Just because an ATV is old and run down does not necessarily mean it should be consigned to the scrapyard. These vehicles are designed to be tough and tenacious, after all – and if you come across a vintage Honda® ATV, in particular, you should not underestimate its potential. Sometimes, just a few simple tune-ups and repairs are all you need to breathe new life into a dusty old four-wheeler.
Before you give up on an ATV that has seen better days, read this guide from Honda Parts Direct! And if you need help finding replacement parts for an older Honda ATV model, please feel free to contact us. We ship genuine Honda parts to customers all over the world from our home base in Palestine, TX.
Frame and Suspension
You should start by checking the frame and suspension, as these are going to be the “make or break” components of the restoration project. Because the amount of work and expense required to replace the frame can be prohibitive, you might decide against moving forward if the frame has been damaged beyond repair. That being said, replacing the frame is an option!
When inspecting the frame of an old ATV, you should be on the lookout for chipped paint. This is a sure sign that the vehicle has taken a heavy hit. You can also take measurements to determine whether the frame has become warped or bent. A small amount of deviation is nothing to worry about, but anything more than that will require the frame to either be straightened or replaced.
As for the suspension, you will need to check the control arms, steering knuckles, steering arms, and shock absorbers. These parts are all susceptible to damage, so look for cracks, dents, or signs of excessive wear. You should also make sure the front wheels and the handlebars are in alignment.
Electrical System
Next up, give the electrical system a thorough examination. Look for signs of damage to cables, wires, and hoses, and test the electrical system using a digital multimeter. Chances are you will need to install a new battery, but you should make sure the rest of the system is in good shape before doing so.
Wheels and Tires
Now let’s have a look at the wheel and tires. First, lift up the vehicle enough to rock the wheels in and out and side to side. This will give you a sense of whether the wheel bearings or ball joints need to be replaced. Now check the condition of the tires, looking for excessive tread wear or cracks in the sidewalls. Obviously, if the tires are balding, they will need to be replaced. But even if the tread is relatively intact, the tires might need to be replaced simply because the rubber has broken down. If the tires appear cracked or discolored, you are going to need a new set.
Fluids
Last but not least, you will need to freshen up the fluids. You will probably need to drain the oil tank completely, and clean the oil filter. Before you refill the reservoir, check to see if the old oil appears milky. This indicates that a worn gasket is leaking water into the oil tank. If that is the case, you will need to replace the old gasket before giving the vehicle a fresh supply of oil.
Similarly, any fuel that remains in the fuel tank of an old ATV has likely gone bad, and will need to be replaced. You might also need to undo some amount of damage done to the fuel system by expired gasoline. This will involve either cleaning the carburetor or servicing the fuel injector, depending on which system the ATV has.
Once you have taken all these steps, you can call your ATV restoration project a success! If you like, you can now add some shiny new accessories to your refurbished four-wheeler. We have all the Honda ATV accessories you could ever need right here at Honda Parts Direct. Shop with us today and enjoy free shipping on all orders!