Best first modifications to a new Honda ATV

5219 Views 16 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Hook#3287, 10 d ago

BlackNRed21

Discussion Starter · Sep 27, 2021

So I just recently picked up a 21' Rubicon 520. I'm using this mainly for utility on our family land. Don't plan on snorkeling it or seeing real deep water, although I will take it to some local trails with friends.

What are some of the best low budget modifications to do right off the bat to help protect the components, things such as

-Waterproofing, dielectric grease connectors. What vent lines need to be re routed or even connectors?
-Packing boots full of grease

I'm just trying to get ideas from the experienced guys on low budget things I can do myself to help better protect it down the road. Thanks for any help!

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1 - 17 of 17 Posts

Papa-t

· #2 · Sep 28, 2021

Front light bar is a must. Maybe a 2” rear receiver to use for a rear rack or pull a trailer.

jclane19

· #3 · Sep 28, 2021

If you aren’t boonibashing or mudding it not much needs done really, winch, light bar, receiver. Preventive maintenance isn’t a bad thing, I personally wouldn’t worry about boots on a new bike, warranty covers that stuff

BlackNRed21

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 28, 2021

Wheel Tire Sky Vehicle Automotive tire

Here's a pic of what I've got going on so far. Next up I plan on a wetsounds sound bar and maybe a 10" light bar somewhere up on the bumper.

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CPS

· #5 · Sep 29, 2021

I did the rear receiver hitch, UNI air filter, and just got
my RUN FLAT tires on today. And the rear seat too…

Wheel Tire Plant Vehicle Automotive tire

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CPS

· #6 · Sep 29, 2021

Here is the receiver hitch:

Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Tread

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CPS

· #7 · Sep 29, 2021

2

I forgot about the lower control arm skid plates front and rear:

Wheel Tire Automotive tire Tread Automotive design

Wheel Tire Vehicle Automotive tire Motor vehicle

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wetsax

· #8 · Sep 29, 2021

CPS said:
I forgot about the lower control arm skid plates front and rear:
View attachment 49870
View attachment 49871

Your atv looks awesome! Would you mind telling me the details on the rear seat and the skid plates? I was thinking of getting both of those, and yours look great. Thanks in advance!

CPS

· #9 · Sep 30, 2021

wetsax said:
Your atv looks awesome! Would you mind telling me the details on the rear seat and the skid plates? I was thinking of getting both of those, and yours look great. Thanks in advance!

The skid plates are genuine Honda control arm skid plates, I also have the full underbody genuine Honda skid plates on order.
The rear seat is a Kimpex:
Black Rear Flexi Trunk - 358425

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BlackNRed21

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 1, 2021

Nice wheeler CPS!
I thought about doing the trailer ball mount or possibly just a D-Ring but I keep forgetting to measure the hole back there to see if it is 1/2 or 7/8"

Reactions: 1

Foremannj

· #11 · Oct 2, 2021

BlackNRed21 said:
So I just recently picked up a 21' Rubicon 520. I'm using this mainly for utility on our family land. Don't plan on snorkeling it or seeing real deep water, although I will take it to some local trails with friends.

What are some of the best low budget modifications to do right off the bat to help protect the components, things such as

-Waterproofing, dielectric grease connectors. What vent lines need to be re routed or even connectors?
-Packing boots full of grease

I'm just trying to get ideas from the experienced guys on low budget things I can do myself to help better protect it down the road. Thanks for any help!

BlackNRed21 said:
So I just recently picked up a 21' Rubicon 520. I'm using this mainly for utility on our family land. Don't plan on snorkeling it or seeing real deep water, although I will take it to some local trails with friends.

What are some of the best low budget modifications to do right off the bat to help protect the components, things such as

-Waterproofing, dielectric grease connectors. What vent lines need to be re routed or even connectors?
-Packing boots full of grease

I'm just trying to get ideas from the experienced guys on low budget things I can do myself to help better protect it down the road. Thanks for any help!

I’d say “stick stoppers” are a good investment.

BlackNRed21

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 2, 2021

Foremannj said:
I’d say “stick stoppers” are a good investment.

Are those the front suspension guards?

CPS

· #13 · Oct 2, 2021

BlackNRed21 said:
Are those the front suspension guards?

Yes, lower control arm guards that prevent sticks and stuff from poking holes into the CV boots

plumsoon

· #14 · 9 mo ago

It doesn't require much of an upgrade (winch, light bar, receiver) if you're not going to be boonibashing or muddin'. Preventive maintenance isn't a terrible thing; I wouldn't worry about boots on a new bike since the guarantee covers it.

fireboy and watergirl

CPS

· #15 · 3 mo ago

I have had some requests for the make and part numbers for my foot pegs and fender protectors/foot peg holders:
Kimpex 073899 foot pegs
Kimpex 473202 fender protector
Hope this helps someone,
CPS

walesalex21

· #16 · 18 d ago

CPS said:
I did the rear receiver hitch, UNI air filter, and just got my RUN FLAT tires on today. And the rear seat too… View attachment 49867

What seat is that?

Hook#3287

· #17 · 10 d ago

2

I installed the complete Honda skid plate system and was somewhat surprised at the front control arm guards and how they were smaller than the original plastic ones.

I'm guessing the Engineers at Honda considered the aluminum ones could possibly be bent and interfere with the suspension and brake parts, while the plastic ones would just go back into shape.

I took the OEM ones and modified them to fit over the aluminum ones.

Time will tell if that was a good mod or not.

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