REVIEW: CV Restorations Monster Axles

Sometimes bad luck follows you and if its not one thing its another. For ATVs that are out of warranty this can mean costly repairs. Neecy’s Polaris Hawkeye had two failed front outer CV joints wthin a few months time. There was no visible warning before. There were no torn boots, noises or strange feelings when driving. When the first joint failed I went to my mechanic and asked for his recommendation thinking it was time to order a CV joint. He explained that the best deal is a complete axle replacement from The CV Man at CV Restorations. CV Restorations is a manufacturer in Jessup, Maryland. For over 20 years CV Restorations has been manufacturing CV joints, axles and other ATV parts.

broken axle

My mechanic explained that I could spend $100 for a new joint and about that much for labor. All the while, the CV joint and boot on the other side of the axle is wearing away and could also fail at any time. Alternatively, I can spend $200 for a complete CV Restorations Monster Axle. The complete Monster Axle is fully assembled with two CV joints and thick CV boots on the ends of a heavier duty axle than the stock offering. Plus the labor to replace the whole axle is only about half the labor cost to replace a joint. It’s all common sense at this point.

CV Restorations HD Axle

The Monster Axles are no joke. According to CV Restorations, the bars are almost one inch diameter and are constructed of 43/40 cromolly steel. The boots are thicker than stock making them more puncture resistant. Despite the better quality they are still direct replacements for the OEM parts. This means you can replace a broken OEM axle with a Monster Axle and leave the other axles stock. To back up their quality, CV Restorations offers a one year parts warranty on everything but the CV boots.

CV Restorations offers a full line of CV boots, joints, axles and many other driveline parts for virtually every model of ATV made. To check out their Monster Axles and other products see their website at www.thecvman.com.

REVIEW: Cycle Country CV Boot Guards

It doesn’t take too long to learn that CV joints and boots need a little extra protection. They aren’t particularly cheap or super easy to replace, but they are often susceptible to damage. Rubber boots are easily pierced by debris on the trail allowing mud, dirt and water to penetrate the CV joints. The older the boots are the more brittle they will become. Neecy’s Polaris Hawkeye 4×4 suffered two blown CV joints within a couple of months. We replaced them with new Monster Axles, and it was was time to protect that investment with a set of CV boot guards.

Failed CV joint, causing the entire axle to come loose. We tied it out of the way with a bungee cord to finish the ride.

I picked up a set of Cycle Country CV Boot Guards (sometimes referred to as A-arm guards) off ebay. They are also are available from many retailers. The guards are very solid, made from 12 guage steel and finished with a powder coating. Not only will they protect the boot and joint, but it will also help protect the A-arm itself from damage. It is a huge upgrade from the flimsy stock plastic found on the Hawkeye from the factory.

The Cycle Country guards were super easy to install. For the Hawkeye, start by removing the two screws holding the factory guard in place. Then remove the factory guard. Next place the Cycle Country guards under the A-arms and bolt them into place with the U-bolts. As the bolts tighten up make sure the guards are in the proper spot. The guard should not come into contact with any part of the frame, bumpers, wheels or tires while stationary or while riding. Once you finish tightening them you’ll need to cut off the excess bolt sticking out below so they don’t catch on anything. After a short ride recheck the position of the guards. Readjust and tighten as needed. Checking the position of the guards should be a part of your regular maintenance plan.

Now your ride is much better protected from costly damage that can easily be found on the trails. Prices vary by application. Rear guards are also available for many applications. For more information, including a fitment chart and other accessories, see Cycle Country at http://www.cyclecountry.com.

PREVIEW: 2012 Kawasaki ATV Lineup

Kawasaki has announced their 2012 ATV lineup, and it looks to be a very promising year. This is especially true in the mid-sized sport utility market with the all-new Brute Force 300.

Brute Force 300

Chances are high that this is the only quad in the lineup you truely want to hear about. Nothing against the other units from Kawasaki, but this is the one making a stir. Much of the talk is because Yamaha is also jumping back in the 300cc market with it’s Grizzly 300. The Brute Force 300 replaces the Bayou 250 and is in no way comparable to it. The stylings are forged directly from the bigger Brute Force units. The 300 uses a 271cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 537 pound, 2wd machine sits atop 22 inch Maxxis tires. It is the only 2wd machine on the Kawasaki sport utility lineup. The dash is very advanced for ra 300 taking many features from its big brothers, including speedometer, odometer, a clock, fuel guage and coolant temp light. You can pick one up in black or a dark shade of red for an MSRP of only $4,199. Look for a more in-depth review coming soon.

Prairie 360 4×4

Oh, you’re still reading? Well, then allow me to cover the rest of the Kawasaki offerings. The next unit is the Prairie 360 4×4 with its 362cc, single cylinder, four-stroke powerplant. Like the Brute Force 300, it uses an automatic transmission and is shaft driven. It has push-button four wheel drive to get all four of the 25 inch tires working for you. It weighs in at 643 pounds but should easily be stopped with its dual front hydraulic disc brakes and seal muli-disc rear brakes. It comes in Scout Green and the Aztec Red found on the Brute Force 300. It will set you back $6,199 according to the MSRP.

Brute Force 650 4x4i

From 362cc to 633cc is a big jump but that is a sacrifice you will have to make if the Prairie doesn’t turn you on. The Brute Force 650 4x4i’s engine is a 90-degree V-Twin four stroke that runs through a dual range automatic transmission. Another upgrade is independant rear suspension. The front brakes are also upgraded to dual piston discs. The 650 is available in Scout Green or Adventure Blue. The size increase will decrease the weight of your wallet, setting you back $8,099 MSRP.

Brute Force 750 4x4i / EPS / EPS Camo

The Brute Force 750 line has been a fan favorite since it’s release. Followers will be excited to see there have been upgrades like more power to the 749cc digital fuel injected 90 degree V-Twin engine. Other upgrades include 6 spoke cast aluminum wheels and cosmetic features for improved looks and ergonomics. The 750 is also available with eletronic power steering as well as a Reatree APG HD Camo edition. MSRPs are $9,299 for the base model (if you can call it that), $9,999 for EPS and $10,349 for the EPS in camo.

KFX 90

Kawasaki has no desire to disappoint the sport market either. The KFX 90 is an 89cc single cylinder four stroke that is perfect for young riders. The 90 is chain driven keeping true to race stylings and simplicity. At an MSRP of $2,699 you are investing in a lifetime of fun by creating an new ATV enthusiast.

Other Kawasaki sport ATVs like the KFX 450r are expected but have not officially been announced at this time. For more details about these and other Kawasaki offerings see your local Kawasaki dealer or visit http://www.kawasaki.com.

 

2012 Polaris RZR Giveaway

On January 1st Polaris will celebrate New Year’s Day by revealing a brand new RZR model in their side x side line. Polaris seems to be keeping tight lipped about what exactly is coming out, but my guess is it will be the Polaris answer to the Arctic Cat Wildcat. No matter what it is, Polaris is giving you a chance to win one. The contest ends as 2011 does so enter now. You can enter through the Polaris website here.

 

REVIEW: RAM Mounts Aqua Box

Cell phones are a crucial item for most everyone. Trail riding is no exception to this. There have been many times when my trail buddies were trying to call me and the calls went unnoticed while I was bounding down the trails. So I was super excited to pick up a RAM Mounts Aqua Box. I have used RAM Mounts equipment in vehicles so I was familiar with the quality. I ordered the RAM-B-149Z-AQ2U from GPSCity.com. The kit contains three separate items: a handle bar mount, arm and a Medium Aqua Box. According to RAM, the internal dimensions of the medium box are 2.88″ wide, 5.75″ high and 1.188″ deep. Three foam pads of different thicknesses are included so your device is well secured inside the box. Alternative kits are made with smaller or larger Aqua Boxes. I found the medium sized Aqua Box to be perfect for my Apple iPhone 3GS in its OtterBox Defender case.
Ram Aqua Box Break Down     Assembly is a snap and took less than 10 minutes. The flex lens is not hard to install but it seems a bit awkward at first. RAM offers a video on their website to clear up any confusion. The ball joint system that RAM uses makes mounting extremely flexible. The kit includes mounting hardware for different sized handlebars.  The box is waterproof and though you can’t fully use the iPhone touchscreen through the Aqua Box flex lens, you can easily see calls and messages when they come in. Simple screen touches work fine but sliding functions do not work. The box also has a punchout that can be used to route wires from the device. The case design should maintain its water tight abilities even with this option used.
Ram Aqua Box Mounted     During an hour long trail ride, there was no movement at all from the RAM system. It held solidly in place and the safety of my iPhone was the last thing on my mind. I did panic a time or two when I realized my phone was not in my pocket, thinking it had fallen out while riding. I was quickly reassured to see it staring back at me from between the handle bars. I consider this a must have add-on for any trail rider and I will be adding it to my other quads. MSRP from RAM Mounts is $68.92. The system is covered by a lifetime warranty with the exception of the replaceable flex lens. Lenses are about $5 from RAM. You can see this and their other offerings at http://www.ram-mount.com/.


Protect your smartphone with an OtterBox!