From:Kenny
Subject: Can-Am 450x
Hi I was wondering if I put a full exhaust system on it will I have to put a new power commander or could I just cut the pink wire like ive been told to what would be the best way

Hi Kenny,
I've been told that the termination of the ominous pink wire is your best bet.

From:Jackie
Wausau , WI
How often do i change the oil in a 2004 polaris sportsman 600 twin and what kind of oil.

Hi Jackie,
Changing the oil in your atv will vary depending on how often or how hard you ride. I change mine about every couple rides and check it every ride to assure that its still in there. There are hundreds of brands when it comes to oil. Don’t be cheap with the lifeblood of your vehicle. I use 10-40 in the summer.

From: Stephen
Shelburne , VT
I have a Stock 2004 Suzuki Z400 except for a K&N air filter (but no cover or clamp). I was wondering if it is possible to hook up the 400ex intake tube to a stock Z400 air filter box? please reply thank you!

See Original Article: Project LTZ450 LTZ Air Intake Upgrade: http://atv.off-road.com/atv/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=191497

Hi Stephen,
Yes it is possible to make the 400ex Intake tube work but it does require some technical engineering.

From: Richard T
Hey I have a 2000 yamaha beartracker having problems setting timing I can not find a book for info can u help thanks

Hi Richard,
If you go to the Yamaha website you will find many resources for the BearTracker.
www.yamaha.com

From: S Olson
Subject: Mud question
 I have a 2007 650 H1 Arctic Cat. I want to get new exhaust for it. I love to go through deep mud. What would you recommend for a possible slip on exhaust muffler that could be equipped with a snorkel (if needed). Thanks S.Olson

HMF makes a slip on they call the Swamp Series. It has an optional snorkel for the deep stuff.

From: bill t
Parkesburg , PA
I also would like to know where to get parts for my 2003 Alpha Sport 90 4 wheeler. I need a gas cap because mine cracked. If you could help me with a phone # I would be thankful. Sincerely, Bill

Hi Bill,
Well im not sure who actually makes the alpha sport 90 but I did find a website and ill list it for you. www.alphasportmotors.com Or you can call them at 877-543-7288.

From: SW Daniels
Mocksville , NC
I have a 350 big bear ATV, I removed the side cover on the shifter side, after re installing it I now can not get it to go into any gear, WHY?

That’s a good question. Maybe you made it mad by looking under the covers? JK
I really need to know the year of the ATV and what you had the cover off for and also if you replaced anything. Just need more info Bro.

From: bud
Waretown , NJ
Hi i have a 1999 warrior yamaha 350 it sat all winter now when i try to start it it cranks for a while it will finally start runs great but as soon as you turn it off its hard to start again with motor hot or cold still hard to start any ideas what it might be
thank you

Hi Bud,
Sounds like the carb needs a very good cleaning and this may be best performed by your local dealer. Then get a new plug and fresh gas after emptying the old out of the tank.

From: RICHARD P
Subject: 1995 Honda TRX250D
I just got my atv back on the road again. I had it out and when i'm riding in third through fifth gears i can't open up the throttle. It seems like it is bogging down and won't fully open up. I've tried numerous things and still can't find out what the problem is. Do you have any suggestions, Thanks Rich.

Hi Rich,
Is the quad responsive on the bottom like you feel it should be? Does the throttle respond crisp when you open it up in first through second gears. These are important questions to have answers to before I could give you my opinion with confidence. How fresh is the gas in the tank? Get back with me when you get these answers.

From: J.R
Turlock , CA
Hello,I'm about to purchase my very first quad, problem is im not to sure on what quad is best for me. I am 23 yrs old and looking for something with good power somewhere between a suzuki 400,450 and the yamaha 450, or the honda 450, 400. I just want a well built bike without regrets later down the road.

Hi J.R,
I can tell you that the Suzuki Z400 is my first choice and if you wait for the 09 to hit the dealers floors you'll be happy with the power. Check out our latest article on the Z400 with the link below:

http://atv.off-road.com/atv/Reviews+Vehicles%3A+Suzuki/Review-2009-Suzuki-QuadSport-Z400/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530183

From: ollie
Torrance , CA
Does anyone know if these will have 4 seat capability?

See Original Article: Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 Announced: http://atv.off-road.com/atv/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=523515

Hey Ollie,
I'm sure someone does.

From:James C
Middletown , NY
I have a 2000 400ex. My question is: Why would the motor start to break up, and sputter when I enter into a hard left, or right turn? It only does this in heavy turns, and then back to normal again! Any advice would be great. Thanks.

James,
There are several possibilitys to your problem. Start by making sure the carb is very clean and that fuel is flowing into the carb without restriction. Then look at the vent lines to the carb. When that’s all finished maybe look into the wiring routing and be sure nothings getting shorted out.

From: Mike C
Subject: What method do you recommend for tying down big bore ATVs on a flat bed trailer with a wood floor. I prefer not to attach anything to the chassis or body if possible. I just bought a 4 place side by side rear loader. So they sit very close to each other. I'm thinking about tire bonnets...

Mike,
The tire bonnets are a great choice.

From: ccschamp
Sun Prairie, WI
Hi,
My wife has a 2007 can am outlander max 650. I put a set of itp ss212 14" wheels with 27" xtr radial tires and now the speedo shows about 20 to 30 miles an hour faster than my actual speed. What can I do about this to get it closer to normal if anything? Also I have an 800 max xt and my wife’s machine (before the after market stuff) seemed to wander in the front more than mine does. I put the radials on hoping it would help but it did'nt do much. She has to put it in 4 wheel drive to feel comfortable on it at speed. Anything you could say would be a great help.
Thanks Ron

Hi Ron,
Im not sure but maybe the computer could be recalibrated to get your speed problem sorted out. You would need to contact your dealer to get that one answered. As far as the front end wandering maybe a good steering stabilizer could help there.

From: ernie t
Palmdale , CA
Hi i need help i have 2 dinli 90cc helix quads and i need a part. the part is the big gear that is in casing that holds the transmission, i really need to talk to someone i bought these quads under the understanding i could get parts i have been looking for two months to no avail. thank you

See Original Article: http://atv.off-road.com/atv/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=190843

Hi Ernie,
Look here: www.dinliusa.com

From: Tim
Barriere, ZZ- CANADA
I have 2007 500 honda rubicon and after owning it about 7 months I noticed that the front left tire was cambered in aprox. 13/4 inches I took it to the dealer and they sent me to honda customer relations, to make a long story short they have admitted that there are/where some frames out there that where not perfect and have an issue where the swing arm mounting bracket was welded, but assure me it will not cause me any problems and are refussing to do anything about it, have you heard of any other honda frame problems and any suggestions on what I should do about it. Thanks for your assistance

See Original Story: Off-Road.com's SportQuad.com: http://atv.off-road.com/atv/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=192619

Hi Tim,
There haven’t been any problem reports posted here. Keep on them and let us know if you get anywhere.

Subject: Polaris Phoenix 200 (2005)
I need to adjust the cam chain on my son's Phoenix 200 (2005). Can you explain how to do this and if I need a special tool? Thanks, Randy S

Hi Randall,
It seems to me that the cam chain has a self adjuster on this model. If there is excessive noise exposing wear it may be time for a new chain.

From: Del
Des allemands, LA
I have a roketa150 at half throttle the bike starts losing speed and sputters i have cleaned the carburator would a faulty cdi box or connecting wire be at fault here?

See Original Story: ATV Electronics series: Part 1 - ignition systems Article URL: http://atv.off-road.com/atv/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=330256

Hi Del,
Ive never heard of this scooter. Make absolutely sure the fuel is clean and free of water.

From: Chuck T
Subject: honda 200x question
I recently changed a clutch on my 200x honda and lost oil pressure to the top end, I thought I followed the instructions in the book to the letter but I still had this problem, what are the most common problems that cause this to happen and will I have the same problem on my Honda xr 600r?

Chuck,
Im not sure that changing the clutch can effect the oil pressure in your atv. How did you figure out you lost pressure? Did you discover major failure? I need more info.

From: Joe j
Palm bay , FL
I have a 2002 bombardier quest 650 that i bought a few months ago. It runs well and i have changed oil and oil filter also had to replace the oil sending unit as it went bad. problem i'm having is after riding enough to get motor warmed up if i need to shift into reverse or from reverse to either high or low i have trouble doing so. I put alot of force to shift and it goes in hard but i also found that if i let the machine roll i can shift it easier. i was told their might be a adjustment that can be made to it since it is an automatic but i have no idea where that can be. any thought on this? thank you

Hi Julian,
Force shifting a quad isn’t good on the machine. Seems there might be a syncronization problem that needs a dealer mechanics attention.

Subject: yfz 450
Hey i have a yamaha yzf 450r 2004. i had the bike running and then it just died on me. i checked the spark plug and its getting spark. i can get it to turn over with starting fluid for a breif second. i took the carb of and cleaned it as best as i could. there seems to be no fuel getting to the carborator. yes there is gas in  it. i took the gas hose off and turned the tank on and it poored out. but still there is nothing going into the carborator. what could it be.
 Todd

Hi Todd,
Try disassembling the fuel petcock and when that’s clean you may take the carb bowl off to be sure the floats are moving freely and to see if the fuel is coming out of the main jet.

Subject: 2004 POLARIS 500
My ATV is stuck in reverse. Any simple solutions I should check? thanks
Myron

Can you give me the “before I got it stuck in reverse” series of actions? What happened before it got stuck?

From: RET
Phoenix , AZ
I own an 07 525 IRS and although I do enjoy the quad I prefer the dunes as my choice of riding style and have not had the best results from the Outlaw there. I have incredible problems with the woops. The quad isn't just not "tracking straight" the rear of the quad starts by jumping back and forth about 1 foot as you enter the woops, and if you don't let out of the throttle by the end of the woops the rear is either jumping back and forth by 3 feet or the bike has rolled on top of you.

Any suggestions how to combat this problem? I have the Ride X shocks all around but I cannot say that I have been impressed with them over the Fox shocks that came with my 03 Predator. Although my Predator was underpowered it handled a great deal better than my Outlaw. Could this be due to improper adjustment of my Outlaw's shocks/suspension?

Hi RET,
Sounds like you may very well have an ill handleing set of shocks. Having never heard of ride X shocks I’d say keep tweaking and seek your Ride X’s tech line for help.

From: Sarah h
Having just read your article, you clearly know a lot about the LT50's. We have about 30 of them for kids summer activity schemes. They are only used for a few weeks each year. We have a problem with them not starting, any ideas? They are serviced, sparks changed etc annually. Any advice gratefully received,
Thanks,

Hi Sarah,
Be sure the carbs are thouroghly cleaned each year and if there is fuel left in the carbs add a stabilizer like stabil fuel stabilizer. You need good gas and a hot spark along with some air to start a motor. Think of these when your searching for start problems.

Subject: NEED THE SMOOTHEST RIDING ATV POSSIBLE

HI, I NEED YOUR EXPERT ADVISE ON WHAT ATV IS THE SMOOTHEST,LESS BUMPY RIDING MACHINE AVAILABLE. I HAD MY NECK FUSED IN FRONT WITH A PLATE AND 6 SCREWS. AN OPERATION ON THE BACK OF MY NECK AND MY LOWER BACK.

PRESENTLY WE HAVE KAWASAKI 700 PRAIRIES AND USE THEM MAINLY FOR TRAIL RIDING AND SNOW REMOVAL. GETTING OLDER AND CAN NOT TAKE ANY POUNDING ANY LONGER.

THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.

PATRICK E

Hi Patrick,
Man it sounds like you’ve had a rough time. I really don’t know how to answer your question. I love the suspension on the CanAm Outlanders. The Max even has room for the wife. A good set of Aftermarket shocks will also be a benefit to your injuries.

Subject: installing an ignition
I have a 2008 Polaris sportsman 500. I lost my keys and I need to install a new ignition. How do I do it? Is it really technical or is it an easy repair?
Brad B.

Hi Brad,
Replacing the ignition on a quad is easy. But getting a key may be a problem. If you take proof of ownership to your local dealer and they can confirm you are the rightful owner then they can get you a key.

From: Bradley
LEASBURG , NC
WHAT MAKES MY LAKOTA 4-WHEELER PULL TO THE RIGHT?

Hi Bradley,
Usually it when you turn the handlebars. JK Have you hit anything hard on the right front wheel lately? Sounds like a steering out of alignment problem caused by a bent tierod.

From: motorheaduk
Rothes ZZ UNITED KINGDOM
How do I get my old tires off my rims to put my new tires on? If someone has any suggestions on how to do this at home, let me know please!

Usually I take mine to the local tire dealer and it costs about $8 a wheel to have them changed.

Subject: 660 grizzly
Hi,
Im jim and have a 04 grizzly 660 having problem getting it started put a new plug in it just cranks over has fuel in it  ran out of ideas think u can help?

Hi Jim,
Is the plug getting a spark? Check this out and get back to me.

From: Cody
Washington , UT
I own a 2005 polaris sportsman 500, and my concern is when the bike runs out of gas and switch it to reserve, it won't start, any suggestions?

Hi Cody,
If the reserve side of your fuel petcock isn’t used very often you may need a good cleaning.

From: Chris R
Subject: 2001 Kawasaki Lakota Sport
I just recently purchased a 2001 Kawasaki Lakota Sport. I am pretty new to the setup of ATV mechanics. I am just curious how to tighten the chain and any advice for helping to keep it tight? I ride through a lot of rough and muddy trails. Thank you for your help in advance.

Hey Chris,
The chain on this quad is like an old 250r. The axle hub is shaped kinda like an egg. The two bolts on the rear of the hub in the center need to be loosened and the hub rolls backwards to tighten the chain. Easy as pie.

-rs