Comment: I want an 4 wheeler but for some retarted reason they wont let me get one even if i buy it my self. Please email me back and help me figure out a way. Please, i know this sounds stupid but ill do any thing if u could possibly help me please please please email me back ask for
Bradley

Bradley, Bradley, Bradley,
Man I wish I knew the magic words to bring your ATV wishes to reality but the fact is if Mom and Dad for some reason do not want to get you an ATV, it just will not happen. I suggest trying to get the best grades in school and to keep your room clean along with helping when your asked around the house, which will show them that you can handle the responsibilities at home. Then maybe they will think about trusting you with the enormous responsibility of owning your very own quad.

[Editor's Note - Bradley, suggest first you pay attention in English class, then you might find "they" are more able to understand what you are even asking for! Also, see a recent blog by one of our ATV writers about what's involved in any extreme sport like ATVs or dirtbikes. Just because you personally buy it, doesn't mean it won't be your parents footing the hospital bill at some point. Think about it. http://my.off-road.com/kickapps/_Wanna-Race-Have-Insurance/blog/91741/27589.htm

Comment: I am putting Hobbs Hour meters on our equipment at our tree farm and want to install one on a 2003 Yamaha Wolverine we use. I haven't been "under the hood" yet. Is there a place in install an oil pressure switch? Will it be 1/8"-27 NPT thread or something metric? Thanks for any info.

Hi Skie,
I haven’t found a place on this model that you could install an oil pressure switch. However, most hour meters can be hooked up through the ignition. Just make sure that the timing device is only working with the engine running and not just with the ignition on.

From: HENRY
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC

Comment: I HAVE A 1988 HONDA FOURTRAX 300 ATV, AND THE BEARINGS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS GONE BAD.I WANT TO REPAIR IT MYSELF. CAN YOU GET ME ON THE RIGHT TRACK TO PERFORM THIS PROJECT, FROM START TO FINISH

Hi Henry,
Well without making our monthly column a mile long there is one magic trick I know. I can get you from start to finish on such a trick task by suggesting you buy a factory service manual to complete the repairs. Its really pertinent to have a Service manual on your quad if you are a do it yourself type guy like me.

From: george
Valley City , OH

Comment: I Jump-started my 2004 Suzuki LT Z250 Quad from my Lawn tractor but I accidently put the positive clamp on the negetive post and the negetive on the positive. Since then, I purchased a new battery because

the old one would not hold a charge (This is why I was jump-starting it) and now nothing lights up or functions. My fear is that I fried the C.D.I. unit. Do you know of a cheap way to aquire one rather than buying a new one for $200 or more? I've tried ebay and got 0 results. Is it a common part on other Suzuki bikes? Maybe street bikes that I could find at a junk yard?

Hi George,
What makes you think you have fried the CDI? The first thing I would search for is a small yet important fuse somewhere under the seat. Its going to be a 20 amp fuse and its probably covered in a black plastic cover. There is also a possible second fuse at 15 amp in the same system. Look for these first. It helps to have an OEM service manual to help find them. It will be replaceable and cost around $2.50.

Go to Page 2 for more...

From: Queen
Dayton , TX

Comment: Bought a small Roketa ATV for my 5 year old grandson. I have taken it back several times because it will not start. The mechanic keeps saying it's because of the ethanol in the gas. I'm not a mechanic but I am paying him $50 for him to get it started and then it runs for a few hours and then back to not starting again. I want to take care of the issue myself without wasting any more money. What could be the problem? And what can I do to rectify it, myself?

Hi Queen,
Well I'm not sure you want my genuine opinion on buying the corner store quads. But since you did take the time to ask I may be able to help with just a few suggestions. Are you sure there isn’t any moisture or water in the gas? These quads have a very small bowl on some of the fuel petcocks and they will hold a very small amount of water from time to time. Also make sure the plug is in good shape. Since you made a premium savings on the quad why not just replace the spark plug every time you ride it? Check the can from which you are getting your fuel to make sure there is no water in there as well. Remember this, you need Spark, fuel and air to make an engine run. Check that these three are good and go from there.

From: barry
Greenwood , SC

Comment: My 05 400 ex needed a little more bottom end. We do alot of trail and hill climbing. I went down one tooth on the front to a 13. This helped it alot. Is there a down side to this move, other than a little less top end speed?

Hi Barry,
Losing top end speed isn’t always bad and if it worked for your riding conditions I’d say you made the right move for your situation.

From: Mike
Ogden , UT

Comment: Excellent article! Question: 1995 Kawasaki ATV - I have two wires going to the ignition coil from the CDI. Your article does a great job of describing the ignition wire from the CDI to the coil. What would the second wire be for? I'm installing a universal coil that only has one terminal. How do I tell which of the two wires goes to the coil and what do I do with the other wire?
Thanks, Mike

Read original article: ATV Electronics series: Part 1 - ignition systems

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the great comments on the article. Unfortunately I didn’t get what kind of machine you were working with. I need a bit more information to be sure on your electrical needs.

From: AL
EVANSVILLAL, IN

Comment: I have a 1999 Honda TRX300FW, the problem is it starts and runs fine until it warms up and then it dies and won't restart until it cools off. It acts like it isn’t getting fuel. I checked the lines and bowls for obstructions and can not seem to find any.

Hi Al,
There is a possibility the coil or your plug may be giving up on you. When you pull the plug just after it dies is the plug wet? Is the plug new? Check these things out and get back to us.

From: kevin
Sidney , OH

Comment: Hello what is the best all around side by side price?speed?ect.?

Hi Kevin,
So your in the market for a UTV or what most know better as a SXS? The answer really depends on what you will be doing with your UTV. If your trail riding and mostly just ripping around the farm I’d say the RZR by Polaris would fit pretty good. If you need hauling capabilities then look to the Yamaha Rhino as an option as well as a Kawasaki Teryx. Speed should never be a determining factor in your purchase however, because these machines aren’t meant for speed and can become dangerous if not rode as intended by their manufacturers.

From: Robby
Cartersville , GA

Comment: I have a 96 Lakota 300 and it fouls plugs, smokes and burns oil bad. The local dealer will not work on it, too old. I took it apart and the dealer rebuilt the top end. I had a compression check on the motor and the bottom showed good. After putting it back together it still smokes, fouls plugs and burns oil. The piston rings and sleeve look good and compression shows good what could be my problem?

Hi Robby,
I know you have a question for me but I have a couple for you first. Is the engine stock? I assume if it was the dealer might have gone 10 over bore and given you new rings and piston? Did you assemble the top end yourself? When you say you performed a compression check on the bottom end I need you to elaborate as that wouldn’t be included in my rebuild process. I would really like to see how ya did that as well. If the machine is still allowing oil past the rings ,either your dealer or yourself did something wrong in the rebuild process.

Step back, take a deep breath and think about everything you have done to the motor in detail. Then write me back and ill try to help you sort it out.

BTW- Who’s your dealer in Ga?

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From: Bonnie
Subject: OCT04_Project_YFZ450

I just bought the nerf bars and there are no instructions on how they hook into the bike. do you have a page that can help me
bonnie

Hi Bonnie,
I’d love to help ya. I need to know what type of nerfs you have and what year, model machine you are installing them on.

From: Tom
Subject: trouble with starting

I just bought a 86 LT250R, it sat for about 3 years, garaged. I have drained all the fuel, cleaned carb has good compression but no spark? Hence the problem, I am assuming the CDI is bad but that is an expensive place to start. The wiring appears good and just needs some cleaning. Any suggestions on where to start? Thanks,
Tom in PA

Hi Tom,
So the quad has sat for three years? I would look into the left engine case cover and find your Magneto or stator assembly. There may be just enough corrosion on the primary coil contacts to keep your quad from getting the contact for spark that it needs. Also make sure the rotor itself is free of rust or corrosion on the inner contact surfaces. You'll have to remove the rotor/flywheel to get to the stator so get an OEM manual to make sure you do this with the correct tools and processes. Also make sure you have good grounding on the motor and frame.

Good Luck

From: Law-man
Louisville , KY

Comment: I have a 2007 Yamaha 350 wolverine. I was attempting to change the factory oil and filter and it will not budge. Any suggestions. Also should I change the filter every oil change?

Hey Law-Man,
The oil filters on ATV’s can be a bear to get off. If your trying with your hands I suggest using a genuine Oil filter wrench or a strap type filter removal tool. These will be your best bet. I’d say yes to the changing of your filter on each oil change.

From: Alan Hopkins
Rosenburg , TX

Comment: hey I've have a 650 praire kawasaki changed the converter belt but need help in resetting the blinking belt light Help me please!

Hi Alan,
The process is simple.

Always inspect the drive belt before resetting the belt warning light. 2003 650 Belt light reset procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the belt failure switch at the 2-pin connector above the CVT cover. (Note: Just follow the wires coming from the rectangular black box on the CVT Cover to locate this connector.)
3. Disconnect both sets of 5 pin connectors located above the CVT cover. Note: These connectors are located just beneath the shift handle on the right side of the 650; one is black and one is gray.
4. Connect these 5 pin connectors to their opposite pairs (gray to black and black to gray).
5. Turn the ignition switch ON.
6. Observe the belt-warning lamp. It should be flashing at a 0.4 second interval for a few seconds then start to flash slower. Let the lamp flash for at least seven seconds.
7. After seven seconds or more, turn the ignition switch off.
8. Reconnect 5 pin connectors to their proper location (black to black, gray to gray).
9. Connect the belt failure switch 2-pin connector (wires from CVT cover).
10. Turn the ignition switch on to confirm that the belt warning light is not flashing.

From: Jaco
Fort McMurray , ZZ CANADA

Comment: I am looking in purchasing a RZR 2009. I have read some issues concerning this UTV.
1. The exhaust exits right near the passenger fender. Exhaust heat shield will touch the plastic and melt it.
2. The exhaust also melts the plastic behind the passenger seat.
3. The radiator hose runs right next to the passenger front shock.
4. Problems with the air filter letting debris into the engine.
Have any of you had any of these issues with your RZR?
Thanks, Jaco

Read original article:2008 Polaris RZR Side by Side Review

Hi Jaco,
If these are indeed issues facing the RZR I have not heard of them myself. The exhaust guards are in place to prevent the melting of any plastic and if it needs a bit of thermal cloth to help prevent these problems then its not that expensive of a fix to keep me out of the RZR. The Air filter is a delicate part of the engine and if it is not cared for properly it can let debris into the engine. I would think that the engineers of this machine have done their homework and if you maintain the RZR it will give you many happy hours of riding.

From: Charlie
marble bar, Australia

Comment: Im a honda man no more. I have got an 07 outlander 800. Its the best thing for the desert when prospecting and to lug all the gear luv it.

Read Original Article: 2007 Can-Am Renegade 800 ATV

Hi Charlie,
Glad to hear your lovin your Can-Am as we to have enjoyed ours over the years.

From: RGRAY
Hallsville , TX

Comment: Really needing some help in locating a wiring diagram for a 1999 Polaris Sportsman 500. Having problems with the 4-wheel drive on mine.
Thanks in advance. RG

Hi RG,
Locating the proper wiring diagram is as simple as ordering yourself an OEM service manual. It will have all the necessary info and more in there.

From: BOB
MIAMIVILLE , OH

Comment: WILL I NEED TO REJET MY 2001 SPORTSMAN 500 WHEN I GO TO COLORADO WE WILL BE AROUND 6 TO 8OOO FEET

Hi Bob,
Yes I would say it would not hurt to do so. Although you didn’t say from what elevation you are coming so it may not be far off.

From: John
Albany , OR

Comment: My Cousin has an Baja-X and I have been a hardcore Yamaha Rider for years. After taking that out on the dunes I feel tempted to buy one.

Read Original Article: 2004 Bombardier DS650 Baja-X - October 2003

Hi John,
Why not my friend? Life is short so you should enjoy it.

From: Canels
Enid , OK

Comment: Does anyone there do this type of question answer on Polaris, Ranger RZR in particular but Polaris in general? The company is hard to talk to and dealers aren't much help around here either.
Cheryl, Enid

Hi Cheryl,
Send us any questions you might have and we will seek out the answer for you.

-RS