ATV Product Test: Works Connection Hour Meter

When it comes to our ATVs, time is always against us. Every single component is designed to function for a certain amount of time before inevitably failing: Some of these components have an accelerated lifespan due to use (think about your quad’s piston or shock seals) while others break down even while your machine rests peacefully in the garage (batteries, tire compound and fluids for example).

Fortunately ATVs, like most mechanical devices, are designed with parts to be maintained, rebuilt and often times replaced. This is important because we live in a world where disposable is becoming the norm… When your microwave oven, vacuum cleaner or flat screen TV crap the bed, it’s sayonara.

All of this brings us to the topic of the hour meter and what it can do for you.

Why Works Connection?

We use hour meters here at ATV Connection as they are invaluable for product testing and have come to really appreciate many of the features Works Connection packs into their pint-size powerhouse. For starters the unit requires no batteries of its own and doesn’t even need to run off your machine’s battery. Instead, you simply wrap its wire around your ATV’s spark plug wire (it works on both carbureted and fuel injected models). Next peel off the included double-sided tape and stick the unit (which is only 2” by 1”) to a frame spar of choice. That’s it. Installation can’t be simpler.

We typically mount ours to the frame near the radiator/ radiator guard as its tucked neatly away and well protected from the environment/ roost.

All told the complete unit goes for $37.95 and includes everything you need to get underway. Should you not trust the double-sided tape or (like us) transfer your hour meter among multiple vehicles, Works Connection also offers a bolt-on aluminum bracket for an additional $14.95.

In Action

Sure it’s not as sexy as say bolting on a new pipe or fresh plastic, but the Works Connection hour meter begins working its low key magic immediately after installation. If you mounted it somewhere where you can glance at its screen during vehicle operation, the meter also functions as a digital tachometer. Otherwise, it just silently clicks away the minutes the engine happens to be running (including idle).

The tach not only displays real-time RPM but it stores peak RPM achieved for those of us who swear we’re bouncing off the rev-limiter and want proof.

Real Benefit

Think of the tachometer feature as a bonus benefit to the Works Connection Hour Meter formula, the real beauty of this device is it provides precise information on how many hours you have on your ATV and its specific components. It’s invaluable for keeping track of intervals between oil changes, air filter lubrication, top-end life and so on. And don’t be surprised to notice, especially initially, that the hours pile up a lot quicker than our generally-optimistic estimations!

More Info/ Order

Head over to Works Connection’s official site by clicking here.