Frank White put the ATK through the paces for a few laps at the
Desert Vipers Grand Prix. |
ATK, the
American-based company, has been around for a long time now. And for much
of that time, they used Rotax engines of one sort or another in their own
unique frames. However, the Rotax two-stroke technology has become rather
dated, so ATK went hunting for some new powerplants. And while they were
at it, they also came up with entirely new chassis designs. Interesting, for
sure. Their approach is
one that we like: all the bikes will be considered multi-purposes off-road
machines, not pure motocross or pure enduro bikes. This means, simply,
that all the bikes will come with lighting capabilities. They won't come
with headlights/taillights, but if you need to have lighting for some
reason, all you'll have to do it bolt on the lights and hook 'em up. Now, for the big
news. Here's the new line-up for ATK: THE 700cc ATK
INTIMIDATOR! 
New King of the Beasts? The 700cc ATK is certainly in the running
for that title. |
Naturally, our
attention was drawn to the 700. Based on the latest technology from the
folks who built the famed Maico/M-Star motors, the Intimidator (good
name!) has a piston big enough to use to mix paint in. I was scheduled to
test ride the Intimidator at the Desert Vipers Grand Prix, but my
motorhome lost the rear wheels on the way to the event, and I spent most
of the weekend getting the thing fixed and back home. However, Mike Hobbs
from ORC, was there and managed to get some photos and feedback on the
bike. Frank White (CEO from ATK) put in a few laps on the beast to shake
it down a bit, so we can at least give you a preview. We'll arrange a
full test session with ATK later on and give you some actual riding
impressions. For now, here are
some specs and info on the 700: ATK is going to let
the potential customer, custom order their motorcycle with the options
noted above to fit their individual riding desires and conditions. This is
new to this industry. The retail price has
not yet been determined, but after talking with ATK folks, it will almost
certainly be in the ballpark of between $6000 and $7000. When you consider
the astonishing amount of top dollar items that come on the bike as
standard equipment, you start to wonder how they can do that. Go price
items like Talon rims, Protaper bars and a quality steering stabilizer,
and you'll see what we mean. Performance? Since
we have yet to sling a let over the bike, we'll give you the thoughts of
Frank White, the ATK CEO who rode the bike at Adelanto: ?It pulls right
off idle and all the way to peak revs with more power than anyone will
ever need. It's sort of like a 490 Maico on steroids. The power is
simply amazing and very electric!" With this sort of
statement lodged in our mind, we're looking forward to a serious ride on
this beast, and others in the 2004 stable of ATK bikes. Stay tuned to Off-road.com. For
more information:ATK
MOTORCYCLES
1163 West 850 North
Centerville, UT 84014
(801) 298-8288
FAX (801) 299-0710
Website: www.atkusa.com |
