This Off-Road Machine Eats Mountains for Breakfast

When it comes to extreme off-road machines, rock bouncers sit at the pinnacle of insanity. These purpose-built rigs defy gravity, conquer impossible terrain, and pack enough horsepower to make your head spin. Among these mechanical monsters, “Bad Influence” stands tall as one of the most impressive builds to hit the rock bouncing scene.

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4 Link Explanation Hydro steering Rear 4 link Fuel cell Engine and trans mounting Center of gravity Stainless 2 1/8" headers Cockpit setup Crankcase venting and fluid containment Final touches

The masterminds at Busted Knuckle Offroad, led by fabrication wizard Jake Burkey, poured countless hours into creating this wheeled beast. Bad Influence isn’t just another rock bouncer - it’s a 125-inch wheelbase monster with a supercharged LSX454 powerplant that screams “overkill” in the best possible way.

What makes this build special isn’t just raw power (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the chassis design, suspension geometry, and drivetrain components. The tubular chassis uses DOM steel tubing - the gold standard for strength-to-weight ratio in extreme off-road applications - forming a cage that’s both protective and purposeful.

The suspension setup features massive coilovers with 16-inch travel, allowing this beast to absorb the harshest hits when launching off boulders at speed. The front and rear links are precisely engineered to maintain optimal geometry throughout the suspension cycle, keeping those meaty tires planted when the going gets rough.

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Dyno runs How HP is measured Finished Owner Reveal Test Drive

When it comes to power, Bad Influence is absolutely mental. The supercharged LSX454 engine was dyno-tuned to deliver approximately 600 horsepower to the wheels, with estimates of around 1,500 horsepower at the crank. That’s enough grunt to spin those massive tires from idle and launch this 4,400-pound rig up near-vertical rock faces without breaking a sweat.

During the dyno session, you might notice they didn’t swap to “dyno tires” - there’s a method to this madness. As the Busted Knuckle team explains, they’re not chasing maximum horsepower numbers; they’re tuning the engine specifically for the tires that’ll be used in competition. It’s this kind of practical thinking that separates the pros from the amateurs in the rock bouncing world.

The driver’s compartment is purpose-built for battle, with a race seat positioned to give the driver the best possible view of the terrain ahead—though with that massive hood housing the supercharged V8, visibility directly in front remains challenging. Controls are positioned for quick access, and the steering wheel is perfectly placed for maximum leverage when wrestling this beast through technical sections.

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Listen to that sound 454 Power

In its competition debut, Bad Influence proved its worth immediately. Despite being Matt Schuessler’s first race in the new rig and only his second time driving it, he managed to secure a podium finish. That’s a testament both to Matt’s driving skill and the quality of the build. As one commenter aptly put it, “Give Matt some seat time and I think the rest of the big guys are in trouble!”

What makes rock bouncers like Bad Influence so impressive is that they’re not just about raw power—they’re about applying that power effectively. The rear-steer capability allows for tight maneuvering in technical sections, while the massive suspension travel soaks up landings that would break lesser vehicles in half. The throttle response is immediate, allowing drivers to modulate power precisely when needed.

If you’re wondering about the price tag for such a machine, brace yourself. While basic rock bouncers start around $85,000, Bad Influence reportedly cost well over $200,000 to build. That’s supercar territory, but you won’t see a Ferrari climbing a near-vertical rock face or catching air over boulder fields.

The rock bouncing community has embraced Bad Influence with open arms, recognizing the craftsmanship and engineering that went into its creation. With its menacing stance, earth-shaking sound, and ability to conquer terrain that would make mountain goats nervous, this rig represents the pinnacle of what’s possible when skilled fabricators and drivers push the boundaries of off-road performance.

For those of us who can only dream of owning such a machine, we can at least enjoy watching it perform. And perform it does - with a roar that echoes through the hills and enough power to rearrange the landscape, Bad Influence lives up to its name by tempting every off-road enthusiast to make questionable financial decisions in pursuit of ultimate rock bouncing glory.