Each month we receive an overwhelming amount of technical questions from our readers. Everyone at ATVR including the night janitor carries an extremely heavy workload, so as a last resort we were forced to put Mike Newsom in charge of answering your questions. Mikey is one of the most talented mechanics we know, but it's his off-the-wall remarks and repulsive attitude that keep him locked away in the garage. If you dare to bear his response, send your questions to atvrider@sorc.com. We promise not to let Mikey use your name and embarrass you in front of your buddies.
Ask: I'm trying to find out what brand of Chinese-made ATV is the best. I don't want to hear all the BS like "Don't buy this and that." I just want to see a poll and find out the best brands people prefer, or at least hear people in the industry's opinions.
Mikey: By the defensive way you ask your question I have a feeling you already know the industry's opinion. I have a quest for you, young Indiana Jones. Find a Chinese dealership with a parts counter and service department, then you'll have discovered my favorite Chinese-made ATV. Keep your eyes peeled while searching, you're likely to stumble upon the Holy Grail or maybe even come across the Ark of the Covenant before uncovering this illusive location. I'm sorry, but I'll be in the deep woods of Washington State searching for D.B. Cooper's lost $200,000 so don't be offended if I'm unable to immediately respond to any future e-mails. Ask me the same question about Taiwanese machines and I'll quickly tell you that Kymco rules supreme!
Ask: I'm having a problem with the MPEM (Multi-Purpose Electronic Module) fuse blowing. I recently replaced the battery and plugs. It started fine and then the next weekend it started blowing the 20-amp fuse. When I turn the key to the on position, the fuse will blow and no indicator lights flash on the dashboard. Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated. I just installed new tires and am desperate to test them out.
Mikey: Being that it worked fine for a short period, I'll assume you reconnected everything properly while performing maintenance. It sounds like you have a short somewhere! Begin your search by doing a thorough inspection of the entire wiring harness. It isn't uncommon for a wire to wear on the frame and ground itself on the metal. It may barely be visible, so take your time and inspect carefully. You can disconnect any lighting, winch or other electronics from the harness to rule out these possibilities. If you have further trouble resolving this problem, feel free to send the new tires my way. You won't be needing them, so I'll let you know how they work.
Ask: I have a 2005 Foreman 500 and it shuts off in water over the headlights before reaching the handlebar. There's never any water in the airbox. I'm about to snorkel it but I don't think it's going to fix my problem...
Mikey: You're right Aquaman! A snorkel isn't going to solve your problem. Before submerging this machine, you should seal all electrical connections with dielectric grease and extend the vents up to the handlebar. After this a snorkel will actually be beneficial. I highly recommend reading the special September 2008 mud issue of ATV Rider. I think you will find everything you need to transform your Foreman into a submarine.
Ask: I have a 1995 Kawasaki Bayou. I've taken good care of it but it suddenly stopped going. The shifter is functional, but when I take off, the rpm are spooling but I'm not getting any speed. I can barely reach third gear, and while the rpm are up it won't reach any significant speed. The engine is running great! (I bought a service manual but it doesn't do any good if you don't know what you are servicing!)