Ridge Runner

RIDGE RUNNER

CW Trail Test:

THIS MONTH'S off-the-road vehicle, or trail scooter, is almost the epitome of machines of this type. There is nothing about it we have not seen before, but what is there, is good. It weighs 130 pounds, average for machines of its type, and is very sturdily constructed of large diameter steel tubing with very neat welds at all joints. Indeed, one of its virtues is excellent construction.

Of the almost untold number of trail scooters that have passed through the CYCLE WORLD offices, some to be used for tests in the magazine, others to satisfy our curiosity, we found one complaint almost universal with virtually every machine; poorly designed and constructed front suspension. Dart's Ridge Runner, though the same in appearance as most scooters we've seen, differs sharply from most in that the travel and spring rate arc very well thought out and give a not-too-soft ride (that bottoms on very hard bumps or holes), or very hard ride (that refuses to "give" thereby destroying its usefulness as suspension).

The Ridge Runner is powered by the familiar Lausen, single-cylinder, four-cycle engine of .31/2 horsepower, a sufficient rating for the average rider. A 6 hp engine is available but we doubt the usefulness of this much power considering the lack of rear suspension and the difficulties in keeping traction with the existing power.

For the record, Rupp Mfg. Co. in Mansfield, Ohio, makers of the Dart Ridge Runner, arc also makers of mini-bikes and karts, all of which bear the mark of quality workmanship and are known for quite good design.

An interesting feature is the use of two gasoline tanks, with little chance of running out; go until one runs dry then turn on the other and head back. We appreciate the thinking here as we have had several brushes with the awful possibility of running out of fuel while beyond an immediate supply, but it would seem one large tank would do the job as well, using a reserve valve of some kind.

Several things called for special attention; an extra set of foot pegs are provided for a passenger, and they are well positioned. A side stand is provided that is quite handy, and the sheet metal body panels are excellently placed for protection of the drive components from rocks and mud. Controls arc standard (for trail scooters); a cycle-type twist throttle and a left hand activated rear brake only. As on other trail scooters, we would like to see the inclusion of a front wheel brake as well, though we fully realize the production problems involved in making one.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a Salisbury type variable ratio pulley system using Gilmer belts, a familiar system on trail scooters (again), but well installed and it does a most satisfactory job. Dart's kart heritage reveals itself in the use of a mechanically actuated calipre-type disc brake that stops the jack-shaft in the drive system. The brake, made originally for karts, does a superb job of stopping the wheel from rotating, but little can be done about the slide that ensues when the small wheels are brought to a halt. With a little practice, though, the rider can become amazingly proficient at getting out of tight spots.

With few drawbacks we recommend the Dart Ridge Runner as an excellent example of a proven type of vehicle, and it is handsomely finished in orange paint, for visibility, with good looking and comfortable black simulated leather seats. We ran quite a few ridges with it, as well as some wash beds, rocky fields and a few other areas in our favorite mountain test ground. It will do anything any other trail scooter will, and just as well. What more can we say? •