How To

-- Boss McKannick gives his advice -- MAKE MY MACHINE LOOK GOOD: Dear Boss, I have a Polaris RZR S 1000 that’s a couple of years old and it doesn’t look as good as it used to. I’m thinking about sprucing up its appearance with a graphics kit of some kind. I’ve been hearing a lot about wraps. Is this something I could install myself, or does a professional business have to do it? What would you suggest for a guy like me with average mechanical skills? Eric Harrington Glendale, CA Well, Eric, some…

-- STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO GUIDE --  By the staff of Dirt Wheels We recently noticed that there was a lot of wet lubricant on one of our Polaris RZR front axles. Looking closely, we found that a stick had gone through the lower front part of the machine and wedged between the front axle CV and the front differential. We assumed the CV boot was punctured, so we pulled the axle out. This is what we found, and we thought it might help our readers. To begin, make sure the machine is supported safely, then remove the wheel.…

-- Keep your machine’s suspension working like new, By the staff of Dirt Wheels -- Keeping the suspension working well on a quad or UTV requires a variety of parts to function as they should. Adjusting the spring preload and fine-tuning the adjusters are the fun part. There are less glamorous duties, like making sure that the suspension arms are operating as they should. Most quad and UTV suspension arms pivot on simple plastic bushings with a sleeve for the bolt to go through. For the most part, these work…

-- By Winston "Boss" McKannick -- WHICH WAY IS BETTER, 2 TO 3, OR 4 TO 3? Dear Boss, I am wanting a “modern” three-wheeler. I have looked at the kits where you can convert a dirt bike to a three-wheel- er, but I was wondering, can you go the other way? Say, take a Honda 400EX four-wheeler and make it a three-wheeler? Which do you think is easier, better or just more practical? Clyde Forman Dallas, NC Well, it is easier to convert a two-wheeler to a three-wheeler mainly because there are kits available.…

If you get a flat, beadlock wheels will hold the tire onto the rim, allowing you to limp back home. This is why experienced UTVers always use them.

Do your wheels & tires look like they're tilted in funny angles? Here's how to measure them & get everything lined up properly.

-- Interview with Louisiana's top swamper -- CAN-AM PRESS RELEASE: The thrill of powering through the deepest, gnarliest mud holes on earth doesn‘t come naturally to most people, but Dustin Jones isn‘t most people. Born, raised, and based in Shreveport, Louisiana, his passion for challenging himself and his machines has led not only to S3 Power Sports—but a growing trophy case as proof of all the hard work. We sat down with Dustin and asked him how it all got started—and how you can dip your toes into mud riding to have…

Got a problem with your ATV or UTV? Boss McKannick knows how to fix it. E-mail your questions to him at [email protected]

-- Moose Racing keeps your older machine going strong -- ATVs are designed to be rugged machines that can last for a long time, if they get maintained and serviced on a regular basis. One area that doesn't usually get much attention is the fuel petcock mounted at the bottom of the fuel tank. Over time the rubber gaskets can get brittle and start to leak. This is especially true if ethanol fuel has been used. Well, Moose Racing has you covered with their fuel petcock rebuild kits. They range from $12 to $25 and are…

-- Dirt Wheels shop foreman to the rescue -- By Boss McKannick: Hey Boss -- My son has an RZR170 and I would like to get a speedometer to measure current speed and distance traveled. It would also be nice to accurately measure any performance modifications done. By the way, what is the max speed of a stock RZR170? Do you recommend mechanical or electrical speedometers? Dean Daniels Tabor, SD.     Well Dean, I don’t believe there is a mechanical speedometer made. If there is I am not aware of it. Plus if…

-- Installing a better skid plate & testing it out --  By the staff of Dirt Wheels Polaris has not left the underside of its UTVs unprotected. Each has a factory plastic skid plate installed, but the plastic isn’t heavy or thick. It balances weight with maximum protection, but some people drive terrain that is a bit challenging. Ricochet Off-Road has been providing protection for off-road machinery for over 35 years. The reason? Ricochet is located right at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and there is ample…

-- Make sure your ride is ready, By the staff of Dirt Wheels -- Have you noticed that your ATV or UTV isn’t tracking straight like it used to? Or it might be that the handlebar or steering wheel isn’t in the correct position? Either way, these things can become a nuisance if the front end is off even slightly. So, how can these things be fixed without taking it to a repair shop? Fixing each of these problems is much easier than you think, and hopefully you’ll save some time, money and aggravation with these tips.…