I am not a hunter so I am coming to you for your opinion. I am working with a real intelligent engineer type fellow who is really into electric vehicles. He wants to build a hybrid ATV for hunters. By hybrid, I mean it will be powered by eletricity with a gas engine onboard for charging. It will have good power and speed.
There are two advantages here, the first and most important being stealth. When you get close to where the prey is, you can run silently. This thing won't make a sound except for the tires on the ground. Alternately, you can run the engine to charge as you travel in a non-hunting mode. The other advantage would be weight. This would be considerably lighter than your 500cc models.
We are looking for input from you as to features you would like to see as well as feedback about the idea of being able to run totally silent for a period of time.
If you couldn't care less about stealth, then there is no sense even thinking about building one for hunters. Other enthusiasts like the idea because quiet has other advantages. Hence our moto "less sound = more ground". I don't know if that is as important to hunters as it might be to sport bikers. It just seems to us that less noise = more game and more game = better hunting.
welcome littlepond. first of all i bet there are only a couple of people on this board who actually drive there ATV to their stand. but if i were to buy something like what you are talking about, the first thing i would look for is 4 wheel drive. it should be able to pull about 1000#s (since you are talking under 400cc's) and it would be nice 2 have a rear rack capacity close to 200 #s. the 4wheel drive should not be all the time but a push button that lets you engage at any speed. put a hitch on it also so a cart could be pulled behind. i also like independent rear suspension(IRS) but some people think that it doesnt let you pull as much even though the 4 wheeler that will pull the most out of all the 4wheelers made has IRS. make it came also. if i think of anything else i will let you know.
Don,
Please reread my first sentence. I am not a hunter. I don't even own a gun. The only thing I know is that
1. Hunters use ATV's
2. ATV's make noise
3. Noises frighten away game.
4. Some land owners restrict access to ATV's due to noise concerns.
So, no, I wasn't kidding. I was asking an honest question based upon my limited knowledge of the sport. If there is no call for a quiet ATV, then there certainly never will be one. You don't try to build something no one wants.
Yes, they will certainly have power comparable to current models. Not sure if they will have the same top speed but they will most certainly have the pulling power. Range will be comparable as well, depending upon the design. We are working on a couple of designs which will provide different range options. Trade offs will be more weight and cost for longer range. The primary design will be much lighter than traditional 500cc models but still lighter but not as much lighter if you go for long range non-stop driving. Choice will not be total range but non-stop range vs pause for a few minutes every half hour or so to recharge.
I appreciate the comments. These are quite helpful.
I should add that durability and waterproofing are also top concerns.Any successful atv should be able to cross water comparable to the current models which is close to two feet in most cases and should be able to withstand splashes that cover the machine.They must also be resistant to extreme shock and vibration since many machines are worked hard in extreme conditions.Cold weather performance will also be a factor to ensure sufficient battery life in below freezing conditions.
I think I speak for most hunters that use an atv. About the only time we use an atv is when we're hauling game out and therefore, noise is not a concern.
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T/C!! If you need more than one shot, you need more practice!
Stealth ATV - Want your feedback please!
thats what im tryin to say...
