For anyone who enjoys a good outdoor adventure, owning a quad bike represents a significant investment, and just like anything else you spend good money on, you would want your quad to remain in the best condition for a very long time. Unfortunately, your quad bike won’t maintain itself. It is your responsibility to ensure that your quad bike is properly cared for and serviced at the appropriate time. If you don’t want the hassle of owning a quad, there are several companies offering experience packages. Simply search quad biking near me to find a suitable organiser.
Although the servicing of your quad bike should be left to the professionals, there are some things you can do to keep your quad in good condition, and below is a maintenance checklist that will come in handy for you.
Follow the Break-In Procedure
This is especially important for brand-new quads. It is important that you follow the recommended break-in procedures before testing the limits and hitting any rough terrain with your new quad bike. What this means is that you need to give your quad some time to get used to things like operating, running, and letting fluids/oils flow and work. Although this can be difficult to do because of the excitement of seeing just how fast your new quad can go, it is important to take things slow at first, so your quad doesn’t break down.
Break in your quad by starting with less stress and throttle. This is to help the machine warm up while also preserving the engine. Over time, you can gradually increase the throttle and stress.
Check and Change the oil
This is something that should be done at least once a week and every time the gas tank is filled. The oil in your engine tends to collect debris and dirt after you hit the trail, so it is necessary that you check and change them as needed. Checking and changing the oil on your quad is easy; just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s manual on the recommended oil type, weight, and changing schedule. A regular oil change doesn’t just keep your quad bike in good condition; it can actually improve its performance on muddy terrains.
Check the Brakes and Chains
The brakes and chains of your quad bike are crucial components that also require regular maintenance. The brakes of your quad should be checked and cleaned at least once every two months. You also need to check and bleed the brakes of your quad bike before each use.
Inspect the chains of your quad bike frequently to ensure that there is a correct amount of tension and zero rust. If there is any mud after use, ensure to wash it off completely, so it doesn’t dry up. When washing off excess grime, avoid using a high-powered washer (use a low-pressure washer instead), as this can cause water to get past your quad’s bearing and seal into the electrics. Also, when it comes to caring for your quad bike’s chains, talk to a professional about the right type of lubricant to use, as the wrong lubricant can actually cause more harm than good to your quad’s gear.
Tighten the Bolts
This is something that you should do before hitting the trails. The process shouldn’t take more than five minutes of your time. Check that all the nuts and bolts are present and tighten any of the loose ones. Doing this will help you prevent potential accidents that could harm you and your quad. The protective rubber boots surrounding important components like the air intakes and drive shafts should also be inspected as they are quite expensive to repair when damaged.
Clean the Air Filter
Clean air is needed for your quad’s engine to function properly, so it is important that the air filters are kept clean. Always check your quad’s air filters (especially after hitting dusty and dirty terrains) to ensure that they are dry and clean. This is the only way to ensure that your quad’s engine is getting the air it needs.
If your quad has been in storage for a while, you should also check its air filter to ensure that critters haven’t turned the filters into nests.
Maintain the Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure is also important for quad maintenance and your safety. If a tyre on your quad loses pressure, the bead could pop off the rim, and this is something that will require a lot of time to fix. Low tyre pressure also poses a risk of accident, so it is important to check your tyre pressure with a low-pressure tyre guage before every ride.
Conclusion:
Proper maintenance and frequent servicing are the only ways to ensure that your quad bike stays in solid condition for a long time. Even though you can’t do the servicing yourself, following the above maintenance checklist is a surefire way to keep your quad in the best possible shape for a very long time.
