Pre-Ride Inspection
- Nothing spoils an outing faster than mechanical problems. In some cases, malfunctioning equipment also can cause injuries.
- Consult your owner’s manual for items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted, aligned, or checked for wear.
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Key items include:
- Throttle
- Foot shifter
- Brakes
- Drive chain or drive shaft
- Steering system
- Spark plugs
- Lights
- Engine stop switch
- Clutch
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Tires
Because ATV tires are relatively small and take a lot of punishment, maintaining correct tire pressure is critical.
- Check the tire pressure before each trip.
- Use a low-pressure gauge because ATV tire pressure is too low for standard auto tire gauges to read accurately.
- Tire pressure must be equal on the right and left sides; otherwise, the vehicle will pull to one side.
- Under-inflated tires can cause wheel damage.
- Over-inflation may damage tires on bumpy rides.
- Under- or over-inflated tires may change the handling characteristics of your ATV.
- Check for damage that could cause air leaks.
Routine Maintenance
Off-road riding puts a strain on your ATV, so it’s important to perform the scheduled maintenance recommended in your owner’s manual. You can avoid a breakdown and possible injury.
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