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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,230
Campfire Ranger
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OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,230 |
Question for the engine guys: Is there any reason why the big companies like Polaris, Honda, and Yamaha couldn't make a 600-1,000cc UTV that was as quiet-running as your typical pickup truck? I mean, are there inherent attributes of those water-cooled UTV engines that make it to where they can't be quieter without huge losses in power? Seems like I've been around some touring motorcycles that had more engine exposure and bigger displacement than your typical Polaris Ranger, but were much quieter.
I ask because I hate the noise levels associated with UTV's during deer season. I'd buy one if it wasn't so dang loud. We quit using them on our place around September of each year and just use Toyotas and Jeeps with mud tires. A truck can almost sneak up on you, but a UTV/ATV can be heard from a half-mile away. Sure seems like a product need is there for us hunters, aside from some bolt-on silencer kit that makes little difference.
Now with even more aplomb
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,059
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,059 |
I just recently purchased a new 2016 Yamaha Viking VI Ranch Edition. Was also concerned about noise levels for fall hunting, so having one of these installed before I pick up the new UTV. Quite an improvement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjTXvxh8rE4
"By the time you realize your father was a smart man, you have a teenager telling you just how stupid you are."
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,153
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 12,153 |
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
Running the yota in a group of 4-wheelers and side by sides this year, the first thing you notice was the lack of noise from the yota. I never thought about it before that, but now I'm wondering the same thing as you.
I was also surprised by how much more fuel a 550cc wheeler burns compared to a 22re.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 12,895
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 12,895 |
Lots of obstacles to over come yet, but I think this is where electric ATV's will eventually shine.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491 |
External clutches and belts on so many of the present rigs don't help with the noise thing. I would imagine multi-cylinder engines to reduce the needed size of individual cylinders would also help. Of course that gets into more weight and expense, and torque loss - which isn't desirable in 'small', light rigs.
Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,098
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,098 |
You can help a lot by going slow. miles
Look out for number 1, don't step in number 2.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,259
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,259 |
An electric plugged in to a quiet Honda generator on the rear would take you a long ways.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,105
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,105 |
Yes, except the vehicle cannot be charged while running. It has to be turned off.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,259
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,259 |
I wonder who thought that one up. Hybrid cars charge as they go as do some electrics with auxiliary motors just for charging.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,317 |
Running a generator to keep your electric vehicle going. There is a joke in there somewhere, and I think it might end with "...you might be a redneck.".
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17,491 |
An electric plugged in to a quiet Honda generator on the rear would take you a long ways. If you want to go that route, you'd be better off just repowering the ATV with one of the smaller Honda engines and a more elaborate muffler system. Multiple energy conversions aren't going to help - nor is a Honda generator going to be quieter than the direct powered ATV of similar horsepower anyway.
Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 807
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 807 |
bad boy buggies has a hybrid utv that looks interesting. The 570 ranger is noisier than I would like it to be, but sure is fun.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,105
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,105 |
One of the hunters on my lease has one-does not recommend it.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,499
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,499 |
I ride a Yamaha Rhino 700, a couple of friends ride Polaris 800 and Razor (whatever the name is), and another rides a Kawasaki side by side. All are loud. The quietest are the Can Am Commander 1000 side by sides. A couple of hunters I know have these machines, and when they ride past our campsite, the sound is similar to a very small car. But I like mine better, since I can't afford one of the Can Am machines This is a good website to look at if you are planning to buy a side-by-side. All the data about your machine, compared to the rest, is shown: http://www.utvguide.net/utv_comparison.htm
Last edited by Ray; 11/15/15.
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