Customize

There's something about a hopped-up EX that really gets me going like nothing else. It's as if this was the machine the engineers meant to build but weren't allowed to. Unlike Raptors, which walk a line between stability and light handling--meaning many customizers can really screw things up--the EX starts out great and seems only to get better. You upgrade the shocks, maybe play with the width of the machine ... all's good in Sportrax land.

This particular example was made to be a parts showcase from GoPartsDirect.com. It has a mild 420cc kit from SandTech Racing (STR), with porting, a Stage One cam and a Ross 13:1 piston. It breathes in through a 39mm Keihin FCR carb and UM Racing airbox with a K&N; filter and exhales through a Big Gun Race system.

Handling is made sweeter in this case with Eyeball Engineering A-arms and swingarm and TCS shocks. A DuraBlue axle helps keep the hindquarters straight, while the Azonic bar does the same for the controls. A set of sweet Champion bead lock wheels puts some bling in the rotating bits, while Full Bore plastic wraps it up to complete the look.

Do you have the coolest quad on your block? Do you want to display your handiwork in front of other quad-customizing fanatics? Then get off your butt, find a friend who takes nice, sharp pictures and send them to atvrider@primedia.com or ATV Rider Customize Dept., 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.