Valve Stem Caps
I'm sure that you've had a slow leaking tire at some point. The annoying type that holds air for a majority of the day but is always flat when you are ready to ride. This can be caused by small debris particles preventing the valve stem from seating properly. Reinstalling the caps after service will keep the valve clean and your tires properly inflated.
Fastener Security
I'm a believer in thread locking agents and a desert-racing friend just introduced another with a unique feature. He prefers to use automotive weather strip adhesive on fasteners that could possibly have to be removed during the race. Breaking the fastener loose is much easier than when using blue or red thread lock due to its pliable nature, but it refuses to release under severe riding conditions.
Pedialyte
Dehydration is common when spending countless hours in the saddle on a hot summer day. Sport drinks like Gatorade or PowerAde help to replenish needed electrolytes, but Children's Pedialyte is another unlikely source that is commonly found in a racers cooler. It is formulated with a high electrolyte count to combat dehydration in sick children and performs equally well in adults. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.
Fill The Tank
Changing temperatures causes condensation in containers and this holds true for fuel tanks. Between winter rides it is a good idea to fill the tank, which prevents condensation from forming. Condensation can contaminate fuel and possibly allow ice to form in the vent lines. This ice causes vapor lock preventing fuel from reaching the carburetor.
Rattle Reduction
Aluminum skid pans are vital to the life of your under carriage. The aluminum plates often contact the frame causing horrible clatter. Installing foam between the frame and skidpans will eliminate this undesirable rattle. I prefer to install adhesive foam strips directly to the pans to align with the frame rails. It's also best to leave some areas open to allow water to escape.
Shift Gears
I can't tell you how many times I've been behind a guy who is revving out and riding at the top of his game while I'm in a higher gear riding effortlessly. Riding in a low gear at the top of the RPM range is physically demanding and you're not going as fast as the excessive exhaust noise may lead you to believe. Change to a higher gear and maintain the same pace to save your steam.
Insect Repellant.
As you have hopefully read in this issue's Mud National coverage, the massive swarms of flying insects were ridiculous. Bug sprays helped but relief only came when we attached dryer sheets to our clothing. I'm uncertain of what makes this possible, but I am certain that it works.
Valve Adjustment
Readers write in to Ask Mikey on a regular basis with difficulties starting their cold ATV's. A simple valve adjustment will often cure this issue. Valve adjustment is a vital maintenance task that is often overlooked, so the next time you are changing fluids make it a point to inspect valve clearance.
ATV Rider Reader's Remedy of the month
Lever Saver
Before installing your brake or clutch perch, a strip of plumbers Teflon tape can be utilized to reduce the chance of breaking a lever in the event of a crash. Don't over tighten the perch and the tape will allow the perch to rotate before it breaks. Hopefully, you will be able to rotate it back into position and continue your charge to the checkered flag.
If you have any tips that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Heck, you might even save someone's ride. We'll be sure to give you credit for your remedy here in the pages of ATV Rider Magazine. So get them to us! Email us at atvrider@sorc.com.
ATV Rider Magazine
Attn: Pro Remedies
2570 E. Cerritos Ave.