For a growing number of ATV and UTV enthusiasts, dirt and water have become the key ingredients for the ultimate weekend adventure. While these muddy conditions have the distinct ability to initiate a chain reaction of mechanical chaos, equipment and rider failure can be avoided if proper preparation is performed. We picked the brains of several top mud racers for a few secrets that help propel them through the mud and look good doing it!
Waterproof Your CDI
Power-enhancing CDIs such as Power Commanders are resistant to moisture but become very vulnerable when submerged in water. You can place your CDI inside a watertight Pelican case that is secured to your machine, thus reducing the chance of electronic failure when charging across the pit. You will have to drill a hole in the case to run the wires then seal the hole with silicone or a sealant of your choice.
Fastener Care
The elements are constantly wreaking havoc on your fasteners if you don't take the proper steps to keep them clean and lubricated. Removing the dirt and moisture after each cleaning with a water-displacing lubricant will prevent rust from setting in. It's a quick and simple process that can prevent hours of stress when performing maintenance or making repairs. For those who don't already know, the "WD" in WD-40 stands for water displacing. Hint, hint.
Open Drain
If it's obvious that you will be facing a wet day and you don't plan to cross any extremely deep water, you may consider removing the drain plug from your airbox. The thought of this may seem odd at first, but if you're sloshing through water-filled ruts or puddles and not submerging the airbox, water will accumulate in the bottom of the airbox. Once this has occurred the water will continually be splashed onto the air filter to be sucked directly into the motor. By removing the plug water will drain rather than accumulate.
Mud Stains
All mud and especially red clay stains everything that comes in contact. Soap, water and elbow grease won't remove every stain, but with the help of Westley's Bleche-Wite you can have your machine looking like new with minimal effort. This tire cleaner works magic on hard-to-clean ATV plastic and rubber hoses. Just spray it on and rinse it off. It doesn't get any easier than that.
Goggle Prep
There are countless tips for preparing your goggles for a muddy ride such as Roll Off's, tear-away film and mud flaps, but these aren't enough when a constant spray of mud and water are being pelted into your face. By applying Rain-X to your lens before diving in you will have an added layer of defense against Mother Nature. Rather than having mud build up on the lens the Rain-X will cause liquid to bead and roll off.