Dear ATVC: I was wondering why reed valve petals aren’t made of something more durable, like thin metal. This is the second time I’ve had to replace them on my 89 LTR250 in five years. You’re logic is sound but you’re thinking is taking you in the wrong direction. Early reed valves were indeed equipped […] More »

Dear ATVC: Last weekend I rebuilt the carb, cleaned the gas tank and valves on my 86 Suzuki LTF230. I was able to crank it by hooking up a car battery – I put the negative to the negative lead and touched the positive directly to the starter. Vroooom…. things are looking good. This was […] More »

Dear ATVC: Does anyone know what the proper/original decals for a 1981 Honda ATV 200 look like? When I look online it shows different kinds. Jarret You’re right, it seems throughout the years there have been countless aftermarket variations of the Honda lettering or wing littering the metal tanks of the ATCs that have survived […] More »

Dear ATVC: I’m due for an air filter clean and the last time I used dish soap, the sponge started to crumble apart shortly thereafter. What do you recommend that is strong enough to clean up a pretty dirty filter but gentle enough not to destroy the material? AsterIk You’re in luck – the perfect […] More »

Dear ATVC: I have a 2001 Yamaha Kodiak 400 4×4. On the speedometer there is a counter what is that reading? Is it a trip meter- miles or hours? Drewg821 What started out in our opinion to be a simple question actually revealed some interesting facts. Not all 2001 Yamaha Kodiak 400s came equipped with […] More »

Dear ATVC: I’m wondering why ATV batteries are called “maintenance free”. It’s my understanding that they require as much maintenance as any other battery. LenC487 You’re absolutely right, a majority of the batteries nestled within our ATVs are the same lead-acid boxes that have been firing up automobiles and lawnmowers for decades (there are some […] More »

Dear ATVC: I’m looking for help choosing a used SxS with 4×4 grip and the torque to climb steep hills with a load of grapes and brake with all four wheels (btw, does any machine give 4 wheel parking brakes for steep hills?) Reliability is a huge concern. Speed is not. Dump bed would be […] More »