Hello from Austria.

Which suspension, which tires or any other mods are necessary for solid-surface use?


I bought a SP 500 HO last Sept and have tremendous trouble with environmentalists and authorities by riding offroad. For better effort, I thought about to convert my SP 500 to a 80% on-road machine and just 20 % offraod.

Does anybody has experience what mods I need to do to be able to use my ATV like a common motorbike on paved roads? (Right now I dont feel comfortable with it on solid surfaces, too low pressure in tires is a mess with steering and a bit higher pressure lets the ATv jump like a punchingball)

Martin

 

Oh, sorry I forgot to tell you:

I mean just the mods necessary for the best ride on solid surface and not the mods like different headlights, breaklights, bumpers and blinkers. licence-plate and insurance questions.....

That is already standart on European ATVs....

Martin

 

Martin,

ITP makes hard surface kits for most popular ATVs. They consist of regular 4 ply car tires and larger 14" rims.

Go to : ITP TIRES

 

The only thing I can think of outside of the tires would be the front end alignment. I believe most ATV's are set for toe-out but for pavement you may be better with straight alignment or even a little toe-in so its not as squirrly.

 

Hello Strecher!

Well, I am a proud American too, :-) (at least in my heart - like everybody over here, just want to let you know about our thoughts over here...)

....but I really dont get what you mean? It is probably my lack of understanding english...

Whats a "front-end-alignment" and whats "toe-in" and "toe-out"?

Would you mind to describe in a different way, using different words, please?

Sorry, for my poor english, but it isnt my mothertongue...


Martin

 

the tires go in a little, or go out a little. the factory settings for offroad use dont align the tires for strict on road use. align the tires to go streighter, and put on a set of road tires. you can try the site mike told you about to get tires on. good luck buddy!!!my pictures

 

Svalbard 11

Toe in and toe out are terms used to describe the orientation of the front tires relative to one another.
Toe out is a condition in which the front of the front tires are farther apart than the rear of the front tires.
Toe in is just the opposite; the front of the front tires are closer together than the rear of the front tires.
For off road use (1/4" - 1/2&quot toe out is about right.
Allignment is a term used to describe how well the front tires are aimed straight and true relative to the quad itself.
You can check your toe by 1.Placing a small mark on the front of both front tires about 12" off the ground. You can use a bright colored pen or a small dab of paint or fingernail polish. Put the small marks in the middle of the tread 12" off the ground. 2.Carefully measure the distance between the two marks you made on the front tires.
3. Now roll your quad 1/2 tire revolution forward and measure the distance between the same two marks again. Note: The marks will now be on the back of the front tires about 12" off ground. Make sure you measure the marks in exactly the same way and place as before.

If your quad is set up right your first measurement should be 1/4" to 1/2" larger than your last measurement. i.e. 1/4" - 1/2" toe out
I am not sure how to setup your toe for on road use, but someone before me suggested 0" toe to a slight toe in condition.
Both allignment and toe are changed by adjusting the threaded tie-rods. Be very careful if you mess with these as they contol the steering and could cause you to lose contol or worse if they are not set up right!!!!

Good Luck
Doug

 

Thanks, thats an explanation like from a vocational teacher - just perfect, and I got it. Thanks!

Martin

 

hey pryormountainman'
showoff, lmao!!! man, if i could explain stuff like that, then i might be a teacher after all, heehee. good job buddy!


my pictures

 

Well,again, thats an explanation which is 110% perfect. Dont forget about that english isnt my mothertonge and that I dont know the technical terms in english....

Know what?

I think, Pryormountainman should become a writer of manuals! Would be just pefect then and would save a profi-mechanic in any case!

Thanks again to Pryormountainman


Martin