OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Kimberley Canetoad]

Hi,

Just bought a Polaris 550 X2 after being sucked into the scene by work mates with a KingQuad and Kodiak and the fun had on them trail riding, getting to fishing spots, and expolring the East Kimberley's.

Living in Kununurra WA there's plenty of places to use it which lead's me to my question regarding post ride care.

After riding what are some of the 'must do's or do not's' in regards to cleaning, using lubricants such as Inox/Lanox, maintenance etc. Obviously the dealer has given his views but I would like to get some ideas from the forum members that have had multiple machines over extended periods of time.

Not sure if this pic has worked but this is the new toy squeezed into my trailer.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/KimberleyCanetoad/Pickingupthetoy-550X2-0601125.jpg

Anyway thanks ahead of time for your help. I have lurked on this forum many times over the last year or so and always found it very informative and intersting.

Regards,

Jarrad

[Dino]

The best cleaning tip I can give you is prior to getting it dirty.
A Silicone based spray on the plastics will stop a lot of the mud ( and dust ) sticking.
OTHERWISE.
If you can, rinse as much of the mud off as soon as possible towards the end of the ride by riding through a creek or similar.

Once it starts drying its a bugger to get off, so get it nice and wet, then apply truckwash and let it soak.
A good ( 1600 psi or better ) water blaster saves a lot of water and time.

Take special notice of mud build up in the frame, the A-arms and suspension components and behind the wheels. Anywhere that you can't see, it'll hide.
Note that mud really makes brake pads wear out quickly.

Mechanically, speaking. Dust is as bad as mud. As well as keeping a eye on brakes, linkages of all sorts can do with some TLC. ( levers, steering and suspension.)
Air filtration and belts benefit from regular cleaning.
A good compressor and a puncture repair kit doesn't take up much room and can be better than towing or walking for miles.
Grab a manual and get familiar with your bikes workings. Quads are awesome but they do stop, so knowing is a big part of the fun.

P.S. We love toad golf, toad hockey, toad cricket, tomato stake toad and toad shottie. Keep up the good work.
_________________
Remember. We elect politicians, but we have to deal with bureaucracy.
Notice that crazy in the bureaucrats.

[bullet]

Pressure washers are definitely the go, but...
Watch where you point them
Lots of components don't like high pressure water or mud injected into them.
Always wash your own quad, and you will constantly learn about all the bits you missed, and what stuffs up due to water injection.

All the pre-silicon ideas or CRC etc are good advice too
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.