This year, Velomotors engineers and developers accomplished extensive work on upgrading its STELS GUEPARD flagship quad bike. Many components of this powerful utility quad bike were strengthened and improved, with some of them being substituted by more robust and reliable ones.

Below is a report on the accomplished work, with detailed descriptions of the changes.

Suspension axles improved

• Surface smoothness of suspension axles was improved and, as a result, their wear rate was reduced and service life increased.
• The issue of introducing suspension axles with greater working surface hardness in the ATV design is currently being worked on.

New wheels

New cast wheels from KiK LLC are being installed.

New rear-view mirrors

New rear-view mirrors from VICMA are being installed, which improves the view from the driver's seat.

Upgraded fuel tanks

The body thickness of the fuel tank was increased, which improves its stiffness and provides more stable dimensions.

The fuel pump cover material was changed, which allows preventing its disintegration.

Front upper levers strengthened

The front suspension upper levers were strengthened with U-shaped brackets to prevent them from bending in extreme operating conditions.

Grease nipples introduced on suspension levers

It is now possible to 'spray-grease' suspension levers to protect them from dirt and corrosion, which makes it possible to increase the service life of these assemblies.

New exhaust system

The vehicle received a new exhaust system, which reduces thermal load in the ATV's internal space.

Additional strengthening of rear lower levers

The torsional stiffness of the rear suspension lower levers was improved by increasing the thickness of the tubes used. This modification allows preventing lever deformation in extreme operating modes.

New starter relay

The serially-produced starter relay was replaced with another version, which has more stable operability indicators.

Improved front brake pads

The front brake pads were replaced with higher performance pads.

Tubes instead of ventilation valves

Due to insufficient operating capacity of gearbox ventilation valves in winter time, they were replaced with high quality rubber-textile hoses, which were connected to the ATV's common drainage system.

Universal wire harness

• A universal wire harness is now used on all Guepard ATV models.
• Relay for EPS disconnection in Ignition Off was added.

Rear cardan shaft protection

A removable rear cardan shaft protector was installed near the fuel tank in order to improve the ATV operation safety.

Equipment preservation

To reduce the likelihood of corrosion during storage and initial operation, additional preservation is now performed on the ATV assemblies and parts that are most exposed to the external environment.

Brake system routing

Brake system routing was improved, which allowed preventing brake hose abrasion spots and improving the reliability of this system.

Rear cam upgraded

The ATV's rear suspension cam design was elaborated to provide access to grease nipples without taking the unit apart by removing the brake disk.

New painting line was built for frames and welded assemblies

Painting of frames and other welded assemblies is now performed on the new painting line, with parts being prewashed in a phosphate solution.

Current work:

• improving hydrographics quality (selection of new materials and components, testing)
• transition to suspension bushings from graphite-reinforced material with higher strength and lower friction coefficient;
• installation of dust boots on lever fixing elements to increase the service life of suspension elements;
• further upgrades to the main universal wire harness to increase its functionality and the ATV's energy efficiency in general;
• further upgrades to the ATV's instrument panel to improve its functionality, reduce energy consumption and improve its reliability;
• improvements to the ATV's air filter are planned;
• improvements of quality and service life of articulated components: ball joints and steering rod ends;
• ongoing tests of a new design of lower suspension levers, with a curved shape to improve geometric practicability; the ongoing transition to a reinforced version of the luggage carrier fastening — from M6 thread to M8 thread, in order to expand the luggage carrier's functionality and allow its usage with greater payload;
• selection of a new battery supplier;
• increasing generator power;
• upgrading the steering system in order to improve steering control, reduce force on the steering wheel and improve steering comfort.

Many changes have already been implemented, others will be installed as new components are received before the end of 2018.

Presentation of STELS GUEPARD Quad Bike Upgrades