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Common ATV Modifications

Written by ATV Escape Staff

Common ATV Modifications

After making the intial purchase of an ATV, the next thing most people do is make some modifications to their ride. There are different reasons for these changes, but you can narrow it down to performance and usability. Some of these "mods" increase speed while others just insure you will continue to make it down the track or trail. The following list is starting point. All of these modifications can be purchased at Rocky Mountain ATV online.

Air Filter- The standard air filter on an ATV almost always gets changed. Performance and usability are the primary reasons. Most standard air filters are made out of paper like car air filters. When it needs to be replaced you throw it away, and get a new one. If these paper filters get wet they have to be replaced. If you put these filters in harsh environments they do not preform well. ATVs live in the environments where paper filters were not meant to be. So the point is CHANGE to a different type of filter. Aftermarket filters are reusable, and can be cleaned on the trail. These filters are designed to maximize air flow and performance while not disinegrating if they get wet. K&N Filters is just one brand you can look at which is very popular.
Tires- In the last few years ATV manufacturers have done a better job putting good tires on their ATVs from the factory. Having said that many people still want to change their tires to make them better or more specific to a certain kind of riding style. For utility-type ATVs many people change them simply for durability reasons. Most factory tires on utility quads are 4 ply with a tread for easy trail riding. These tires are good for easy trail riding, but will tend to puncture as the trail riding because more rough. Sidewalls are the weakness of any tire, and that is particularly true of ATV tires as they tend to flex at the sidewall. Many riders will move to a 6 ply tire as soon as the new ATV leaves the showroom floor for this reason. Another reason for changing tires is application. Almost all standard tires on ATVs are worthless in real mud (as in mud bogs). The tread will fill with mud and get you stuck. Anyone who wants to go into any kind of mud bog should consider a tire designed for mud or at least designed for trail and mud. Most ATV magazines and ATV sites have done extensive testing on tires for trail and mud. You can take some time to look at these comparisons to get some ideas on tires to buy. The good and bad news is there are many tires to choose from, and you will spend money to get them.
Wheels- A popular thing many ATV owners are doing is changing the stock wheels out for some aftermarket wheels for a more personalized look. Many ATV manufacturers have paid attention and are producing some nice looking wheels on their higher-end models. The choices though are unlimited as there are so many wheels for you to choose from for all kinds of ATVs. We are sure you can find some to "express yourself". The best place to find aftermarket wheels is to look online.
Exhaust- Many people choose to change out their stock muffler for an aftermarket one. While this is more common on sport quads, there are plenty of aftermarket pipes for the utility and side-by-side. The reasons for doing this include better sound and performance. The best place to buy performance oriented ATV exhaust systems is online. One thing to note when buying an aftermarket exhaust is the decibel level it puts out. Many public riding areas and riding parks have maximum decibel levels you can not exceed. While many exhaust systems will not exceed the levels, be sure to check the rules for the areas you will be riding.
Carburetor- This mod choice is more popular with sport quads then utility quads. Many riders looking to get every last drop of power out of the engine will change their carburetor to a specialized one. There are many choices to get you started when it comes to carburetors.