Winching and Four Wheel Driving

If you have done much four wheel driving before, there is a good chance that you would have found yourself stuck at one stage or another. How you got out of that situation would have varied depending on how stuck you were, the people that you had with you, the recovery equipment that was available and the knowledge that you had of how to get out. By having a winch on your four wheel drive you have the best insurance for when you get stuck. It doesn't matter where or how you are stuck, a winch will be able to get you out if you know how to use it correctly. Of course, if you need to drive the opposite way to where your winch is mounted things can be a bit difficult, but you can work something else out without using the winch. Some people actually mount winches on both ends of their vehicles, for this very purpose!

Of course, you need to have one that is rated for pulling your four wheel drive through the mud up a steep incline, fully loaded and towing (if that is what you do). As long as you have that, and you know how to use a winch you should have no issues at all. I find that using a snatch strap is usually an easier option, but there are a number of times where I have used a winch instead, because it's safer and you have a bit of extra control.

Winching when you get stuck is a great way to get out, but it's also a very easy way to cause damage to yourself, or to a vehicle. There is a lot of force on a winch, and it wouldn't be the first time that something breaks when a recovery is taking place. Ensure that you have a dampening bag over the cable, and that you are winching in a safe way. No one should be standing within 20 metres, except the winch operator (who should hide behind the door of the vehicle!)

If I can offer any advice, it would be to take your time when deciding on how to recover a four wheel drive. By standing around for 5 minutes and looking at the situation, you will come up with several different ways to recover the four wheel drive, and you should be able to do it without any damage to people or vehicles.

If you want the safest, quickest and easiest vehicle recovery device, have a look at Maxtrax. Of course, no one should go four wheel driving without a Snatch Strap

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ATV Stereos - Getting the Right One for Your Needs

ATV stereos really add to the experience of your time on the trail. The number of stereos are growing every year. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when picking out the right unit.

One of the first things to consider when looking for a stereo is the durability of the unit. The day to day life of an ATV stereo is going to be a rough one. Therefore, you want to make sure that you buy a unit that is up to your demands.

One of the toughest things is the vibrations that your machine will be transferring into the stereo. Electronics are vulnerable to vibration and moisture. so make sure that the unit that you are looking at is going to be able to handle the elements.

The quality of the sound is also important. Consider if you are going to be listening to your system on a quiet trail ride and campsite, or if you are going to be using it to entertain a group of trail buddies.

If you are looking for personal music than you want to make sure that the unit is able to accept earphones or a helmet mic system. This will allow you to be able to enjoy distortion free music whenever wherever.

If on the other hand, you are going to be using the system to charge the party, than you'll have other needs. One of these needs will be the capacity and clarity of your speakers.

Speakers are one of the biggest components of your system. Most systems have acceptable power to run most speaker systems. The problem is that most speakers begin to degrade from the environment and physical abuse of riding. The cost of good ATV speakers might be surprising, but it is money well spent.

The head unit is the other important component of the system. The head unit is the most vulnerable component to weather and vibration. This needs to be protected from both. One way to protect the unit from vibration is to make sure that you mount it properly.

There are several ways and places to mount the stereo. When selecting a location consider protecting it from branches and various other shocks. Its mounting hardware should also insulate it from vibration and shocks. Most mounts incorporate rubber bushings that insulate it from slight vibrations, but any additional measures won't go to waste.

An ATV stereo is a great investment if you buy the right one for your needs and install it correctly.

We strive to find the best info. online so you can be an informed consumer. Check out http://www.ultimatemotorcyclesite.com/.

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Keeping Your ATV Exhaust Quiet

In my opinion, it is becoming more and more important to keep exhaust noise pollution from Quads, UTV's, and ATC's down to a minimum. Not only are our communities being patrolled and monitored for sound pollution, so are our favorite riding areas and local race tracks. We as riders need to make sure we are doing everything we can to not irritate the people around us, who may not enjoy the same recreational activities that we do. There is no quicker way to get our favorite riding area's shut down than to run around full throttle with a super loud exhaust. It only takes a couple complaints to the authorities before they take action and shut the area down.

So what options do we have to get the power we want while maintaining an acceptable sound level? Here are a couple options on how to quiet your ATV exhaust:

1. Buy an aftermarket ATV silencer add on that attaches to the end of your exhaust. This isn't the best looking option but will certainly work to quiet things down.

2. Buy a stealth ATV exhaust system. Stealth ATV exhaust systems are typically slip on exhaust systems that replace your existing muffler. since this replaces your existing exhaust, it is your best option for long term use. There is no tip to come loose and fall off. Also typically a stealth exhaust system won't noticeably affect your performance over stock.

While all these options are great for silencing your ATV, none of them are very desirable when it comes to getting the most performance. With all this in mind, most ATV performance exhaust companies have realized this and begun making quieter high performance exhaust alternatives. Some examples are the FMF quiet series, DMC afterburner, HMF Quiet Race Series, FMF Q series. A lot of these aftermarket exhausts come with "quiet core" inserts that allow you to choose between maximum performance and lower sound levels. With this new breed of ATV and UTV exhaust systems we can be sure to get the best balance between power and sound.

Find all these great products and check out the decibel levels of some of the top aftermarket exhausts at http://www.exhausttracker.com/

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Brief Overview On ATV Trails In Oklahoma

If you have an all terrain vehicle, you must find out about the ATV riding areas. In Oklahoma, there are numerous places where you can have a great ride. Here is a list and overview on a few of them. By learning about these places, you will be able to see which favors you the most.

The A to Z Guest Ranch situated at Kiamichi Mountains is a suitable place to drive your own ATV. They have one of the popular ATV riding trails in Oklahoma wherein it would be fun to do it during the spring or fall so that you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery even more.

The Beaver State Park ATV and ORV Area is another favorable location for riding. It is a wide area of sand dunes. You have to remember certain things though when you bring your vehicle. One of which is to place a flag to it. People love the place. Bring your one of the effective tazer products especially when doing it with many people.

Camp Gruber is a place that is fun to ride with when you have your all terrain vehicle. It is maintained and operated by Camp Gruber Recreation Trust Authority. The trail is a mixture of sand, dirt and rocks. This variation would make your ride fun and exciting. You will enjoy even more when with some company like your family or friends.

Draper Lake ORV Area in the southeastern region of Oklahoma City has become one of the favorites by many because of its stunning view and its proximity to the lake. The terrain can be tried even by a beginner who wishes to take on the challenge. You have to remember though that a riding permit is necessary.

Elk City Raceway is a popular choice among many riders. Many experienced individuals try out the location. You can check out the place and bring your own vehicle or rent one if you have none yet. When traveling using your ATV, you must remember to have your pepper sprays for safety.

The Kaw Lake ORV Area is not only a place that is best for motorcycles but for ATVs as well. The quality of the soil is sandy and you will be passing some wooded areas. You can even camp within the location if you wish to explore the area even more and do other outdoor activities.

Included in the list is the Lake Eufaula Damsite. It is very important that you read the rules that are posted at the parking area before you will try to explore the location with your ATV. You can visit the place all year round and spend some time relaxing with your vehicle.

The Pensacola Dam and Grand Lake O' the Cherokees are both popular tourist destinations in Oklahoma. The best thing about these locations is that you will be able to enjoy its view and explore it even more with the use of your ATV and by just following its trails.

This is just a short overview of few of the best ATV riding areas in Oklahoma that you can follow.

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Aluminum Loading Ramps - Choose The Right One

Aluminum loading ramps have a reputation for being the best ramp regardless of what type of load you need to move. The companies that build ramps make a huge variety of different ramps. You can find a ramp for loading heavy equipment or for loading a lighter recreational load. So what can you use an aluminum loading ramp for?

In an industrial setting, aluminum ramps can be used for loading heavy equipment like bobcats and forklifts. They are very much in use in factories where cargo has to be moved from transport truck to warehouse.

Recreationally, they are useful in loading up ATVs, street bikes, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and more into the bed of a pick-up or into a trailer. You can also use them to load things like lawn tractors and farm equipment. Or load a stock car onto the back of a flat bed trailer.

Aluminum loading ramps are strong enough to carry any load and they're tough enough to withstand some abuse. Be sure though that you get a ramp with the right weight capacity and that has been rated for the job you need it for.

There are differences between ramps that are being used commercially or industrially and ramps used by small business operators or homeowners.

Ultra heavy duty ramps that are used for loading heavy equipment are made with aircraft grade aluminum. As a result, they are able to withstand thousands of pounds of weight. They are also much wider and longer as well as being reinforced for added strength.

But consumers have no need for ramps like this. Even so, it is important that you get ramps that are suitable for what you intend to load. It's better to load some things with a single wide ramp. You can get by with a pair of narrower ramps for other loads.

When you go to buy a pair of ramps, look at the weight capacity. The amount that's listed will be the total weight allowed for both ramps. Never exceed this weight capacity. If necessary, get different ramps. Be sure to include in your calculations, the weight of the person who may be riding the equipment up the ramp. Overloading is dangerous.

There are many different sizes and types of aluminum loading ramps. Some have a textured surface. Some have holes drilled at intervals. Some have rubber padding. All of these are especially useful when slipping may be a problem.

You can choose from flat or arched ramps available in different lengths. It can be hard loading equipment like a riding lawnmower if you don't use an arched ramp. The mower deck sits so low to the ground that it easily gets hung up if there is not enough of an angle.

An aluminum ramp is portable. A larger ramp may come as a bi-fold or a tri-fold ramp. That allows the ramp to be folded up making for easy transport from one place to another.

In general, aluminum ramps are the first choice because of their versatility. No other ramp is so portable and so lightweight while at the same time being strong enough to load and unload practically anything.

When you purchase a set of aluminum loading ramps, you're making what could be a once in a lifetime purchase. Since these ramps do not rust and are able to stand up to wear and tear, you might never need to replace them.

For the very best in an aluminum loading ramp, visit my website. Don't use just any ramp. Protect your investment. Find out more about choosing quality ATV loading ramps.

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ATV Accessories Guide

When you first beginning heavy ATV riding and serious outdoors treks, you may feel like you need to buy every accessory in the store. You want it all because it looks so nice and you feel it will make you look more important or more of a professional. For your information's, beginners only need the basic ATV accessories and this article will explain what is necessary for the beginner.

There are many items and related products that you can buy, but the following list is only describes the basics and the importance of each. Especially if you are a young rider, these items are a necessity. If you are on a budget, then you need to be more concerned with the accessories that will keep you safe and not what will make you cool. If you buy the really important things listed below, you will be ready to hit the trails with safety as your number one thought.

The first ATV accessories you should buy is a helmet. No one should ever be an ATV without a helmet. There have been too many accidents where people were serious injured that could have been prevented if they had been wearing a helmet. And the choices for a stylish or cool looking helmet are huge, There is never an excuse for not putting you helmet on and wearing it even on a quick or short ride. Why take a chance?

The next ATV accessories that are god to own are gloves. Gloves will protect your hands from scrapes and scratches from tree limbs and bushes. They will give you a better grip in the handles and make holding on tightly more comfortable. They will cushion your fingers against scrapes on the ground in the event that you wreck. The gloves will actually take the beating for you. They will not protect against crushing if the wreck is severe, but they will keep minor scrapes at bay.

Protective eye gear is also essential for anyone who rides an ATV. Bugs, debris, and wind all can keep you from seeing clearly. It is a natural instinct to blink when something gets into your eye. And one blink is all it would take to veer off the road or hit an object. You can wear sunglasses or clear eyewear goggles. Just make sure the ones you choose are unbreakable.

The list ATV accessories go on and on. But these three items are basic, but important.

Alexander Sutton has been helping people discover the simplest ways to improve their quality of life. For more information, please visit ATV Accessories.

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Cover Your ATV or UTV

The All-Terrain Vehicle and Utility Vehicle that you just purchased shines brightly in the daylight sunshine. Only time will tell if the beautiful finish you now see will last. The best way to ensure that it keeps the 'like-new' look is to protect it with an All-Terrain Vehicle cover or Utility Vehicle cover.

Many companies sell covers that can help you keep the finish looking new. But which one do I get for my machine? You can purchase a high quality storage cover that can be folded up and placed in a bag to take with you.

Bird droppings are unpleasant and can actually damage the finish. Dust and debris can scratch the finish if you try to wipe it off. The sun can also damage the finish with its fading UV rays. So, having an All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle cover on when not riding will help to maintain the great look of your machine.

The All-Terrain Vehicle cover should be constructed of a durable weather and water resistant polyester material. The cover should have a mildew resistant that protects against rain, snow, ice, dirt, dust and those harmful UV rays. The exterior of your cover should keep water away, while the interior is vented to allow the moisture to escape and keep your machine dry.

You should be able to tie down your Utility Vehicle cover and All-Terrain Vehicle cover while trailering it or just storing your machine. The cover will need a strong elastic hem cord around the bottom to help ensure a tight fit. Also include a built in trailering system with down straps with quick release buckles to keep your All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle cover secure. Some added features should be air vents to help reduce inside moisture and wind lofting. A handy storage bag should be included.

There are different sizes of covers, so you will want to find one that fits your make and model of machine. If you purchase a cheap cover for your ride, it may not fit correctly and will last for only a season or two. However, if you put your money into a cover that fits right and is of good quality, then chances are good it will last a long time in protecting your All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle.

An All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle can be a costly recreational toy or working machine, so a rugged and durable cover is often a great investment for year round weather protection.

If you're interested in looking at various types of covers, take a look at http://www.covermymotorcycle.com/.

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ATV - Make it a Perfect Fit

There are about six sizes of ATV's, and it's important to choose the right size for each individual. It reminds me of the nursery story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You remember that when the bears went for a walk to let their porridge cool, a little girl named Goldilocks entered the house. The father's porridge was too hot, the mother's was too cold, but the baby's porridge was just right, so she ate it all. Then she tried the rocking chairs. The father's chair was too big, mother's didn't fit, but the baby's chair was just right. Same thing with the beds; father's too hard, mother's too soft, and the baby's bed was just right, and she fell asleep in the baby bear's bed.

Enough about nursery stories! But the same thing is true of ATV's. If it doesn't fit, it's no fun, and it could be very dangerous. No child under the age of sixteen should be allowed to ride a full sized ATV. Oh, they may be tall enough and strong enough, but they do not have the maturity to handle the power of a full sized ATV. These machines are not toys, and the first mistake in learning could be fatal.

Get the proper size if the youth wants to drive. The 110B ATV is about two feet tall, it fits a very young child, and is not too powerful for them to control. The next size is about three feet tall and can be 110 or 125cc. The next size is 150B, then the 125L, which may be four feet tall. The largest is from 42 inches to 46 inches tall and is a powerful 250D.

For a lot of fun and safety first, make sure you get the perfect fit. As proficiency grows in the child, and stature grows, the choice of the ATV can be bigger. It is not fun to fight the machine, so it is important to get the right size for fun and safety - a perfect fit.

I'm Jackie Corey, and my website is http://www.pocketbikepride.com/. Writing is fun and exciting when one has a good subject. Safety first is one of my greatest concerns when riding these machines, and I believe everyone who plans to ride motorcycles, ATV's, dirt bikes, etc., no matter what age, should take a course in that particular genre.

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ATV Heated Grips - The Winter Rider's Best Friend

Did you know they made ATV heated grips? I didn't until recently, and what a godsend!

I love the outdoors. I particularly love to go four wheeling, and winter usually cramps my style because I just can't seem to get excited about the frozen face and fingers I end up with.

But I found an answer to the frozen fingers issue, anyway! Who knew there was such a thing as ATV heated grips?!?

ATV Heated Grips, an After-Market Treasure

My ATV didn't come with ATV grip heaters. I had to find them on my own and install them myself. Not a difficult project, if you have a little of the do-it-yourselfer in you.

You'll need to find a pair of ATV grip heaters that fit your particular ATV or UTV - one size does not fit all.

Also be aware that grip heaters are available for motorcycles, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and other vehicles that perform in cold weather. You'll want to make sure that your ATV heated grips are specifically designed for your unique ATV model.

Most ATV grip heaters come with variable heat adjustments, meaning that you can set the level at low or high heat. Several of the available models provide heat levels from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest setting. A number of ATV heated grips models come with automatic shut off also.

The Installation

I've talked to several people in my ATV and UTV group who installed their ATV heated grips themselves. They said that it was a fairly simple job, although a couple said that they had to sand off the original paint on the grips to get the new ones to slide on. Typical ATV heated grips will fit a 7/8 inch handlebar.

My installation took about 45 minutes, with the hardest part being the removal of the original grips. You may need to sand some residual paint or adhesive from the handlebar grips for proper fit of the new heated grips.

There is some simple wiring to be done. You'll need to attach power to the grips to make them work. A little soldering and some black electrical tape should do the trick. There is usually a toggle-type switch to turn on the heaters, and some models come with a thumb warmer also.

Do ATV Grip Heaters Really Keep Your Hands Warm?

The vast majority of reviews say yes!

That includes me. I've found that my Hot Grips brand ATV heated grips work best for me at low setting. (This Hot Grips ATV grips heaters model comes only in high, low and off.) This keeps my hands at a comfortable level without sweating, and if the weather turns colder or the wind is really blowing, then I can turn up the heat to high. I ride with my gloves on, and while the grip is a little fatter with the heaters on them, it is not tough to comfortably hold onto them.

Several positive reviews came from police departments who ride their motorcycles year round. One police department notes that they have a 30 unit motorcycle force and all the bikes have heated grips, making riding much more pleasant in cold weather. Some riders stated that if they use the high setting, they can actually dry their wet gloves!

While this review was not specifically about ATV grip heaters, it did give me a heads up. If cops who are out in the weather year round will use them, and like them, it sounded like a good idea to try them.

Cost and Availability

So where do you find ATV grip heaters? Most ATV, UTV, motorcycle and snowmobile retailers carry them, and if you live in an area where there are few retailers, you can always go online for a wide variety.

Prices range from the low end at $30 to as much as $150. A word to the wise, most reviewers were happy with the higher end ATV grip heaters. The models that were less expensive (and maybe poorly made?) seemed to have more issues and unhappy reviews.

Maybe the old adage about "you get what you pay for," is correct, after all?

Try them yourself. I think you'll find, like me, that your ATV heated grips will make cold weather riding much more pleasant, which means it will get you outside much more!

Robert loves family and the outdoors, and has been writing for several years on many interesting subjects. Feel free to see some of his material at ATV Heated Grips and ATV Tire Chains.

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Inside the Industry: After Market or OEM?

When choosing a new accessory for an ATV or motorcycle (bike), a consumer will base their decision on several areas: their reason for needing a new accessory, the price, and how well the item works or looks. The first way a consumer can narrow down their decision: OEM or after-market. OEM is a part or accessory that is manufactured by the original make of the bike, i.e., a saddlebag for a Suzuki C50 that is made by Suzuki. After-market is an accessory or part made by a company that specializes in accessories, but didn't make the original bike, i.e., HMF Exhausts, Pro Armor, etc. There is no clear cut answer of whether to choose OEM or after-market.

The best choice is first affected by the consumer: Do I want something cheaper? Do I want an accessory that is uniform in looks? Do I want the best performing accessory on the market? The factors into all these questions will differ depending on the bike, on the accessory being looked for, etc. Too often, most consumers assume either a) After-markets are always cheaper and better quality than OEM or b) OEM always looks the best and has the best fitment. Its really not that black and white.

To best guide you, the consumer, to finding the best accessory for a bike, I will present guidelines to my own research, first for a 1982 Honda CM250C, second with a 2009 Ninja 250R, and third for a 2003 Suzuki LTZ-400. To also clarify, for this article, an accessory is defined as an optional addition to a bike, such as a saddlebag, armor, or an upgraded part, such as an exhaust. A part is an original component of the bike, such as the engine, the speedometer, etc. At the end of the article, I will talk about buying parts.

1982 Honda CM250C Research

I chose this bike because it represents the population that has an older bike that isn't too common. The challenges presented with having a rare, older bike is that choices are very limited, both in OEM and after-market parts. To give you an idea of how quick the manufacturer discontinues accessories for a bike, if I open either a Kawasaki or Suzuki 2006 catalog, most of those accessories have been discontinued today, in 2010. About 10% remain. There may be some accessories available that are OEM, but they are more likely to be used.

To start my research, I am first going to narrow down the brand names. Lets say I am going to be looking for a backrest for my 1982 CM250C. I recommend searching on three fronts: a dealership website for OEM, Google, and eBay.

If I start at Honda's powersport website, I find the years only go back to 2005. So going straight to the manufacturer won't work. However, the manufacturer website most likely will have a directory of its dealerships, which is what we want to find. Once I've found a dealership that has a website with accessories on it (its best if they have a series of catalogs, such as a 50below hosting), I starting searching for accessories for my bike - Nothing. But I'm not surprised. So for this bike, I can be assured I won't be finding any new OEM accessories.

The next step is a general search. I recommend Google, though if you did find some online after-market catalogs, such as Tucker Rocky: Street, or KK Cycles, that can work real well too. Under Google search, I used the terms "82 CM250C back rest." I can also interchange 82 with 83 (both years are almost the exact same), or interchange backrest with sissy bar or passenger seat. I didn't include Honda at first, because from inside the industry, I've noticed when retailers have a limitation on their titles for products, they will disclude the make name first. Unfortunately, I only have found one link, and that is for a used backrest on eBay, which I'm not quite ready for yet. I set that aside, and check some of the catalogs I have found. Two popular catalogs for motorcycles are Parts Unlimited Street and Tucker Rocky Street, but neither have anything for my bike.

At this point, it looks like I'm going to be stuck checking eBay, which only narrows it down to one used backrest. If the listing has a part number, I can start e-mailing various vendors to see if they have it in stock and try to get a lower price. Lesson learned: Sometimes you have no choice.

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Research

I chose the 2009 Ninja 250R for two reasons: First, its hugely popular; second, it has a narrow fitment; and third, its recent. I have a black 2009 Ninja 250R, and I want to change up the graphics for it, perhaps a decal kit.

The first step, again, is to try to narrow down brand names, and first is to check a dealership. Again, try to find catalogs on dealership websites! I have found a 2010 Kawasaki catalog, and it presents me with five Tribal/Flame decal kits with various color combos, each for 59.95 retail, as well as part numbers for each. Now I have my first choice, which is OEM.

The second step is to find after-market brands, and for this, I will try a Tucker Rocky Street 2010 catalog. The first thing I find is an assortment of universal fit graphics, organized by size. They range between 4.99 and 24.95, and mostly feature dragons, skulls or half-naked women. I will have to put this off for now - I will need to first take measurements around my bike and figure up a design. I also note the brand name: Lethal Threat, as well as any part numbers. As I keep looking, I find a lot of universal fits, but nothing quite as cool. I also find some neat decals that fit ZX-6 and ZX-14s. As a quick note, if you're including a possibility of modification, its best to find a retailer that sells the item and ask them for measurements and what the item is made of), and make a game plan of how possible it is to modify the item - remember, very very few sellers will accept a returned item that has been mauled. I also find some interesting items that aren't quite decals: Clutch Reservoir Covers. This can provide a nice addition, but for today, I am going to leave it aside.

The last check is eBay to see if there's any used items. First I find a vendor who custom makes his own graphic kits. For 18 pieces and to fully the dress the bike, its 65.00. After changing my search terms to "Ninja 250R Graphic," "Ninja 250R Decal," and adding 2009 in there, I don't find much else other than brand decals. So I've narrowed down my choices:

OEM Tribal Flame Decals for 59.95 Retail, which would give my bike a uniform look that will also be guaranteed to fit very well. Its a lot of money for a small kit, however, but it does look nice. Further questions to ask on this to a seller would be what the decals are made of - are they just simple stickers, are they vinyl, are they thicker? Also, try to haggle a price down. 59.95 is a retail price, and its not unreasonable to try to get 5-10% taken off of that.

Lethal Threat Generic Decals, from 4.99 to 24.95. The price of these can rack up, but I do have the nice option to pick and choose, putting a look together that is just for me and to my liking. I will have to figure out fitment myself, however. If I choose this option and I decide to buy quite a few, I should see if I can get them all from the same seller and for combined shipping, and maybe again, a 5-10% discount since I'm buying in bulk.

Custom Made Kit for 65.00. Unfortunately I'll have to trust the seller that he knows what hes doing - this a good time to check feedback for the item. However, I'll have a wide arrange of colors to choose from and its a large kit which is worth the money. Lesson Learned: In this instance, OEM is more expensive, but has a better guarantee of fitment and quality. After-market may be cheaper, but offers a more customized experience.

2003 Suzuki LT Z400

I chose this ATV as well for two reasons: Its still recent, and its fitment is wider than you might think. There are some bikes and ATVs out there that are almost extremely similar to each other. The KFX 400, DVX 400, and LT Z400 are typically the exact same, from body to engine. To find information like this, its best to check fan forums for your bike to see if anyone else has discovered this, or to see if a seller or dealer might let you in. For this bike, I am going to be looking for some armor.

The first place is to check for OEMs. This time, I have three OEM companies to check: Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat. Kawasaki has nothing, but both Arctic Cat and Suzuki have a skid plates available. Suzuki has an A-Arm Guard Set, a Main Skid Plate and a Swing Arm Skid Plate. Arctic Cat offers an entire skid plate kit for 199.95 Retail, and gives details that its made of 8-gauge 5052 aluminum.

Next I check Tucker Rocky ATV 2011. I find a lot of brand names: AC Racing, Cobra, & Pro Armor, all with various items and combinations.

And lastly, on eBay, I actually find the same brands, but of course, lower prices.

At this point, a new type of research is needed: All sorts of material terms are coming up; various types of aluminum for example. A Google search can find which is the best quality. Another way to find what is the best quality is to visit some powersports forums and see what other customers prefer as their skid plates.

In the end, I found that although Pro Armor wasn't the cheapest, they seemed to have the most recommendations. Sometimes you'll find the best quality is from a company that has engineers and designers that specialize in one area. If you consider it, Arctic Cat, Suzuki and Kawasaki have accessories to design and manufacture in all areas: seats, graphics, etc., and have to split up their creativity and engineering. Especially in armor and performance, finding a company that specializes on that accessory is the best way to go.

Summary

No matter how you structure your search, remember these guidelines: 
Research; make lists, research your research. Go until you find the best deal or the best quality. If there's a term you don't understand, find out!Ask sellers and dealers: Don't be afraid to get a hold of dealers or sellers. They may not always have the information, but they can at least guide you somewhere where you can get the information.Hold on to part numbers: It makes research very quick, especially when asking a dealer about an item. Also, many catalog search engines will accept a part number.Bookmark your favorite sites and catalogs. You may spend the most time just trying to find your resources. Once you do, hold on to them, it may save you time when you look for your next accessory.Haggle. If you're buying online, the best way to haggle in my experience is to call a dealer. 5-10% is usually a reasonable discount.Take time to decide. If you're overwhelmed by information, come back to it tomorrow. Most accessories are hundreds of dollars, and even more time installing the accessory. Make a decision you won't regret.Ask for photos: Often sellers have stock photos. If you're looking on Ebay and have doubts, ask for an actual photo.Look for installation instructions: Many brands publish some of their installation instructions online. This is a great resource to see what hardware and tools you'll need, how tough the installation will be, and also get a decent idea of the item's quality.Another Note

Throughout this article, I bring up a lot of catalogs. All of those mentioned can be found on my website of Leesons' Arctic Cat. I invite consumers to use that as a research - it doesn't mean you have to buy from me. And if you're having a hard time finding something, My co-workers and I are often willing to help.

Street N' Dirt is a branch of an OEM Kawasaki, Suzuki and Arctic Cat parts and accessories dealership. Among these companies, it also sells aftermarket accessories for ATVs and Dirt Bikes. Some of the aftermarket companies Street N' Dirt sells is HMF Engineering, Pro Armor, Cobra, Motoworks, Factory Effex, any many more!

Street N' Dirt has two main webstores:
http://www.leesonsarcticcat.com/
http://www.streetndirt.com/

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Cheap Used Cars Dealers

With the cost of new cars increasing rapidly, the value of the used cars is increasing like anything. And people prefer to even purchase them because a second-hand car suits their budgets and also keep them updated with the latest model. People have a myth that these used cars generally losses their shape, color and deficiency; but it is not so. If you feel, then you can check for its efficiency by test ride. This test ride will make you confirm its comfy seats, condition of seats belts, breaks and engine; the condition of the lustrous color will also be detected. But maximum of used cars are in good condition.

A second-hand car is nothing but a cheap used car. Any four-wheeler that has moved out of the show room is classified as a second-hand or used car. In other words a car outside a first sale is a used car. Buying a used car is not always a necessity but a good business proposition as well. It can have many advantages. The first one relates to its cost. This is the most important ingredient as a used car will invariably be cheaper than a brand new car. All these parameters have their own importance and a used car price will factor these parameters into the ultimate price. The result may be very beneficial as sometimes you can get a second-hand four-wheeler that will be as good as the new one.

Another advantage of a cheap used car is that in case you need a higher end model and you cannot afford it, then you can buy a similar model at a reduced price. You can search for these used cars online on any free classified websites. The entire free classifieds site has a huge collection of second-hand cars with a variety of colors. The conditions of the four-wheelers are totally good in condition and would also have a warranty still on them. You need to just check in how much kilometer the four-wheeler has run. That's it.

Freeads Classifieds gives a one-stop solution for all your free ads like used cars, second hand cars. The team of free ads Classifieds in India helps you find the right and legal track to the land of your dreams worldwide. Contact us for free classifieds.

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