Just venting

[Rottsrool]

As a new owner of a used Maxll it's a real shame they are not as popular as atv's, and here is some of the things that I think need to change.
First if someone isn't mechanically capable and owns a atv it's easy to find a service center to have the work done, opposed to owning a 6 wheeler it's almost impossible to find a mechanic who will touch a 6 wheeler, and it can be a little overwhelming having no one to turn too for help.
Second: there's only a couple of places to buy parts and they normally have to be ordered.
Third: Because of regulations it's hard to find trails to ride unlike bike & atv's,
Dont get me wrong I'm not ripping 6/8 wheelers but would love to find a way to make them popular.
Maybe because I live in Michigan it's a Michigan thing.
It's really cool to have such an awesome forum like this, with a wealth of knowledgable people.
Anyway just some thoughts.

[thebuggyman1]

Fortunately you are only a couple hours away from the factory, and they will repair it for you...at least they do with Mudd-Ox.

Working on them is pretty simple though, why not just do it yourself?

As for Michigans 40+ year old atv rules....who needs state land anyway. Group rides on private land or at an atv park are much more fun.

[ARGOJIM]

Working on them is pretty simple though, why not just do it yourself?

Perhaps he needs a Sensei. (if that's how you spell it, ha ha)

[Rottsrool]

Paint on paint off !!!

[guyfox]

I guess most people want to go "FAST" and that is something you cannot do in a 6/8 wheeler. I guess this is the reason for not being popular. Some of the vids I have seen on the net with 4 wheelers seems like they are stuck or being towed out of the mud by another machine or are tearing up the ground leaving a negitive footprint. Do not get me wrong...I have a 4 wheeler as well for when I want to go faster...I have my AATVs for when I want to take the family out. Around these parts there are not many AATVs...

[jpswift1]

I guess most people want to go "FAST" and that is something you cannot do in a 6/8 wheeler.

Not true at all. You're right about the part about them hauling lots of people and gear around and traversing technical and difficult terrain, but if you want to go fast get a 440 Big Max, 440 Attex Thunderchief, or an Attex 500 Superchief. Stock 6x6 AATVs that run close to 50mph right from the factory. Or get a springer kit from Whipper and put a built Briggs V twin Vangaurd if you want speed and decide to go the modified route. The sky is the limit and AATVs can pretty much do it all.

[ARGOJIM]

I think we slightly veered here, if I read it correct, Rottsrool was wishing the machines were more popular so finding a mechanic or parts were a bit easier.

Just some suggestions, drive line repairs ie chains/bearings/sprockets - local farm tractor repair guy, engine work- local lawn mower shop, tires- local tire shop or purchase though ebay or read through postings on the site , trans repairs- adjustments by you after reading the t-20 manual / rebuilds by a forum member that's experienced or from RI, body repair - it's a test and mend or by replacement part which is a large undertaking.

I'm sure I missed something but basically other than the engines and transmissions most things are able to be tackled by the owner and /or his friends over the weekend while enjoying tasty beverages. I do suggest looking of the forums or manual sections , before the tasty beverages, before taking on anything that you've looked at and thought "now how the h*** does that come apart".
Knowing your machine before you head out on the trails is a major advantage.


Good luck with the machine and watch for local rides.

[Dozerlarry]

As a new owner of a used Maxll it's a real shame they are not as popular as atv's, and here is some of the things that I think need to change.
First if someone isn't mechanically capable and owns a atv it's easy to find a service center to have the work done, opposed to owning a 6 wheeler it's almost impossible to find a mechanic who will touch a 6 wheeler, and it can be a little overwhelming having no one to turn too for help.
Second: there's only a couple of places to buy parts and they normally have to be ordered.
Third: Because of regulations it's hard to find trails to ride unlike bike & atv's,
Dont get me wrong I'm not ripping 6/8 wheelers but would love to find a way to make them popular.
Maybe because I live in Michigan it's a Michigan thing.
It's really cool to have such an awesome forum like this, with a wealth of knowledgable people.
Anyway just some thoughts.

I think it really boils down to the fact that 4 wheelers are so cheap. I run up on them every now and then for less than $500 and they run. That kind of cash won't get much AATV. Mine attracts a lot of attention wherever I go, especially at deep water crossings, but I've yet to have a person ask where to go get one. I have a 4 wheeler and much prefer driving my Max. Look on the bright side, we have a much more exclusive fraternity!

[jpswift1]

Knowing your machine before you head out on the trails is a major advantage.

Look on the bright side, we have a much more exclusive fraternity!

I couldn't agree more with both of you on the points you guys brought up here!

[fmints]

I couldn't agree more with both of you on the points you guys brought up here!

I want to "second that motion"!!

[guyfox]

Thanks for the correction JP...I did not know that those machines existed....I do not think I would want to drive them over the terrain that I travel over at those speeds....I could end up a tree or something...not that I have not already done that with my 4 wheeler....not a nice experience....

There are not a lot of people here that have aatvs or places that fix them.....most of the backyard tool pushers here i would not trust with my $20 weedwacker let alone my fun and joy AATV....I learn more from the good people on this site.

[jpswift1]

Thanks for the correction JP...I did not know that those machines existed....I do not think I would want to drive them over the terrain that I travel over at those speeds....I could end up a tree or something...not that I have not already done that with my 4 wheeler....not a nice experience....

There are not a lot of people here that have aatvs or places that fix them.....most of the backyard tool pushers here i would not trust with my $20 weedwacker let alone my fun and joy AATV....I learn more from the good people on this site.

No problem, we're all here to learn something new. I learn something from people here on the site all the time. We've got a great community of folks that are always sharing their knowledge. Most 2 stroke machines are meant for speed, not trails, I couldn't agree more with you guyfox.

And yes, I wouldn't trust those backyard tool pushers, townies, etc etc with an AATV. Usually when I come across one that I pick up for a good price, I have to undo all of their hack job repairs and I think, these people shouldn't be allowed near a machine like this.

[Adondo]

It's the same way here, in Eastern Washington. I take my Max II out into an area full of sand dunes, and I might as well be in the moon mobile. It's like showing up to a sheriff's posse riding an elephant. Stand out as different is an understatement.

You pretty much have to be a DIY'er to work on them. I do like the farmer idea though, one thing farm equipment has in common is hundreds of feet of chains and dozens of sprockets on just about every farming machine. All the farmers I know have enough skills and equipment they could built a Max from scratch if they wanted to. In the off season, and after they repair all their own stuff, farm mechanics can be pretty much bored with nothing to do, and they have big work shops full of lathes, welders, etc. to be envied.

As far as getting parts from "the brown truck" I do it to save money all the time. On rare occasions when local places have so much as windshield wiper blades for my Jeep, they're 1/3 the price online anyway, so... really nothing lost there unless you're in a super hurry for your parts.

I think the whole GO FAST thing is why AATV's died. Even the cheapest ATV made for kids is capable of 50 MPH. I've seen countless riders looking BEHIND themselves as they fling dirt around, it's like the goal is to tear up landscape, so leaving minimal tracks is low priority to ATV riders from what I see and observe. Part of why I think that is because about 85% of ATV riders never go more than a few hundred yards from their truck/trailer because they're too busy going around in circles. You can even see that on the Google Earth photos of a sand dune I posted in another thread, the dune is covered in circles. It's like nobody goes anywhere, as in a trail ride exploration, it's all about doing "brodies"