling as if it were yanking my arms from their sockets. This strong yet smooth power allows you to ride harder for longer periods of time without wearing you down from a motor that exerts an overly aggressive hit. But don't be fooled-this motor is aggressive but in a controllable manner.
With 17 extra ponies being whipped out from this new motor, a much-improved suspension system was inevitable. The stock Honda suspension system would fall short of offering the stability and handling characteristics that this new beast demanded. I knew from the get-go that the Roll Design A-arms and swingarm paired with Elka shocks were doing their job as I was able to maintain stability while taking advantage of the added oomph. While attacking fast, sweeping corners, all four tires remained planted as I backed in the rear tires with the throttle and exited, all while maintaining the momentum needed. The usual tipsy feeling of the TRX had literally been diminished, thanks to the design and extra width of the Roll Design arms.
From the deep whoops to the straights that were littered with harsh braking and acceleration bumps, I felt confident on every portion of the track. The frightening kicking and bucking that are often experienced from the rear suspension of quads had been tamed, which allowed me to power down and accomplish stellar lap times. The overall handling and confidence I gained from this suspension setup was absolutely brilliant, and I'm confident that I'd be a strong contender in my next race. If only I could take Garrin's quad with me.
As a racer who follows the WORCS series and does an occasional MX race, I desire my own quad to perform as well as this one did. Although tested on an MX track, I have no doubt that its handling prowess would be any less on some of the roughest off-road courses the series follows. If you participate in similar racing events or even just play ride and want the best handling and most controllable power out of your quad while still keeping it reliable, I would highly consider building a machine very similar to this Duncan Racing beast.
Duncan Racing 2008 TRX450 Amateur MX Racer
Builder and main sponsor: Duncan Racing International, Inc.
Sponsor list: GPR Stabilizer, Fat Boy 4 Exhaust, ITP, DWT, Roll Design, Vortex Ignitions, Elka Suspension, ECC, Maxima
Parts List
Engine
DRI 450cc National Engine Kit, includes Fat Boy 4 exhaust, JE Duncan Racing-spec piston, DRI HP4 kit (billet camshaft, head porting, Serdi valve seat cut, oversize intake and exhaust valves, HD valve spring kit, shortened bronze valve guides) and jet kit: $2475
Upgrades
Vortex X10 CDI: $449
Pro Design Pro Flow air cleaner kit: $149.95
Hinson billet clutch basket: $230
Hinson Works inner hub and pressure plate: $474
Front End
Roll Design +1 steering stem: $349.95
GPR steering stabilizer: $450
Roll Design Lobo II front suspension kit, includes Lobo II A-arms, Elka standard shocks, Crown braided-steel brake lines: $2995Elka Elite shocks: $400Chrome upper A-arms: $150
Rear End
Roll Design swingarm with chain slider: $1395
Team Industries rear axle: $449
Elka Elite shock and dual linkage: $1395
Crown braided-steel brake line: $39.95
Nerf Bars and Bumper
Duncan Racing chrome front bumper: $179
IMS/Roll footpegs: $199
IMS/Roll heel guards: $159.95
IMS/Roll Pro Series nerf bars: $199.95