Long Live 3Wheeling Magazine

[Lots_Of_Nothing]

Hey Dean,

I have a pretty simple question for you. You know Curtis Sparks of course, and that he is real famous with his engine work and pipes, etc.. nowadays (www.sparksracing.com). I'm curious as to if you know why he is so sour to anything having to do with ATC's?. Awhile back I e-mailed him telling him that a couple of his 200X engines are still around and are a very sought after item, And I asked him if he could tell me a few details about them, or anything at all about his team honda career. well, I recieved a short, simple e-mail in reply, it went like this;

"No knowledge on three wheelers, sorry."

I replied asking why he appeared to be so sour towards the sport that he was so well known for, and I received a undeliverable mail message, saying that my e-mail is blocked.

I also know a couple other people who e-mailed him just nice e-mails, and they got practically the same reply.

I can understand that he may be sick of it, and just doesnt want to think about it anymore, but it just seemed strange to me that someone like curtis sparks would act like they know nothing about it and not say more then six words about it.

Any input?

[Blown 331]

What was the scoop on the ATC450R? I want to put a CRF450R motor in a 350X frame. I know the uni-cam motor wasn't around then so what was it?

[trikerider2oo7]

the atc450r idea was a 2-stroke

[3WW Star-oldfart]

I can only guess about what was going through Curtis Spark's head at that time... Like many of us that came from that era, we have all been bombarded with legal hassles, being called into court, to give our two cents worth about why people get hurt on 3-wheelers. I know from personal experiences that I was called many times to try and explain why "things" happen to people that abuse these vehicles. Forget about the booze, riding double, not wearing safety gear (helmets), dangerous situations (trains, cars, boats), closed land, no lights at night - you name it, they broke/crashed/killed people. I was once asked why Honda put a front brake on the ATC200X? The lawyer had NEVER ridden a motorcycle let alone an ATV off-road. How do to talk to these clowns when they have no point of reference, other than to shake down the manufacturers. Curtis is the best in my book. Sorry he has decided to move on, and work on what is currently being raced, and possibly sold. Dean

[Jeb]

Dean, did you ever make it down to Boyd Raceway in Boyd, Texas? I know it was a stop on the National Circuit in the 80's. I've got an old "competitor's" magazine that has a writeup. Did 3-wheeling ever do one? I live about 30 minutes from the track and I believe they still run dirt track bikes and cars out there.

Occasionally I pass by the track and can just imagine the 3-wheeler racing back in the day. I know Mike Kidd used to own it. If he still owns it, he's not promoting it from the little info I can about it on the net. "Brand-X's" magazine I have says Mike put on a good show at Boyd.

Just wondering if you had any thoughts, memories, stories, etc. Thanks!

I found there website so I guess Mike Kidd no longer owns it and it's mostly just dirt track car racing anymore:

http://www.boydraceway.net/

[3WW Star-oldfart]

Yes, 3Wheeling/ATV Sports did cover at least one ATV race at Mike Kidd's place. In fact, that's where our former ad guy, Lance Bryson met Mike, and later, went to work for him full time. I personally didn't cover the event, but I believe Lance and Phil Beckman, or even Bruce Simurda may have been there. Strange, I never went to Texas during the '80s, but nowadays, I'm there all the time!

[threewheelin-feelin]

hey i think i read in one of your post you gave up all of your bikes and just keep your helmets...... why did you give up riding 3wheelers..... are you ever gonna buy another one??

[Billy Golightly]

twf if you go back to the first few pages that question has already been asked and answered :-)

[threewheelin-feelin]

ok sorry about that

[3WW Star-oldfart]

I still have the original Project ATC from the very first issue. If you recall, that one has a Dickson frame with a springer front end, 180cc Danny Duncan engine (chromed and polished), custom paint, etc. But am I ever going to ride it? No.

[trikerider2oo7]

does it still run?

[3WW Star-oldfart]

I'm sure the engine still does. I only fired it a few times, and ran it up and down the street, once the engine was increased to 180cc. The engine has been tucked away in the rafters since 1984, and so has the rear fender and seat assembly. However, the rest of the ATC has been sitting outside under a tarp, and is showing its age. I am going to do nothing with this project.... hint, hint. Dean

[trikerider2oo7]

does hint hint mean for sale? i want that thing!

[3WW Star-oldfart]

I would consider selling it "AS IS" with no guarantees... Shipping would be a problem, as it would add up (at least four or five boxes). So, it would have to taken apart to get small enough, light enough, to ship UPS/Fed-Ex Ground. But, it certainly could be done. I'm in San Diego by the way.... I will think about it over the next two weeks, as I am about to leave for "Down Under." I do still have the original "pink slip" title, owners manual, etc. It was based on a 1975 ATC 90. Man, that was a long time ago. But, this is what I remember:
Dickson Frame
Dickson Springer Front End
Mitchell aluminum wheels
Goodyear knobbie tires
180cc engine by Danny Duncan (chromed and polished)
Cibie Oscar light with guard
Renthal bars w/Grab On grips
Custom Lyle paintjob
Brad's custom seat (2)
aluminum side covers
chain tensioner
S&S header
ice chest rack
This ATC, minus the engine and rear seat assembly has been outside for a number of years. Not much rust, but some. Sun faded, semi-flat tires, but the chassis was powdercoated, and much of the goodies were chromed, including the entire front forks and springer stuff.

[trikerider2oo7]

how much would you take for it? that thing sounds awesome! it may need some work but i bet someone...if its too expensive for me....would love to have that