Garage Tips And Tricks - Pro Remedies

Socket To It!
When installing new bearings it's easy to grab a hammer and start swinging, often resulting in a damaged race or broken seal on the bearing. Before you get carried away with that 16-ounce precision persuader (hammer), find yourself a socket that closely matches the diameter of the outer portion of the bearing. This allows you to apply even pressure when installing the bearing and greatly reduces the risk of accidental bearing damage.

Extended Helmet Life
Squeezing your head into a smelly helmet can be enough torture to make even the toughest guys yell for mercy. A quick spin through the wash can prevent this gut-wrenching odor but it also takes its toll on the life of your helmet pads. Placing your pads in a wash net before giving them the plunge will lessen the damage caused by repeated washing.

Additional Security
Having your machines, tools, gear, etc., locked in an enclosed hauler is extremely convenient but also makes them an easy target for thieves. I've heard countless stories of riders coming out of a hotel or even their own house to find their entire trailer has been stolen. It's difficult to stop a thief, but do everything you can to detour his effort and have him seeking out an easier target. On the ATV Rider trailer we've removed the pressed-in pin that holds the crank to the trailer jack and replaced it with a removable pin. This allows us to easily remove the handle, restricting the operation of the jack when security is an issue.

Keeping Your Cool
Washing your radiator can do more harm than good if it's not done properly. Spraying water into the front of the radiator forces debris into the cooling fins where large particles, such as stones, become lodged causing damage and restricting airflow. The radiator should be cleaned by spraying water through the fins from the back, forcing the debris out from where it entered.

Leave The Mud At The Track
A muddy track or trail can add well over 100 pounds to your machine in a matter of seconds. Not only is this a pain to clean, but it also plays havoc on your ATV's suspension. Preventing mud from gathering will reduce the added weight and increase your chances of finishing the day with no significant damage. One way to do this is by placing sponges or foam between vulnerable areas, such as the engine and belly pan. Hollow areas of the swingarm are likely candidates for this tip as well.

Sticky Situation
There's nothing worse than leaving the starting line on a wet and muddy day, only to discover that your roll-offs have gotten completely stuck to the lens of your goggles. Many companies now offer lenses that are dimpled to combat this problem, but if you find yourself using a smooth lens when bad weather rolls in, I have an easy alternative to get you through the day. Before installing the roll-off film you can scratch an X in the center of the lens, creating a slightly rough surface to reduce static, providing effortless operation.

ATV Rider Reader's Remedy Of The Month
A Heated Situation
When installing aftermarket pipes, they often get much closer to the plastic than the stock units. As they heat up, so does the plastic and this can result in a hole being burned into the fender or even completely ruining a set of plastic. A heat shield can be placed to the inner portion of the fender, creating a barrier between the plastic and pipe. This sticky-backed sheet is easily installed and will prevent the pipe from damaging a piece of costly plastic. Not to mention the reduction of heat transfer that reaches the rider's leg.

Filter Thy Fuel
You can look in the bottom of any gas can to get an idea of the amount of trash that makes its way into your carburetor or fuel-injection system. It only takes a minute to clog a jet, leaving your machine starving for fuel every time you hit the throttle. An inexpensive way to prevent this from ruining your day is by installing an inline fuel filter between the petcock and the carburetor. This position will allow you to shut off the fuel and replace the filter when necessary.

The Water War Continues
Keeping electronics dry is a never-ending battle, but with proper preparation you can stay one step ahead of the enemy. Electrical lines often have rubber boots where they enter the engine, and these sometimes begin to leak over time. A small zip-tie can be placed around these boots clamping down to keep the seal tight. As we've mentioned in other Pro Remedies, a dab of dielectric grease never hurts either.