Hi, Im new to this (my first post) and I have a 2004 Suzuki ltz 400 and i'm wondering what kind of maintenance I should be doing to it and how often to do it. I basically want to know everything I have to do to keep it running strong and last forever. How often should i change the oil and clean the air filter? When is it necessary to clean the carb? I did put a new chain and sprocket on it recently, what else needs to be replaced over time? Its bored .40 over and has hot cams so i have been using premium gas.

 

You might find this article helpful. Check it out:
Suzuki LTZ400 |

 

Probably the number one thing that kills engines is air filter maintenance, or rather failure to perform it. After that, keep up on oil changes, keep those bearings and bushings fresh, chain lubed and adjusted. As long as you can find parts, the engine can always be rebuilt, but replace the piston, crank, valve train parts before failure to keep costs down. That is such a great selling engine for Suzuki I think those parts and aftermarket hop ups will be around for a looooonnnnngggg time.

 

You only clean the carb if the ATV is acting up. I have a 2001 ATV that I bought in 2005 and I never touched the carb yet.

 

Thanks for the info guys. About the air filter, is it a big deal/bad to not have a cover on it? I bought mine that way, with just the seat covering it and iv heard that its fine and it just makes it faster

 

Well, that is the faster way to a new top end... For riding in sand/dunes, a K&N with a prefilter is great. Everything else I prefer a good foam filter with an air box cover of some sort. That could be a pro design, or one of the K&N type, or even stock. Dirt kills engines, and unless you are closed course racing in a mud and dust free environment I personally don't feel the shortened maintenance intervals are worth the little power you get from running sans lid.

 

Scooter86 is exactly right. Running without a airbox lid isn't worth it in my opinion. Keep that lid on and your filter clean.

Another thing to do is keep your chain lubed after you wash it.