The 570 Project
What exactly is the 570 Project?
Like many ATV riders, Ben Mooers and Dean Schliek started out on 400 and 500 cc Class 1 ATVs, and later moved to side-by-sides, Class 2 ATVs. This year, they went back to their roots, riding all summer on a couple Class 1 570s on loan from an ATV dealer. They called it the “570 Project.” Here is what they had in mind and what they found out, in a Q&A we did with Ben.
Q. What sparked the idea for the 570 Project?
A. We were riding in our side-by-sides with friends who were on older Class 1 machines they had worked on and modified. I started thinking, what is their ride like today? What’s their experience
Base Model MSRP/500 Class: Arctic Cat Alterra 450 $6499 • Can-Am Outlander 450/570 $6499 • CFMOTO CFORCE 500 $5599 • Honda ForeTrax Foreman 4x4 $7499 • Polaris Sportsman 570 $7249 • Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi $7699 • Yamaha Kodiak 450 $6299 on this trail? The number of side-by-sides now seems almost overwhelming. We decided we should get Class 1 machines and ride them for a season to get back to our roots.
Q. What was your goal?
A. We wanted to show people coming into the sport that financially it’s pretty easy to get started. For a low payment, you can get out there, ride the trails and have just as much fun, if not more fun, than with a side-by-side. If it’s something you really want to do, you can do it with a minimal investment. Don’t wait, jump in and ride.
Q. Was the dealership on board?
A. I called the general manager of Mies Outland, and said there is this big massive Class 2 market. We want to show people new to the sport what it’s like to get out on the trails with a Class 1, riding with friends or an ATV club and having fun. They loved the idea. They pulled two 570s out of inventory. It was like-minded people with the same goal and passion. They asked us to go out and have fun and spread the word about owning a mid-size ATV, like many of us had 20 years ago. Later, they set up a promotion for their store around our project.
Q. What trails did you ride this year?
A. Emily-Outing, UPM Blandin, Hill City, Miller Black Bear, Mississippi Northwoods, the trails out of Silver Bay, pretty much all over northern and central Minnesota. We’ve had no issues and we’ve been doing big rides.
Q. What did you find out?
A. We rediscovered the fun and the magic of the ATV “ride.” You go slower, you’re shifting weight and picking your lines on technical trails. You’re “rider-active.” It’s more about the “ride” compared to the “drive” of a side-by-side, and being open to the elements, feeling the “knee-slappers” and dodging low-hanging branches. We also heard from riders we met during the 570 Project who told us they’re sticking with Class 1 ATVs, and hoping to see more Class 1-only trails in the future.
