General Maintenance Tips of an ATV

You could take an ATV to a service shop to help keep up with your service schedule, however there are some basic maintenance service checks you could do in the comfort of your own garage.  This is  to help save you some money and, in fact, educate you on mechanical and operational ATV aspects.

Some of the fastest ways to ruin your ATV would be to crash it, but there are some other ways to ruin it as well.  From neglecting the minor maintenance issues to learning the hardest way that your ATV isn’t a fantastic swimmer, here are some easy ways to run your ATV to the graveyard. The best way to protect your ATV is to buy ATV covers and use them whenever you can.

1.     Never changing the oil. This is one of the worst things you can do to any engine so make sure you change the oil according to the manual.

2.     Never cleaning the air filter. If you think that a louder engine sounds better and a clogged up air filter will give you that, then you are right. However, what happens when your engine stops because your engine gives out because of it?

3.     Never Tighten Your Bolts. If you think that your nuts and bolts will just magically tighten themselves, you are wrong.

4.     Submerging It. Your ATV isn’t made to swim.

5.     Crashing it. “ATV” doesn’t stand for bumper cars.

6.     You Never Wash It. If you never wash your ATV because you think it looks cool, what happens when you can’t ride it anymore? Or what about when you have to crack that wallet open and shell out hundreds of dollars?

7.     Never Change The Fuel. If you do not ride it regularly, you still have to change out the fuel.

Crucial Items To Bring On A Motorcycle Road Trip

Motorcycle trips are the best way to see the country and enjoy the beauty of the open road. You know though that when you are planning a trip, there is a myriad of items you need to bring, but space is a consideration on what you truly can pack. While a motorcycle cover should be an item you never leave home without, there are also some other crucial road trip items.  

A tool kit should be an item you take with you whether you’re going cross country or across the town in which you live. Being stranded roadside when you know that a simple tool could have fixed the problem is not something you want to face. What to carry? At a bare minimum, you need: duct tape, wire cutters, a wrench or pliers and a CO2 cartridge to fix for a flat tire.

Carrying items such as bulbs, chain oil, spark plugs and fuses are also a good idea. These small, but crucial, motorcycle parts could leave you stranded but if you have them, a quick fix will let you get back on the road again.  

First aid kits are crucial whether on a motorcycle trip or a car trip. Keeping items to administer first aid for burns, scratches, bug bites, sunburns and even pain relievers is always a great plan. Your first aid kit should carry the basics – the above mentioned items and bandaids – in addition to items to address any specific medical needs. The use of a GPS, whether on your telephone or a stand alone device, is also a road trip must have.  

Taking your motorcycle in for an inspection before you hit the road is also a great pre-check task. This helps assure you that all is in working order before your vacation

How to Restore the Dead Battery of Your ATV

If you are an outdoors person, chances are pretty high that you own an ATV or All Terrain Vehicle. These maneuverable “cats” are becoming more and more popular as years pass; however, they are only as good as the maintenance you perform. They are expensive in the first place depending on the model and repairing them due to poor upkeep can be even more costly so it is important that regular maintenance is kept.

Simple things like using an ATV cover to throw over your vehicle when you are not using it can actually be a huge help. In fact, did you know that one of the biggest problems with an ATV is a dead battery? This can be due to leaving lights on or battery corrosion or a number of other things. The good news is that you can ensure that these sorts of things do not happen.

If you do find yourself with a dead battery, there are a couple of things that you can do to remedy the issue. First, you can try to jump start the dead battery using battery cables connected to an alternate power source. This is probably the most popular of choices. Alternate sources include mobile power boxes, cars, other small vehicles compared to an ATV (for instance a riding lawnmower, etc).

The most important thing to remember is that protection is your greatest ally. When you decide to cover your ATV up, you are ensuring that the elements are not allowed to work their way into damaging your terrain vehicle. In the end it is going to save you time and money.

What to Look for When Purchasing ATV Parts

Are you the proud owner of a new ATV or are you a seasoned rider of one already? If you answered yes to either of these questions, chances are you are going to need some ATV parts at one point or another for as long as you own your machine. But what do you need to look for when you purchase your ATV parts? This article will take a quick peek into some things you need to keep in mind when you have to open your wallet.

Always pick a reputable ATV parts dealer when buying your parts even if it is online. Never buy your parts off sites like eBay or other personal sites because you just never know what you are going to get. If you buy your gear off a business site with known reputation then you will have no issues in getting the parts you need when you need them. For instance, if you need a new ATV cover to replace the old one, just go online and choose a site that has known feedback for great customer service and purchase it. Better yet, see if there is a retail store nearby that has your part.

Another important thought is to make sure if you are replacing parts is that you get the exact part as the one you are replacing. Many people will just guess based on certain information. The best thing to do will be to take the part out or off your ATV and compare it (side by side) to the other part.

ATV Camping Suggestions

While ATV camping can take people to some very secluded destinations, it is imperative to follow a few etiquette tips while camping. Although getting to the campsite location is a large part of the fun, keeping to the ATV trails is crucial. This is an excellent safety measure, as well as a responsibility of all ATV riders. In addition, remaining on the trail assists you in leaving no trace behind. Keeping these camping destinations ideal and beautiful requires us not to disturb nature any more than absolutely needed. By leaving signs of your camping trip behind, you disrupt nature and make it necessary for the next campers to clean up your mess before they can enjoy the natural surroundings.

A sticky situation can present when you reach your favorite camping spot to find someone else is already there. As it is impossible to make a reservation in back woods camping, come equipped with a Plan B, and maybe a Plan C. When you discover other campers in your spot, provide them with the privacy you would hope for. Have other options in mind to establish a campsite far enough away to give the other group respected privacy.

In company with leaving no trace behind, campers need to ensure that they keep proper sanitary conditions. Maintain the natural space so that it stays aesthetically pleasing, along with healthy, by following appropriate sanitation practices. Your camp chef need be particularly sensible about these conditions in order to keep everyone in good health. Along with this, bear in mind that wildlife requires our respect. As a guest in their habitat, follow best practices to keep nature’s environment intact. In addition to this do not feed or otherwise encourage wildlife into your camp space. Ensure your food is properly stored.

As you set up your campsite, apply your ATV cover and space your tents properly. When tents are placed quite close together, all campers are not guaranteed a restful night’s sleep due to snoring or other noises that may disrupt them. Finding yourself stuck in the woods with an overtired camp-mate is not fun. If you are aware that you snore, propose placing your tent safely spaced out from the others.

Finally, what would the camping experience be without a campfire? The songs, great stories, and marshmallows all center around the campfire. Refrain from creating a bonfire when camping in the backwoods. Bonfires can rapidly create dangerous situations. Use an existing fire pit, if available. If one is not available, and campfires have been permitted, dig a hole to create a fire pit. Utilize wood that has already fallen from trees rather than cutting new wood. Do not forget to leave your campfire area as you found it before you depart.

What Motorcycle Accessories To Buy

For motorcycle owners, the long list of accessories can be confusing. Which ones to buy? Which ones are really necessary? How much should to spend? These are just a few of the questions that come to mind for new owners. Even seasoned riders are often stumped by the endless array of items at bike shops and online retailers.
Motorcycle covers are the single most important accessory you can buy. Yes, you do need other items like gloves and goggles, but if you can only buy one thing, make sure you consider motorcycle covers. In fact, if you can afford it, buy two covers and keep one as a spare. If one is ripped, or ripped off, if it nice to have an extra cover ready to go. One reason so many people use motorcycle covers is because they literally pay for themselves in a short period of time. Motorcycle covers keep dust, dirt, and debris away from you bike’s engine and body. If you are conscientious about covering your bike every night when you put it away, your engine will last many years longer than if you weren’t so careful.
After you have you motorcycle covers, go ahead and get a pair of gloves, some knee pads, rain gear, and a high quality pair of goggles. These inexpensive accessories will protect your own “parts” from wear and tear of the environment. Whether you live in a dusty place like Phoenix, Arizona, or a cold state like North Dakota, goggles, gloves, and rain gear should be par for the course if you are a serious bike enthusiast.
If you are concerned about you back, or if your knees have a tendency to ache, you should look into getting a custom seat. Depending where you buy one, the cost can vary a lot. In any case, many a rider has been saved from back pain by having a custom seat. Ask your bike store owner about prices, then inquire around and see if any individuals provide the service.

Also, check into foot pegs and rest bars. A quality set of foot pegs, rather than the ones that came with the bike, will do wonders for preventing knee pain. A rest bar will allow your passengers to ride in secure comfort and stability. There is no question, however, about the effectiveness of motorcycle covers. If you use them regularly, the life of your bike will be prolonged. By checking around on the Internet and at local stores, you will be able to find some for a reasonable price.