Warrior Pros and Cons

Posted by Bob Weber on Aug 8th, 2007 in Warrior | 0 comments

As I’ve posted before, I’m the proud owner of a 1988 Yamaha Warrior 350 (YFM350X).

Since I’ve owned this machine for a little over a year, I thought I would list a few pros/cons to the machine. Keep in mind that most of the people I ride with either own 2-stroke sport machines (banshees, LT250s) or 4-stroke sport machines (Raptors, 400ex, Bombardier DS650s, Wolverine 450), so my comparisons will be mostly based on how my Warrior behaves compared to those machines.

Pros

• Reverse – Reverse is a must in any ATV, unless it is REALLY light. Banshees are OK without it, but the DS650 is a real nightmare to move around and should definitely have Reverse.
• Size – The Warrior is a great size for an all around machine. It’s comperable to the Raptor size wise, not too heavy, easy to ride. Lighter would be better, but for a 4-stroke it is very manageable.
• Torque Curve – The 350 4-stroke Warrior power plant is very rideable. Compared to the 600+cc machines it is much more manageable and trail friendly. A Raptor 660 (or 700) can be very difficult to deal with on the trail due to it’s tremendous amount of power.
• Popularity – The Warrior was the best selling quad on the market for many years and is virtually unchanged from 1989 to 2005. This means that there are many, many aftermarket parts, used parts and individuals out there available to give out advice on modifications and improvements.
• Consistency – Yamaha has done a great job of having very consistent design in all of their sport machines. Many parts from the Raptor and Banshee will interchange with a Warrior. This makes finding wheels, tires, shocks and any number of other items much easier.
• Pull Start – The later models didn’t have it, but I LOVE having a pull start. Seems like the battery is always dead in the stupid thing.

Cons

• Power – Probably my number one frustration with the Warrior is lack of power. I know, I listed this as a pro, but at the same time it is a bit of a negative. I read about guys that are doing all kinds of crazy things with their machines, but mine just isn’t there. Might just be wore out, maybe I’ll have to do a rebuild.
• Suspension – Warrior suspension is STIFF. it will beat you to death riding across the dunes. Fortunately this is easily remedied by replacing the stock shocks with a set from a Banshee. They are supposedly a direct bolt in – as soon as I find a set I’m going to try it.
• Handlebars – Warrior stock bars are really tall. They make you feel like you are down in the machine. Most newer designs have lower bars that give the rider more control. I’ve replaced mine with a set of CR High dirt bike bars, but haven’t had a chance to ride it yet. Pics will be coming soon – hopefully I will like it.

Currently I am happy with my Warrior. I am not completely satisfied with the power, and I’m toying with the idea of rebuilding it with a stroker crank. This may be an option, or I may just buy a Banshee for Sand Dunes riding and keep the Warrior for the trail.

At the Sand Dunes

Posted by Bob Weber on May 26th, 2007 in Trips, Warrior | 0 comments

As you read this, I am at the Walden Sand Dunes for our annual Memorial Day trip.

I’ll be back on Tuesday with pictures….

2007 Easter Jeep Safari

Posted by Bob Weber on Apr 24th, 2007 in Personal, Toys, Trips | 0 comments

Across the Rocky Mountains and past Grand Junction, just a few miles across the Utah border sits the town of Moab.

Moab is legendary with four wheelers, mountain bikers and hikers alike. With hundreds of amazing trails and fantastic canyonland scenery it is the ultimate destination for anyone interested in off-road activities.

Being short on cash, Jeff just getting started on his XJ project, and my Scout being in a perpetual state of unreadiness, Jason, Jeff and I just hopped in the Suburban and headed down for some sight seeing. We met up with Mike and his friend from Cheyenne, and had a great weekend of trail riding – I have the pictures to prove it.

Special thanks to Mike and T&T Customs for letting us ride along in their Rigs. A good time was had by all.

KITT for sale

Posted by Bob Weber on Apr 3rd, 2007 in Alert, Toys | 0 comments

A famous 1982 Pontiac Trans Am used in filming Knight Rider is for sale.

Kassabian Motors in Dublin CA has one of the original cars used in filiming the series. It is exactly like it was during Knight Rider production including the blinking lights and turbo buttons. This is the only original K.I.T.T that has ever been for sale to the public.

Model A Snowmobile

Posted by Bob Weber on Dec 10th, 2006 in Toys | 0 comments

Found this Model A Snowmobile on eBay.

Just in time for holiday fun. Your chance to own a very hard to find Model A coupe snowmobile conversion. Built in the 1930′s in Chicago, IL and owned by a hunting and fishing lodge in the northwoods of Michigan for about 40 years or so. They drove it on the frozen Great Lake for ice fishing and drove it thru the woods pulling their freshly killed deer on a sled back to the lodge. Just out of long term storage and not restored but runs good and still looks presentable for it’s age. Only has one area of lower body rust on each side that you can see in the photos. No other rust problems. Runs good and is fun to drive. Has 2 Model A transmissions hooked together with an inline coupler. This set up gives you 9 forward gear ratios. High and low and in between. Has clever dual hand brake levers to help you steer it like a crawler in the snow. Working lights, gauges, good clutch, brakes, etc. Has 4 new tires and the other 2 are good also. Wheels are 16 inch Ford wire wheels with brand new hub caps. Tracks are maintanence free cable and clamp design that need no lubrication. Seats are recovered. Has steel floored bed in back with plywood side boards. Great for hauling the skis when you are driving on dry ground with the front tires like a military half track. Has original Model A engine block with Model B heads, distributor, and water pump. This gives it higher compression and more power. This is a late 31 Model A with the highly desirable indented firewall on the cowl. We have a clear Kansas title in our name. We don’t get much snow here and are offering it for sale so it can find a new home to enjoy. Might be fun for pulling grandkids on a sled or just going for joy rides. I hope you agree. Feel free to call evenings at 785-536-4598 or email anytime. TERMS: Buyer to pay $200 non refundable deposit within 72 hours after end of transaction and has 2 weeks to come here in person to inspect it and take it for a test drive. At that time if you don’t like it you can just walk away from the deal no questions asked. Nothing to hide. We are located near Salina, KS which is on Interstate 70 right in the middle of the USA. Can deliver for $1.10 per mile.