Before You Ride

Nothing spoils a fun outing faster than mechanical problems. If you break down after an hour’s ride, you may discover that you’re a day’s walk from help. In some cases, malfunctioning equipment also can cause injuries. To help prevent problems, make a habit of performing a pre-ride inspection.

• Set the parking brake.
• Check the basic items listed below.
• Consult your owner’s manual for additional items that may need to be lubricated, tightened, adjusted, aligned, or checked for wear.

Routine Maintenance

Off-roading puts a strain on your ORV, so it’s important to perform the scheduled maintenance recommended in your owner’s manual. You can avoid a breakdown and possible injury.

Tires

ORV tires take a lot of punishment, so maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical. Most ATVs have relatively small, low-pressure tires. Motorcycle tires may or may not be low-pressure, depending on the model. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended pressure.

• Check the tire pressure before each trip. Over- or under-inflated tires:
  • Can result in tire or wheel damage.
  • May change the handling characteristics of your vehicle.
• For low-pressure tires, use a low-pressure gauge. Most standard automobile tire gauges do not read low pressures accurately.
• Be sure all tires have the same pressure. Otherwise, vehicles with three or four wheels may pull left or right.
• Inspect each tire for damage that could cause an air leak.
• Remember that altitude affects tire pressure. A pressure that reads okay at home will read lower after you take the vehicle into the mountains.

Wheels

• Check the wheel lug nuts used to secure the wheels to be sure they’re tight.
• Check for worn-out parts by trying to rock the wheel on its axle.

Cables and Controls

• Check the throttle. It should move smoothly and snap closed.
• Test your brakes. If they need to be adjusted, consult your owner’s manual.
• Check the foot shifter. It should be attached firmly and positioned for safe operation.

Lights and Electronics

• Check all lights (if equipped)
  • Turn on the headlights and taillights.
  • Press the brake, and have your riding partner make sure the brake lights illuminate.
• Check the ignition switch (if equipped). You may want to check it several times to be sure it works reliably.
• Check the engine stop switch.

Oil and Fuel

• Check the oil level. Turn the engine off, and wait a few minutes before checking.
• Check for oil or fuel leaks.
• Check the air filter. It should be clean, undamaged, and unblocked.
• Check the spark plugs. Replace if necessary.
• Fill up the fuel tank before each ride.
• If your vehicle has a two-stroke engine that uses an oil/fuel mixture, consult your owner’s manual to find the proper oil-to-gas ratio.

Drive Chain/Shaft

• Drive Chain: Check the chain for slackness, and be sure to lubricate it periodically. Consult your owner’s manual for proper chain adjustment.
• Drive Shaft: Check for leaks. Consult your manual for proper lubricant levels.

Chassis

• Check for loose parts. Nuts and bolts may shake loose as you ride over rough terrain.
• Shake handlebars, footrests, and other key parts to make sure they’re secure.
• Periodically tighten all major fasteners.

Spark Arrestor/Muffler

• Be sure the spark arrestor/muffler works properly.
• Try to wiggle the muffler to make sure it’s attached securely.
• Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance information.