Fischer CRF150 Youth ATV Race Quad

Pop question. Your son or daughter has some obvious skill and wants to move up the ranks to a bigger and faster youth class. What do you do? Go to the dealer and buy an ATV for him or her and start modifying it? Wrong! You lose our little quiz and your kid will lose every race he enters.

If you want to run up front your only option is to call on a specialist in the ATV aftermarket business. JB Racing, Hetrick Racing, Janssen Motorsports and Fischer Cycle Racing have been instrumental in delivering race worthy equipment to youth riders over the years. Combined you could very well say these fine folks have carried youth quad racing on their backs over the years.

 

Okay back to the mission. You’re trying to figure out how to go about hooking up your kid with a competitive machine for the highest level of youth ATV racing possible. First we need to look closer at the the class options. In WPSA Racing their “Supermini” class allows two strokes up to 105cc and four strokes up to 150cc, while the highest level of youth racing in the GNC Series is their “90 Mod” class, which allows up to 90cc on two strokes and only 125cc on fourstrokes. Both include the 12-15 year ages. As you can see the machine we’re about to introduce to you (and we’re the first to do so by the way) will only be allowed to compete at the WPSA ATV Powersport Tour [as of post time of this article], as it uses Honda’s new CRF 150cc liquid cooled fourstroke engine.

Now that you understand how the “Pro version” of the youth ranks works, let’s get you educated on who Bud Fischer is and what he’s recently created in his Third Generation of high-performance mini quad frames.

Bud Fischer 101
Before we go into this incredible new machine we need to offer some education on the man that built it. If there’s such a thing as the most underrated legend of our sport it’s Ashtabula’s Bud Fischer. In the 70’s, shortly after opening the doors of Fischer Cycle Sales, (a Honda dealership in Ashtabula, Ohio), Bud and his father William Fischer broke ground on their now world-famous Pine Lake ATV racing facility to six-wheeled vehicles. Shortly after three-wheelers were added. While ATV race events started popping up on the west coast, the Fischers were offering the same out east. So, one could argue that Bud and the Fischer family actually invented ATV racing on the eastern half of the country!

Not content with race promotion and selling more Honda ATVs than most dealers that triple their dealer size in much higher populated areas, Bud formed Fischer Cycle Racing and began sponsoring many ATV racers in the Ohio / PA area and beyond. Bud’s engine work and highly innovative fabrications proved very successful especially at the National level. As time progressed Bud added frames to his race-winning swingarms, A-arms and steering stem components.

His new chromoly steel frames allowed for long travel suspension and featured bump-steer-free narrow frame rails, — something not yet seen from any OEM at the time. As a matter of fact, over the years more than one manufacturer has worked with (or dare we say copied) Bud’s innovations to better their own designs. As time went on Bud continued to produce made-for-racing frames for the 250R, 250X, 400EX and many more adult sized ATVs, but his specialty was yet to come. Seeing the need to improve the youth racing scene, Bud spent many nights in the back of his Fischer Cycle Honda dealership fine-tuning the first-ever high performance made-for-racing youth chassis, now known as the Fischer First Generation Mini.

Over the years Bud perfected his design and built jigs to try to mass produce the frames. Meanwhile he continued to spend countless hours sculpting the Pine Lake race track, promoting his GNC National and managing the Fischer Cycle Sales Honda (and later Kymco) Dealership. With so many irons in the kettle Bud was too understaffed and overworked to succeed at mass producing his frames to the extent he originally planned. Fortunately, for the good of the sport, JB Racing and soon after Hetrick Racing used Buds’ design to continue making machines for the important 90 Mod class. For without this class, many up and coming youth riders may have left or never bothered with the sport as there was not (and still isn’t) a machine available that is able to fulfill the 12-15 age advanced level.

Now days, regardless as to what name is on the mini quad, just about the entire field at any typical GNC or WPSA National uses Bud’s first and second generation chassis design. These frames and components have and still are being used to sculpt careers out of today and tomorrow’s quad racing stars!

With the facts in hand you now have a better idea of just how important Bud Fischer has been to the growth of ATV racing as a whole. You now also have a better understanding of what he is capable of fabricating. With this said, let’s take a closer look at Fischer Cycle Racing’s latest release, the new-from-the-ground-up Fischer CRF150. Trust us this machine is about to gather a lot of attention.

 

Third Generation
“I really took my time and made sure we hit a home run with this one,” says Fischer. His goal was to build a chassis capable of winning championships, yet utilize parts readily available from the Honda.

Bud’s First Generation frames used parts from Honda’s 250X. His Second Generation frames used 250R parts, which are now hard to find and expensive. For his Third Generation of frame, Bud uses parts that are competitively priced and readily available from three machines; the 450R, TRX90 and CRF150.

Only the seat, rear fenders and gas tank are used from the TRX90. All the rest of the parts needed to make this machine race worthy are either CRF 150 bike or 450R quad. “I spent over three weeks just making the plastic, radiator and tank work together so each respective stock part would simple bolt into place with no modification whatsoever,” boasts Fischer. The crafty frame design allows a factory-like look and feel yet lets its owner use proven reliable parts that are readily available without the need to modify them to fit. Now that’s impressive!

Bud strived to make sure the sprockets lined up perfectly and the swingarm pivot was in line with the countershaft sprocket. He succeeded and the Fischer CRF150 performs flawlessly because of his careful attention to every detail. Fischer’s Round Tube MX Swingarm is seen with the CRF Pro Linkage package and a Custom Axis rear shock. All totaled you’ll get 12 inches of travel and an extremely plush ride. Its 450R front plastic grafts perfectly with the new-style TRX90 tank and seat. All the while the TRX90 rear plastic meets up with the front like they were planned to do so. What’s more the plastic and tank contour perfectly with the 450R radiator. Even the stock 450R front bumper and rear grab will bolt on the Fischer frame. Take a look at the pictures to better realize the effort that went into making this machine look like it just rolled off the line at Honda.

When the machine is complete the Fischer CRF150 ends up being a tad bit bigger than a TRX 90, (an inch and half taller at the seat to be exact), but the machine compares more to a highly modified Pro level 450R than even the trickest TRX90 in the country.

We’re testing the first unit to roll out of the Fischer Cycle Racing shot. Typically the first of anything usually has bugs to report, but not if you’ve made as many frames and components as Bud Fischer has. This specific machine was designed and built for Trafford, PA’s Glenn Massung after Glenn wanted to race the WPSA Series and take full advantage of their 150cc fourstroke allowance. Unfortunately for Glenn a broke wrist changes his plans for this year, but he plans to be a front runner in next year’s series. “Bud is amazing,” says 14 year old Glenn. “I didn’t think it would end up this good. It hooks up and handles amazingly and looks awesome too. I’m thrilled to have the first one!”

Media Allstar rider, DJ Spurling proved just how tough Fischer built minis are by finishing third overall in the extremely competitive WPSA Powersports Tour Supermini class. The quad he rode (pictured here) was also used to win championships for Nathan Dallas over five years ago.

Trafford, PA’s Glenn Massung is the happy owner of Bud’s best Fischer Cycle Racing product to date, the new Fischer CRF150 mini.

Engine
Pull to the line with this bad boy and the competition will definitely get a little nervous. The CRF150 thumper with some mild Fischer motor work makes 32 horsepower, with the right gearing can reach 67mph and revs at over 1400 rpm. All this on a machine that weighs in at under 300 pounds means a lot. Last year was the last year for the CR80 twostroke. Honda replaced the potent little 80cc screamer with a modern day 150cc fourstroke and gave it a worthy name in CRF. As for Bud’s Third Generation frame design, it was also time to pair a new modern day motor to match his impressive new chassis design. The match couldn’t be more obvious.

In stock form the CRF150 handles itself very well. At over 14000 RMPs this baby revs to the moon, more than the 80cc twostrokes did. Since Bud has tinkered with motors since he was five years old, it’s an understatement when we say he’s no novice when it comes to engine work. Glenn should be so lucky. Thanks to Bud his new quad got the royal treatment. Bud ported the cylinder and polished the head. He also taper bored the carb and added a trick duel exhaust system so Glen would really stand out in the now crowded mini ranks.

In stock form the 150 is much faster than the old school CR80, now it flat out flies. What’s more is there are currently all kinds of performance enhancing goodies available for Honda’s new CRF150 engine. The future looks good for this impressive little thumper.

Keeping with his theme of retaining stock components, we’re happy to report that the entire CRF150 intake system bolts right into place on the Fischer frame, this includes the stock intake, stock manifold, stock air boot and stock high performance FCR carburetor. Glenn’s machine features a trick aluminum air box but the entire CRF air box (including the stock air filter) bolts right into the Fischer frame as well with no modification needed. All this equates to a fuss-free reliable machine that doesn’t require a custom made intake manifold or anything of the sort. Keep your grinder on the shelf Everything you need is available at your Honda dealer or even better straight off the used CRF150 you buy on EBay.

The CRF150 is a revver. It makes its power up high on the top, therefore you’ll want to ride it like a two stroke and really stay on the revs. Once hammered down, this baby hauls the mail! It’s amazing that a 150cc machine can rip like Glenn’s quad does. The mini 450 barks like a big boy too. It’s sound is unique and much cooler than a wound to the hilt 80cc two stroke if you ask us.

Intake to the left, exhaust to the right. As for the very important intake side of the engine, Bud purposely utilized the entire stock CRF carb, air box, filter, manifold and air boot. No modification is needed and the engine gets a good hassle-free reliable source of air that equates to good performance the entire moto and beyond. As for Bud’s custom made duel exhaust system, we’re pretty sure no additional performance is obtained but the duel unit sure does look cool and the sound it makes while under load will get trackside spectators to sit up in their lawn chairs. Its distinctive bark is way cool!

 

Suspension
What sets Fischer’s current design apart from his past projects is the fact that this Third Generation design truly is a long travel suspended racer. Up front it uses 20″ long shocks. In the rear it takes full advantage of Honda’s impressive CRF Pro Linkage system. The rear suspension really gives the quad a plush ride with a superb progressive shock travel ratio. All the while a massive 12 inches of suspension is obtained both front and rear!

Bud purposely made sure his swingarm length was the same length as the stock CRF bike’s. In this the stock CRF shock bolts right into the Fischer frame and since the suspension ratios are the same as the bike’s the rear suspension works just as well as the bike does. However, since Glenn wanted the best components possible, three Custom Axis shocks were used instead, but Bud told us that the stock CRF rear shock works exceptionally well.

As we mentioned Glenn wanted Bud to spare no cost and deliver the best racer possible. That’s why the first installment of Fischer’s soon to come Third Generation CRF150s was fitted with a set of Custom Axis shocks with titanium springs. What’s more Custom Axis worked hand in hand with Fischer to assure the shocks were dialed in perfectly for this hot new quad, Glenn’s weight and his riding style. “It floats through whoops like they’re not there and lands monster jumps like a marshmallow,” explains Bud on the ulta-smooth ride.

Building a project from the ground up means a lot of precise planning. Even large manufacturers have made big mistakes that greatly effect handling and reliability. One missed calculation and something as important like lining up the sprockets properly can mean going back to the drawing board, or even worse — starting over from scratch. Once again we’re happy to report more good news for future Third Generation Fischer frame buyers. Unlike the 450R where the countershaft sprocket is higher than the swingarm pivot, and its chain gets loose when its suspension goes through its travel, Fischer’s CRF150’s front countershaft sprocket is indeed in line with the swingarm pivot. This doesn’t let the chain tighten or loosen as the quad moves through its wheel travel. With this superb placement the quad will also get better traction, as the machine isn’t wanting to pull up off the ground when under load or after a hard landing. Fischer was also successful in utilizing a stock 450R bearing housing and carrier. The set up allows the rear axle (a TEAM axle in this case) to truly be centered in the chassis.

Ergonomics
The new Fischer CRF150 is a tad bit bigger than a TRX 90. It’s one and half inches taller than the stock TRX90 seat height. Bud tells us he feels the quad will be ideal for riders 5′-0″ – 5′-10″.

Hundred of hours were spent so the stock CRF brake and shift lever would work with no altercations needed. The machine is also able to retain the stock CRF150 kick started with no modification needed at all. The kick starter clears all plastic without any modification to the plastic as well.

In this case, (Glenn’s quad), TAG T2 handle bars are uses with a stock 450R thumb throttle. ASV clutch and front brake levers are added to the bars as are SCOTT Grips. At your feet are a pair of Rath Racing Pro Pegs and nerfs built for a 450R. A Pro Design Kill Switch, a Precision Racing Steering Dampener ITP Holeshot MXRs and Douglas Wheels with beadlocks are used.

Price
Now for the part you’re probably very interested in knowing, the price. If you don’t plan to do some homework and you want a quad just like the one feature here (Glenn Massung’s), Fischer’s can deliver the finished product for around $15-$20 $18,000. Now for those that are willing to do some homework you can have something very similar for far less cash. You can buy a Fischer CRF150 chassis, which includes the swing arm, A-arms and steering stem for $6000. Find a used 450R and a used CRF150, sell the parts you don’t need and utilize the ones you do. In the end, if you’re willing to work a little, you’ll save a ton of money and still have what we will go ahead and call an advantage in the Pro-level youth class in 2008.

Our Ride Impression
We got a chance to ride Fischer’s incredible new mini. The first thing we noticed was a flat spot in the CRF’s carburetor that effect low end power. “Just wind the piss out of it,” said Bud. He was right. When we rode the quad more like a two stroke the problem disappeared. [Fischer already has a fix for the low end flat spot of the powerband]. Once on the pipe (or maybe we should say pipes, since theirs two of them in this case), the CRF thumper shoved the four wheeled Fischer chassis forward phenomenally well.

After stepping of this incredible new machine, rubbing the water out of our eyes and catching our breath all each of us could say was “Holy @#%@!!!” The word mini needs to be removed from your first impression altogether. As far as we’re concerned “Pro-Level Ultra light” is far more appropriate in this case. If a 5′-10″ 170 pound man could ride this machine just as fast as a 450, is it really a mini youth quad? To be a little more serious, of course a 450cc can out-power the 150cc. We will say however with far less weight and size – throwing this baby around was a complete blast! If you like to ride yourself junior may never get a turn.

In our tests we clocked this bad boy at a whopping 67mph! Shifting was Honda-smooth, braking effortless and handling absolutely outstanding. The Pro-level Custom Axis suspension seemed to laugh at what we put it through. No joke, we could blitz through choppy terrain effortlessly, all the while, never cramped or bound on the machine. The suspension was very plush. Actually too soft, but we had to keep reminding ourselves Fischer’s new racer was designed for youth racing and youths are typically almost half our weight.

Bud tells us he can easily lower the machine and add a sway bar and it will be equally as potent on the TT course as it is on the motocross track.

What’s To Come
As you can see Bud has created an incredible new machine in the Fischer CRF150. As of press time we do not know if the ATVA will change the rules on its 90 Mod class to allow 150cc fourstrokes. We have the feeling they will. Another possibility for this machine could arise if Bud could convince decision makers at the WPSA and GNC to allow a new non production 250cc class. If so, a high performance liquid cooled fourstroke 250cc dirt bike engine could easily be mounted in the new Fischer frame. “I would be willing to bet that this machine with a 250cc engine could log faster lap times than a 450, depending on the track,” explains Bud of the possibilities. Regardless of whether the class gets added or not. If you’re a smaller rider that wants something different this might be an option to look at. Maybe you already have a 250cc dirt bike and want to go four-wheeling instead. If so, this might be the perfect quad for you.

Conclusion
They say that the third time is a charm. In this case we would have to agree. Fischer’s Third Generation of mini quads will be the hot ticket to the winner’s circle for serious National Championship contenders in 2008. As you’ve read above this quad is very fast, but also very expensive, so winning that Supermini Championship wont come cheap. But for those that take their National points chasing very serious, this new quad is for you.

We were already big admirers of Bud Fischer and his Fischer Cycle Racing products. Fischer’s Third Generation CRF150’s superb handling characteristics fits nicely with its extremely fast Honda CRF150 powerplant. We predict that this combination will be very hard to beat in next year’s Pro-level youth racing scene. What’s more impressive in our eyes is the fact that this quad is engineered to utilize many of Honda’s 450R and CRF 150 parts – so there’s no wild goose chase to score needed parts when it’s time to race prep the machine throughout the season.

So there you have it. As far as we’re concerned Fischer has essentially imposed an overwhelming level of shock and awe on next year’s Supermini battlefield. If you’ve got the cash and your son or daughter has the ability to ride this machine to its full potential — the enemy wont stand a chance! Pulling this bad-to-the-bone mini to the line just may scare the competition to surrender. If not the Fischer CRF150 is outrageous firepower. Once on the track we predict heavy casualties for the competition.

Fischer Cycle CRF 150
Engine
Piston	Wiseco
Bore	Stock
Stroke	Stock
CDI Box	Stock
Clutch	Stock
Exhaust	Fischer Custom Duel
Cam	Web Cam
Starter	Stock Kick
Carb	Keihn Stock
Horsepower	32hp
Top Speed	MX Gearing 67mph
Bore & Stroke	Stock
Chassis
Frame	Fischer Third Generation
A-arms	Fischer MX
Swingarm	Fischer’s Round Tube MX
Steering Stem	Fischer Anti-Vibe
Axle	TRX 450R TEAM
Front Shocks	Custom Axis Piggy Back Res with Titanium Springs
Rear Shock	Custom Axis with CRF 150 Linkage
Dry Weight:	295lbs
Controls
Pegs	Pro Peg
Bars	TAG T2
Clutch lever	ASV
Handguards	none
Grips	SCOTT
Throttle	TRX 450R
Tether Kill Switch	Pro Design
Shifter	Stock CRF 150
Brake Pedal	Stock CRF 150
Steering Stabilizer	Precision
Other:
Spindles	04’-05’ TRX 450R
Hubs	04’-05’ TRX450R
Gas Tank.	’06 TRX 90
Gearing	15/45
Front Bumper	Rath TRX450R
Rear Grab Bar	Rath TRX450R
Nerf Bars	Rath TRX450R
Fuel	VP
Oil	AMSOIL
Chain	DID O Ring 428
Fenders	Rear: ’06 TRX90, Front ‘06TRX450R
Brakes	’04-’05 TRX450R
Rear Wheels	8×8 Douglas with beadlocks
Front Wheels	10×5 DID 4/1 offset
Rear Tires	ITP Holeshot MXR 6
Front Tires	ITP Holeshot MXR