The All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) is a rugged 4-wheel vehicle that can be used on or off-road, and if you own such a vehicle, maintenance is always something to consider. If you are not too knowledgeable about the inner workings of a quad bike, here Live Enhanced explores a few tell-tale signs that something is not right that you should look out for.
Loss Of Braking Performance
source: atvondemand.com
If you notice that your brakes are not performing as they should, this is obviously something that you should investigate. If the brakes are noisy, for example, this could be due to dust or worse, the brake pads are worn to excess, and after a good power wash, you can check the brake pads for excessive wear and tear. Another thing to check is the hydraulic brake fluid level, which should be topped up when necessary.
Excessive Smoke From The Exhaust
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In the event you notice puffs of white smoke coming from the exhaust when you open the throttle, this could be a sign that the piston rings are worn, which allows engine oil to enter the cylinders, which causes white smoke to come out of the exhaust. Any quad dealer such as https://quadbikesrus.com/ would have an extensive stock of Yamaha ATV parts. You can order these online, or if you would prefer, simply take the quad in and have a mechanic take a look.
Engine Does Not Idle
source: tucker.com
When the quad is running and is left ticking over, it should run at just over 500 RPM. If the engine keeps cutting out, this is a sign of either a blocked air filter or an incorrect mixture of fuel and oxygen. Remove the air filter and give it a good blow with compressed air and refit the filter, which might solve the problem. You should never ride the quad with no air filter, as this could allow dirt, dust, and grime into the engine.
Slipping Clutch
source: hondaprokevin.com
If you feel that the power delivery is not what it should be, the clutch may be worn, and prior to changing the clutch, you should check the adjustment, as allowing a little more slack on the cable might solve the issue. One tell-tale sign is when the engine revs change pitch, yet there is a lack of drive power, plus there might be a lack of tension when operating the clutch caliper.
Bumpy Ride
source: utvactionmag.com
Your quad would have four independent shock absorbers, one for each wheel and in the event one or more of the shock absorbers are defective, this would result in a less than comfortable riding experience. Some quads have adjustable suspension, so do check the settings and experiment with a different setting, which could improve things.
You should have your ATV serviced on a regular basis and should you notice anything unusual, this needs to be investigated, as even a small issue can quickly become major if not addressed. A typical service would include a change of engine oil, cleaning the air filter and checking the spark plug, while also checking chain tension and brake fluid. Like any vehicle, your ATV should be periodically inspected by a competent mechanic, which should ensure that all is well.
