So you took the plunge and just spent a lot of money on a new (or new to you) ATV. So now what to do...what to do? You are going to take that new ATV and ride!!!!!! But wait......before you do, get to "know thy ATV"! Below are a few things to check on that new ATV before you tackle the trail or the track.
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Go over your new quad from top to bottom, paying attention to where everything is located. Look at the hand and foot controls, and learn what buttons do what. How do you turn on the headlights, and how do you operate the instrument cluster? How do you operate the four-wheel drive if your ATV is so equipped? Where are the places to check and add fluids on the ATV? Where are all of the storage compartments? Did your ATV come with a small tool kit, or do you need to put one together? All of these things are important to know prior to the time when you really NEED to know.
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Know how to use your transmission. It seems like this would be common knowledge (and it probably is to a veteran rider), but it may not be to a beginner. When do you use high range, and when do you use low range? What gear should you be in before a hill climb, or in deep mud or snow? Check out your owners manual to find these things out, or talk to other riders. The last place you want to figure it out is half way up a steep hill when your ATV runs out of power!
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Check the lug nuts on the wheels to make sure they are tight, and go over bolts to make sure they are tight. ATVs are shipped long distances to get to your local dealer, and things can work loose on the trip. Few things would be worse than riding along and having a wheel go a different direction from that of your ATV!
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Check the ATV's fluid levels. It is assumed an ATV wouldn't leave the factory without the fluids at all the right levels, but the possibility remains that they are not. It only takes a minute to check them, a fact which is especially important when the alternative is possibly having to walk back to your truck!
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Locate the air intakes and vents for all moving parts on the ATV. Where are the engine, CVT, and differential intakes and vent hoses? This is really important, as you need to know the depth of the mud or water you can drive through without sucking water or mud into one of these vital parts. All makes and models are a little different, so take the time to figure it out. This could save you a lot of pain, heartache, inconvenience, and MONEY!
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Identify where the rear differential is (if equipped) and what the ground clearance of the ATV is. If you are out going over rough terrain it is important to know what you can go over, what line you should take to cross the terrain, and what parts underneath the ATV should be protected while doing so.
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Check to make sure that all the electrical connections are good and tight, and consider adding dielectric grease to many of the connectors. This prevents water, dust, and mud from getting into the connections, and causing things to corrode or fail. You can buy dielectric grease at auto parts stores.
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Grease all the fittings prior to the first ride. Find all the grease fittings on your ATV (your owner's manual can help here), and give them all a couple of pumps from the grease gun. It never hurts to add a little extra grease for the ride.
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Check out the suspension setup. Most quads have some ability to adjust the suspension setup. Some are totally adjustable while others have preloaded settings you can adjust to. After a little riding time you may want to increase or decrease the stiffness of the suspension.
Finally after you are done with your first outing or two, go back over the things in the list now the ATV has begun to be broken in.
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