While not all of
us may race, I'm pretty certain every
one of us rides, so properly prepped
machinery is just as important for all
of us. I'm sure some of this will sound
too basic for the mechanically inclined,
but not all ATV riders are blessed with
those inclinations. Let's face it, we
all have that riding buddy who has to
muster everything in his mechanical
arsenal just to put gas in his/her quad;
this article is kind of for them.
Use this quick
list and perform your checks before
every ride.
Skill Well
Elementary [1/5]
Tools
Required
Filter cleaner and oil, low-pressure air
gauge, open-end wrench set, basic
3/8-inch socket set with ratchet,
Phillips head screwdriver
Summary
Perform routine basic maintenance before
every ride or race in order to keep your
machine running and handling properly.
 1.
Clean your air filter. Locate
your airbox (usually under your
seat), and remove the lid. If
you've never done this, your
filter will probably be the
filthy object clamped inside of
the airbox. Remove filter and
replace lid to keep out debris.
Spray the filter with filter
cleaner or a Simple Green-type
product and let it soak for five
minutes; hose the filter from
the inside out until it's free
of oil and gunk; let dry |
2. Oil your air filter. Once the
filter is completely dry, coat
it with filter oil. Please note
that foam filters and K&N-style
filters use different types of
oil. Paper filters should be
replaced entirely |
 3.
Check your tire pressure. This
is pretty self-explanatory.
Remove your valve stem cap,
check the tire pressure, add or
remove air according to the
tire's specs. Adjust all four
tires. If you decide not to, you
risk an ill-handling quad or
even flats |
 4.
Check your lug nuts. Tighten all
of the lug nuts; they don't have
to be gorilla tight, just
regular human tightness will do.
This step is important, as you
don't want those wheels working
their way loose while out riding |
 5.
Check your oil level, if you
race, and change your oil and
filter. Each machine varies in
the steps necessary to perform
an oil level check; where they
don't vary is that the steps
necessary are always listed in
your owner's manual. Our best
advice would be to follow those
instructions. If you race your
machine, you should change the
oil and filter after every race |
 6.
Check your coolant. This one is
simple if your machine is
liquid-cooled; merely open the
top of the radiator and fill 'er
up. We recommend consistency in
your coolant type or brand. Many
aftermarket coolants are
incompatible |
 7.
Finger-check all visible bolts.
You would be surprised at the
number of things that rattle
loose on your ATV. The best way
to avoid a missing-bolt-related
incident is to perform a basic
finger tightness test; if they
move, tighten them |
 8.
Check your fuel and fuel filter.
Take the time to check the fuel.
I won't insult your intelligence
with steps on this one |
 9.
Lube your chain. A can of chain
lube will go a long way in
extending a chain's life. Simply
coat the entire chain after
every wash or before every ride.
WD-40 or a good penetrating lube
such as Maxima's MPPL will do |
 10.
Adjust your controls (i.e.,
levers, handlebar and brake
pedal). Sit on your machine and
make sure each and every control
is easily reachable when in your
riding position. Most perches
and controls are held in place
by either two Phillips head
screws or 8mm bolts. Loosen,
adjust and retighten. |
