Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127654
the bike stays put. To put it another way, imagine how a big Cad illac (the ATK) absorbs a pothole, then think of taking the same obstacle in a Mazda Miat a (a 250cc MXer ). The little car is deflected, while the Cad dy "plows" straight ahead. We're not sure if we 're righ t, but even if our theory is nothing b u t hot air, the WP units do an admirab le job of suspending the ATK. Again, stock suspension is best for trail riding an d tig hter endures, but it may be a little soft for desert racing. We also tried a 605 with stiffer springs, and it was perfect for motocross or Baja. With th e stiffer coils, we scared ourselves wi th th e speed with w hich the bike could hammer thro ugh the whoops. Just pin it and han g on! When i t co mes to handling, the 605CCES leave s no thing to be desired , as the steeper rake and increased trail were just what the doctor ordered for the ATK. In comers, the older model felt like the fron t end was kicked out, and the bars would flop from side to side. Also, it had a nasty hab it of shaking its head when the throttl e was chopped at hig h speeds. The ne w model is mu ch be tter at carving lines through tu rns, an d still has better stability in the fast stuff. We also like the new, removable subfram e, except for a bend on the left side where it clea rs the shock. This bulge can be cumbersome when the ATK is ridden aggressively. The ergonomics of the new ATK are top-notch, with a comfortable pilot compartment and lots of attention to detail. The looks are simple but serious, with no gaudy neon colors or strange decals. Several of the bike's parts are almost too beautiful to us e, includ ing the go ldanodized hubs and the aluminum rear brake lever, which we wanted to mount on a plaque and hang above our mantel. The brakes work great, offering plen ty of power with a dose of feel, and both fro n t and rear binders use the same pads. When riding th e new and old ATKs ba ck to back, the countershaft stopper doesn't even come close to the '94 model's Nissins. We love the standard Pro Taper bars, which help smooth out the ride , especially off-road . We normally install them on our favorite bikes, bu t with the ATK, you won't ha ve to spend the extra money. On the do wnside, the hand levers are much too large, the shift lever bends easil y and the spring comes off of the side stand. Also, our bike developed a slow leak in one of the oil lines, right where the hose hooks to the fra me. We tightened the hose clamp as tight as we could, but the leak continued . We sus pect that the we ld m ay have ca used a pin -h ole in th e fra me, w hic h allowed th e oil to seep ' through. All in all, we're qu ite pleased with the "new" ATK (both the company and the bike). In stock conditi on, we found it be st suited for end uros or tra il rid ing, and just a few mod ifications will have it ready for higher-sp eed racing. ATK is definitel y heading in the right directi on, especiall y if they're successful in linin g up a good network of dealerships. One of the neatest things about the new owners is that they 're hard-core enthusiasts. We got the opportunity to ride w it h Fra nk White in the California desert, and we're willing to bet he's faster than any of the Japanese companies' top-level honchos. By the way, not even White could tell us what ATK stands for. C'i While Cycle News believes theforegoing test reliable, it is the opinion of the reviewers only and should not be relied upon in determining the performance or safety of the fJehicle(s). The reader should rnaJ<" his or her own investigation The 3rd Annual Cycle News/A MAlLoretta Lynn's National Dual Sport Run will be held the weeke nd of April 16-17, 1994, at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee . The LL Run is an exciting 2-day adventu re designed exclusively for dual sport motorcycli sts. The LL Run is headquartered at the famous Loretta Lynn Ranch, and will take you through the heartland of the Volunteer State. PRE-ENTRY FEE: 2-Day Rider: 1-Day Rider: 2-Day Passenger 1-Day Passenger AWARDS : (Only 2-day participants eligible) ·Iron Butt·S ilver Fox·Cool Dudds'Hard Luck·Sherlock Holrnes'Bportsrnanship "Poker Run: Heads - Top 10 Hands . Tails - Top 3 Hands $65 $35 $40 $20 * Jf to # Each Rider will be assigned a Number based upon receipt of entry. You must use this number to Check-Out/Check-In each day. Confirmations will be sent 10 days before the event. ~ . * ACCOMMODATIONS : Headquarters: Loretta Lynn's Ranch (Camping Only) 615/296-7700 Best Western 615/296-4251 Days Inn 615/296-7647 .. DIRECTIONS : 70 miles West of Nashville on 1-40, Exit 143 to Rt 13 North, 7 miles. The LL Run is an AMAlSuzuki National Dual Sport Ride. REQUIREMENTS: You MUST have a valid operator's license. r * r You MUST be an AMA Member. Membership applications available at the event. r Your bike MUST have a current license plate, be street legal in the state of registration, and be equipped with a USFS-approvedspark arrestor and muffler. r r All riders MUST be at least 16 years old (parental consent required for minors). S.CHEDULE: Headquartered atLoretta Friday: 6-9 PM ,_J % Saturday: 7-8:30 AM ,..=-,. .f 8:30 AM ;l,; 9:00 AM 4 6:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM " Sunday: - AMA ' AN C TI CNID 7-8 AM 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM Cont ingency Sponsor For More Info: 304/594-1157' ; ® Lynn's Ranch Registration Registration Mandatory Riders' Meeting Check-Out Last Check-In CYCLE NEWS Catfish Fry & Live Country Music Registration Mandatory Riders' Meeting Check-Out . Last Check-In Awards & Contingency Prizes '.If- ~'5' dJ..~ It:~;;~ ~ BOIDOESTORE F.X '- --.=c=-- - - - - -t-r-'- -First M . AMA# ...=:-- ~ r. ' if) 'fIJ ~~ z r{tfI...~'~I"''''- * ,Ilfij.f IiIl'kl TUB !L~JI.!!_ ~ Bike Make Model year cc Ad dress f:iJi We DO NOT provide medical insurance, & urge you NOT to operate a motorcycle without it. ell)AN'S 1/ . _ _ _ _ ---,-:=-- - - Phone ( Last --;~--------__,=::__------'T.::"-City _ Age Passenger Name _ I AM ENTERING: 0 B OTH DA YS. 0 SA T ONL Y. 0 SU N ONL Y . Please send Entry & Check orMoney Order to: RACER PRODUCTIONS, INC., Routa 7 Box 459, Morgantown, WV 26505 11