ATV Community

Forum

Ask trail questions, compare machines, and share real riding advice with other ATV owners.

All Topics General Riding Tips Maintenance Buying Advice Trails

Latest Topics

1-20 of 246 topics

best oil for chinese 110 atv

I've got a Chinese 110cc ATV I bought used and I'm trying to figure out the best oil to use. The previous owner said they just dumped in whatever 10W-40 they had, but I've read these small engines can be picky. I mostly ride on trails and do some light yard work with it. Should I stick with a specific viscosity like 10W-30 or 15W-40? Also, synthetic vs conventional – worth the extra money for these little motors? I don't want to ruin the clutch or have it smoke.

Buying AdviceJason MyersJun 28, 2026

best 2 stroke oil for banshee

I just picked up a 2001 Banshee and I'm trying to figure out what 2 stroke oil to run. I mostly ride dunes and some trails, and I want something that keeps the engine clean without fouling plugs. I've heard mixed things about synthetic vs. semi-synthetic and different brands. What are you guys running and why?

Buying AdviceTom HarrisJun 28, 2026

what is the best atv for mudding

Hey folks, I’m gearing up for a weekend of serious mud bogging and need some advice on the best ATV to tackle deep, slick mud. I’ve got a 450‑cc two‑stroke that’s been solid on trails, but I’m wondering if I should upgrade to a larger displacement or maybe a different tire setup. What models have proven themselves in thick mud, and what mods (tire tread, lift kits, exhaust) are essential? Also, any tips on handling and safety in those conditions would be huge. Thanks in advance!

GeneralDerek ColeJun 28, 2026

best exhaust for 300ex

I just swapped the stock muffler on my 300EX for a cheaper aftermarket pipe and the sound is louder, but I’m hearing a bit of a back‑fire on the down‑stroke and the power feels a little laggy. I’m wondering which exhaust families actually give a noticeable torque gain without sacrificing reliability. Has anyone run a titanium slip‑on or a full‑flow system on a 300EX and seen a clean power curve? I’m also curious about any needed jetting changes or if the stock carb works fine with a freer flow pipe.

Buying AdviceDaniel HughesJun 28, 2026

best carburetor for yamaha banshee

I just swapped the stock carb on my 1999 Yamaha Banshee for a larger bore one hoping to tighten up the mid‑range throttle response, but now the bike runs rough at idle and I’m getting a lean condition at higher revs. I’ve read mixed opinions about the Mikuni VS and Keihin CV models for this engine. Can anyone tell me which carburetor tends to be the most reliable and easy to tune for a Banshee that sees a mix of trail and occasional track days?

Buying AdviceJustin HayesJun 28, 2026

best 400ex tires

After swapping my 200ex for a fresh set of 400ex last weekend, I’m noticing the tread wearing down faster than I expected on the rocky section of the loop. I chose the standard black tread pattern because of the price, but now I’m wondering if a different compound or tread style would hold up better on mixed terrain. Has anyone compared the longevity of the standard versus the aggressive knobby version on similar rides?

Buying AdviceFrank MitchellJun 28, 2026

what do the numbers mean on atv tires

I was looking at my tires before a ride and noticed the numbers on the sidewall - stuff like 25x8-12 and 25x10-12. I get that the first two are width and height, but the last number and the dash format still confuse me. Can someone break down exactly what each part means and why it matters for handling and fit? I don't want to mess something up when I eventually replace them.

GeneralAaron RossJun 28, 2026

what is my polaris ranger worth

I’ve got a 2018 Polaris Ranger 900 XP that I’m thinking about selling, but I’m not sure what a fair price is. It’s got about 2,500 miles, regular maintenance done, and a few aftermarket add-ons like a winch and light bar. I’ve seen prices all over the place online—from $8k to $12k—and I’m wondering what’s realistic based on condition and market trends. Anyone sold one recently or have tips on pricing it right without getting lowballed?

Buying AdviceNoah PerryJun 28, 2026

best tires for raptor 700

I just got a 2020 Raptor 700 and I'm looking at new tires. I ride mostly trails and some sand. I want something aggressive but still decent on hardpack. I've been looking at the ITP Holeshot ATR and the Maxxis Razr. I'm on a budget around $400 for a set. Anyone have experience with these? Fitment issues? Any better options I should consider?

Buying AdviceTimothy WardJun 28, 2026

what causes a stripped oil drain plug

I was changing the oil on my 2020 Honda Rancher 420 and when I went to torque the drain plug back in, it just kept spinning without tightening. Looks like I stripped the threads in the crankcase. I'm thinking I might have cross-threaded it last time or overtightened it. What actually causes this? Is it mostly user error or can the plug wear out? Trying to figure out if I can fix it myself without pulling the engine.

MaintenanceAaron RossJun 28, 2026

what is belt deflection

I noticed my Outlander 800 was slipping under hard acceleration and the clutch felt jerky. I checked the service manual and it mentioned checking belt deflection. I'm not entirely sure what that means or how to measure it properly. Is it the distance the belt moves when pushed? Should I be looking for a specific measurement? I want to avoid burning up a belt or damaging the clutches. Any advice on how to adjust it correctly?

MaintenanceEthan MyersJun 27, 2026

what does 40 to 1 ratio mean?

I just installed a new 36-tooth front sprocket on my 2007 Polaris Ranger and kept the stock 18-tooth rear. The spec sheet says the gear ratio is now 40:1. I'm not sure how to interpret that number—does it mean the engine turns 40 times for each wheel revolution, or is it something else? I'm looking for a clear explanation and how it will affect my low‑speed torque and top speed.

GeneralEthan MyersJun 26, 2026

what year is my arctic cat atv

I just bought a used Arctic Cat ATV off a guy who said it's a 2005, but the title just says 'Arctic Cat' with no year. The VIN plate is partly worn, and I'm trying to figure out the actual model year before ordering parts. The engine is a 500cc, and it has a solid rear axle, but I'm not sure if that helps narrow it down. Anyone know how to decode Arctic Cat VINs or spot year-specific features like decals or frame differences? I want to get the right carb rebuild kit and brake pads.

MaintenanceHunter BennettJun 26, 2026

what to do when oil temp light comes on?

I was cruising a shallow ridge on my ATC300 last weekend when the oil temperature light flickered on suddenly. I pulled over, let the engine cool, but the gauge stayed lit. I checked the oil level and it was fine, yet the light won’t reset. Has anyone had this happen on a similar model and know what the next step should be?

MaintenanceRyan EdwardsJun 26, 2026

best exhaust for banshee

I'm looking to upgrade the exhaust on my '01 Banshee and I'm torn between a few options. I mostly ride trails but hit the dunes a couple times a year. I don't want something that requires a ton of rejetting right out of the gate, but I also don't want to leave power on the table. Budget is around $500 used or new. What's the best all-around pipe for a mostly stock motor?

Buying AdviceMike HendersonJun 25, 2026

best battery for polaris sportsman 570

I just swapped the old 12‑amp‑hour battery on my 2022 Polaris Sportsman 570 after a long winter and the new one dies after about 30 minutes of trail riding. I’m looking for a replacement that can handle the extra load of a winch and a heated seat, but I don’t want to break the bank. Anyone know which battery gives the best balance of capacity, durability, and price for this model?

Buying AdviceLuke SimmonsJun 25, 2026

what is crankcase fluid

I was topping off the oil on my 2007 Polaris Sportsman 500 and noticed a separate fill cap labeled 'crankcase fluid.' My manual just says 'check oil level' but nothing about what that other fluid is. Is crankcase fluid different from engine oil? Do I need to change it separately? I don't want to mess something up by putting oil in the wrong hole or skipping a service.

MaintenanceGrace PowellJun 23, 2026

what volt is a 4 wheeler battery

I just picked up a used 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 660 and the battery is completely dead. I’m trying to figure out what voltage it should be so I can order a proper replacement without wasting money. The old battery has no label left, and I don’t want to guess wrong. Anyone know what volt a typical quad battery runs?

MaintenancePatrick LongJun 23, 2026

what are the two hoses on a atv carburetor

I was cleaning my carburetor after a muddy ride and noticed two hoses coming off it that I didn't pay attention to before. One goes to the bottom of the float bowl, and the other connects to a small port on the side. I think one is a drain hose and the other might be a vent, but I'm not sure which is which. Can someone clarify what each hose does and if they need to be routed a certain way to avoid issues?

MaintenanceNicole SimmonsJun 22, 2026

what do moth balls do in a gas tank

I was cleaning out my old garage and found a box of moth balls. My buddy jokingly said to throw one in my gas tank to keep critters away. Is there any truth to that? I've heard old wives' tales about using moth balls for fuel issues, but I'm not about to ruin my quad. Anyone actually tried this or know what happens chemically? I'm just curious before I toss them in the trash.

MaintenanceJennifer CoxJun 22, 2026