Bringing an Older ATV Back to Life
With the costs of new ATVs getting higher, it makes sense to keep an older machine running and in top shape. Revitalizing an older ATV doesn't have to be an expensive or time-consuming project, either. Moose Offroad is a great place to start. Recently, they put the idea to the test by restoring a 2002 Yamaha Kodiak 400 that had spent decades working on a hunting property.
The Kodiak
In 2002, Yamaha loaned the Kodiak to Moose for use in its marketing efforts. Equipped with Moose products, the ATV served as an example of how owners could customize a machine for specific activities, such as hunting or camping, by selecting the right accessories for the job.
This old Yamaha Kodiak needed some elbow grease and new parts to get working again.
When the year came to an end, the Kodiak's promotional duties were complete, leaving it to be returned to Yamaha or sold. Moose Offroad Creative Director, Kevin Kelly, purchased the Kodiak and put it to work. After years of hard use and some time sitting in a shed, the Kodiak became a great platform for Moose Offroad to learn first-hand about restoring an older machine.
Where Do You Start?
When you're looking at restoring an older ATV that has been sitting around after a long life of use and abuse, the best thing to do is start the project with a clean machine. Grab your pressure washer and some Moose Juice . It strips away mud and gunk, while neutralizing the acids found in mud.
Once the ATV is clean, it is time to start stripping it down and inspecting the components. You'll need to make a list of all necessary replacement parts. Once you have the new parts, it will amaze you at how quickly you can have the machine ready to roll again.
Get Your Motor Running
Rebuilding the carb is easy with the Moose carburetor repair kit.
The engine will be your first priority. For the Moose project. the Kodiak wasn't running when it arrived at the shop. To make matters worse, a small animal had turned the air filter into a nest, requiring a thorough cleanup before the team could move forward. You'd be surprised at how common that is.
For the Kodiak, the carburetor was removed and rebuilt using a Moose carburetor repair kit . The air filter was replaced, along with the oil filter and oil drain pan. Once the engine was ready for fresh oil it was topped off. That is something you need to do. All filters and oil need to be fresh. Add in a fresh spark plug and Moose battery . The Moose team did all of that to the Kodiak and it fired right back up. Yamahas are known for reliability, and it doesn't take much to keep them going.
A new air filter lets you engine breathe in clean air.
Performance and Appearance
With the engine running again, the next priority will be the tires. Old tires can crack, lose air and cause issues. For the Kodiak project, Moose replaced the original wheels and tires with Moose Switchback tires mounted on 387X wheels . Moose Offroad offers a wide range of tire and wheel options to fit just about every ATV on the trail. The Kodiak not only looks better with stylish tires and wheels, but also has better traction and flat resistance.
Replacing old tires and factory wheels adds a lot more grip and a touch of style.
While you're looking at the tires and wheels, it is a good time to take on the brakes . You may need to swap out brake pads, or shoes depending upon what type your machine has. If your master cylinders need a rebuild, which is common with machines that sit, Moose offers rebuild kits that include new gaskets and other parts to make the brakes as good as new.
Once the essential mechanical components have been addressed, now you can tackle appearance. The Moose Offroad team wanted to make the Kodiak more practical for everyday use. A Moose Flexgrip gun rack , front storage trunk , fender bag and rear basket with a cargo net provide a versatile mix of storage solutions. Stealth grips and anti-vibration mirrors round out the cockpit upgrades, improving comfort and convenience. You can add luggage accessories and rack components for your machine as well.
A new battery is essential to having your refurbished ATV running again.
The finishing touch can come from Moose Plastic Finish Cleaner , which restores the appearance of the ATV plastic bodywork. The results will surprise you with how close to factory fresh the look is.
Ready to Ride
A little TLC and the right parts and accessories can bring an old ATV back to life and ready to ride again.
The Moose Offroad project Kodiak is now back on the hunting property, being used for the same purposes it was bought for. You can have a similar result with your own machine by finding the right parts and getting everything ready to make it ready to ride once again.
NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Moose Offroad
