Dear ATVC:

I have a Honda 400EX that serves as my single all-conditions quad. Trouble is I often find myself alternating between technical trails and wide-open dune riding within a matter of days. Is there some magic gearing combination that offers the best of all worlds?

There are certainly some advantages in the real world- namely saving you from having to make carburetor adjustments to compensate for things like elevation, temperature, humidity and modest modifications. Additionally throttle response across the entire RPM range is typically improved and fuel injectors are less susceptible to fuel varnishing that takes place during long periods of inactivity/ storage.

Dear ATVC: Picked up a new chain for my Raptor 660. The sprockets look fine, still have good teeth left but the dealer said I should replace both sprockets whenever I replace the chain. Truth or moneymaker? Truth but not always. The reason for this advice is simple: A worn out chain is doing damage […] More »

Dear ATVC: All your performance guides stress the importance of checking your ATV’s tire pressure. Well every time I check mine, it’s never the same as it was the time before and no it’s not a leak because the pressure isn’t always less. What gives? In short the air inside your machine’s tires is still […] More »

Dear ATVC: I am a smaller rider and have wondered if any companies offer custom-made ATV seats to accommodate those of us who feel a bit stretched in most quads’ cockpits. Had you said you were seeking a custom made UTV seat, the options would be limitless. However, since ATV seat foam is typically designed […] More »

Dear ATVC: Back in the two-stroke days, I used to freshen up the top end of my quad with regular frequency but quite frankly, the complexity and cost of a modern four-stroke engine intimidates me. Is there any way to know when I’m due for fresh rings without actually tearing down my top end?   […] More »

Dear ATVC: My quad’s rear shock feels really springy- it still seems to be working but the rear of the machine bounces more than I remember over rough terrain. My friend says it means the shock is blown and needs to be rebuilt. I thought a blown shock wouldn’t work at all. Please help. Sadly […] More »