The Original Aftermarket Crankshaft – Made in USA Since 1993
Hot Rods is the original and longest-lasting member of the C&L Companies powersports portfolio, manufacturing replacement crankshafts and connecting rods since 1993. Founded by Curt Leaverton—an Iowa State mechanical engineer whose passion for dirt bikes led him to design a connecting rod for his beloved OSSA—Hot Rods has become the authority for off-road engine components. What started as one connecting rod design has grown into the highest quality and broadest range of OE replacement crankshafts available for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles.
No stone goes unturned in the name of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and performance. Hot Rods crankshafts are machined to within 0.001 inches of tolerance for big horsepower gains and years of reliable performance. Every part meets OEM specifications for fitment while meeting or exceeding OEM performance standards. From initial design to production-line manufacturing, Hot Rods works closely with factory partners to ensure every detail is perfect.
Heavy Duty Crankshafts
Hot Rods heavy duty crankshafts are the premier alternative to OEM replacement. Sold complete and ready for installation with the original proven Hot Rods connecting rods, top end bearings, and crankshaft webs. Factory assembled and trued to OEM specifications, Hot Rods cranks meet or surpass OEM crankshafts in performance and durability. All crankshafts are fully rebuildable, allowing you to service and restore them rather than replace entirely.
Stroker Crankshafts
Hot Rods stroker crankshafts add displacement for serious power gains. Long-stroke applications are available for popular ATV platforms including Yamaha Banshee, Yamaha Warrior, Yamaha Raptor, and Honda TRX 400. Hot Rods developed special pistons for these applications, making installations fast and simple by avoiding additional machine work typically required for stroker engines. Stroker cranks are trued to within 0.001" from the factory and are completely rebuildable.
Connecting Rods
Hot Rods connecting rods are double-forged for strength and designed for high-RPM engines. Heavy duty forged steel construction uses certified 8620 AISI steel for superior strength. The uniquely designed big end features strategically located side scalloping vent slots to minimize high-RPM bearing race distortion. Bronze bushings in the small end reduce piston pin galling, and shot peening eliminates stress risers while improving fatigue durability two times over standard forged rods.
Crankpins are manufactured from hot-rolled ASTM 4115 steel and case hardened to 58-62Rc. Hot Rods uses the latest caged needle roller bearing designs for high-RPM longevity. Thrust washers are bronze phosphor with silver coating. Rod assemblies are sold complete with connecting rod, crankpin, crankpin bearing, top end bearing, and thrust washers. Compatible with Hot Rods and OEM crankshafts. Made in USA at the Hot Rods Iowa facility.
Bottom End Kits
Hot Rods bottom end kits make engine rebuilding easy by providing everything needed to complete crankshaft installation. Kits include Hot Rods crankshaft, main bearings and seals kit (main seals included when applicable), plus a complete engine gasket set with all gaskets and seals for a full engine rebuild. Choose between heavy duty OE replacement crankshafts or heavy duty stroker crankshafts depending on your performance goals. One kit, one complete bottom end rebuild.
Top & Bottom End Kits
For complete engine rebuilds, Hot Rods top and bottom end kits include everything needed: Hot Rods crankshaft, main bearings and seals, complete gasket kit, and Wiseco piston. These comprehensive kits take the guesswork out of parts sourcing and ensure all components work together for reliable performance.
Main Bearing & Seal Kits
Hot Rods main bearing and seal kits complement the full line of heavy duty OEM replacement and stroker crankshafts for both two-stroke and four-stroke applications. Built to the highest quality standards that meet or exceed OEM specifications. These kits work for rebuilding both Hot Rods crankshafts and OEM cranks.
Water Pump Repair Kits
Hot Rods water pump repair kits include water pump cover gasket or O-ring, water pump shaft bearing(s), and seal(s) to repair leaking water pump seals and failed bearings. Precision micro bearings provide OE quality and durability. Water pump shafts are also available separately for worn shaft replacement.
Transmission & Countershaft Components
Transmission bearing kits are essential for installing and repairing transmission or engine cases. Countershaft seal kits allow quick replacements to prevent oil leaks. Hot Rods provides the supporting components needed to keep your entire drivetrain performing.
Quality You Can Count On
Hot Rods never buys excess inventory from factories and liquidators like some sellers do. Every product is designed and evaluated by people who live for powersports. The team rides and races using their own crankshafts and connecting rods in dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs to ensure high-performance expectations are met. Over 25 years of quality aftermarket crankshafts and connecting rods—riders worldwide rely on Hot Rods for championship-level performance.
Vehicle Coverage
We stock Hot Rods crankshafts, connecting rods, and rebuild kits for Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Polaris, Can-Am, Arctic Cat, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, and more. From CR and YZ motocross bikes to Raptor and TRX sport quads, Grizzly and Sportsman utility ATVs, RZR and Ranger UTVs—Hot Rods has engine components for your machine.
Shop the complete Hot Rods collection at Dune Goons. Fast shipping from Oregon.