ATVR: Well, it seems that power is no longer an issue, but how about the suspension? Stock machines are hardly competitive, so what did you do to improve the ride and increase its performance abilities?
LD: The front end features a Roll Design Lobo II suspension kit paired with Elka shocks. The rear features a Roll Design swingarm with an '05 TRX Elka dual link and Elka shock.
ATVR: Is there any particular reason you've chosen this setup?
LD: The quality of these parts and overall function are solid and have been proven through years of testing and experience. A top pro with years of experience and hours of testing under his belt would possibly run a different combination of shock, springs and valving to suit his riding style.
ATVR: Now about the platform you began with. Is there a specific reason you decided to build a Honda TRX450R?
LD: We feel that Honda offers the best overall package to work with. The basic machine plus Honda's record for quality make it a favorite among our customers. When you build the Honda like we did, it's hard to beat. The only knock on the TRX450 is the transmission. It isn't quite as strong as past Honda models. I will say that both the Suzuki LT-R and Yamaha YFZ are fine machines, and when professionally modified, they are also very competitive.
ATVR: Now one of the things you mentioned while discussing the engine was that it didn't require being torn down after every race like that of a national pro. How does it differ?
LD: It doesn't differ a whole lot. This machine is slightly detuned. This is mainly done to increase the reliability and the ridability. The extra things needed to make a world-class pro bike would be an absolute waste of money. In addition, without proper care and supervision, the machine would be damaged.
ATVR: What kind of service is required for this quad and at what intervals?
LD: First, the oil and oil filter should be changed after every race; the valve clearances should be checked every 5 to 10 hours; the clutch should be checked for wear every 10 hours; and the top end should be disassembled and checked every 25 hours. On top of that basic service, we feel that the lower end of the engine and transmission should be disassembled and inspected every 30 to 50 hours. Because of these time intervals for inspection and maintenance, we highly recommend installing an hourmeter on the machine. It's also a good idea to keep a log of all races and maintenance done.
Testing The Theory
Now that we gathered all of the background information on this beast, it was time to throw a leg over the machine and see if it really accomplished everything it was designed to do. This particular machine belongs to WORCS and ITP Quadcross racer Garrin Fuller, who generously allowed us to throw in some long, hard laps. As the motor turned over and this engine roared to life, it was apparent that this was no ordinary stock motor. A click of the shifter and a twist of the wrist, and this quad burst off the starting line with a powerful sense of authority and delivered the very aggressive nature that Loren had warned us about.
As I began rolling through the gears, the monstrous power increase continued to be extremely vibrant and noticeable. I took my first couple of laps around the track at a slower pace so that I could get a good feel for the machine. But that didn't last for long as I began gaining confidence and became more comfortable with Garrin's machine; I then began picking up the pace. The motor mods done to this particular quad were definitely apparent and welcomed to this rider. My particular riding style has me entering corners a gear higher and letting the torque of the engine pull and blast me out. This engine did just that and did it with ease.