Tires and More
* As for optimum tire pressure, manufacturers will specify a range of pressures, usually between 3 and 5 psi, which varies depending on the terrain. For rocky rides, fill to the max setting (8 to 10 psi); this will keep your machine riding higher and will stop the tire from blowing a bead if you graze a sharp rock. For soft terrain, go to a mid- or low-pressure setting (3 to 5 psi). This will maximize traction and keep you from getting stuck (or at least make it easier to get out).
* Be aware that two identical tires may have different rolling diameters even if inflated to the same pressure. Most experienced backcountry riders will set one front and one rear tire with a pressure gauge and then adjust the other tire either visually or with a tape measure to get the same rolling diameter. The easy way to do this is to park your machine on a level concrete surface and fill one tire to the desired pressure, then gradually fill (or deflate) the other tire until the bumper or axle sits level according to a tape measure. Repeat for the other side.
* If your tires are worn, remember that when riding in extreme conditions you're by definition using all that your machine can give you. Tires that perform OK in normal situations will slip and slide when you're really punishing them. This is annoying when climbing or accelerating, but it can be deadly when trying to stop or when picking your way along a very steep trail. Some riders keep two sets of tires mounted, one for easy trail rides and another for extreme adventures.
* In rugged conditions, you will frequently be using the hand controls only, so make sure they're accessible and properly set. Controls should be adjusted to be comfortable to use when sitting or kneeling on the seat. Normally this means you have to angle the thumb throttle up a bit from the stock position.
* If your machine has adjustable suspension, you'll probably want to crank the spring preload to its highest setting. A loaded machine will ride steadier if the suspension is stiff, plus a firm preload might buy you an inch or more of available ground clearance. If the ride turns out to be smoother than you expected, you can always soften the suspension up by hand later on the trail.
* If you're going to be riding in wet conditions, check to see that all of your drain and vent hoses are in place and properly routed. Check the air-filter drain hose, too.
Essential Equipment for Adventure RidingSurvival gear for your trusty steedWhat to bring...just in case
Tow straps (2)
Spare tiedowns, ratchet-type (2)
Winch (one winch-equipped ATV per group)
U-clamps for winch cable repair (2)
Tire chains (for snow or slippery conditions)
GPS and mount, plus spare batteries or power cord
Tire repair kit, including rubber cement and 10-20
tire plugs
Assorted nuts, bolts, washersSpare fuses
3 feet of 18-gauge electrical wire
1 quart of engine oil
1 gallon of water (liquid-cooled machine)
4 feet of fuel line (for siphon or repair)
QuikSteel two-part epoxy
Throttle cable
Spark plug(s)
Spare headlight bulbs
Spare ignition key
Butane lighter/torch
Small folding camp shovel
Small wood saw or hatchet
First-aid kit
50-foot nylon paracord
-Dennis Peterson