Buyer's Guide Motorcycles Scooters ATVs and More

Even The Smaller 2013 Yamaha Grizzly ATVs Work and Play Hard

December 22, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a smaller, affordable, user friendly ATV for work and play, Yamaha Motor Corporation just might have what your looking for in their 2013 Yamaha Grizzly ATV lineup. The smallest two in the Grizzly line-up are the Grizzly 300 and the Grizzly 125; don’t let the displacement fool you (287ccs and 124ccs respectively) these ATVs are for riders ages 16 and older and are fully capable of making work a little easier and play a little more fun.

The Yamaha Grizzly 300 has a 287cc, liquid-cooled engine and an automatic dual range transmission that offers high, low neutral and reverse. The Yamaha Grizzly 300 is not intimidating, yet packs enough power to do the job. Other great features include a push-button start, rear disc brakes and full fenders and floorboards to keep mud off the rider. The Yamaha Grizzly 300 also comes with front and rear racks that can hold 44 lbs in the front and 99 lbs in the rear, capable of carrying plenty of gear on a trip or tools for work. Available in Steel Blue, Hunter Green or Red, starting price for the Yamaha Grizzly 300 is $4199.00

The Yamaha Grizzly 125 has a 124cc, air-cooled engine and a fully automatic transmission that offers forward, neutral and reverse, great for those just starting to ride ATVs. Another great feature for beginners is the adjustable throttle limiter, giving adult supervisors the chance to add power as the rider becomes more experienced. Just like the Yamaha Grizzly 300, wide fenders and full floorboards offer protection against the mud. The Grizzly 125 also has front and rear racks capable of holding 11 lbs in the front and 22 lbs in the rear. Available only in Hunter Green and a starting price of $3699, this ATV can provide years of fun and enjoyment for the entire family.

Yamaha Motor Corporation makes a wide variety of bolt-on accessories for the Yamaha Grizzly line-up, making them even more versatile, no matter the size. Some of these accessories include tire chains, skid plates, front bumper shields and overfenders. So, if you thought you couldn’t afford an ATV that could be used for work and fun, check out the Yamaha Grizzly line-up at your local Yamaha dealership and you might be pleasantly surprised.

How safe are ATVs for Kids?

November 5, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Once again, as the holiday season approaches, both manufacturers and the government are reminding ATV dealers across the country that age restrictions are placed on ATVs for a reason. There are a number of manufacturers who provide safe atvs for kids, but there are also a number of parents who fail to heed the warnings and purchase their children an ATV designed for an adult. Unfortunately, there are also some dealers in the industry that are not enforcing the age restrictions as required and they may find themselves out of business.

ATV Age Restrictions

The reasoning for the ATV age restrictions is based on data derived from pediatricians and hospitals based on accidents involving atvs and children. Parents purchase ATVs for kids and fail to consider that the 14 year old just does not have the cognitive, maturity and judgment or skill level to safely operate an ATV. Quite often parents are considering the size of the child when making the atv purchasing decision– well yes, 11 year old Johnny is 5 foot 6 and 150 lbs, but yet you wouldn’t put him behind the wheel of a car just because he is the size of a automobile driver.

ATVs for Kids – Are Four Wheels Really Better Than Two?

The popularity of ATVs for kids has actually surged recently, parents sometimes feel that four wheels are better than two, but the mere size of an ATV designed for an adult and being driven by a 9 year old can have disastrous consequences should it roll over and onto the child.

Atvs for kids are generally set up in two different age groups – those from age 6 through 11 and then those from age 12 to 16. The CC size is the general guideline for which age groups the ATV falls into. 50cc’s and smaller are ATVs designed for kids under 11 but over the age of 6, while the 90cc ATVs are for kids ages 12 through 16.

Training Just As Important As Supervision

Another consideration when purchasing atvs for kids is the lack of training offered to young children and their parents’ willingness to get them properly trained. In the study “ Pediatric ATV Injuries and Manufacturer Warnings are Not Enough to Change Behavior”, a survey of children hospitalized as a result of an ATV crash between 2004 and 2009, determined that over 50% of ATV accidents involving children on inappropriately sized ATVs occurred during adult supervision, which means the children are being supervised, but accidents are still happening.

Read The Labels When Purchasing ATVs for Kids

Atvs for kids can be a wonderful Christmas present, but parents, make sure it is age appropriate and safe for your child. If you are unsure, a reputable dealership will have the proper safety tags hanging on the units and the units will be clearly labeled by the manufacturer. Most importantly, if a dealer tells you age doesn’t matter; don’t walk - run, because they do not have you or your child’s best interests in mind.

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide Tagged With: Age Restrictions on ATVs for Kids, ATV's

What is A Pro Yamaha Dealer?

November 1, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Yamaha Dealers have been around for many years, but now when consumers are looking for a Yamaha Dealer they may find dealers that are designated as a Pro Yamaha Dealer.

Yamaha Motor Corporation put into place a program that helps consumers find the elite Yamaha Dealerships throughout the United States. The Yamaha Dealer must complete a rigorous list of requirements in order to earn this prestigious award. These requirements have three areas of expertise they need to achieve: Customer Service, Sales Knowledge and a Highly Skilled and Trained Service Department.

Customer Service at a Pro Yamaha Dealer:

Customer service is determined by surveys sent to both sales and service customers. A questionnaire with over 12 categories of questions (many of which have 6 or more sub-questions) is sent to every consumer that purchases a Yamaha vehicle, which can be quickly and conveniently answered on-line. The surveys relating to the service department are sent to consumers who had warranty work completed on their Yamaha vehicle, a little bit shorter survey, the questions are geared toward how well the service department at the Yamaha dealer took care of the problem with the vehicle. Scores on these surveys range from 0 to 100 and a Yamaha dealer must maintain an average score of 93 and must have 80% of them answered every six months. Therefore, if only one customer responds and the Yamaha dealer sold 40 units, they would not be eligible for Pro Yamaha status.

Product Knowledge at a Pro Yamaha Dealer:

A Pro Yamaha dealer is required to take a variety of on-line training courses; categories include customer service, financing, parts, accessories and vehicle information videos.

The parts, sales and finance manager are required to take all courses every six months, while the parts counter person and salesmen are required to take courses related to their specific job descriptions. The courses offer a variety of information to the employees of the dealer and thus make them more knowledgeable when answering consumers questions.

Exceptional Service Departments at a Pro Yamaha Dealer:

The service department is an important part of any Motorsports dealership and Yamaha Motor Corporation recognizes the importance of this department. Hands on training classes are required by at least one technician in every Pro Yamaha Dealer every six months. The Service Manager is also required to pass stringent tests on customer service, warranty issues and other factory issues that may come up. The follow-up from the service department is just as important as the follow-up from the sales department in maintaining customers for life.

If you are looking for a Yamaha Dealer, go to the Yamaha Motor Corporation website and see if you can find a Pro Yamaha Dealer in your area, you will receive some of the best customer service from some of the best dealers in the industry.

Filed Under: ATVs, Bikes, Buyer's Guide, Buyer's Guide, Dealer Locator Tagged With: Pro Yamaha Dealer, Yamaha dealer

2013 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition

October 29, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a Utility Vehicle that has the looks, the comfort and the power to perform just about any task, then be sure to check out the 2013 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition. Built in the Yamaha Factory in Georgia, this Side X Side offers everything you need for both work and play.

Automotive Qualities

The Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition has many qualities that can be found in a luxury car. A stylish steering wheel, left-side foot brake pedal, right-side foot accelerator pedal and parking brake lever are just a beginning to the automobile comparisons. The center mounted console shifter and easy turn-to-start ignition switch make starting and getting into gear a breeze. With indicator lights, a 12-volt accessory outlet and thick bucket seats with three-point seat belts and an anti-cinch shoulder belt, the automotive package is polished off with comfort and safety.

Engine and Transmission

A 686cc liquid/oil-cooled, four-stroke engine offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio with exceptional performance. The Yamaha fully automatic Ultramatic® transmission has a dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse. This transmission maintains constant belt tension, which will minimize wear, provide great throttle response and offer all-wheel downhill engine braking.

4WD VS. 2WD

With the simple push of a button, the Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition has three positions for a driver to choose from; 2WD, Limited Slip 4WD, or fully locked differential 4WD.

Suspension

The double wishbones in both front and rear create a fully independent four-wheel suspension delivering 7.3 inches of wheel travel and 12.1 inches of ground clearance. The shocks are five-way preload-adjustable that provide excellent comfort in the roughest of terrain.

Black/Black/Black

The 2013 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition, also known as the Special Edition Tactical Black Rhino features a brand new matte black body, blacked-out cast aluminum wheels and an extensive list of matching black accessories.

Already available in many Yamaha dealerships that carry the Yamaha Side X Side Line-up, the 2013 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition has a starting MSRP of $12,999.

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide Tagged With: 2013 Yamaha Rhino 700, 2013 Yamaha Rhino 700 Special Edition

2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 & 700R – Made In The USA

July 12, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Rolling off the assembly line are the new 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 & 700R’s in Newman, Ga., and they are heading to Yamaha Dealerships across the country. Not only are these bad boys now made and assembled in the USA, but also their styling and performance have been enhanced, while MSRP is below 2012 prices!

For the 2013 model year, consumers will find three versions of the Raptor 700 on showroom floors. All three are ready for top performance either on the dunes or on the trails, with a 686cc engine, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine and a five-speed transmission with reverse.

Other features to check out on the 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 include:

New Body Styling
Maxxis tires for reduced weight & a cool new tread pattern
Electric Start
Easy to Read Indicator Lights
Steel Frame made in the USA
Double-Wishbone Front A-Arms that are lighter and stronger as the Upper are Aluminum and the Lower are steel
Yamaha Cam Adjust drive chain adjuster for quick and easy chain adjustments

The Three Versions Of The Yamaha Raptor 700 Pricing and Colors are:

700R Team Yamaha – Blue & White Raptor – MSRP Only $8099 ($300 less than 2012)
Special Edition Raptor 700R – Black Plastics with Red Flame Graphics and GYTR Accessories – MSRP Only $8799 ($200 less than the 2012 SE)
Raptor 700 – White with Dual Graphic Kit Options – One Kit is Red/White & Blue, and the One Kit is Black/Red – MSRP $7699 ($700 less than last year’s model)

The Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corp. plant is already the final assembly building for the Yamaha brand golf carts, some watercraft, side-by-side and ATV models.

2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 & 700R – Made In The USA

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide Tagged With: ATV, Yamaha, Yamaha Motor Company

2013 Suzuki KingQuads Release Celebrates 30 Years

May 16, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

The first Quadrunner released by Suzuki was the LT125 in 1983. Since then, the four-wheeled ATV has come a long way and Suzuki is celebrating the anniversary with the new True Timber XD3 Camo option and special edition KingQuad models.

You can find the KingQuad 750AXi or the KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering model with a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine, as well as the KingQuad 500AXi and KingQuad 500 AXi Power Steering models, the major difference being 722cc vs. 493cc engines. Both power steering models will come with an optional special edition package for 2013, which include a Metallic Matte Royal Red color and a commemorative 30^th anniversary edition badge.

The Suzuki 750 KingQuads have fully independent A-arm front suspensions and I-beam rear suspensions, a high/low selectable sub transmission, adjustable shocks and a locking front differential. If you are not into the anniversary edition, you can also find these without power steering in Terra Green or Flame Red starting at $8699 or with power steering they start at $9499, unlike the anniversary edition starting at $9899.

The Suzuki 500 KingQuads have a starting price of $7899 for the basic version and the anniversary edition at $9099. But, if you are looking for a less expensive option, the KingQuad 400s start at about $6499, and these are available in both manual and automatic transmission versions.

The True Timber XD3 Camo option bodywork is available for all the KingQuad models and will set you back a few more dollars, but is something to consider if you use your ATV primarily for hunting. This bodywork was designed to help you blend in with your surroundings even better than previous models.

The new Suzuki 2013 ATV’s are expected to start rolling onto Suzuki Dealers showroom floors around June 2013.

2013 Suzuki KingQuads Release Celebrates 30 Years

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide Tagged With: ATV, kingquad, suzuki

What To Expect From A Honda Powersports Dealer

April 11, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

If you walk into just any motorcycle dealership, it may not be the same as walking into a Honda Powersports Dealership.

Every Honda Powersports Dealership has an agreement with American Honda Motor Corporation giving them the flexibility to offer all Honda Powersports owners a variety of services to fit the needs of their community and their customers.

To take advantage of what your local Honda dealer has to offer, try to develop a personal relationship with them. This can give you an opportunity to get important information on sales and promotions, service specials and a direct line to American Honda. American Honda provides their dealers with access to warranty and recall information, technical assistance and training on the product they sell.

Honda Powersports Dealerships also have access to other services you can’t get anywhere else. Financing on both new and used Honda motorcycles, dirtbikes, atvs and scooters; Genuine Honda parts and accessories (including the Pro Honda Oil and Chemicals); special tools for the servicing of Honda Powersports equipment, and factory trained technicians.

It’s easy to find a dealer on the Honda Consumer website, powersports.honda.com, by entering your zip code, city and state, or searching by a dealer name.

hoNDA What To Expect From A Honda Powersports Dealer

So, if you own a Honda, or are considering buying a Honda, check out your local dealer and get the professionalism, experience and knowledge of trained salesman and certified technicians before you head into just any local bike shop.

Filed Under: ATVs, Bikes, Buyer's Guide, Buyer's Guide, Buyer's Guide, Scooters Tagged With: American Honda, American Honda Motor Corporation, honda, Honda Powersports Dealership, motorcycle

Kawasaki Mule Utility Vehicle Recall

March 15, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Kawasaki has another vehicle to add to the list of recalls for the spring of 2012.

This recall involves around 3900, 2012 Kawasaki Mule Utility Vehicles. The models included in the recalls are the Mule 600 in Green, and the Mule 610 4X4 which comes in black, camouflage, green or red. These vehicles were sold to consumers between June of 2011 and February of 2012.

The Kawasaki Mule is an off-road Utility Vehicle with a bench seat for a driver and a passenger with controls similar to an automobile. Unlike an automobile, the Mule is strictly an off-road vehicle that comes with a cargo bed, rollover protection structure and it is recommended that both driver and passenger operating a Mule wear a helmet.

The potential hazard involves a possible fire when the fuel tube scrapes against the air cleaner housing and develops holes.

As with any recall, the manufacturer will send you a letter if your vehicle is affected. If you are concerned that your Kawasaki Mule may be included in the recall, you can contact your local dealer and give them your vehicle identification number, and they can tell you if yours is one of the affected Mules.

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide, Reviews

Kawasaki’s Diesel Mule

February 29, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Kawasaki Motor Corporation has designed a workhorse vehicle that is sure to please those who work outdoors and need a strong, reliable and transformable machine. The 2012 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4X4 Diesel offers tons of torque, four-wheel drive and power steering at a starting price of $9699.

Heavy loads are no problems with this 953cc, three-cylinder engine with a CVT transmission that can produce nearly 40 ft. of torque at 2500 RPMS. This mule can also transform from a 2-person vehicle with the capability of carrying 1100 lbs of gear or supplies, to a 4-person vehicle that can carry an additional 400 lbs.

Environmentally friendly as well, the diesel fueled engine has a crankcase that sends the vehicle gases back through the intake, the gas will then burn internally instead of externally into the environment. Another great environmental feature is the spark arrestor on the muffler, approved by the United States Forest Service, which helps prevent a fire when driving through dry brush or drought areas.

Some other features include a stiffer sidewall, 23” tire, offering a better ride and more stability in rough terrain. It also comes with a Cyclone air cleaner that has a sensor which will light up a gauge when it’s time to be replaced.

Of course, this mule comes with the basic features as well; you’ll find a 6.4-gallon gas tank, parking brake warning light, coolant temp warning light, speedometer and a 12V DC outlet. Purchased new from a Kawasaki dealer, this mule comes with a 12-month warranty; for safety reasons, you should also consider a helmet and possibly one of the many accessories offered by Kawasaki to bolt directly onto your new mule. Keep in mind as well, if your mule will spend a lot of time outside, a cover will keep it cleaner and protect it from the elements.

Do you own a Kawasaki Diesel Mule? We’d love to here your opinions or reviews on this popular outdoor working vehicle.

Filed Under: ATVs, Buyer's Guide Tagged With: Four-wheel drive, kawasaki

Find An Authorized Honda Dealer Using The Honda Dealer Locator

January 19, 2012 By Motorcycles Scooters Atvs and More Leave a Comment

Even though you can go on-line and view all the motorcycles, scooters and ATV’s Honda has to offer, you still have to visit a dealer when buying a new Honda motorcycle, scooter or ATV. You can get help on many websites dedicated to Honda enthusiasts, including those created by authorized Honda dealers, but unfortunately, a search may direct you to a business claiming to be a Honda dealership, when, in fact, they are not. To ensure you are being directed to a legitimate Honda powersports dealership, you need to visit www.powersports.honda.com and on the upper center of the site, you can see the “Find a Dealer” button, click on it and it has a drop-down menu that will direct you to “Dealer Locator”. This will help you find an authorized Honda motorcycle dealer in your area or nearest you by using your zip code.

The Honda motorcycle dealer locator is very important to help you find authorized dealers that sell genuine Honda motorcycles or parts. In today’s online market place, scammers are popping up all over the Internet, so to save you from being a possible victim of one of these businesses, use the “Dealer Locator” on the official Honda website.

How to Use the Honda Motorcycle Dealer Locator

Using the help of a Honda motorcycle dealer locator is not complicated at all. After all, it is designed to make finding a Honda motorcycle dealer easy for you. Here are a few useful tips to consider:

1. Use the Honda motorcycle dealer locator found at the Honda website to search for authorized dealers in your area. This also allows you to select different options of how to search for dealers on the drop-down menu. You can choose a dealer that is close to you, by zip code or city and state, or you can type in the name of a dealer (even a partial name). You can see what type of products they sell and if they offer test rides. This will also give you the dealer’s phone number; hours and you can even get directions to their store.

2. The Honda motorcycle website gives you the option to be contacted by a dealers through email or by phone. Choose one of these options and have a dealer contact you; this will give you an idea of the type of service the dealer has to offer.

3. You don’t need to contact a dealer just to talk about buying a new unit, you can contact them about service work to be done on your Honda, or perhaps finding some genuine Honda parts for your ride.

4. Read reviews about the dealer that you are interested in, make sure that the dealer is reliable and reputable. Establishing a good business relationship with your dealer can make your buying experience easier as well as any service and parts needs you may have. For further information regarding the dealer of your choice, you may also read reviews from their other clients to see what they are saying about them.

Always keep in mind that there are all kinds businesses out there that are not who they say they are. They want your hard earned money. To protect yourself from being a possible victim, always find dealers that are authorized under the official Honda motors website with the help of its Honda motorcycle dealer locator.

Find An Authorized Honda Dealer Using The Honda Dealer Locator

Filed Under: ATVs, Bikes, Buyer's Guide, Buyer's Guide, Buyer's Guide, Dealer Locator, Dealer Locator, Scooters Tagged With: All-terrain vehicle, honda, motorcycle