Thanks all for your suggestions and help, I'm planning on riding today until the gas mixture
is used up both in reservoir and main tank. Then put in some fresh 87 octane. Sounds like 89 every so often would be okay. During the break in period I would hit it hard for a second or so then just tool around. I'll be glad to be done with this tank of gas. It's supposed to rain today, so tomorrow should be a great day to hit the trails. I've got a rock guard on order and was told not to get a front A-Arm guard protector or a swing arm guard. Any advice on this. Seems like it wouldn't hurt to have it. But if not necessary I'd rather save the money.

 

watzupdog,
it really all depends on the type of terrain u drive in..
If you ride around a lot of rock, it may be necessary...but for
most drivers, it's not...if it makes u more comfortable and
more confident with your equipment to have the guards,
then get them.. it's really a personal choice but should
be based on the terrain..

I don't drive around that much rock so I don't feel like
i need the guards(now watch me run over a log and break
something...lol)...

 

Where I ride is mostly red dirt and a bit of sand. Although there are areas where dirtbikes and water has eroded the red dirt to expose rocks and tree roots. I got in a area yesterday that I wish I had more protection, so I think I will go with it. I've heard that the steel guards will rattle yet give more protection than the plastic. Which do you have.

 

Opps,
Didnt read all the way down where you said you didn't use them. So change my question from what do you have to what would you have.

 

well, of course, the steel is going to be more durable, heavier,
and more expensive...

again, personal choice.. the plastic will flex enough if it hits
something to usually not completely tear up but it is not
as durable as the steel... but not as heavy either...really
a personal choice once u know the pros and cons of both.

but,,,,I have personally seen a plastic skid get stripped from
it's bolt hole after taking a big hit.. can't really say what
steel would have done in that instance...

btw, the plastic did it's job of protecting the undercarriage..

This was probably a fluke thing.. most Japanese atv's have
partial or full plastic skid plates , cv protection etc...

Polaris uses mostly steel... I think both do the job.. I personally
prefer the metal but it can get dinged up and bent also.