If you were wondering what Vento would put their 400 cc 3 cylinder engine into, the first vehicle installation has been announced, it’s the Vento Reptile 400 ATV. It looks like it should do very well in that platform but a lot of us will be interested to see what the motorcycles look like when those are introduced.
Press release follows:
Vento Motorcycles, U.S.A., a manufacturer of distinctive motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and off-road bikes for motorcyclists and power sports enthusiasts around the world, today announced the unveiling of “Reptile 400,†the first three-cylinder engine sports/recreation all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Designed exclusively by Vento, the patent-pending 400cc engine and frame designs were conceptualized in the United States.
The first middle-weight, sports-recreational ATV designed and manufactured from the ground up by Vento, the Reptile 400 is powered by a 392 cc dual overhead cam, four stroke in-line triple-cylinder engine, and air cooled with an oil cooling radiator. Equipped with a five speed manual transmission with reverse and electric start system, the 400cc engine produces enough torque to move from a dead stop even in second gear.
The Reptile has the same dimensions as competition-oriented ATVs, allowing it to comfortably accommodate riders of all sizes, and offers upgraded features such as a powder coated frame for increased scratch resistance, an aluminum front bumper, a metal protector for rear disc brake and chain sprocket, and a reinforced steel rear swing arm for greater durability. Dampening and compression shock absorbers with piggyback reservoirs can be fully adjusted without the need for tools, to accommodate any type of terrain or riding style on-the-fly.
“The entire Vento team is particularly proud to introduce the new Reptile as it is proof of our renewed commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products to our consumers around the world,†stated Mario Cisneros, Marketing Director at Vento. “To ensure that our products live up to the high quality and build standards that we have established, as well as create the visual appeal that is uniquely Vento, we designed the Reptile from the ground up with our own unique engine, frame and body designs, and brought the assembly into our U.S. assembly plant where we can closely monitor the entire assembly process and enforce our stringent quality assurance program. But beyond the build-quality, the new Reptile was designed with versatility in mind, offering advanced features and ample power to excite experienced riders, while also incorporating novice-friendly features and a full-sized, comfortable fit, to instill confidence in newer riders as well.â€
Source: Vento
Bryce says
The more I hear about this engine, the more I’m looking forward to the day I can slap one into some lightweight moped frame and make it a cafe racer.
seattle says
I am unclear whether Vento buys Chinese scooters/motorcycles and rebrands them or buys engines from the QianJiang factory in China and then assembles their own versions. Either way, people are complaining about the quality of the product, the warranty not being honored, and lack of service and mechanics. I suppose people are rightly upset because Vento claims to offer a 3 Year/5000 Mile powertrain warranty and 1 Year tire to tire warranty. Perhaps they would do better to offer a 1 Year warranty that they honored and also ensure that every dealer had an experienced mechanic and good parts availability.
I’m not trying to bash Vento; rather I’m intrigued by this I3 engine and hopeful that they are going in a new direction. Polaris/Victory claims to be a real motorcycle manufacturer with only one engine; their 100cu used in the Vegas, Hammer, Kingpin, and Vision (106cu) and the first three models I listed simply look like versions of the same cruiser to me. I don’t see why Vento couldn’t be a real powersports company with that I3 engine if they built innovative and modern designs.
In addition to this ATV with the I3 engine, I would love to see a takeoff on the Honda Ray Concept from the 2007 Bangkok show and other naked scooter/motorcycle crossovers (think Sachs Madass) and something that looks like the Ducati Monza 250 Custom featured on the Kneeslider. Additionally, they should find a good American manufacture of industrial quality IVT transmissions (perhaps a hydraulic system) that has some real punch and offer it as an option on their small motorcycles and ATVs for an additional charge. Dump the scooters; Americans would rather have a small automatic motorcycle than a scooter (e.g. Gilera DNA which is not imported to the USA). I could use a small city bike for tramping around town and I’m not looking for the cheapest bike on the market. Hopefully there will be a Vento in my garage some day.
aaron says
triples are cool.
small engines are cool.
pathetically low specific horsepower? not cool.
but once these get to 55+ hp at the wheel, and are as reliable as a honda…. sign me up!
todd says
Some people only need enough power to break the speed limits. 30HP will get you to 100mph and makes a bike quicker than almost any car on the road. At least it does in the Ninja 250 and then some. How in the world is that pathetic?
-todd
aaron says
the basis for my current project made 33hp stock. It’s a stone age thumper. and comparing a modern 400 to a 20 year old 250 doesn’t make it look better. it’s 60% the size of a triumph 675, but makes less than 30% the power… even my 25 year old yamaha seca 400 twin made something like 40 horsepower…
in a budget commuter bike 30hp is adequate (ish… whatever a virago 250 makes wasen’t quite enough for me)
but for it to step beyond the 2 wheeled equivalent of a kia or daewoo I’d like a little more. at least what my “vintage” honda 400f puts out. (and even that struggles to break 95mph with a good deal more than 30hp)
dave says
This is NOT a “modern” motor. It *IS* a Honda 250 rebel/nighthawk derivative. The internals have been changed in the respect of a 3rd cyl. Not much else has been changed.
Having spoken to Drysdale about the output, he told me that it’s running about 38bhp in “stock” trim. Not sure how much tweaking it’ll accept. We’ll just have to wait and see… And as far as “real” performance, an uber-lightweight frameset built with modern materials and components would make this motor a BEAST.
Also, having had a prototype in my hands, I’d say it weighs in @ about 90 lbs… maybe a little more. Specs on the streetbike I’ve worked-up should hit about 300-325lbs. With 17″ supermoto wheels, and the correct gearing, you’ll be able to kill yourself on this thing just as easy as a CBR1000…
RH says
It is starting to look to me like a mini-Laverda Jota engine.
Any prices on the complete engine (That means with carbs, ignition, starter, and complete charging system)?
Blaine Newell says
Hi there. The needs of an ATV and those of a street bike, are very different. For the ATV, low end and midrange torque are very important. These things are used for hill climbing and running in the mud. So, hopefully, they have the cams set up for this. If so, when they put it into a street bike, it should be rather simple to get more power out of it. I run a hopped up Buell Blast. It’s not fast. I installed a big bore kit with high compression piston, and after market cams. I wanted an increase in low end and midrange. For a 500cc single, it’s lots of fun. Tops speed is only a little over 100mph. But, I can leave it in 3rd, and roll on an off the gas, between 20 and 75mph. Loads of fun on a twisty road. Blaine
aaron says
Ian was involved in the design? (or was consulted at some point?) I did not know that. he’s mentioned working with a chinese company on a new motor, but I don’t recall him ever mentioning this. I’ll have to ask him about this thing.
If it makes 38 at the wheel, that would be good enough for me in a 300lb (wet) one-off. additionally, 400cc it the insurance cutoff for extremely cheap insurance where I live…