How to Select the Right Aftermarket ATV Exhaust for You

Selecting the right exhaust for your ATV or UTV

Buying a new exhaust for your atv or utv is by far the easiest and fastest way to gain lots of extra power from your machine. But before you buy, It's important to do your research and not run out and buy the first or cheapest exhaust system you find. Nothing is worse than wasting your hard earned cash on something your just not happy with. In order to avoid that, here's some things to keep in mind:

PERFORMANCE

If you're like me, the first and most important thing on your list is performance. Performance can sometimes be the cure-all for any other downfalls you may see in a product. Even if it looks and sounds like someone stuck an old soup can back there, if it outperforms everything else, your happy and ready to sing its praises.

All exhausts are not created equal, the power delivery for every pipe is different. Sometimes its hard to determine which exhausts perform the best. The easiest way is to read your favorite atv or utv magazine pipe shootouts. They usually have the best expert opinions plus dyno runs with hard figures you can compare. It's also a good idea to look at what people have to say on popular online forums.

You can learn a lot from dyno sheets, learn how to read them and what the number's mean. The pipe with the highest peak horsepower number doesn't always mean it delivers the best "useable" power. You want to find an exhaust that shows good power increases throughout the powerband. Keep in mind your riding style and around what rpm range you do most of your riding.

Keep in mind, If you plan to modify your motor in the future you may want to go with and exhaust that performs better on a modified motor versus a stock motor.

LOOKS

This part is fairly self explanatory. Just keep in mind that there are many different styles and options out there for exhausts like: different shapes, exhaust tips, colored, chromed, brushed aluminum, carbon fiber and way more.

SOUND LEVEL:

As time goes on this particular area has become more and more important. A lot more than just your comfort level should be considered. You should always check with your favorite riding area to see if there are sound restrictions. Most tracks also have restrictions/ limitations.

What types of activities will you be using this ATV or UTV for? (i.e. Hunting) It's not always fun to swap out your new exhaust for the stock one, every time you want to keep things quiet. Do you ride through your own, or other, neighborhood to get to your riding area? Not fun to deal with angry neighbors or pay tickets. Plus as an ATV community it's important to be respectful of others, the last thing we need is an excuse for someone to close another trail or riding area.

Another thing to keep in mind if your riding in national forest is if your exhaust is USFS approved or does it have an USFS approved spark arrestor. If your not sure contact the manufacturer.

MANUFACTURER:

You should feel comfortable with the exhaust manufacturer, do they have good a good reputation for developing good quality products? Are they well established in the industry? Are they available for product support?

ASSOCIATED COSTS:

Make sure you are aware of everything that comes with the purchase of your exhaust system. Here a a few things to look for:

- Jet kit or proper jetting recomendations.

- EFI controller for fuel injected systems

- Are you paying for a full system or slip on

A. generally an aftermarket header may only net you a couple horsepower. Is this worth the additional cost?

- Air intake system

When weighing the Cost it is important to keep in mind these additional purchases you may need to make.

Purchasing a new exhaust system for your machine isn't a cheap or simple process. Do your research. In the end you'll have the peace of mind that you spent your money wisely. Be safe and Have fun!

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Select The Right ATV Tires

ATV tires are among the most important parts of your ATV. ATV tires come in different kinds and each kind usually specializes in one type of terrain. When buying new ones, you need to know first which ones suit your needs best. ATVs naturally tend to gear towards extreme terrain conditions since they are generally designed for off-road use. It is only proper to choose those that will withstand the abuse you are going to put your ATVs through.

General Tires

General ATV wheels, also known as all terrain wheels, are made to perform well on all kinds of terrains. Most ATVs are factory installed with these type of wheels. They can be used both on and off road and can provide good traction on pavements, rocky terrains, snow, sand, and mud. But if you are going to ride your ATV on one type of terrain only, it is best to choose tires that specialize in that specific terrain.

Paddle Wheels

Paddle tires, also known as sand wheels, are the ones that should be use in sandy areas. The tread design features paddles that are spread out on the tread. These tires look like huge balls with old riverboats paddles attached to them. These paddles provide better traction by grabbing the loose sand while the ATV is traveling. Although they perform well in the sand, they should not be used on other types of terrains.

Mud Wheels

Mud tires, as the name says, are tires used in muddy terrains. They are light in weight which allows high-tech suspension to maintain its maximum efficiency. As for the tread pattern, the lugs are spaced out irregularly to provide maximum traction and to push the mud away from the tires. The excellent traction prevents the ATV from getting stuck in the mud.

Snow Tires

Snow tires are perfect for winter use. They perform better than any other tires on very slippery areas such as ice and snow. For the tread design, the tread blocks are horizontally wrapped around the tires which make the tires look like a snow chain. This design allows the ATV to have a better grip on slippery conditions.

Trail Tires

Trail tires are visually similar to those used for muddy terrain. However, they are heavier and less aggressive than those used for muddy surface. The tread pattern of trail tires also features lugs that are a little shorter and closer together. Trail tires are more expensive than their counterparts because they are made of a tougher and more durable material.

Specifications

It is extremely crucial to study the specifications of a tire before it is bought. The most fundamental characteristics to consider when purchasing a tire are the width, height, weight, aspect ratio and, logically, the tire type. Additionally, other features that an individual should take note of are the speed rating, load index, wheel diameter and construction of the tire.

Effect On The Environment

Although ATVs give enjoyment to riders and relieve stress, they have various harmful effects on the environment. You need to look out for these effects if you do not want to personally add to environmental problems. ATV tires bleed dry swampy areas in the forest by digging out channels. Not only this, these tires also tear out delicate plants that are very important to the overall make up of desert and beach sand dunes. They also damage well-kept snow trails in the winter.

Find out where you can get atv tires. Discover the best tires online.

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