Sardarjee designed ATV

Searching  for suitable ATV  manufacturer  and importing  it   from China involved lot of effort.



I was tired with lot of browsing and emailing. Then Anilkumar P B   who was  supporting me and  watching all my activities sent this catalogue.

I  have not ordered this because by that time my ATV arrived from China.   

This Sardarjee designed ATV could be better than China made ATV reasoned Anil and it could be used as car too.   What do you say ?  Comments welcome.

ATV - Indian Scenerio

The ATV market in India is still in infancy. The market is scattered over vast countryside and the quantity is very low to support a proper service backup. By law, they are not permitted on public roads and by design, absence of differential makes it not advisable on tar roads. It is not a comfortable ride in hard black topped road  that I have tried in my village.  So the use is totally restricted to our private land.

There could be two application for ATVs. First is sort of wheel chair for handicapped people to go around. I have also been approached by people with heart problems. Other application is for sports & recreation.

I use ATV as a wheel chair to go around our farm. It is simply indispensable in long monsoon months when farm paths are wet and slippery.

To have an ATV, there seems to be two options. One is get it assembled in India and other is get it imported. Chinkara Motors in Mumbai custom build ATVs using kinetic scooter engines. Since they are made to order, they are much more expensive than mass produced goods. chinkaracars@rediffmail.com is their email ID

Polaris,  a  reputed American brand seems to have dealers in India and one of them is located in Bangalore. The Polaris is a premium brand & quality is supposed  to be great. Some of their models are assembled in Taiwan. They are also expensive and may be beyond the reach of average Indian.  http://www.sasconit.com/tranquil/

There are couple of importers doing business in big cities importing from China in small quantities. Here is Delhi based importer.
 http://www.adventurewheels.co.in/

There is another experienced supplier in the scene  based  in Bangalore.   Advertised in Google and so can be easily tracked. He  acts very slippery and claim stock what he sell are sourced from Taiwan. There is little service backup and spare parts inventory.

Many engineering college students do assemble go karts as part of their project work. There are some demonstration units in colleges. Most of them appear similar and are of very basic design. They are not ideal for daily use.

There are road legal ATVs which can be used in back roads in Western countries. The documentation needed to   make them  road legal   is very long and expensive process.    ARAI located in Pune    has to okay the design and certify they are roadworthy. The cerification process is another story. 

The sales may reach critical volume a few years from now & comprehensive service backup for ATVs becomes available. Hope that day will come soon.

ATV caught cold

 I washed my ATV today. There was lot of accumulated dust. After bath, this machine acted as if it caught cold. It wouldn’t run or accelerate smoothly. I checked all possible suspect points. Checked spark plug & carburetor idle setting. Everything appeared OK. No improvement seen.

After three hours when it was completely dry, it started working smoothly. Maybe somewhere insulation has become weak and cause short circuit. . I am apprehensive as rainy season is fast approaching. If I could not find the thief myself, Mr Isubu had  to be summoned. I am happy now that it is working smoothly.

ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸದಾಸಂ Using ATV during monsoon

ಸಕಲದಾರಿ ಸಂಚಾರಿ, ಸದಾಸಂ ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬಂದು ಈಗ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷವಾಗಲು ಒಂದು ಮಳೆಗಾಲ ಮಾತ್ರ ಬಾಕಿ. ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲೂ ಬೇಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲೂ ಉಪಯೋಗದ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಅನುಭವಗಳಾದವು. ನಾನು ಚೀನಾದಿಂದ ಸದಾಸಂ ತರಿಸುವಾಗ ಆಗಸ್ಟ್ ಮೊದಲ ವಾರವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಮಳೆಗಾಲದ ಅಬ್ಬರ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗಲು ಸುರುವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಅದುದರಿಂದ ಆ ವರ್ಷ ಸದಾಸಂನ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದ ಉಪಯೋಗದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಅನುಭವ ನನಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಉಪಕಾರ ಅನಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಅಷ್ಟೇ
.
ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಮಳೆಗಾಲವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕಿಸಿ ಹೇಳುವ ಕಾರಣ ಕಳೆದ ಹಲವು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ತೋಟಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದದ್ದು ಬಹಳ ಕಡಿಮೆ. ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಾದಿಸುವ ಕೊಳೆ ರೋಗ ತಡೆಯಲು ಮುಂಜಾಗ್ರತೆ ಔಷದಿ ಸಿಂಪರಣೆ ಅಡಿಕೆ ಕೃಷಿಕನ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಅತಿ ಮುಖ್ಯ ವಿಚಾರ. ಕೊಳೆರೋಗದ ಸಿಂಪರಣೆ ಬಗೆಗೆ ನನಗೆ ಕೆಲಸದಾಳುಗಳು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದೇ ಸುದ್ದಿ. ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ಇದು ನಿರ್ಲಕ್ಷಿತವಾಗಿ ರೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡಿಕೆ ಮರಗಳು ಸತ್ತವು. ತೋಟದ ನೈಜ ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಅರಿಯಲು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಪರಾವಲಂಬನೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ಅಸಮರ್ಪಕ ಸಿಂಪರಣೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ನಾನು ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಕಷ್ಟ ನಷ್ಟಗಳನ್ನು ಅನುಬವಿಸಿದೆ.

ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೀಸುವ ಗಾಳಿಗೆ ಅಡಿಕೆ ಗೊನೆ ಭಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಮುರಿದುಬೀಳುವುದು ಮತ್ತು ಅಡಿಕೆ ಮೇಲಿನ ತೇವಾಂಶ ಒಣಗದೆ ಕೋಳೆರೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ತುತ್ತಾಗುವುದು ತೋಟದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಮರಗಳೇ. ಈ ರೀತಿ ಅಂಗಚ್ಚೇದನವಾದ ತೋಟವನ್ನು ಇದ್ದು ಪ್ರಯೋಜನವಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಒಂದಂಶವನ್ನು ಕಡಿಸಿದೆ.

ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆ ಹೀಗಿರುವಾಗ ನಾನು ಸದಾಸಂ ತರಿಸಿದ್ದೇ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ತೋಟಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಲು. ಅದುದರಿಂದ ಕಳೆದ ವರ್ಷ ಮಳೆ ಪ್ರಾರಂಬವಾಗಲು ಕಾಯುತ್ತಲಿದ್ದೆ. ಕಳೆದ ವರುಷ ಜೂನ್ ಸುರುವಿನ ವಾರ ಕೋಳಿ ಜ್ವರ ಅನ್ನುವ ಮಾರಿ ಬಂದು ಮೊದಲೇ ದುರ್ಬಲನಾದ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಸೋಲಿಸಿತು. ಅದರೂ ಅಗತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕಷ್ಟು ಹೋಗಲು ಸಾದ್ಯವೂ ಆಯಿತೆನ್ನಿ. ಪ್ರತಿ ವರ್ಷದಂತೆ ಈ ವರ್ಷವೂ ಜೂನ್ ಇಪ್ಪತ್ತರ ಅನಂತರ ಕೊಳೆರೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಔಷದಿ ಸಿಂಪರಣೆ ಪ್ರಾರಂಬಿಸಿದೆವು.

ಈಗ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲೂ ತೋಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೂತು ಹೋಗಿ ಬಾಕಿಯಾದರೆ ಅನ್ನುವ ಅಂಜಿಕೆ ಇಲ್ಲವೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಎರಡೂ ಚಕ್ರಗಳು ಜತೆಯಾಗಿಯೇ ತಿರುಗುವ ಕಾರಣ ಎಂತಹ ಕೆಸರಿನಿಂದಲೂ ಎದ್ದು ಬರುತ್ತದೆ. ಹಾಗೆ ಅಗಾಗ ತೋಟಕ್ಕೆ ದೈರ್ಯದಿಂದ ಹೋಗಿ ಬರಲು ಸದಾಸಂ ಬಹಳ ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ತೋಟದಲ್ಲಾಗುವ ಕೆಲಸದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹಲವರಿಂದ ಕೇಳಲ್ಪಡುವ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ಈಗ ಸದಾಸಂ ಬಂದು ಅದರಿಂದ ಕೃಷಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ಉತ್ತಮಗೊಂಡು ಲಾಬ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತದೋ ? ನನ್ನ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಬೆಳೆಯಾದ ಅಡಿಕೆ ಬಹುವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಬೆಳೆ. ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೋತು ಸುಮಾರು ಅರ್ಧದಷ್ಟು ತೋಟವನ್ನು ಕಳಕೊಂಡದ್ದು ವಾಪಾಸು ಪಡಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಅಸಾದ್ಯ. ನನಗನಿಸುವಂತೆ ಈಗ ಉಳಿದಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ನಂಬಲರ್ಹವಾದ ಊರುಗೋಲಾದ ಸದಾಸಂನಿಂದ ಖಂಡಿತ ಸಹಾಯವೆನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ATV maintenance

There is no accurate indication about the ATV usage  in  absolute  terms. . There is no meter to measure actual distance or time of usage. So we have to resort to rough estimation. It appears like I use it for about 100 hours consuming around 50 liters of Petrol.

I change engine oil once in six to eight months. It needs about 900 ml of Servo multigrade 20W- 40. Brake fluid tank is in handle bar. Top up the brake fluid whenever the level falls below the minimum. As transmission chain is exposed to dust and slush, I do apply a thin film of oil every week. Tire pressure is about 6 to 8 pounds & do keep an eye on that to prevent tire damage.

An ATV with semi automatic clutch should have smooth and slow idle running speed. That is where we change the gear.

My maintenance backup is provided by Mr Isubu who started as grease monkey & gathered experience on the way. He has a small two wheeler workshop in nearby Vittal town & comes whenever I have problems too big for me handle. He has no technical qualification but having seen a variety of two wheelers, he is quite proficient in his work.

My poor health and thereby logic plays mischief quite often. Many problems when I summon Mr Isubu can be handled by ourselves if able to think and act logically.

A T V manufacture in China

Chinese products are not junk. The quality is improving and they are successfully competing in world market. The manufacturers are numerous and quality is not uniform. In generic ATV market around the world, China is the leading producer. The China's production of ATVs, which consists mainly of 50 to 250cc models already accounts for about 50 percent of the world's total ATV output.

If you are thinking of importing from China, you have to do your homework first. To start with, no one over there makes an entire vehicle from the ground up. A manufacturer of frames will collect all the other needed items and 'assemble' them in their warehouses and put their name on it. So there is no dedicated assembly line but flexible facility to assemble the machines according to the orders. Many of them are capable of supplying more than 50 different kind of ATVs, Dirt Bikes and such products at short notice. We have to make sure machine we import are from a frame manufacturer that uses high quality 10 and 12 gauge steel - not very thin sections.

China manufactures much more than 50000 ATV of this most popular size, 110 cc ATV &  orders are distributed among more than 30 assemblers in Chongquing and Yongkang. More like making pump in Rajkot and cycles in Ludhiana. Most of the engine and gear box assemblies are sourced from two three engine manufacturers.  

The operating manual and parts lists usually supplied are not exclusive of the manufacturer but something procured off shelf. The sales executive who handled my order is working with a different ATV manufacturer now and so I do not have current picture of the situation at my supplier. The photos featured here are of my ATVs getting packed in a factory in Yongkang.

Most of the Chinese ATV sold in America are for kids and occasional riders, who are numerically in large numbers. Chinese ATVs are not as high quality as American or Japanese. They only cost a fraction of the cost though. You can be very safe if you do your homework well. I am very happy with the machine I have which I am using past twenty months. Both engine and frame work quality is very much  satisfactory.

Farmers monthly published my ATV story

A leading Kannada farmers monthly magazine Adike Patrike published my story of bringing ATV from China in its October 2007 issue.  Adike Patrike is   unique  monthly magazine   published   by  farmers  association.   Here is a copy  of  the  article.

 

 

Why not sell ATV ?

People constantly ask me why I am not interested in marketing ATVs ?

Last year I came across a cartoon that says though the quality is good, we cannot release it to the market without warranty and customer support. This nicely explains the dilemma of modern marketing.

My profession as a farmer is already suffering because of my very limited mobility. So always my thinking is why should I attract more burden. Earlier I was apprehensive of quality. China stuff ? questionable quality ?

Well. I have been using it almost daily past twenty months without any problems. Minor problems that I did face can be solved by local mechanic. Now after using and gathering experience I have confidence that this material is really good and trustworthy.

Why this ATV blog ?

We are a big   country  full   of passive sportsmen preferring to watch the game whole day. We do not have adventurous spirit nor tradition.

These ATV machines are unlike all the vehicles that we are familiar with. Handling and safety considerations are much different.   There  are lot of  wrong impression about  ATV.  Some even  imagine even this is true  for everybody.

We  have  to  develop  some  instincts  before  we   safely   operate  these  ATVs. Instincts cannot be sharpened overnight. It takes time and effort. So we have to  work with entry level machines till we become proficient. This 110 cc ATV is the best as far as I can see. When you get some experience you will know more than what I do .

Here  is a very  important meaningful  hazard warning  I copied  from  Internet. 

Avoid riding up the hill at an angle or across it, because this is where it all turns to custard so quickly that, despite what fantastic reactions you think you have to jump off in time, chances are you won’t get the time to even think about it. I’ve seen these things rolled and I can tell you that it is very, very dangerous when they do roll!

I have unconfirmed report that a person of Indian origin died in New Zealand last year after the ATV he was riding toppled over him. Lack of instinct could be one of the reasons of this accident and this could be first Indian fatality with ATV.    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/farming/32630/fatal-farm-accidents-bring-safety-plea

A moment’s inattention on farm ATV proves costly   is   a   expensive   lesson  learnt  by  a  New Zealand  farmer.  
 http://www.country-wide.co.nz/article/10470.html

Whatever information I collect  will be shared  with no selfish  motive  involved.  I will be focusing only on small entry level machines and safety aspects here.  Fancy expensive powerful ATVs  inappropriate for us more suited for work in affluent countries will not be found here.

ATV tires

Tires are indispensable component of any vehicle that wears out over the usage & need to replace them. Unlike the mechanical component failure, we can plan our purchase in advance. Heavy damage rarely happens thereby needing the immediate replacement.

ATV tires not standardized and different manufacturers use different tire sizes for similar products. The front tires for 100cc – 110 cc ATV could be anywhere between 16 inches  to 22 inches in  diameter. Very small sizes mean handling limitation but too big has not much advantages. It increases the cost and height. More height mean higher centre of gravity meaning less vehicle stability.
 

My ATV has 19 x 7-00 at front and 18 x 9-50 at rear. Considering utility, available power and other practical considerations, I find they are ideal for the ATV of this size.

Some Indian manufacturers are exporting ATV tires with diameter above 22 inch for larger ATVs. Tires that I am looking for with dimensions 19 x 7-00 and 18 x 9-50 are still a matter of concern. My present set should last more than another two years & I am confident of finding a solution before that.

ATV Spare parts

Spare parts for imported vehicles  and machinery    are always matter of concern. We can never get original spare parts. By looking around we can always get good  enough  substitutes. Improvising attitude approach is very much essential.

The long bolt that attaches the engine to the frame was broken sometime back. I went with broken component to spare parts shop in nearby Vittal town to search for a suitable replacement. None of the motorcycle bolts were suitable with bigger dimensions. Finally located the bolt holding M80 moped engine to the frame  but it was little longer. It was not a problem and I used that. .

I always have been alert for all malfunctioning components. The electrical components you get from China are not of top quality & I had known  that   before importing   ATV   from various ATV discussion forums. Have successfully replaced  consumables  like   spark plug. CD units and starter solenoid.

Engine design of this ATV is very similar to Hero Street motorcycle that was in market sometime back. I have studied closely spending considerable amount of time in local Hero Honda showroom and find close resemblance in clutch and gear box design.   This  is  also  very  similar  to  a    spanish  ATV  that  I  was  very  keen  to   import  and  following  link  gives  its  spare parts list.
 
http://www.gasgasmotos.es/rcs/manuales/pdf/2006/linek/110/despiece06lkq110.zip

Hero Street, Spanish ATV and my Chinese ATV has exactly same engine and gear box design. This cannot be said of models with different engine sizes.      The dimension could vary a bit that can be known only when we get down to repairs. This should not face any problem as I see it.

Import procedure for my ATV

Finally  I  decided to get my  ATV  from  China.    It becomes more difficult to  finalize   as manufacture is scattered. Though limited to two cities, Chongquing and Yongkang, there are numerous manufacturers over there. It is better to call them fabricators as many of them procure the main components and mainly do the assembly. There is no regular assembly line with most of them and they assemble in batches as per the orders.

Pricing depends upon the order quantity. Normally container load order is expected and pricing given out. If we ask for fewer sample pieces, they expect premium on that depending on order size. Only after they receive your money, factories procure the components and start assembly. Normally they dispatch in ten days or two weeks.

The quotation and billing is done either as CIF or FOB. The CIF cost insurance freight billing means everything has been paid. The invoice should be very clear about freight &  insurance. Otherwise Indian  Customs will add 20 % as freight and 1.125 % as insurance to the Cost of the goods &  do the tax assessment.

This web page gives the fair idea of lengthy procedure involved in customs clearance.

http://jeena.com/cimp.htm

The IEC code is issued by DGFT and the Bank may insist on it while doing remittance for import purpose and the customs may ask while clearing the goods. Though it is not required for import of goods for personal use, we may have to do some convincing at the goods clearance time. It involves a fee of INR 1000 plus a approx brokerage of INR 3500. The procedure takes a week or two. It is always better to be on safer side.

I spent about 1200 INR for money remittance and the party got money found that USD 35 deducted. So we pay for transfer to New York and they are charged for getting it from New York. There is no direct fund transfer from here to China.

I paid some amount as freight to my supplier in China but again had to pay almost twice that amount as THC to the delivery agent in Mumbai.

So it is like money remittance and the freight is charged at both ends.

Export document mean they have to make the invoice and Packing list. On handing over to the shipper, they will get Bill of Lading which is like Lorry Receipt when we send parcels here. All the three has to be with the importer for presenting to the customs for clearing the goods.

The container number should be invariably mentioned in Bill of Lading. Otherwise it is difficult to locate the right container. The bill of lading we got from China had this crucial information missing &  we had to lot of e-mailing to get the information.

Certificate Of Origin (COO) is one useful important document in Import-Export Trade. This certificate indicates that the goods, which are being exported, are actually manufactured in a specific country mentioned therein. This certificate is sent by the exporter to the importer and in my case the company failed to send the certificate in time that created many headaches.

The clearing &  forwarding agency charges for movement of goods within &   outside the port plus for interacting with the customs. Since the procedure involved for customs clearance of very small consignment and very big are basically same, the charges may appear to be expensive for small consignment.

The following check list gives fair idea about expenses involved in importing a ATV or similar goods from abroad. We have to make sure beforehand, if the goods come under restricted list from the Customs Department.


1. IEC code expenses
2. Cost of Goods
3. Freight
4. Insurance
5. Bank Remittance Charges
6. Freight component at Indian port.
7. Handling expenses at port
8. Clearing &   Forwarding Agency Bill
9. Customs duty


Item number 6 and 9 cannot be precisely known beforehand. It is not possible to get exact estimation of the shipping agency charges as we come across the agency involved only when the goods are in their hands.


Customs department follow same set of rules all over India but the procedure ; interpretation could vary. So it is always better to approach appropriate customs office &   get the clarifications. Many customs offices have independent web sites .


Normally to get a consignment from China you have to wait for sixty days. Mine took longer, eighty days from sending money to delivery in our farm. There was unanticipated delay at factory, port and in the sea.


Importing is not a easy job. You will need plenty of patience &  perseverance to make it happen. Anyway, GOOD LUCK. .

Safe riding practice

This ATV is designed to carry RIDER only. No passengers please, as this alters the handling characteristics dangerously. The long seat is to allow the rider to shift the position as needed during operation. It is not a design for carrying passenger.

Select a large area, plain land to become familiar with your ATV. Make sure this area is free of obstacles and other riders. You should practice the control of brake, throttle gear shifting and turning techniques in the area before trying more difficult terrain.

Adjust the speed limiter to slow engine speed for safe familiarization of the vehicle. ATV is equipped with three forward gears and correct gear can be engaged as experience gathers on.

We mount on the ATV like we mount on the horse, keeping one leg on the footrest. One of the important rules of driving the ATV is never to put your leg down on the ground at any time.

Even if the ATV is about to be toppled over, it was best to stay with it as putting your leg down would result in it potentially being crushed underneath. But your natural instinct is to put your foot down as soon as it begins to topple over. So we need some understanding and unlearn our two wheeler riding technique.

Proper body movement is very important factor for safe turning of ATV and it can be briefly mentioned as follows :

When turning shift the weight slightly forward and support the weight on the outer footrest. Lean the upper body into the direction of the turn, pressing down on the opposite leg

It is important that when you climbing a hill to make sure that your weight is transferred forward on the ATV, which can be accomplished by leaning forward.

Use proper riding skills to avoid vehicle overturns on the hills. Be sure that you can maneuver your ATV well on the flat ground before attempting any incline and the practice riding first on gentle slopes. Try more difficult climbs only after you have learned more skills.

Throttle control is not by twisting the handlebar but pushing a throttle lever with the right thumb. If released the throttle will return to idle automatically ensured by spring action. Before starting the engine, check the throttle lever make sure it is operating smoothly and return to idle position immediately when released.

To achieve maximum traction while riding off road the two rear wheels are mounted solidly on one axle and turn together at same speed. Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside of the turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction, the ATV will resist turning. A special turning technique must be used to allow the ATV to make turns quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill be learned first at low speed.

In mountainous ghat road in Japan I had observed the fresh flowers recently placed in various sharp turns. Later came to know behind the scene story. Japan never had tradition of big motorcycles. So when Japanese manufacturers made big motor cycles for overseas market, the youngsters from rich families got hold of these powerful motorcycles but they lacked the ability to control them. So lot of fatal accidents did happen.

Most ATVs appear deceptively simple to operate Stability is also impaired by: (1) a short wheelbase, (2) a higher and rearward placed center of gravity, and (3) a possible rigid rear axle.

Many accidents keep happening around the world with ATVs and most of them are caused by negligent riding. They behave much different than either two wheelers or four wheelers that we are familiar with and practice and thereby experience is needed for safe operation