OK guys I'm pretty new to the whole ATV thing. I have a 06 Yamaha Kodiak 450 4x4. I'm not new to off roading nor am I shy to get dirty and push this thing to the limits. I was just wondering what exactly needs to be done as far as "preventative maintenance"? I have already had a few problems with water in the gearbox, fouled out spark plugs, water in the air intake, etc. I've put about 200 HARD miles on the atv now and I think its time to start doing some routine maintenance. So far the only thing I've done is changed the oil after about 75 miles. Thanks for all the help!

 

Every machine i own runs Just as good if not better than stock, so listen to my advice.
On my sport atv's I re-grease the fitting every single ride. I change oil every 6 hours, change oil filter ever 25 hours, clean air filter ever 2 rides (every ride if it is in sand) Check tires every ride, Check battery connections every ride.. If i know im not gonna ride for like 2 weeks, I just start it every other day for 5 minutes and ride it 2 laps around my backyard just so that the engine gets all the oil running through it. I also check the coolant levels everytime, I clean my carb after 20 hours (usually not dirty at all) but yea. GOod luck clean your oil and air filter more often!

 

In addition to what this guy said. Another thing you can do to keep the carbs from getting gummed up is shut the gas off then run the quad till it stalls, then your carbs are empty and wont get gummy.