While they often get lumped together, ATVs and UTVs are vastly different off-road machines. Where UTVs respond to controls similarly to a car or truck, ATVs allow you to use your body to better control how they move. To take full advantage of this relationship between rider and machine, there are a number of simple adjustments you can make to get your ATV to fit you perfectly. And when an ATV fits you properly, you can get a whole lot more out of it.
Looking to provide you with the best information possible on improving your fit on your ATV, we chatted with Yamaha ATV / SxS Testing Manager Pat Biolsi to get some tips on how to take full advantage of an ATV’s adjustability to improve its handling.
The first place to start when you are looking to get the best fit out of your ATV is handlebar position.
“General rule or good starting point is to have the handlebar angle match the same angle as the steering stem when viewed from the side of the vehicle,” says Biolsi. “You can rotate them forward or back a few degrees, which can equal a few inches at the grips and make a significant change to the feel of the ATV.”
Biolsi points out that the handlebar on the [Yamaha] YFZ450R has two sets of mounting holes and eccentric handlebar mounts, so you have four different handlebar positions – each offering a change of 10mm.
“From your Yamaha dealer, the YFZ450R is delivered with the handlebar mounts in the rear hole, closer to the rider, and the eccentric part in the front position, for this position was the most comfortable for the widest range of riders, explains Biolsi. “The rider can easily move them back, or closer to themselves, by -10mm or move forward +10mm and +20mm, with the added benefit of keeping the handlebar angle the same, if the rider likes it.”
If you don’t own a YFZ450R (or maybe you ride a Utility ATV), you can still make some adjustments for a better fit. You can rotate the handlebar forward or back. But this is a trickier thing to get right, as this changes the height and angle of the handlebar at the same time.
You can also easily change the angle of the grips, further improving your fit and comfort.
“[A]djusting the setup and finding what’s most comfortable to the rider is key,” says Biolsi.
Once you are happy with the position of your ATV’s handlebar, you can turn your attention to the levers. Don’t be scared to move the brake lever so it fits comfortably in your hand.
“A lever’s angle can be positioned to coincide with your riding preference, if you tend to sit or stand more, for instance,” says Biolsi. “They can be moved in or out on the handlebar (especially sport ATVs) to meet your fingers at the most comfortable point, and some levers even have a ‘reach’ adjustment to be positioned for different preferences of rider body, hand, or foot sizes.”
Much like brake levers, a manual clutch lever can be adjusted to fit a rider’s size or riding style.
“Riders definitely want to maintain the clutch lever’s adjustment, for it is critical to optimizing performance and maintaining clutch durability,” says Biolsi.
Biolsi also mentions that you should remember to properly lube the cable and grease the lever pivot, which will help reduce hand fatigue when you are putting in hard miles.
And if you have ever wondered why hand levers operate the way they do (pulling towards the rider), Biolsi explains:
“On an ATV, we always set up the hand levers so they stay inward of the end of the handlebars. This reduces the chance the lever will incur damage if it gets hung up on a tree branch, etc.”
Foot pegs are another key point of contact between the rider and the ATV. While you can’t make adjustments on a stock YFZ450R’s foot pegs, Yamaha’s GYTR accessory foot peg / nerf bars offer that added benefit.
“Most riders who want or need to buy a high-end set of nerf bars / foot pegs will care about being able to corner as fast as possible,” says Biolsi. “The GYTR setup has two-position pegs that are both lower than stock, with the higher position -.75” lower and the 2nd position -1.
25” lower than stock. The reason Yamaha went with lower positions is we found most test riders were able to corner harder and more comfortably with their weight as low as possible. The added bonus is taller riders will have a more “relaxed” leg angle with the GYTR foot peg / nerf bars, reducing their fatigue when having to repeatedly go from a sitting to a standing position.”
Get a handle on the best ATV handlebars By the staff of Dirt Wheels
In the world of ATVs, there is a menagerie of handlebars to choose from. It all gets a little confusing since there are so many different brands and types to choose from. Whether your machine uses a 7/8-inch or 1 1/8-inch handlebar, Dirt Wheels has broken down a list of great options to choose from for your ATV.
Note: Some ATVs have a 7/8-inch or 1 1/8-inch clamping diameter, so be sure to check what you need before purchasing.
FASST COMPANY FLEXX www.
fasstco.com, 877-306-1801 $359.99
The Flexx handlebar is a unique, multi-part, 1 1/8-inch handlebar made from 7000-series aluminum in the USA. The Flexx handlebar uses elastomers of different stiffness levels to control the amount of flex you are looking for. Each set of Flexx handlebars come with soft, medium and stiff elastomers, so you can try them all out on the trail. With the added flex, they create less blisters, fatigue and arm pump. They are offered in black.
Fly Racing Carbon Steel
FLY RACING CARBON STEEL www.flyracing.com 208-319-3079 $20.95
Fly Racing’s carbon steel 7/8-inch handlebar is built with .083-wall carbon steel. The crossbar is TIG-welded for strength and features a baked epoxy coating. The bar end cap comes standard. It is available in black, red, blue, white and silver
FLY RACING ALUMA-STEEL www.flyracing.com 208-319-3079 $27.95
Fly Racing’s Aluma-Steel 7/8-inch handlebar is made from 1010 carbon steel with an anodized aluminum finish.
They’re available in red, blue, gold and chrome.
FLY RACING T6 ALUMINUM www.flyracing.com 208-319-3079 $41.95
The T6 aluminum 7/8-inch handlebar from Fly Racing is constructed using 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum. It offers a knurled center section and clutch side for better grip. It’s offered in polished, red, blue, gold and gunmetal.
FLY RACING AERO FLEX www.flyracing.com 208-319-3079 $52.95
Fly’s Aero Flex handlebar is a 7/8-inch bar manufactured from 2014 aluminum, which is claimed to offer greater flex and reduce arm pump. The Aero comes in four anodized finishes: black, blue, gunmetal and silver.
FLY RACING AERO TAPERED www.flyracing.com 208-319-3079 $66.95-$84.95
The Aero tapered is a 1 1/8-inch handlebar that offers aircraft-grade 7075 taper-walled aluminum. They claim to offer just enough flex to dissipate shock and reduce rider fatigue with the added benefit of being strong.
Colors offered are black, gunmetal, blue, silver, gold/black and purple/black firework.
MIKA METALS PRO SERIES www.mikametals.com $79.99
The Pro Series handlebar is constructed from High-quality aerospace aluminum for maximum strength. It’s designed to flex for reduced arm fatigue. These come in 7/8- and 1 1/8-inch applications. Black is the only color offered.
Mika Metals Raw Series
MIKA METALS RAW SERIES www.mikametals.com $109.99
The Raw Series 1 1/8-inch handlebar is constructed of T6 7075 aluminum. Mika has a unique tapering claimed to increase strength and retain flex for rider comfort. These handlebars are offered only in black.
MIKA METALS HYBRID SERIES www.mikametals.com $109.99
The Hybrid Series is something new in the handlebar world. It is an oversized handlebar with a 7/8-inch clamping diameter. It retains the same flex properties of the Pro Series handlebar and allows you to run an oversized bar without the use of 1 1/8-inch clamps.
The Hybrid handlebar is only offered in black.
MOOSE RACING CARBON STEEL www.parts-unlimited.com $23.95–$27.95
The carbon steel handlebar is made from 2mm-thick carbon steel for High strength. Features include a knurled center clamp area, plastic end caps and a powdercoated finish. These are offered in 7/8 inches. Colors options are black, blue, red, gray, lime and orange.
MOOSE UTILITY DIVISION OEM REPLACEMENT www.parts-unlimited.com $39.95
Moose has a great OEM replacement option for most utility-style quads. They are 7/8-inch handlebars made from .083 steel tubing in the USA. These are significantly cheaper than buying the OEM handlebar. They come in black only.
MOOSE COMPETITION www.parts-unlimited.com $54.95
The Moose Competition 7/8-inch handlebar is constructed from 2014 T6 aluminum and stronger than 6061 aluminum. It also features an oversized crossbar for greater strength.
Color options are black, silver, titanium, red and blue.
Moose Racing Flex
MOOSE RACING FLEX SERIES www.parts-unlimited.com $79.95
The Moose Racing Flex Series 1 1/8-inch handlebar is constructed of 7065 T6 aluminum, which makes it strong and light. No cross brace allows flex to reduce shock and rider fatigue. Colors offered are black, titanium and silver.
MSR Profile Carbon
MSR PROFILE CARBON STEEL www.msracing.com 951-340-3301 $27.99
The MSR Profile carbon steel handlebar is built from quality carbon steel and coated with resilient epoxy paint. The bar end plugs will keep out elements that can cause the metal to corrode and weaken over time. The Profile handlebar is a standard 7/8-inch bar that will bolt directly onto most models. They are offered in silver, blue, black, white or red.
MSR GP ALUMINUM www.msracing.com 951-340-3301 $49.
95
The MSR GP aluminum handlebar is a 7/8-inch handlebar built to be stronger than a standard steel handlebar. The GP handlebar is made from 2014-T6 aluminum, which helps the bar flex on a hard landing but is strong enough to handle crashes. The shot-peened finish looks great, and it increases the overall strength of the handlebar. Bar end plugs are installed to prevent dirt and water from damaging the material on the inside.
NEKEN CONSTANT www.parts-unlimited.com $68.95
Neken’s Constant is a 7/8-inch handlebar that is made from 7010 T6 aerospace-quality aluminum. It has an added crossbar and has a 5mm inner wall thickness that creates more strength. The clutch side of the bar is knurled for better grip hold. They are offered in titanium, silver and black.
Neken Variable
NEKEN VARIABLE www.parts-unlimited.com $89.95–$114.95
Neken’s Variable Diameter is a 1 1/8-inch handlebar that is made from a 7010 T6 aerospace aluminum.
The handlebar ends are 7/8-inch so standard grips will fit perfectly. The clutch side of the handlebar is knurled for better grip hold. They are offered in black, black/white, silver, flo yellow, white/blue, USA flag, flo orange, white, white/blue, flo green, orange/blue, camo blue, camo green, light blue/blue and white/red.
ODI 7/8-INCH MX/ATV www.odigrips.com 951-786-4755 $74.95
The MX/ATV 7/8-inch handlebar is constructed of 7075 alloy. The clutch side is knurled for better traction on the grip. This bar is designed for ATV riders looking for a direct OEM replacement on most models that have a stock 7/8-inch handlebar. It’s offered in black or gray.
ODI Podium Flight MX
ODI PODIUM FLIGHT MX www.odigrips.com 951-786-4755 $89.95
The Podium Flight MX handlebar is ODI’s latest in handlebar technology. ODI uses their own tubing profile and design, which creates a non-brace handlebar that is race-proven.
It’s made from a 2014-T6 alloy and has a 1 1/8-inch clamping diameter. It is offered in stealth two-tone colors, such as red, black, silver, orange and blue.
ODI PODIUM MX www.odigrips.com 951-786-4755 $129.95
The newest ODI MX handlebar features the patent-pending CFT (Controlled Flex Technology) crossbar system. The Podium features an elastomer system inside the crossbar that allows controlled flex when taking hard landings. The bar is constructed of 2014 T6 alloy and is offered in black.
PRO TAPER SEVEN EIGHTHS www.protaper.com 951-736-5369 $69.99
The SE (Seven Eighths) is Pro Taper’s 7/8-inch-diameter handlebar designed for riders who still prefer the feel and stability of a crossbar. It’s made from 5mm, 2000-series T6 aluminum alloy. End plugs keep the elements out of the handlebar tubing. These weigh in at only 1.8 pounds. They are offered in black, platinum, silver, blue and red.
Pro Taper Contour
PRO TAPER CONTOUR www.
protaper.com 951-736-5369 $74.99
The 1 1/8-inch Contour is Pro Taper’s best-selling handlebar. The tapered design allows the bar to flex and absorb impacts better than a standard handlebar. The Contour is constructed from 5mm, 2000-series T6 aluminum alloy. This handlebar weighs in at 1.55 pounds without the pad. It’s offered in black, platinum, silver, yellow, orange, blue and red.
PRO TAPER EVO www.protaper.com 951-736-5369 $89.99–$99.99
The 1 1/8-inch Evo from Pro Taper has the same great flexing properties as their Contour, but is made from a lighter and stronger material. They’re made from a 4mm, 7000-series aluminum alloy that Pro Taper claims is 25 percent lighter and 45 percent stronger than a standard 1 1/8-inch handlebar. It weighs in at 1.4 pounds. The Evo is available in black and magnesium.
PRO TAPER FUZION www.protaper.com 951-736-5369 $129.99
Pro Taper’s 1 1/8-inch Fuzion handlebar is a new concept from Pro Taper that fuses their Contour and SE handlebar together.
It has a flex locking system that allows riders to choose between a stiffer or more shock-absorbing feel by changing the center dial on the crossbar (unlocked or locked). They are made from 5mm, 2000-series T6 aluminum alloy and weigh 2.1 pounds. They only come in black.
RENTHAL 7/8-INCH www.renthal.com 877-736-8425 $79.95
Renthal’s 7/8-inch handlebar is one of the most popular on the market. It features Renthal-exclusive 7010 T6 aluminum construction. The clutch side is knurled, which gives it a larger bonding area for your grips. They are offered in black, green, titanium, blue, red, silver, gray, gold, silver/blue, silver/red and silver/gold.
Renthal Fatbar
RENTHAL FATBAR www.renthal.com 877-736-8425 $89.95
The Fatbar is a 1 1/8-inch handlebar that offers Renthal’s exclusive 7010 T6 aluminum alloy that helps limit vibration. Renthal designed it without the use of a crossbar which creates more flex and better ride comfort.
It also has a knurled clutch side end for a larger bonding area for grips. They’re offered in black, titanium, blue, green, red and orange.
RENTHAL TWINWALL www.renthal.com 877-736-8425 $119.95
The Twinwall handlebar from Renthal has a unique construction. It consists of two aluminum alloy tubes—one within the other. The outer tube is 7010 T73 and the inner tube is 7010 T6 aluminum. These two metals create a strong setup that decreases the chance of damaging the bar in a crash. The Twinwall is offered in black, titanium, blue, green, red and orange.
Rox
ROX SPEED FX LIFT www.roxspeedfx.com 218-326-1794 $69.95
Rox Speed FX’s Lift 1 1/8-inch handlebar is made from lightweight aluminum. It’s tapered without a crossbar and creates some flex on hard impacts. These bars are offered in black only.
Torc 1 Attack
TORC 1 ATTACK www.torc1racing.
com 972-429-0244 $64.99
The 1 1/8-inch Attack handlebar is made from 4mm, 7000-series aluminum alloy. This material will allow the bar to flex, but still be strong in a crash. The left-side bar is knurled for a larger bonding area for the grip. They are offered in black only.
Tusk T-10
TUSK T-10 ALUMINUM www.rockymountainatvmc.com 800-336-5437 $29.99
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC’s in-house brand, Tusk, is offering the T-10 7/8-inch aluminum handlebar at a great price. It’s constructed from heat-treated T6 aluminum for durability and fatigue reduction. It also offers knurling in the grip area to prevent slipping. Color options are black, blue, red and silver.
TUSK CHUB www.rockymounatinatvmc.com 800-336-5437 $39.99
The 1 1/8-inch Chub bar from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC’s Tusk line is made from 7075 T6 aluminum, which will flex and give the rider a better feel. These are lighter and stronger than standard handlebars.
They’re only available in black.
Twisted
TWISTED ENGINEERING COMPOSI-FLEX 2 www.twistedengineering.com 888-947-8331 $299
The Composi-Flex 2 handlebar is constructed from 100-percent aerospace-grade composites and polymers. There is aluminum on the handlebar, but it is very thin and acts only as a wear surface. With these materials, Twisted Engineering came up with three different handlebar flex ranges—1x, 2x and 3x. You can’t adjust these on the fly, but TE will get you the correct setup by speaking to them on the phone. These handlebars claim to help reduce arm pump, body fatigue, and absorb impact, shock and vibration.
Vortex 7/8ths
VORTEX RACING 7/8-INCH V3 www.vortexracing.com 800-440-3559 $69.95
The Vortex 7/8-inch V3 aluminum handlebar incorporates a crossbar for strength. Per Vortex, these handlebars are 29 percent stronger than other bars after years of research and development.
The V3 is offered only in black.
VORTEX RACING 1 1/8-INCH V3 www.vortexracing.com 800-440-3559 $89.99
Just like the 7/8-inch handlebar, Vortex offers a strong aluminum 1 1/8-inch handlebar that will offer more flex than the standard 7/8-inch V3. After years of research, they trust this is the strongest bar they produce. The V3 is offered only in black.
BRP official dealer in the Sverdlovsk region
BRP official dealer in the Sverdlovsk region
While on many vehicles the steering wheel is easy to adjust, on a snowmobile the height of the steering wheel is limited by its design.
BRP Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobile handlebar height adjustments are specifically made using spacers.
The snowmobile handlebar spacer comes in a variety of heights, allowing each rider to adjust the handlebar height to suit their riding style and overall ride comfort.
Installing adjustable spacers allows you to maintain the standard wiring and cable layout. No tools are required to change the height - just lift the locking lever.
When selecting adjustable spacers, handlebar thickness must be taken into account, as handlebar diameters vary from model to model. It should also be borne in mind that on some models of 2017 - 2018, you will have to replace the cables and increase the wires.
But the easiest and most reliable option for choosing and installing adjustable spacers on Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles is to go directly to BRP BikeHouse Centers, where they will perform all the necessary technical work.
Schroeder drives into the mountains! The era of the BoonDocker mountain snowmobile is fading into history with the all-new mountain snowmobile, the Lynx Shredder!
The 2023 Ski-Doo and Lynx Snowmobile Showcased a lot of exciting new products from BRP! For example, Ski-Doo mountain snowmobiles have received a new fifth generation platform!
BRP continues to delight the owners of legendary vehicles! The 2023 Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles will be unveiled on February 14th!
Side-by-side — a class of all-terrain vehicles with a car seat and controls.
They are more like buggies than ATVs: the passenger does not sit behind the driver, but to the side of him, and the steering wheel, gas pedal and brakes are located like in a car. Due to this arrangement, Side-by-sides are more comfortable and safer than classic ATVs. In the article, we will tell you why you should pay attention to this type of ATV, and which CFMOTO models deserve your attention.
Comfort and safety. Cabin with roof provides shelter from wind, rain and snow. Some models have a windshield and side doors - they protect against dirt and stones. The driver and passengers are wearing seat belts.
Easy operation . The car's steering wheel makes it easy to maneuver, and the dashboard configuration is familiar and understandable.
Functionality. UTVs are up to the task of utilitarian tasks of any complexity. Models have a body in which additional cargo can be transported.
The top ATV in the CFMOTO range.
Powerful, passable and comfortable. In the basic configuration, it is equipped with a high-capacity battery, a tow bar, a winch, LED optics, power steering (EPS), a dashboard with a color screen and Bluetooth, longitudinally adjustable seats, driver and passenger doors, a roof, rear-view mirrors, a roll cage, a windshield glass, five-point seat belts, 29-inch STAG tires, 14" alloy wheels, steel bumpers and side sliders, waterproof Sumitomo wiring connectors.
962.6 cm³ V-twin engine develops 80 hp. at 7500 rpm. Torque - 78 N * m. The cooling system is liquid. Electronic fuel injection. CVT transmission (CVTech). There are 2WD, 4WD and 4WD modes with a differential lock, as well as a downshift.
Model dimensions - 3180/1650/1850 mm. Ground clearance - 340 mm. Weight - 646 kg. Wheelbase for maximum stability increased - 2285 mm.
Suspension independent with 290 mm travel at the front and 395 mm at the rear. Gas-oil shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.
They have progressive spring compression characteristics. Compression and rebound settings are adjustable. The brake system is hydraulic dual-circuit. The maximum speed of the ATV is 120 km/h.
Electric power steering (EPS) makes the steering easier. The plastic roof, doors and windshield protect the driver from precipitation, branches, wind and dirt. Also, safety is provided by a power frame and five-point belts. Ergonomic, longitudinally adjustable seats are comfortable on long journeys. For the transport of goods there is a trunk with a capacity of 100 kg. The model is universal - suitable for routes with heavy off-road, extreme skiing at high speed, comfortable tourist trips and even housework.
Utility side-by-side top model of the CFMOTO range. It is comfortable, has everything you need to perform complex tasks: a winch, a three-seat cab, seat heating, a car steering wheel, a dump truck body, electric power steering, side doors, a windshield and a plastic roof.
