Another cold rainy,snowy nite up north!!
What changes did you make to your quad and why??
Any regrets...
Which should come 1st..engine mod..TIRES,winches,lites,gps...what would you have done different if you only knew...
THANKS

 

1st. Winch; Reason, I came across a good deal and thought I needed one. It is a 4000 lb. Superwinch. I built the bracket myself. It sits on the frame behind the plastic. all that is visable is the fairlead and hook.
2nd. Tires; Reason, I had my first flat when my bike was a week old and they gummed up in mud and didn't offer a very aggressive tread. I installed Super Swamper and haven't had another flat, or been stuck since.
3rd. Top headlight switch. everytime I had something on the front rack at night I was blinded by the reflection from the headlight.
4th. I carry a tire repair kit and a small air compressor. Yet to be used, thanks to the Super Swamper tires.
Next......Wanting to get handlebars that are a little taller. I remember years ago Dennis Kirk offered taller mounts for handlebars. Haven't been able to find what I am looking for. And some softer grips would be nice too.

 

First thing I did was tires. Because of the type of riding I do the stockers are no good.
I pulled them off before I ever rode it a mile.
Then came the winch. I make the mounts myself out of aluminum plate 3/8 thick. I also run my winch thru solenoids to eliminate switch problems.I also carry a ****** block and tow strap
I took off the original bash plate before it ever got a scratch and made a new one out of aluminum diamondplate. Looks good!
I then made a custom GPS mount and added a small box to hold my camera. I added a "hot all the time " accessory outlet and also a upper headlight cut off switch.
I also custom made front dry box and added a rear tool box and gas can mount. All my supplies are packed to stay dry and we carry most everything we need to survive a couple days if necessary. We also bring first aid kit, water,some canned food, propane burner, emergency blanket, tarp to construct a shelter and a cell phone for big problems. Carry oil and filter, spare plug, tire repair kit, tiny air compressor, binoculars, hammer and nails, bug spray and the list goes on.
We also use headset radios which work great. Well I better quit now before I start boring everyone. As you might have noticed I have a small obsession with this. This is my tenth atv so I know what I want before I have it!

Maybe see you on the trails! We are not far apart!
1 - 450s RED with everything on it please

 

first mod K&N filter and outerwear cuase i want more performance and it was cheap it helped alot for the pice at least today i made it so the carb opens all the way it helped and it was free so it was a good doller to power ratio hehe next mod supertrap exhuast hopefully soon i might get some 22" tsl's first

 

A small air pump and tire repair kit, a Cabela's front basket rack, a tow strap, and AP stick guards, because they are stronger and cover much more than the plastic stock guards, both underneath and side to side.
Considering a new air filter system, probably K&N.

 

OK, I realize this is HONDA page, so I hope you don't mind a response from a AC 500. I tend to read just about everything on here, and have learned quite a bit from nearly every page. The more you read, the more you find that there is always someone with a better idea, or new way to fix a problem.

Anyhow, Bill 450ES-nice question, always interesting to see what type of mods everyone has out there, be pretty neat if we had pic's too. Trailboss450-I like your list of mod's, very useable and functional. You mentioned a "small" air compressor. I was curious how "small" it is. Cabela's has a 300 psi 12 volt that would work off my accessory outlet for $45 that I was thinking of getting, if it isn't too big.

As for my mods, I started first with the winch. Reason being, they're priceless, worth their weight in gold. Even had to use it the first ride out. Next was a set of cycle country stick stoppers. Why? My property is filled with a lot of fallen timber, as well as brush and occassional barbed wire, so a torn cv boot was sure to happen on the first ride. They've paid for themselves several times over already. I also took the grill that was replaced by the winch, and traced out a design for headlight covers. Once cut and painted, I installed them over the tube bumper, in front of the headlights which now prevent any flying gravel, sticks or branches from breaking my stock headlights. -I don't imagine stock equipment is very cheap! I also added an old military mortar box to the front rack. Inside, contains a 9,000# ****** block, two 3/4"x3 clevis hooks, one 3/4"x3 twisted clevis hook, 30', 20' and 6'-2" web tow straps for towing or used as "tree-savers" when winching, and a 15' section of 3/8" choker cable for dragging fallen trees. Also, first aid kit, extra rope and axe, extra gloves and rain gear are also contained in the box. I then made a couple "tabs" out of 1/4" flatbar steel in which I drilled standard 3/4" holes in, so the 2" ball drops through, and into the trailer hitch. I then drilled 5/8" holes at the end, so the clevis hooks will fit without removing the ball assembly. Now, I'm able to tow a trailer with either the ball, or the drop pin, and use the clevis hooks easily, without having to mess with changing the ball out.

What's next? Either a 50' or 100' section of 3/16" aircraft cable, with hooks to extend my winch line, and lengthen ****** block distance. A pair of accessory lights up front, and backup lights in back. Rear rack bag, GPS unit, aircompressor.

Sorry to be so long winded, just got back from a ride up in the hills, so I'm still "pumped".

Mike

 

The air compressor I carry, I bought at Wal-Mart. I paid $15 for it and beat the plastic housing off of it with a hammer. I carry it in a zip lock bag. It takes up very little space, and I just hang it on the rack when I use it (on other quads, I haven't had a flat yet). The motor and compressor is really small, they just put them in a big plastic case to make you feel better about spending money on something so small, I think.

 

Thanks for the info on the compressor. Not a bad idea there, with removing the plastic casing. Definately make it more compact, take up less room. Never really thought about how small those motors are, inside all that big casing, guess you're right about the companies making you feel better about spending more money!

Mike

 

I've noticed winches get mentioned as 1st acc...But in my experiences out in the cattails.. there wasn't a tree with in 50 yds.Sometimes a buddy with a TOW STRAP was ok too!!!