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bigkodiak
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: | 
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Within the past few months I have noticed what appears to be a lack of interest in machines and riding.
This years Humphrey Jamboree had fewer attendants. I have seen many relatively new machines for sale, with many people saying they don't ride or they lost interest. Argo has raised their prices through the roof and virtually alienated their fans. Very few people are posting anything on this discussion board. I believe that even Richard has become complacent in the feeling of it is no longer a hobby but a time consuming business. The economy and 9/11 has changed the air of freedom and enjoyment.
I am afraid, my friends that we are once again a dying breed. I hope that I am wrong.
Russ |
David Keeso (Argomag)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I sure as hell hope that the end is not here. If the 6x6 or 8x8 market goes under, it might as well be bloody armageddon. All I know is that as long as my machine holds up, I will use it and when it dies, i will keep the body and replace the parts bit by bit until she is running strong again!!!!! |
John Schwab (Johnschwab)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Hi Russ- Riding is alive and well in these parts. We ride almost every weekend. Although I am new to AATVing I have been riding ATVs for a couple of decades and I have noticed that people do come and go from riding as their lives evolve. I constantly strive to seek out new people to ride with and places to ride. It is a process that is constant. That is the only way to insure having someone to ride with. Our club (Ribits Riders) is having a ride next weekend a couple hours from your house. Email me if interested.
I also have noticed what appears to be a drop-off in messages though. I was really hoping to hear some feedback on our Humphrey Jamboree. |
Arlie
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Perhaps it is all just a matter of time and money. Most everybody that I know of spends most of their time working. On the weekends, they spend most of their time resting. I bought an old Coot last year, sort of a joint project between me and my brother. But we haven't done anything with it yet due to lack of time. I saw a used Argo on a small country car lot a few months back. I walked across the highway to look for a price on it and saw $3500! That may or may not be a good price for an Argo, but that's alot of money for a weekend play toy. Another thing I have noticed in many areas among people. There seems to be a steady decline of mechanical skills among people. People want to pull something new out of a box and play with it RIGHT NOW! Nobody has the desire or time to fix up mechanical things. Too much trouble! Another thing is RULES, REGULATIONS, and RED TAPE! Load your 6 wheeler on a trailer and take it someplace and go riding. Simple enough right? Is your trailer licensed? Is off-road driving permitted in your area? Does your 6X6 have an approved spark arrestor muffler? Do you have it insured if required in your area? Are you carrying a gun in case you run across any snakes or stumble across somebody's illegal marijuana patch? If so, is the carrying of a firearm permitted in your area? Alot of land in my area is leased to hunting clubs which have exclusive recreational use of the land. Which means you would be trespassing if you rode on their land without their permission. The list could go on. Just food for thought |
onerttam
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I do not belive this to be the demise of this hobby. Every extra cricular activity has taken a down ward turn this year. People just aren't spending the money on recreation like they did in the past . In fact lots of people are so fickle in there belief's and hobbies the second something isn't the in thing to do they sell everthing off. However I belive the true blue lovers of the a.a.t.v.'s will still be here , and out having fun with or without sociaties wishes.
Matt in Reno |
david berger (Davidrrrd)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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well folks don't get too worried, there are still alot of folkes stoping by and reading the posts,
most of the traffic is usualy new people and or new questions from old hands, just cause there are fewer questions dosent mean the end is near,
myself i mostly read and mainly respond to posts,
unless theres already plenty of ansers to the questions people have,
there may have bin fewer people at humphrey but that dosent mean much, there were some new faces this year ,
people who we can likly expect too see again next year,
i think that some folkes just cut back on there travleing this year,
take the time to talk to some of the people who you meet at humphrey and other riding events and you may be amazed to find that many don't know about route6x6.com ! some don't have computeres at all but have herd threw friends or riding clubes about events or like with petes spring fling's there are people who know about it because they have bought one from or sold an aaatv to pete cagle,
if only we could find out who all the anphib owners in our respective areas were we could organize clubs more redaly, but alas we just don't runn into one another to often on the trails,
i know for a fact there are at least 5 aatv owners nearby to me and i cant find them,
don't you just hate it when a friend tells you they saw two people with 6x6 vehicles on trailers at duncan dohnuts and had a long chat with them , found out they live in the next town but forgets to get there phone or give them yours?
well maybe when blockbuster starts carrying my videos things will shape up! |
Timothy Schotanus (Mudbuster)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I hope the end is not near. It is over 900 miles(round trip) for a Humphry ride and I wont miss one. I am even thinking about the badlands next year even though I estimate an 18 hour ride each way. If Anyone from Maine or New Hampshire wants someone to ride with I have a 6x6 and will travel. |
P.J.
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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There's no imminent demise of the AATV pursuit. I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this but I find that since Sept.11 a lot of people are having trouble having the kind of fun they used to. Certainly no-one will ever forget what happened but time is a good healer and in good time we will all get back to where we were before. It will always be different but we will all get back to the way we all were (or close to it). As your brothers and sisters here in Canada, we felt what you felt and continue to feel the same way. It's almost as if we all somehow feel a little guilty about having fun in the wake of the tragedy. Don't worry, we'll get back to having the kind of fun we had with our hobbies and pastimes like before. After all, if we don't, the bastards won.
I haven't been on the site for a while. Have you folks noticed the new ARGO website and checked out the what's new section? ARGO donated $50,000 US to the families of the New York City Firefighters who died.
Happy bouncing everyone!
P.J. |
David Keeso (Argomag)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I may be hated after I say this but I think that everyone is a bit apprehensive about what is to come. Their is a lot of tension in the middle east that the US is getting involved in and I think that people are just worrying too much and that is overpowering everything else. Stress in everones lives also contributes. But with the US and middle east, Bush said that he wanted to really get in and get rid of Sadam Insane. I am not an American, but I still think that this is a stupid idea. I think he is starting something and its having an impact on everone. That is probably one contributing factor to the decrease in 6x6 market. Not to mention, ARGO prices are through the roof and I can't speak for max , but they are probably going up also. |
roadwolf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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listen bigkodiak, us north americans are the toughest sumsabitches around! we invented tha 6x6's and survied all that jap 3 and 4 wheelers invasions.
yes , god is on our side! and any of these 9/11 idoits think they will take the wind outta our sails.....well they gotta a notha' thing comin. like i said before, and to think of all those 9/11 jokers sittin around in a bunch of caves with no women around...now that's iz gotta stop and make you wonder huh?
and to repeat Chief and Commander President Bush," go out and buy that 6x6 aatv!, go out and buy parts from RC and buy sum videos from david b and john s" |
Marc Stobinski (Jerseybigfoot)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Stress is a weird thing some folks panic some don't. I've had stress over the years. One thing is for sure I feel beter riding and working on my AATV,s than sitting around waiting for shit to happen. Ive 4 machines now. Keep riding!!!!!!1 |
attexsixwheeler
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I have to admit that I have not posted for a few reasons. First this discussion board is like a delayed messaging system, with almost 50% of my posts never making it to the board! Second, I have not been having much luck meeting people in the hobby and never have any technical questions to ask. My simple project to reproduce tires has been almost ignored, with only two people contacting me for assistance with the baloon tires. There's only two manufacturers of AATV's and they are both over priced. There's no official place to ride around here, but I have done most of my riding around the yard towing a lawnmower. Therefore I will never give up on my six-wheelers and the fun they bring. I don't care about Sept 11 or any fanatical terrorists! They are not the ones trying to keep me off my buggy! I think the six wheeler will return as a hot new vehicle, but in the meantime if the market dies maybe old machines will become even more affordable! Some of us will always be six wheelers. |
MIKE ABBEY
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I WOULD SAY THERE IS A LOT OF INTEREST IN THIS HOBBEY,ON THE WAY BACK FROM HUMPHRY A GROUP WAS YELLING QUESTIONS THREW MY WINDOW AT 55MPH DOWN I90,EVERY GAS STATION ATTENDANTS WHERE ASKING WHAT ARE THOSE,DO THEY FLOAT,OF COURSE A BRIGHT YELLOW STARCRAFT STICKS OUT ON A FLAT BED TRAILER. ORRS PROBLY DOES THE BEST JOB OF ADVERTISING IN THIS AREA,I MENTIONED TO MATT WE SHOULD DO SOME ENTER SOME LOCAL PARADES,SMALL TOWN CELEBRATIONS, GET THE KIDS INVOLVED,GIVE A KID A RIDE,MOTHER ,SISTER,DAD,MY INTEREST STARTED WENE THE THENE PRESIDENT AT STARCRAFT GAVE ME A RIDE IN THE STARCRAFT MATT OWNS,I GOT HOOKED THEN,IT JUST TOOK34YRS TO FIND ONE,I HOPE MY DAUGHTERS WILL RIDE THE WEDGE WHENE ITS FINNSHEDNOW I GOT 6 WHEELERS EVERYWHERE NOW,GET IN A PARADE,GET A COUPLE KIDS TO THROW SOME CANDY EXPOSE YOUR HOBBEY TO A COUPLE THOUSAND AT A TIME.6WHEELING CAN BE A GOOD FAMILY HOBBEY.TOM'S FAMILY AT HUMPHREY,MAN I GOT TO TELL YOU HIS YOUNGEST ON THAT BIG FOOT,WOULD BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE LIKE A NORMAN ROCKWELL PAINTING,SHE WAS IN CONTROL ON THAT MACHINE,I HOPE MY DAUGHTERS GO NEXT YEAR.THE GUY I THINK HIS NAME WAS MARK HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER IN THE HUSTLER AND SCRAMBLER,I WAS IMPRESSED THAT SHE TOOK THAT SCRAMBLER ON THE RIDE,IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN I WOULDNT HAVE SOLD MINE TO DAVE,HA! HA! |
tim startt
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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MAN I GOT TO TELL YOU ALL WHEN RUSS AND I GO TO TOWER CITY TO RIDE (RUSS ON A ARGO AND ME ON A MAX) THE 4 WHEELER'S AND DIRT BIKES JUST STOP!!!!!
I MEAN THY ARE JUST AMAZED AT WHAT THESE THING'S DO AND WHEN WE STOP WE ARE JUST ASKED QUESTION'S
I THINK IF THERE WHERE BETTER FINANCING LIKE HONDA AND SUZUKE THY WOUL SELL BETTER PLUS WE NEED A BETTER AFTER MARKET SUPPLY. I SELL NEW AND USED MACHINE'S PLUS REBULD ANY I CAN FIND.
WE ARE PUTTING ON A RIDE AT TOWER CITY AT THE END OF THE MONTH= 8/30=9/1 AND HOPE TO SEE A GOOD TURN OUT . I GUESS WE WILL SEE IF WE WILL SERVIVE OR NOT .
I WILL KEEP YOU ALL POSTED.
HOPE TO SEE A LOT OF YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK'S/////
TJ\\\\ |
David Keeso (Argomag)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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At my cottage, their is a little trail that leads to a very rocky shore line and the water is way out. I drove my ARGO MAGNUM down there last time I was up and their were 4 kids down there. All it took was to see 8 wheeles and the biggest smile came across one kid. Another kid had a broken leg or something and I pulled a hard turn over several large rocks and when he saw me do that, he couldn't stop staring at the machine. I should have stopped and talked to him but I was way to proud. I get looks everytime I go somewhere in the ARGO, and It is a great feeling. We all need to make people realize that their are alternatives to those damb 4 wheelers that don't go anywhere. |
EJ Warden
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Someone posted earlier in this discussion that there was very little feedback about the Humphrey ride, and I would have to agree, it was a little quiet. Last year it seemed more people posted pictures and feedback. As the proud owner of a Attex (the one that tried the trolling motors), I had a blast at Humphrey. The people and the event are great.
Someone else talked about stress... the only stress I have is trying to figure out how to attach the boat prop to the back of my machine. Also- does anyone know what or where I can find out about public riding trails in NY? Have fun and ride. |
John Schwab (Johnschwab)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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EJ- I have to admit yours was the most unique machine to grace the Humphrey mud pit, when I saw you had DUAL trolling motors I thought my dream of water-skiing the swamp was to be fullfilled. Anyway it did make for some good video.
As to public riding areas in NY, there are none that are legal for a 6x6. There are a few for quads up in the Tug Hill area, and I am working on access to those for us. Our AATV club (Ribits Riders) Has privately-owned places that we ride almost every other weekend. We also ride the public trails (legal) in NW Pa. Most of the folks you saw working at Humphrey were Ribits Riders.
Speaking of the Jamboree- It was mentioned earlier that attendance at the Jamboree was down. Actually the figures have been almost constant for the last three events. The Orr family from Indiana could not make the event, and ODG did not bring as large an entourage as usual. But there were plenty of new faces to make up for that.There were a lot less participants in the Sunday rodeo than last year. I think that is because a lot of riders were just plain tired out from the longer saturday trail and two night rides.
Another theory, maybe everyone is so mad about the new rocky technical trail that their feedback was deemed unpostable by Richard |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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well now,if the aatv is dying then hopefully i gave a dose of cpr.i amfairly new to the whole thing.i bought my bigfoot brand spanking new 2 years ago,and i love it.when you live in kansas,city like i do,places to ride are few and far between.i have been to deepwater,six times unfortunatly on my own.i had just missed the april ride,by one day,as probly most of you have read before.but when i was there,the 4 wheelers,wanted to follow us where ever we went.( shame them things don't swim ).but even the jeep guy's where impressed.but i knew they wouldn't understand.and it was the same pretty much everywhere i go.everybody looking and pointing as we go by.i drive a redi-mix truck,and for me it pretty much takes the fun out of bouncing through the mud and weeds.but it all changes when i climb through that roll cage,and back it off that ol'flat bed,weather i'm going fishing or hunting,or just out riding for fun i know i made the right choice( in machine,and hobby ).my 16 ft. tri-hull boat has all but rotted since i bought my bigfoot maybe i should drag it to deepwater this weekend.....na, there just wouldn't be time for it.sorry boat,i try to keep up with the dealer i got mine from,and he say's he has sold 6 in the last year.as far as posting on 6x6,i have to fight the kids off the computer,to read whats going on.tonight i got lucky,ther all gone.as far as the price...buying them isn't bad,fixing them is whole other story.125.oo for one tire, ouch.well i'm getting ready for deepwater this weekend,hope to see some of you there. mike |
Bill Entringer (Billyboy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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hey guys and gals, here's my two cents. I live in Sioux Falls, SD (almost on the South Dakota- Minnesota border where the border of Iowa and Minnesota meet.) I didn't even have a clue 1 year ago that 6 wheelers even existed, the first time I saw one was on Junkyard wars! Maybe Argo and R.I. need to advertise more on TV, I always see ads for polaris, suzuki, grizzly, etc. on TV, but have never once seen one for a 6 wheeler. We recently finished our basement and we hired out some of the electrical and plumbing, you wouldn't believe how many people asked about my max II. We probably had about 20 different contractors over to do bids, and all 20 asked atleast one question about it. Only one guy, a 50+ year old guy said he had seen one before. And every time I go out riding I am the center of attention, all the four wheelers just stop and stare in amazement.
Maybe, just maybe, if there were more advertising, and greater accessability (I had to travel over 400 miles to get mine) then we could conquer those piece of #%@* four wheelers. I wish that R.I. made it easier and cheaper to become a dealer I perhaps could have sold 5 or more by now.
I don't think it is a lack of interest in six wheelers I think it is a lack of knowledge about the existance of six wheelers, because honestly, if you were in the market for an atv, why in the world would you spend 6,000 dollars on a decent four wheeler when you could get the max II 450T for the same price or cheaper? I'll tell you why, because people don't know they exist.
Sad isn't it.
Just my thoughts, thanks for reading,
Bill Entringer. |
Marc Stobinski (Jerseybigfoot)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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The Jamboree was first rate. There was probably more old iron this year than the past 2. Glad to see people keeping up the oldies. That was the first Starcraft Ive seen. Keep it in shape Mike. The trail ride was excellent, Thanks to those who helped with the cranky starter and throttle cable in the my daughters Scrambler. I would like to find the person who took the photo of us getting the Hustler vertical in Ramonas mud pit friday night. Id love to have a copy of the photo. |
MIKE ABBEY
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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THANKS MARC,YOU CAN BET WE WILL ATTEND NEXT YEAR,MATTS STARCRAFT IS IN MY SHOP NOW ALONG WITH HIS NEXT PROJECT,DAVES SCRAMBLER PROBLEM WAS A WARN THRU PULSE LINE{WE DIDNT SEE WITH THE BODY ON]IF HE IS GONNA DO MUDDING WE GOT TO CHANGE THE VENTING AS TO KEEP THE WATER OUT,I FOUND A OLD WASP MUD NEST IN THE LEFT MIKUNI POWER CIRCUT ON THE STARCRAFT,THE WEDGE IS 99%DONE AND READY TO TEST DRIVE,SOLD B-7 AMPHICAT TO DAVES DAD AND HE MIGHT BE PURSWADED TO ATTEND NEXT YEAR,AND I GOT A FREIND THAT WANTS A MACHINE AND I KNOW HE WILL GO,NEXT YEAR IS LOOKING EVEN BETTER AL READY. HOPE WE SEE YOU THERE. |
EJ Warden
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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John-
I know you wanted to water-ski the water obstacle, and while I don't want to spill what we have planned for next year... let's just say if you thought the trolling motors were a horrible idea with little or no planning and no testing before we got to Humphrey, you ain't seen nothin' yet! You might be water sinking, oops,I mean skiing next year. Do you think my Attex will still float with about 400 extra lbs.?
Thanks to the peoplewho e-mailed me pics. Have fun and ride. |
Mark Muranyi
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Mike, really liked your starcraft. Would like to own one myself. There's got to be one in some one's barn or field just waiting for me to come along.
I'm the guy who has the silver Terra Tiger.
Marc, I enjoyed our discussion on engineering power systems for 6 wheelers. I'm always searching for that next "mouse trap".
Mark |
argogeru
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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well, I finally saw the entire humphrey video at one time, and man, John has outdone himself again! I have a few friends that caught a little bit of it, and they looked like little kids huddled in front of the tv on saturday morning. alot of people would buy these machines if they didn't cost so much, but eveything in the big boy toy world is overpriced, I was looking at a 9000.00 snowmobile the other day, and alls I could think, is this is the same price as a bigfoot and you can only ride it 3 or 4 months out of the year maximum, what a joke! |
David Keeso (Argomag)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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ARGOGERU, at lease the good outweighs the bad when it comes to an ARGO! A boat can only be used in the summer unless you live where it never freezes, snowmobiles in winter, etc. ARGO is year round and by the time you buy your 4 wheeler, boat, snowmobile, you have paid more than a new CONQUEST 8x8. So if people knew about them, they may start buying. |
John Schwab (Johnschwab)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Hey Jon- thanks for the compliment on the video. I was quite pleased with the content myself. However lightning damage to my copying equipment caused some of the tapes to have tracking lines and poor image quality. Anyone who purchased a video that is not satisfied with it should contact me and I will replace it.
At three and one-half hours long this years video is nearly as long as "Titanic" but there was no mud wrestling in Titanic. I will admit that their leading lady was better looking though. Nothing personal Ramona! |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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i still don't believe the six wheeler or eight wheeler is dead. as far as drivers,owners i am not so sure.blame the economy, the 9-11 attack, or what ever you want. i am starting to think it is a lack of interest. weather it be the sport or just the safety and comfort of you're own computer. but it seems to me all you people want to do is write instead of ride.
i may be wrong, which if i am i'm not afraid to admit it. but before i do you'll have to prove me wrong.i have seen 5 or six rides posted this year, and ( guilty ) i have only attended 1 myself, from what i have read the turnouts have been minimal, to say the least.
when i bought my sixwheeler, i had no idea so many people owned one, in some cases more than one. i don't have alot of money, but i do have a lot of interest in this sport and this website. but it seems to me all you want to do is talk about transmisions, or sticks or tires or whatever else you can think of except RIDING.
don't get me wrong, i have got a lot of useful information from this site, but i have also seen alot of the s.o.s. back when i was a kid growing up in il. if you wanted to brag about your machine,you brought it out, on the street.well,i'm the new kid in town and i'm thinking my stock bigfoot, and my years of driving anything with wheels in mud, dirt asphalt,concrete,water,show me what you got.if you dare.in case your wondering this is a CHALLENGE to come to deepwater mo. dec.7th-8th 2002.arrogant, you better believe it.i have the right,i own a bigfoot.and i'm not afraid to admit it.
if this sport/hobbie ain't dead, i should expect to hear from almost all of you.if not here then, then on the trail. i hope i gave you all a shot of addrenalin,if for no other reason than to make you all take a better look at what you got,and what you can do with it that no one else can. if argoo or max or whoever, won't advertise????? you want more people to see or experience these machines? then get off the computers and get to the trails. four wheelers are everywhere, and WE need to get the word out, SIINK OR SWIM BOY'S we're here to stay.thank you for your time,for all thoise who hung around to read all of this. i needed to vent off a little steam and this seemed lik e the place. we ain't dead yet. |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Well Mike,
Looks like I should be able to make it to Deepwater. I came out of surgery ok and I should be at least able to ride by then so I will try to be there.
Mike, I will take your CHALLENGE and make my own CHALLENGE to anyone. I am not that experience in driving a 6x6, being a dealer for 6 years and having less then 200 hours under my belt in that time. I will CHALLENGE anyone on any type of atv to go where I go. If you think your atv is the best, then lets see at Mikes ride. |
matt435
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Troy, I just might have to drive 12 hours one way again and bring the Bandolaro Bigfoot for some fun!!! I really enjoyed the deepwater ride this spring but it might be hard to get the time off work to make the december ride. I am working on it. I will keep you posted. Matt
P.S. Jon are you up for a road trip??? Lets get that new Conquest dirty... |
John Schwab (Johnschwab)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Mike- Many of us do a lot of riding as well as posting on this site. Our club (Ribits Riders) here in western NY has a scheduled ride every month as well as many unsheduled rides. ArgoGeru organized a terrific weekend at Haspin Acres last month that was well attended. The Badlands ride that Midwest ATV had in June was also well attended. I was at both of them and they were a blast! I would love to come to Deepwater but it would just be way too far to travel for a weekend.
The best thing about both of these rides was the fact that the Max/Argo debate was nowhere to be found. We all had fun gave help where it was needed and had a lot of good laughs at each others stucks etc. That is the kind of challenge I like to see. |
Craig Lasher (Celasher)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Matt, I plan on making it. And with any luck, my KID will have a new 9000lb pull hydraulic winch installed. Look forward to only a six hour drive this time. I'm hooked on these rides
Craig |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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well folks i have to admit, that when i wrote the first post i did have a few keystone lights under my belt. but I believe what i said is true. i made a challenge to all, to come out to play with me. now here is what you will get in return.I, will supply 18 qts. of chili,and 10 lbs. of smoked ribs. and what i hope to be the time of your lives.in addition, I will make it my lifes ambition to attend as many rides from now till my bigfoot dies.or i ,which ever comes first. i will work two jobs if i have to,to accomplish this. when i got my b.f. and rode it for the first time,( alone )i thought this was great.when i finally found this site,and got to ride with others,i thought this is outstanding.when i attended my first ride and the turnout was small,i still was thankful for troy,and his dad.it was still one of the best times yet.when i tried to get my own ride going,i got excited again.and when the response was minimal,i thought, it is not the fault of the 6-8 wheelers,it was the owners.john s. i think if i lived in n.y. i probably wouldn't come either,for a weekend.i plan on being down there for 4 days.matt,i would really LIKE to see this bandolaro bigfoot i have read so much about.troy, i'll go anywhere you go,garunteed.i'll have a change of clothes for when i piss my pants.jon/geru,you are the one i want to meet the most,you ol'pro. oh and leave your firewood at home,this ones on me.you all will have to supply your own beer,not that i'm not willing to share,but i'll be there for 4 days,and i'll need all i can drink.
once again i am not here to offend,but to defend the life of the aatv. to the best of my knowledge,( which is not that great )there are about 10 owners in my area,i have met 1.other than the 2 dealers.the 1 i bought mine from,and another up north of me.and he is the one i have rode with at his place. ( thanks john hightree )maybe it just my particular location is where the 6x6 is just for the occasional ride,like i said before , i am guilty of not attending all the rides i could. no one knows me, except troy and roger,and eddie,but i feel like i know you all. and that is why i thought i could get one of these rides going,even tho this is not the post to advertise this.i would like to see as many of you as possible show up. oh craig,istill want to see your buggy,and that max.everyone else,come to shut me down,or as i like to say,if you can't run with the bigfoot....stay on the porch. mike/wetsu |
matt435
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Mike, I will know more near the end of November if I can make the ride. I have put about 6,000 miles on my truck and trailer going to rides this year. I always have a good time and have met lots of great people. Matt |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Mike,
Only time will tell if you can follow me.
One thing that I want to say about my last post. My CHALLENGE is in all fun and I will still play by my rules during this ride, No Max or Argo bashing. I think rides are better when there are no bashing. Both machines are good and most of the time it will be driver not the atv that can do something.
I am already able to walk around the house without the crutches. I should be close to 100% for the ride. I hope anyway. |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler) what did you do to yourself?? WHy can't you walk? |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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David,
My 200# puppy took me out while I was playing fetch with my other dog. He blind sided me and ran into my right knee. I just had surgery last Friday. Torn Meniscis, MCL, IT Band. About the only thing that wasn't damage was the ACL. this makes 4 surgeries in the past 14 Months. My body is falling apart. |
jdhoath argoguru
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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mike,
I have been from deepwater mo. to plattsburg n.y. on the vermont border this year with matt and everywhere inbetween. we are not scared to road trip by any means, I will also know if I can go in a couple of weeks. |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)- Sorry to hear that! |
Markski
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Regarding the demise of the six wheeling sport I'd like to say, when was it ever really booming? A lot of people I've had contact with maybe know someone who used to own a six wheeler but have never had any personal experience with them. But virtually every outdoorsman (or outdoorsperson=PC version?) owns one or more conventional ATVs. Go on and look at the past postings from this message board and you'll see lots of evidence that dealers are either hard to find or aren't open regular hours. They have no sign, do no advertising, and some don't even offer service! I don't want to bash dealers. It's not all their fault, not by any means! I can't speak for Argo but Recreatives Industries doesn't even offer coop advertising money and I don't believe they even have a sign available for a dealer to purchase. (hint to RI: maybe you could GIVE a sign to a new dealer when you ship the initial order out! You listening?) Talking to RI they seem to think putting an itsy bitsy ad in Shed Life magazine is all it takes to get the end user rushing out to buy one. Guess what? It's not enough. As far as the pricing goes, yes it's way too high, no doubt about it. If a dealer sells at list price, he makes pretty good money, but let's be realistic - everyone shops for price and everyone expects to get a "deal" when they buy something this expensive. Question for Fred here, just out of curiosity how long have you been selling and if you don't mind can I axe you how many units do you sell in an average year? I drive through your area once in a while, you got a Flying J truckstop there don't you? Sometime I'd like to stop in and see what kind of opperation you have. Oh, and Fred.. have you ever sold one for full list price? Don't want to leave you out either Midwest ATVs, Troy is it? Same questions for you. I see you are the #1 dealer in sales so you must be doing something right! What do you two dealers think would help get more people interested in buying? |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Well Markski, I don't think six wheelers are facing demise and I don't think they will ever boom either. For many reasons - several of which you touched on. Most skid steer dealerships are not very profitable businesses; although suggested margins have improved a lot, with the advent of the internet, real margins are $500 per machine or less and not many will invest time or money to make 5% or less. I started my dealership in May of 1994. I used my machine a lot (185 hours the first nine months) and in January 1995 I had the experience and confidence to start selling seriously. 1995 was my best year; I sold 20 machines from 22 demonstrations, spent $20,000 in advertising and grossed about $3500.00 over and above the cost of the machines. Since then, I have basically quite advertising, cut my expenses to the bone and have sold 42 machines (62 total machine sales) ranging between two and nine machines per year. No, I don't sell at full price (My internet sales are very competative).
I think skid steers are a slow sell because most people don't understand them and because most people don't want to be the only person who has one. People say they are independent, but most are followers; not many pioneers out there. Also, many people do not need the abilities of a skid steer. Many people like to "do it on their own" and would rather have an individual machine. For those of us who can make use of the max or argo abilities, there is no other machine that will work. Sure cost is a factor, size is a factor, speed is a factor, looks is a factor, but the primary reason people don't have one is because their friends don't have one.
True, RI does not have a real strong dealer program, but they started in business and have survived by doing direct sales. They have to sell machines to stay in business and when dealers cannot, for whatever reason, sell enough machines to keep the factory busy, they have to revert back to their direct sales roots. I have had exceptional service from the factory: sure I would like lower prices or signs or more advertising, but I know all that goes into the cost of production. As business men, we do what we can do and hope it works.
Yes, there is a "Flying J" in Belgrade. Would be glad to show you my operation and talk about the Max. I'm not an aggressive salesman - I show people what the Max will do (unfortunately, I scare way too many people during my demonstrations) and then let them buy or not buy. The skid steer is a niche market and the max is the easiest machine in the world to sell if your customer is ready to buy. |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Markski,
Since being a dealer if I don't count my first year, we average a little over 30 Maxes a year, best year we sold 40 or 42. I don't mine telling you how we do it, but not on public forum. Just like a fisherman will not tell you what he is doing to lead in a fishing tournament in an interview until after it is over. Email me and I can tell you how we do it. Mainly it is common sense. I will tell you that we do advertise a bunch and put on a few rides each year and do a few hunting/outdoors shows a year plus others. We also carry the biggest stock of spare parts for the max out of all the dealers.
I really feel that if both RI & ODG would do better marketing and lower the prices a little, they both can double their yearly sales easy. |
Markski
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Thanks both of you for your replies! And Fred, you sold 20 machines from 22 demos? - Wow! I sold zero machines from about 10 demos! Sold my first one to a friend. That was the reason I became a dealer but no luck on the other two units. I did display them in county fairs, parades, a farm show, and in front of my outdoor power equipment business and after that I guess you'd say that I just lost some of my enthusiasm for them. I did gete one referral from RI which was of no use as it was just a name and a town, no address or phone # and name wasn't in any phone books. (thanks RI) I thought I would be able to sell at least a few units a year but it just seemed like no one was interested in them unless they were about half price or so. I was willing to discount but hey, you know ...only so much!
Anyway, I'm really impressed by how well you both have done selling and your contributions to this discussion board are always very interesting as well as informative. Thanks both of you for promoting the sport! A big thanks to the guy that runs this website too, must take an awfull lot of time! |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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markski don't feel bad, i accually found 1 max dealer in my area who after 2 years has not sold the only max two he has. which he was one of the reasons i added to this post in the first place. i told him to come to my ride in deepwater,and he could show it off.troy, you may find this of interest, he has 0 hours on this machine.and he also showed no interst in putting any on it.but,he was willing to to sell it to me for $6800.00.( is that a good price for a 99')? like i said before, i think it the area that you live in,and the price. if ODG & RI dosen't want to advertise,then i guess it is up to the dealer.and then to the consumer to show these bad boys off.and i do every chance i get. by the way incase anyone is interested, CABELA'S just opened a brand new store in kansas city,ks.which is where i live.and troy,if i'm not mistaken didn't BASSPRO open a new store in your area?
bottom line: we need you dealers like you need us, the consumer.sooooo,what can we both do to end the DEMISE of the AATV??????? |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Buy ARGOs and Maxs and then show them off as much as possible. If I could, I would trailor mine around everywhere I go and when I am not on the road, I am in the ARGO (in my perfect world). Them people could see what they do, and understand that its not just a thing that has 6-8 wheeles and made out of what most people seem to think of as plastic.
THE PUBLIC MUST BE EDUCATED!! (HINT: ODG, RI, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE- GOT IT YET??) |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Hey Mike,
I sent you an email. Hope you got it. I also tried to post something on here yesterday to answer your question about if the Max was a good deal. It never got posted. I don't think that is a good deal. Let me know if you got my email. Thanks |
dave_p
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Can you imagine a TV commercial that shows either a Max or an Argo going through mud holes that have 4 wheelers stuck in them. I do think there is a misconception about the ruggedness of 6x6s. I know that DirecTV and Dish Network offer commercials at VERY inexpensive rates. This would allow them to advertise on Outdoor shows or ESPN, where the demographic would be advantageous. |
TIM O'KEEFE
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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REALLY DAVE! I FIND IT MIND BOGGLEING THAT ODG AND RI DON'T ADVERTISE ON CABLE. I WATCH HUNTING AND FISHING SHOWS ON ESPN EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNING. IF THEY MADE A COMMERCIAL SHOWING A GUY BRINGING HOME AN ELK,DEER OR A MOOSE(ODG CALENDER PIC) AND ALL THEIR GEAR IN AN AATV IT WOULD BE VERY INFLUENTIAL. I KNOW ADVERTISING IS COSTLY, BUT THERE IS AN OLD SAYING IN BUSINESS " ADVERTISE MORE WHEN BUISNESS IS POOR" OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. PS. I READ SOMEWHERE ON THE POSTS THAT A B/S 23 HP CARB IS A TWO BARREL CARB AND IT WILL BOLT RIGHT ON MY 18HP. IS THIS TRUE? AND IF SO WHAT IS THE PART #? |
Bill Davis (Nvbigblue)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Hey Dave,
Better yet, imagine a this:
Scene 1: Our camera slowly zooms in on two camp sites early one cold and rainy morning. On the left, two hunters are trying to keep their weapons dry, mount up one ATV while trying to hold onto their weapons AND figure out what hunting equipment is going to have to be left behind. While on the right, two hunters load all their equipment into the nice warm, covered cab of a (insert AATV manufacturer here!), then climb in and take off.
Scene 2: ATV hunters are stopped at the waters edge, looking across a small pond at a great hunting site. There is no way around because of trees stumps, cliffs, etc. 6X6 hunters pull up next to them, look at same spot and slowly drive into the water and cross the pond.
Scene 3: ATV hunters have bagged decent sized deer and are struggling to load it onto the small rack on the rear of the ATV, they look up to see the 6X6 hunters driving by, with the biggest deer they've ever seen, comfortably loaded on the back of the machine.
All during the commerical, the announcer is commenting on the definately unsafe and possibly illegal consequences of riding double on an ATV, the lack of being amphibious and the limited amount of cargo carrying ability, etc., etc., etc. And target the commercial towards the type of people that will get the most from this type of a machine, people who might ride an ATV if it didn't take so much physical effort to ride one. People who enjoy being able to talk to the person next to them while riding. People who maybe have a physical limitation that prevents them from riding an ATV. And Tim, you ever here the one that goes: "A business without a sign (advertising) is a sign of no business"?
Bill |
Attex Bob
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Bill, do you do this for a business??? You are really good at this!!!!!!! I'm very impressed!!!! If my company takes off I'm going to look you up!!! |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Sent it to ODG-- I think its amazing! |
TIM O'KEEFE
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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NICE JOB BILL! IT SOUNDS SO GOOD AND SO SIMPLE. WHAT ON EARTH IS STOPPING THEM. I WAS WATCHING A HUNTING SHOW THIS MORNING AND THE MAIN ADVERTISER WAS A POLARIS 4X4 MINI TRUCK. KIND OF LIKE THE ON E THAT KAWASAKI MAKES. THEY KNOW WHAT HUNTERS AND FISHERMAN ARE LOOKING FOR. THEY SHOW THE HUNTERS LOADING UP THE MACHINE WITH ALL THE GEAR AND CHATTING TO EACHOTHER RIDING SIDE BY SIDE ON THE BENCH SEAT. THE ONLY REASON THEY INVENTED THIS NEW MACHINE IS BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHAT QUADS LACK. THEY ARE IN ESSENCE STEALING AWAY THE MARKET FROM ODG AND RI. THESE NEW MACHINES DO THINGS THAT THE QUADS CAN'T, BUT THEY STILL NEED TRAILS BECAUSE OF THE TURNING RADIUS AND THEY CAN'T SWIM. WELL THEY CAN'T SWIM YET!!! RI AND ODG ARE MISSING PRECIOUS TIME IN THIS AREA. ODG AND RI HAD THEM HANDS DOWN WHEN IT CAME TO CARRYING CARGO AND PEOPLE. NO LONGER CAN THEY SAY THAT, THEY MISSED THE BOAT ON THAT MARKET OF PEOPLE. THEY STILL HAVE TIME TO DRILL HOME THE AMPHIBIOUS PART, TURNING RADIUS AND SNOW TRACKS. IF THEY WAIT LIKE THEY DID WITH THE CARGO AREA, THE JAPANESE WILL BURY THEM. |
Bill Davis (Nvbigblue)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Thanks guys! Well, if I had my choice I'd be doing something else (fly-fishing guide, bush pilot, spy....) but alas, I work in computers. However, my wife is always telling me I have an active imagination. (she's also always telling me that I should grow too though!!) :) I believe there is a HUGE market for these machines, but the market has to know about them, before they can buy them. I know at least 10 people (relatives) that have expressed an interest in 6x6's after they found out that I had one. They are getting older, and can't get out and hike they used to when hunting. And they really like the fact that they could take someone with them and sit side-by-side while traveling down the road. In fact, I know my brother is seriously expressed an interest in visiting Fred within the next month or so to take a look at the machines he has up there. (I gave him your email and address Fred!) So if every one tells 2 friends and they tell 2 friends........you get the idea. But that's the slow way.... If these companies were to spend even 1/10th of what one of the ATV manufacturers spends on advertising, I'd almost guarentee sales would go through the roof. Now don't get me wrong, I have 2 ATV's, a 4 wheeler and a 3 wheeler, and they are great for doing what they do best, having fun, limited working ability and double riding. But for what they don't do best, is the reason I got my MAX II. (And SOMEDAY I'll get it put back together and ride it again!) I fish...a lot. And when I go fishing with my friends, I have a choice of taking my ATV or my friends little boat. I can't wait until I can take my ATV and MY boat at the same time! And then have him and me ride together! The AATV people should listen up and at least try advertising in the ATV magazines and on TV. I'll bet even they would be surprised at the results.
Bill |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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i think i saw that once.except it wasn't hunters,it was fishermen. on in-fisherman tv.they were going ice fishing in minn. three 4wheelers,and one argo,bigfoot. of course for the show they all stayed together.but the argo was the pack mule with 2 guy's and all the gear.while the 4wheelers took just themselves. but there was no addvertising for either. bill if i saw your commercial i would be looking for the nearest dealer i could find, if your not in advertising ,you should be.
troy yes i did get your e-mail and if i ever decide to buy a max you'll be the first one i call. david, i try to haul my argo around on weekends wheather i'm going to ride it or not. a stop at the gas station,or the liquior store,or even my local wal-mart. some one always asks where did you get it or where can i get one.then they ask the inevitable, how much? some just turn and walk away,others just say ooh,then walk away.1 out of 4 will keep talking. and i'll be watching for that commercial on tv haha. |
Markski
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Funny how we're talking about never seeing any commercials for these and just the other night I saw for the first time ever an Argo dealer's (or distributor?) commercial! Was late night TV but not after midnight or anything. It was well done, very professional. One thing's for sure, if Recreatives doesn't do this and ODG does we'll be seing a lot more Argos out there! Does anyone know if ODG offers it's dealers coop advertising money? And those of you that are still dealers, obviously if you can get together with other nearby dealers and put both your names on the tag you could share the cost. Distance between dealers could be a real problem with that idea though as you're not likely to find media that would be mutually beneficial. And in the "perfect commercial" I would want to see the conventional ATVers shown at the end of the day cold, muddy, and wet vs the comparitively clean, dry, warm, and happy 6x6 riders! Don't get me wrong, I used to love getting muddy. My riding buddies didn't call me "mud man" for nuttin! But as I get older I kind of like being able to get back in my pick-up at the end of the day without hosing myself off first! Lol! |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Bill, the marketing manager at ODG- Tristen Ellis, sent it to him/her and he/she will pass it on. It should be considered strongly. |
David Keeso (Argomag)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Okay, I just sent ODG a huge long letter telling them about everyones comments about advertising and what it would do. I have advised them to check out the board and read through some of the comments. I am going to also contact George Steiber (not sure if the spelling is right) who is the president of ARGO. LETS TRY AND GET THE MESSAGE THROUGH TO THEM- ADVERTISE!!!! |
John Kevin Maiolo (Johnmaiolo)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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How about Popular Mechanics do a comparison test on different models? Free advertisement, all the companies have to do is provide a test vehicle. |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot)
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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The trouble with magazines doing comparison tests is that they don't know how to drive skid steers or understand how they work. All the ATV magazine tests I have read, they might as well of had a playboy bunny doing the review - at least then, you might be getting something nice to look at. Skid steer comparisons to anything need experienced skid steer operators behind the sticks; The writers could go along as passengers, but they would be too scared to be objective. |
Dick Zerrien (Raz)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I am an Argo dealer in Maine. My business name is Off Road. I have been watching the comments lately on the advertising of the Argo's. Some information you might be interested in. ODG gives their dealers 2% of what they buy towards advertising. In other words, if I purchase $20,000 of Argo's, they will pay $400 of my advertising and so on. For me this has worked. Last year I sold somewhere around $700,000 worth of Argo's. That was in the ballpark of $14,000 in advertising money I was entitled to, which I used and then some. Just to give you an idea of what it cost to advertise locally. I advertise on TV every other week at a cost of $500 per week. One 30 second ad a day for 6 days. 2 monthly publications. One is $120 per month and the other is $150 per month. 6 sportsman shows a year. These vary in cost. The lowest costing $600 and the most expensive being $1500. Brochures also cost money. So do letterheads, business cards, price lists. This doesn't even take into account the 100,000 miles I put on last year, just showing these machines or the hotel rooms for 3 or 4 people that you need to help with the shows and countless other expenses you run into. I too wish ODG would advertise more nationally, but I also realize how much it costs to do that. What I am paying $500 for locally would cost thousands, probably even hundreds of thousands to do nationally, just for one week of advertising. The majority of Argo dealers, do this as a sideline business and just can't justify the cost of advertising given the percentage they get for co-op. Just to pay for one week of TV ads like I run, they would have had to have bought $25,000 in Argo's in order for ODG to cover it. I'ts a bit different for me. Argo's are my main business and I expect the advertising to cost more than the co-op, but for most of the dealers, it is just too expensive. Just thought you might like to know what things cost when you advertise and why I think there isn't more advertising out there. |
Markski
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Ok RI...where's YOUR advertising money? 2% isn't a lot but it's about, let me get my calculator out, 2% compared to nuttin...well it's a start at least!
And Dick...thanks for the info on Argos coop adv policies. It helps immensely to know what the facts are! Now I hope ODG doesn't get mad at you for devulging info which could affect national security or something. I believe however that the cost benefits of doing national advertising on cable hunting/fishing shows would be more favorable than each individual dealer trying to do local advertising. By the way, you didn't mention if Argo has a sign program or if you had to have your own made. I assume you have some kind of sign if you sold that kind of volume?
And Fred, I agree that if some magazine editors who had no experience with 6 wheelers were to run a comparison test they might focus on some ridiculous thing like which one offered a cup holder or something! If a comparison test were to be done I'd like to see it done in an ATV magazine and/or a hunting and fishing mag or all of them. Offer it to everyone and see who's intersted at least. Might be a wonderful idea to include the assistance of a couple knowledgeable dealers to assist them with things they wouldn't know about otherwise.
As much as we would like them to adverise on the NFL or something high profile like that, I think we all are realistic enough to know that they need to advertise in something a bit more modest. In addition to the hunting/fishing shows I would like to suggest (being a Stihl dealer) the Stihl Timbersports series! Would be an excellent venue to announce their new hydrostatic drive models! Woo Hoo! no more chains and sprockets, direct drive wheel motors and no more shifting!! OOPS, I'm in the wrong section now, I need to get on over to "buiding the ultimate 6x6" section, sorry! Hope someone from ODG and RI really IS reading this though! Lol |
Dick Zerrien (Raz)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Argo doesn't give you a sign. They will pay for one however. It is paid for under their 2 percent advertising allowance. Argo HAS been on some of the hunting and fishing channels. What they did was use the Argo in the show. They also demonstrated one on TNN's truck's show. This is probably quite a bit cheaper than actually putting an ad on these shows. |
dave_p
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Argo and RI could do their own comparison together. They then could write it up in a professional manner including lots of pictures and send it out to all of the Off Road mags. They could make a media event out of it and invite relevant publications to attend. Have a few vehicles for test drives and a few "ringer" drivers to show what these things can really do. Also should bring along a few 4x ATVs for comparison tests. Should get some cheap publicity. They could also "sponsor" some of the hunting shows by giving them a 6x6 and offering some basic driving instruction to get on the air. ARGO and RIs cost in the vehicle is alot less than the exposure they would get. The sooner that RI and Argo realize that they don't compete against each other nearly as often as they compete against Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and others, the sooner they can work towards promoting AATVs and getting a peice of the "big" pie. |
Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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According to the August 13, 2002 issue of "the Max facts", RI was a sponsor of "Hunting Adventures with Mike Cooley" from July 1, 2002 until Sept. 30, 2002 - may continue based on results. They also increased their print advertising in American Hunter, American Rifleman, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Ducks Unlimited, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, and others. You can check out the TV show at: Hunting Adventures. I don't have cable or satellite and don't know anything about it, but the point is, RI is putting out the effort. |
Midwest atv's #1 since 2000 (Hustler)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I myself have contacted the person in charge of the atv show on the outdoors channel, Doug Meyers about comming to one of my rides or to just do a story about the aatv's. His exact words were, those are very nice machines, but my sponsors would not let me do a show about them because they are better then any utility quad out there. His sponsors are quad maunfacturers.
I also have contacted every atv magazine asking for a reporter to show up for one of my rides to do a story about them and offered to pay for part or all there expense. Only one interested was ATV Magazine and I hired 2 guys to take the pictures and I wrote a story and sent everything to the magazine. This was last spring and I haven't heard or seen anything as of yet in the magazine.
I do think if RI or ODG would try to do the same as myself or other dealers, they would have more pull and could get more done then dealers can. |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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man i love this, 1 little whine and we got almost the whole group going. now lets come up with a realistic solution to this problem. i think i'm going to call a local D.J. who has his own fishing show on the local cable channel,and see if he would be interested in doing a segment on sixwheelers. shit i'll even let him use mine. of course i'll have to show him how to ride it. if he will i know he'll be talking about it on one of the oldest radio stations in k.c.for months.after all it is also duck season, and he is a duck hunter,among other things.
i have met a dealer in jameson mo. john hightree; and he has a sign in front of his shop, or rather on his shop. and it does catch the eye quite well. made right there in his home town. anyway, it was just a thought. mike/wetsu |
bigkodiak
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Mike,
Although I haven't posted anything since the original listing, I have been watching alot of the reponses to this.
My goal was to see just how many people I could arouse.
I see that since I opened almost all the regualars finally had something to say.
Now lets get out there and turn some NEWB's on.
Russ |
mike martindale (Wetsu)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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i totally agree. |
tyler
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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does any one know were i can get a used roll bar for a older max 11. e-mail me at TylerandCandyN2aol.com |
Sam
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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Sir
Richard has them I guess
812-944-1643
Sam Preston |
Bill cripe (Bcripe)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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It sure seems that as time goes by there are fewer and fewer places to ride anything. Heck up here in NW Montana you cant ride anywhere. And there are lots and lots of old logging roads that are now gated and closed off. Its pretty crazy really. The liberal environmentalists have taken over the Funny Service.
BC |
funtothemax
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 pm: |
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I haven't read the hole post just a few I hope I'm not steeping out of line here but I have been trying to find a place to ride for over 2 years close to me we are talking a hole lot of farm land here in Ohio think any farmer will say yes most field aren't even planted going to waste the biggest thing I hear is there afraid of a law suit I don't blem them it seems everyone is sue happy I have even offered to sine a release waver but it still don't help save the 6x6&8x8 sport shoot a lawyer LOL just kidding |
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My Favorite Machine: Talk about you favorite ATV and Why.