April 3, 2006 – ATV Digest

Suzuki Recalls 2005 Eiger ATV
American Suzuki Motor Corp., Brea, Calif., is recalling approximately 1,900 LT-F400FK5 and LT-A400FK5 (Eiger) ATVs.
Suzuki said certain 2005 model year Eiger ATVs, manufactured in the United States, were assembled with an improperly manufactured plastic fuel tank. The thin portion of these tanks could develop a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.
Included is the 2005 Eiger 4WD 5-Speed (LT-F400FK5), vehicle identification number 5SAAK46A*57105591 through 5SAAK46A*57106610; as well as the 2005 Eiger 4WD Auto (LT-A400FK5), vehicle identification number 5SAAK46K*57108892 through 5SAAK46K*57110274. Sold nationwide from March 2005 through February for between $5,200 and $5,350, the models are available in yellow, green or red.
Suzuki has not received any reports of incidents or injuries. Company officials said consumers with recalled ATVs are being sent direct notice. They also are being asked to stop using the vehicles and to contact a local Suzuki ATV dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair.
Kentucky House Passes ATV Helmet Bill
Children younger than 16 would have to wear helmets when riding ATVs under a bill passed March 8 by the Kentucky House.
House Bill 334, passed 56-34, applies to riders on public property. Kentucky had 109 ATV-related deaths between 2000 and 2002, said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jim Gooch, D-Providence. In the past five years, 41 Kentucky children under the age of 18 have died from ATV accidents.
The bill now goes to the state’s senate.
Idaho ATV and Hunting Initiative
Members from the Blue Ribbon Coalition and the Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife announced a five-step initiative to address the use of an ATV while hunting in Idaho.
The plan is an attempt to establish increased cooperation between the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and would include creating updated travel plans and increased enforcement.
N.Y. Governor Wants Trail Funding
New York Gov. George Pataki wants to add state funds reserved for maintaining and promoting snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails to the state’s general fund.
Both sides of the state’s legislature are against the plan, calling it cheating against those who establish it, namely powersports enthusiasts. Some argue the move could jeopardize the state’s winter-time tourism as well.
Pataki’s plan would take more than $3 million designated for snowmobile and ATV trails. Like many states, these funds are derived from registration fees for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
ATV Ambassador Program
American Honda and the FMF Media All-Stars have teamed up to allow foreign ATV racers the opportunity to compete in America as part of their 2006 ATV Ambassador Program.
Honda supplied the 2006 TRX450R models the visiting racers compete on. The FMF Media All-Stars customize the machine for racing with several aftermarket products, including Lonestar, DG, Douglas Wheel, Maxxis, Fasst Company, Öhlins, Quad Tech, Uni Filter, FMF, Regina Chains, PowerMadd, Updog, DMP covers and Hinson Racing.
The foreign racers are then invited to compete in at least one round of the ITP Moose Racing ATVA MX Nationals series aboard the race-ready 450R. Honda of Norway rider Ben Olsen competed at the first two rounds this year. Other countries to be represented by riders include Argentina, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and potentially Spain.
Duvall returns to GNCC with ITP
Chad Duvall has become the official rider representative for ITP at all of this year’s GNCC events. If you have any questions concerning ITP tires and wheels, contingency, sponsorship or just need some advice on how to win in the woods, you’ll be able to find Duvall at ITP’s trackside support vehicle or next to the trail. psb