September 20, 2008

ATV tires and wheels?






















People running on thier ATVs when you see them with what looks like car tires on them. Do small car tires and wheels fit on atvs or are the car tires on the atv wheels

Quad tires are available in sizes up to 27" in diameter. There are millions of different profiles, rim sizes, tread design.

Go to ATV section and look at tires:
http://www.powersportsrider.com/CGI-BIN/HOME

nice tools..

July 6, 2008

How hard is it to change or replace an ATV tire?


Can a single person do this task and what are the tools needed to break the bead and mount the tire?


1. Its not that hard if you have every thing you need

2. It's been a few years since I've ever done this, but since ATV tires run such a low air pressure, most of the time replacing a tire is fairly easy. Sometimes standing on the bead will break it loose after you pull out the valve core. I used to use a small bumper jack to break the bead, and then two large screwdrivers with some tape or something on them to protect the aluminum rim from being damaged.

3. Most stock atv rims are steel,except for the performance models.Use lots of dish soap around the bead of the tire,that will make it come off ultra easy.A couple large screwdrivers will do the trick.Make sure that you pull the core,or it will be harder to break the bead,assuming that there is air in the tire to begin with.If the bead gives you a problem breaking,hit it with a rubber mallet.It's easy to do,and one person can do it.

4. You should be able to do it yourself. I do my own tires. I would recommend having someone that has done it before help you. There are some little tricks that make the process much easier.

5. If you don't have an ATV tire "bead breaker", don't even think about doing it yourself. Bring it to a shop. Using a $3000 Coats pneumatic bead breaker, mechanics still have a hard time breaking the beads on quad tires. Com'on mechanics, back me up on this.

6. ill agree its a pain in the rear i have an old 3 wheeler and had to cut the tires off with a utility knife and break the (bead) which is usually a cable molded into the rubber and their a pain oh did i say that again a car tire is much easier...

June 27, 2008

ATV riders banned from wildlife areas

Ruling goes into effect Tuesday; officials cite damage to habitat

On a nice weekend, hundreds of all-terrain vehicles cruise up and down the levee that separates Broward and Palm Beach counties west of U.S. Highway 27.

Other recreational riders venture into the wildlife management areas north and south of the levee — but they'll soon have to look elsewhere to ride.

As of Tuesday, ATVs will be banned from more than 700,000 acres and on the levees that serve as boundaries for the four wildlife areas in South Florida.

According to biologists and law enforcement officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, some ATV riders are causing damage to the habitat by speeding, carving muddy trails and leaving trash behind.

ATV riders are unhappy about the ban because there are so few places to ride in South Florida

"How can they do that?" Jorge Merino, of Sunrise, said while repairing one of his four-wheelers on the levee. "This is the only place we've got to ride.

"I come out here with my kids and my wife like every two weeks," said Merino, whose children are 8 and 6 years old. "We try to spend all day out here. It's really fun for the kids." [read more]

source information: http://www.sun-sentinel.com

June 1, 2008

25 Top Tips To Do Before Going Offroad (Last Part)

16.Check all belts and hoses, and carry spares. The lower radiator hose is the one that usually gets damaged while off-roading, so ensure that you have a spare. Alternator/water-pump belts are the most important. Newer vehicles often use serpentine belts. While much less prone to failure, they can be pains to change. The are also expensive, but carry one if you can afford it.

17.Make sure you have a working jack and know how to use it.

18.If you have room, carry a second spare wheel and tire. Nothing is worse than getting a second flat tire on the same trip.

19.Check the weather forecast. If there is even the remote possibility of snow, or if you will be at high altitude, carry tire chains for all four wheels and know how to install them. Don’t forget the chain tensioners, which look like big rubber bands with hooks. Remember that the chain tensioners will deteriorate over time, so check them periodically for cracks and splits.

20.Carry a tool kit (see other list)

21.Carry a first-add kit.

22.Carry an emergency kit (see other list)

23.Carry a flashlight and an extra set of fresh batteries

24.Brink a few scraps of plywood, about 10 to 12 inches square. You may need them to support your jack if you have to change a tire on the uneven ground.

25.Make sure you headlights, taillights, and brake lights all work. It’s a good idea to carry spare bulbs.

Enjoy.....

May 30, 2008

25 Top Tips To Do Before Going Offroad (Part.2)

7.Pack a roll of toilet paper in a zip-top plastic bag and put it behind the sear right now. I promise you that someday you’ll thank yourself

8.Pack a fully charged cell phone and car adapter, if you have one. You’d be amazed where you may find a signal. You may have to climb a tree or hike to the top of the ridge, but that could mean the difference between spending the night in you own bed or your rig.

9.If you have a GPS, don’t forget it! If you don’t buy one. There are reasonably inexpensive, hand-held units that are easy to operate. This could be the best money you ever spend, should a real emergency arise. Bring spare batteries in a zip-top baggie and a car adapter, if so equipped.

10.If you can, get a pair of handheld family radio service (FRS) walkie-talkies. Just like the GPS, they are common today and are reasonably inexpensive. In case you need to temporarily split up the party: (in search of a cell signal, for instance) you do no want to be out of touch, even if you are out of sight. And don’t separate beyond the range.

11.Bring something to eat and drink. Even if it’s only a short trip, bring something. Sports drinks, bottled water, energy bars, and dried fruit are good ideas. Items that don’t need to be refrigerated are best. Avoid salty foods, unless you have lot’s to drink. If things go awry, it’s easier to think clearly if you have a little something in you stomach. And never travel without a cooler, even if space is at a premium.

12.Fill the gas tank on every trip. It’s amazing how many people forget to do this. Always remember the One-Third/Two-Third Rule: Only use one-third of a tank to get where you are going and save two-thirds for getting out, unless you know there’s fuel at your destination. If you fuel tank doesn’t have the capacity, carry extra fuel or re-think your route.

13.Always carry your extra fuel outside the vehicle. Fuel containers have vents, and not only are gasoline fumes explosive, they are toxic

14.Step up and buy good jumper cables with heavy-gauge wire and quality connectors.

15.Bring a tow strap.

May 26, 2008

25 Top Tips To Do Before Going Offroad (Part.1)

1.Check all your fluids -coolant/anit-freeze, oil, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, ATF, differentials, etc. Make sure there are no leaks, everything is at the proper level, and carry extra fluids just in case. Also, this should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: If you know of any mechanical or electrical problems with your rig, repair them first. There’s no excuse for off-roading with a worn U-joint or an intermittent short in the ignition. By the way, check you air filer, too.

2.Check your shock absorbers for signs of leakage or damage.

3.Check you tires for pressures and condition, including the spare. Make sure the tread is appropriate for the terrain you will be traveling.

4.Jack up the front of your rig and make a quick check of all ball joints, tie rods ends and wheel bearings. Grab the tire by the and at the top and bottom, and check for any excess movement by rocking the wheel in and out. Do the same by rocking the tire side to side. Any excessive free play should be checked out by a qualified mechanic. Do the same at the rear

5.Plan you trip! File a “flight plan.” Let someone know where you are, when you are leaving and when you’ll be back. Let then know when they should start to worry if they haven’t heard from you, and whom to contact. You should have a map of where you are going, and so should someone staying behind.

6.Check the weather forecast. Bring appropriate clothing and protective gear (hats, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen). Pack extra clothing in case you get wet or it gets a little colder than expected. If there’s room, throw in at lease one sleeping bag (preferable one for each member of your party), even if you don’t plan to spend the night.

May 24, 2008

Maxxis Tire - Choosing the Right Tire

Choosing the right tire for your specific application can be a tough process. To help with your selection, we've compiled a list of the most popular Maxxis ATV and motorcycle tires along with their intended application.

Maxxis ATV Tires

The Bighorn ATV Tire is one of the most popular Maxxis tires. This ATV tire features large widely spaced lugs allowing you to traverse rocky desert terrain with ease. This is a 6 ply Maxxis tire for maximum puncture resistance. Sidewall lugs also help to protect the sidewall and your wheels.

The Maxxis Mudzilla ATV Tire is (obviously) geared toward mud riding. This is also a 6 ply Maxxis ATV tire and features a unique rubber composition for longer wear. For more budget friendly mud Maxxis tires, check out the Mud Bug.

Lastly, the Maxxis Razr tire is well-suited for intermediate terrain. This is a favorite tire among racers. This tire features, smaller closer lugs for maximum traction in versatile dirt conditions. If you are looking for a high quality replacement for your OEM tires, this is it.

You can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $150 for a high quality ATV tire. Be sure to shop around for the best price as they vary quite a bit. Additionally, you can usually find good deals on Maxxis tires online.

Maxxis Motorcycle Tires

For dual sport applications, you'll want to look at the M series Maxxis tire. These have a unique compound to give you performance both on and off-road. For an off-road use Maxxis tire, you will be choosing from the following: IT, HT, ST, and CI series tires. Of this group, the IT is the strongest tire and is designed for the varied conditions. The HT is a hart terrain Maxxis tire and the ST series Maxxis tire is designed for soft sand and mud riding.

Lastly, the CI series Maxxis tire is designed for intermediate terrain. This is the best all-around Maxxis motorcycle tire and a good OEM replacement tire.

There are 5 different types of street Maxxis motorcycle tires. The Supermaxx tires are designed for speed and performance. These are great sportbike tires. Classic and Promaxx are intermediate tires offering a good balance of wear and performance. Touring Maxxis tires are built with heavier bikes in mind. These are great for cruisers.

Although Maxxis tires are moderately priced, it is important to shop around before purchasing. You can usually find good deals on Maxxis tires online.

By Lyle Dove

March 3, 2008

Keeping Your ATV Tires in Good Condition

A flat ATV tire on the trial is probably something you'll run into whether you're a professional or novice rider. Although having a flat tire is not a scheduled event, you need to prepare yourself as to when it will hit you.

Flat tires are not an event unique to all terrain vehicles. Luckily, a flat tire is easy to fix, so there's no need for panicking. This problem can be handled without great difficulty.

One of the most common problems of flat ATV tires is air leaks. You can repair most types of flats on the trails. Nevertheless, there are some types of severe flats that a professional should deal with.

Fixing a flat usually means you can continue riding on it for the remainder of your ride. It is important, however, to properly fix it later on to completely get rid of the underlying problem. You will need a couple of items to fix you ATV tire. To be prepared for tire problems, you should store these equipments in a safe place where you can use it any time and anywhere.

Repair glue, a reamer, tire plugs, a plug insertion tool and a pump are the most important tools that you'll need. The air gauge is the most important tool you should always have on hand.

The task of finding the holes where there air is leaking is not always simple. The first thing you should do is put air in the tire. Look for object that stuck into the tire, such as nails, screws, glass, or other sharp objects.

If there are no sharp objects in the tire, then look for small cuts and listen for leaks. It is recommended to place some water or puddle in the tires to allow you to see possible damages. You should also check if your valve stem or seal is broken.

When you've located the leak, roughen the edges of the hole with the reamer so that the plug will grip more effectively. You should then thread the plug by applying a little amount of glue to the plug. Check to see if the plug would stay in place.

There are different kinds of plugs for different types of holes, and it takes some experience to pick the right one. Wait until the glue has completely dried and set before continuing with your ride. It's a simple process, and it allows you to finish your ride and then get the leak properly fixed when you're back home.

by Rusty Benoit.

February 23, 2008

Tire-Mounting Safety Guidelines

WARNING: MOUNTING OF TIRES ON WHEELS CAN BE DANGEROUS IF DONE IMPROPERLY. ONLY TRAINED PERSONNEL, USING THE PROPER TOOLS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT, AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SHOULD ATTEMPT TO MOUNT TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES.
  1. Use only a clip-on style air chuck with a long extension hose, remote filler, and inflation gauge.
  2. Using a tire mounting lubricant, lube the tire and rim bead seat. Determine the tire's maximum recommended tire inflation pressure.
  3. The tire and wheel must be located away from all personnel. Something solid, such as a block wall or a tire-mounting cage (see photo), must be between the tire/wheel assembly and the installer. THE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY MUST BE OUT OF "LINE OF SIGHT" DURING THE INFLATION PROCESS.
  4. Inflate the tire until you hear the beads seats snap, or until you reach the tire manufacturer's maximum recommended tire pressure. NEVER EXCEED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER'S MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE.
  5. If the tire beads do not seat, stop! Release all air from the tire/wheel assembly, and call your tire manufacturer or ITP for advice (909-390-1905).
  6. Once the tire bead is seated, disconnect the chuck, re-install the valve core, and inflate to proper operating pressure.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRES BE INSTALLED IN A SAFETY CAGE SIMILAR TO THE ONE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING PHOTO. FAILURE TO FOLLOW RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY

February 22, 2008

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

When it comes time to replace your old and worn ATV tires, many riders are eager to purchase new tires, but many are unaware what to do with the old ones. Regardless where you live, throwing old tires in a body or water or natural environment is improper—and in many cases illegal—since the tires can corrupt nature. When disposing of your old ATV tires, be sure to do so in a proper and legal manner that will not negatively impact the environment for future generations.

More and more often, tires are being recycled and formed into all sorts of new products. From park benches to carpets, recycled rubber is a durable and economical product. When you are faced with the decision what to do with your old ATV tires, look to your local recycling company to see if rubber is accepted. Although you may not be able to place your tires to the curb if you community is involved with curbside recycling, the recycling plant may be able to take the tires off your hands. Look to the phonebook or internet to find a recycling facility near you and make a quick visit or telephone call to see if your tires are able to be recycled.

Most tire stores that provide you with new tires for your ATV will be able to take your old ones. Before you make the change, be sure to ask the tire center what they do with old tires if you are concerned about the environmental impact unused rubber causes. Also, there may be a slight fee involved with properly disposing of your old tires, so know this amount upfront in order to prevent any surprises at the cash register. The state in which you live may have certain regulations or fees involving tire disposal, and this is often incorporated into your bill and is listed separately from the cost of the new tires or the labor to install the tires on your ATV.

If your old tires still have life in them, consider giving them to a friend or family member with an ATV. Keep in mind that old tires should only be used if they still have ample tread and are able to ensure the vehicle can be driven safely. Also, consider selling your old ATV tires so that you can use the profits to buy a new set. Look to your local newspaper and list a classified advertisement or turn to the internet with sites like Ebay or Craigslist to sell your tires. These are great resources and you may even find a new set of ATV tires listed at a more economical price than offered at your local tire store.