Finding your Fit: A Guide to Mid-Sive ATV's

So you’re in the market for a new, mid-size ATV. You could:

1. Take a week off from work to test drive everything that’s out there.

2. Pick the one that looks coolest.

3. Or, (best option), check out this article in ATV Rider, which evaluates five

of the industry’s best – Honda Rancher, Suzuki King Quad, Kawasaki Prairie, Yamaha Grizzly, and Polaris Sportsman.

In a Consumer Reports-like test, ATV Rider pushed all five across the Mojave Desert and up the Sierra Nevada mountain range. One conclusion: the smaller ATVs  in the midsize category don’t carry the weight and power of their bigger counterparts. But while you lose some power, you gain in cost savings and greater agility.

The article makes thorough comparisons on a wide range of factors, including engine specs, transmissions, suspension and handling, overall value – and the all-important “fun factor.” Honda and Yamaha win the prize for most fun vehicles, while Grizzly takes the cake for getting hard jobs done.

Which is best for you is of course a very personal choice. But looking at ATV Rider’s ratings before you shop can get you well on your way before you visit us at Petes and ride in the woods. 

If you're looking for a great mid-size ATV, visit Pete's Cycle and come view our huge selection of choices that will fit your needs!

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2014 Triumph Explorer Review

The Triumph Explorer is primarily designed for urban touring and light allroad riding. This bike is excellent for everyday riding, the nature of the triple engine is sporty, it handles well and good ergonomics with adjustments translate to functionality and enjoyment 

Exceptionally, the TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2014 has a powerful alternator which produces a staggering 950W capacity, allowing the widest range of electronics used simultaneously. This feature is relevant for touring and as long as the power consumption level remains as high as it is at the moment. In addition the onboard computer will prioritize the power consumption and switch off additional equipment if necessary. The use of complete LED lighting systems is just in the beginning of it`s life cycle and hardly anyone provides motorcycles with full LED lighting systems as standard. Therefore motorcycle riders need to pay attention to the power consumption, unless they ride the TigerExplorer.

The TRIUMPH Tiger 1200 Explorer 2014 is ride by wire throttled which means that the electronic cruise control ECC is included as standard feature. Well done TRIUMPH, the cruise control is a basic touring bike features and it is especially useful when riding long tarmac LEGs. It allows to keep both arms relaxed and releases the rider focus from the speed monitoring, but also saves some fuel by maintaining a constant speed. The use of a ECC simply reduces the riding fatigue which can be even dangerous in the end of long riding days. Personally I prefer having the cruise control switch at the left hand side so that a sharp GPS -speed setting using both hands would be more accurate and rider friendly. The TigerExplorer fly by wire throttle management is fairly sensitive and it takes a moment to adjust to it. The down side is that setting up an accurate speed close to the desired limit using just one hand is more difficult. By assisting with the left hand, it can be done, but would be impractical. An additional comfort oriented throttle mapping mode would be appropriate for touring.

Stop into one of Pete' Cycles 3 locations to check it out for yourself! 

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Ride Quietly This Fall: ATV Tips

The last thing you need when going into the woods while hunting is added noise from your ATV scaring off potential animals or blowing up your favorite hunting spot. Luckily most your problems on a noisy quad can be fixed with a few maintenance techniques or after market products. Here are a few things to consider while transforming your noisy quads into a ninja stealth-hunting machine.

Anything metal that is loosely tied, bolted, or attached in any way attached to the racks needs to be secured tightly! Using materials like rubber mats or bushings between opposing metal surfaces will help significantly, if that’s not an option make sure all bolts are good and snug.

Exhaust leaks or cracks on your ATV can give off an annoying whistling sound an even backfire during deceleration, causing any animal in the area to scatter. Carefully inspect every joint or flange on the tubing to make sure there are no leaks. Most cracks occur where the pipe meets the engine.

Keeping wheel bearings in check every year is a must. Water and even mud can get into the bearings and cause them to screech. Take the time to thoroughly was your machine before storage will give you the chance to inspect each wheel.

The actual exhaust on an ATV when it is in good working order can be silenced just a bit by using a product such as Silent Rider. This extra muffler attaches to the stock exhaust with very little modifications and lowers the decibels coming out of the pipe. It can also be removed during normal non-hunting or working conditions.

A final source of noise can be dirty braking components. If you ride in a lot of muddy or light wet sand these elements can gather on brake calipers and even between the brake pad and rotor. This light squeal or scratching noise can be prevented by again, thoroughly cleaning the machine after any muddy activity. Set the quad up on jack stands and remove the wheels to get a closer look at your braking components. Worn out braking pads will give you the same noise so be sure everything is in top shape.         

Make sure you checkout selection of ATV's and Side X Sides at petescycle.com

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7 Tips For Riding In Traffic

Think of the last time you were stuck in heavy traffic. Vehicles surrounding you, cutting you off all while your trying to monitor closing speeds, read street signs, anticipate traffic signals, and keep track of pedestrians. It can be overwhelming, and that’s exactly why street-riding newcomers crash and burn while riding in congested areas. Being a motorcyclist means that you have to be able to process multiple different tasks and be able to react to each of them correctly. Not being able to do so could turn you into roadkill, so here are 15 strategies for dealing with traffic-choked streets.

Watch drivers heads and mirrors

Watching the head movements of drivers through their windows in an excellent way to anticipate sudden moves. Majority of drivers will move their head left or right before making any sudden lane changes (even if they don’t check their mirrors).

Trust your mirrors, but not totally

Your bikes mirrors can be lifesavers, but they don’t always tell the entire story even if adjusted properly. In heavy traffic always make sure that your checking over your shoulder before making a lane change, if preformed quickly it will add rear-view and blind-spot knowledge to your info-gathering tasks.

Never get between a vehicle and an off-ramp

This may sound simple, but drivers who decide to exit at the last second kill plenty of riders every year. The simple rule is to never position yourself between a vehicle and an off-ramp. Passing on the right is generally a no-no, but in this day and age can be necessary. If you do so make sure it’s between exits or cross streets.

Cover your brakes

In traffic you must react extra quick, which means not fumbling with the brake pedal. Minimize reach time by always keeping a finger or to on the brake lever and your right toe close to the rear brake pedal. So when a cellphone toting 10^th grader flies across your lane to snag a burrito from Taco Bell you’ll be ready!

Be noticed

Make sure riders and pedestrians can see you, even from a distance. Ride with your high beams on during the day (turning them off when sitting behind someone a light), and wear brightly colored gear, especially your helmet and jacket.

Be ready with power

In traffic, ride in a gear lower than you normally would so your bike is ready to jump forward instantly if asked. Doing so gives you the option of leaping ahead instead of being limited to just using the brakes when that pick-up suddenly moves over. The higher revs may also alert more cagers to your presence.

Practice the scan

Constantly scan your environment while riding. Check your left, right, blind spot, and the road ahead. This will make you more aware and allow you to react quickly. Being stuck in one area for a long time only focusing in front of you is asking for trouble.

Pete’s Cycles reminds you to be safe on the road and gear up with protective equipment that will make you more visible on the road. We would like thank the motorcyclistonline.com for the helpful information. Stay Safe!    

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