Restoring an older UTV or ATV

Restoring an older UTV or ATV

Getting the most out of your older or used UTV or ATV requires patience, creativity and a good grasp of the essentials to spend money on to make your offroad adventures more awesome than awful. Learn what made the list.
How to Install Beadlock Wheels Reading Restoring an older UTV or ATV 3 minutes Next Unsprung vs Sprung Weight

Pick yourself up a used UTV or ATV and want to bring it into the new generation of accessories and upgrades? Here are our recommendations for essential upgrades, what to consider on a budget and why overkill is easy to do. 

Suspension

Let's face it, the earlier models of UTVs weren't exactly the most plush rides. Depending on how old your UTV model is, landing a suspension/gearing upgrade can be difficult. Most models of UTV and ATV within the last 5 years will have an easier time finding new suspension upgrade parts over models 5+ years old. Scour the online marketplaces for people looking for a quick sell - There are plenty of people who will make you a killer deal on parts if you put in the time to find them

Wheels and Tires

This is the easy button for the quickest upgrade both in performance and in styling. The trend is to go bigger than what the vehicle came with originally, however be careful not to exceed 2" extra overall diameter compared to OEM or you'll quickly wear out parts that could already be on their last leg. The great news is bolt patterns haven't changed much so you'll easily find 14" wheels for nearly any make or model of UTV or ATV. Check out the full collection of UTV wheels and UTV tires from Valor Offroad to fit your unique model. Don't want to buy new? Spend some time on those online marketplaces and you find hundreds of listings for lightly used wheels and tires that should work great.

Recovery Gear

We recommend recovery gear on brand new UTVs and ATVs, so if you are planning to hit the trails in an older/used machine, it's not a choice, you need them. Because you'll be limited by speed and possibly clearance in comparison to modern models of UTVs and ATVs, don't go overboard in this category. Just get the essentials and you'll be good to go. 

Recovery Gear Essentials:

  • Recovery Straps (Rhino USA)
  • Portable Jack (Pro Eagle)
  • Shovel
  • Gloves
  • Hammer

Recovery Gear Extras:

  • Winch
  • Traction Boards
  • Air Compressor
Storage

Outside of the Ranger style UTVs of the past, older models of UTVs (and ATVs) didn't come with the storage capabilities on modern machines. Having what you need when you need it is a lesson every offroad junkie learns from experience. There will be a time when you're on trail and all you needed what a ____ and you could have fixed yourself up and been home for dinner. We have several offroad gear essential checklist on our The Source Blog if you need a refresher. 

You don't need to spend a fortune on storage, just make sure it's rugged enough to bounce around a little in the back, withstand the brutal elements (sun/rain/snow/wind) and can be easily cinched down. The folks at any local hardware store can steer you in the right direction of a good all-weather worksite tool box or container. 

The Source is your destination for applicable and useful posts, how-tos and recommendations to keep you and your passengers safe and prepared. Have a topic you'd like to know more about? Search the site using top navigation. Have a topic we haven't covered yet? Shoot us an email using our contact form.

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VALOR OFFROAD

UTV Wheel and Tire kits for sale

Valor Offroad

Valor Offroad is a leading manufacturer of products developed exclusively for the powersports industry. Our wide collection of utv wheels, utv tires, and accessories are designed to enhance the performance and appearance of your offroad vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned offroader or just starting out, Valor Offroad has everything you need to take your powersports experience to the next level. Our utv wheels are crafted with precision and durability in mind, ensuring that they can handle even the toughest terrains. With a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, you can customize your offroad vehicle to reflect your personal style.

But it's not just about looks - our Valor utv tires are engineered to provide optimal traction and stability, giving you the confidence to conquer any trail. From trails to rock crawling, our tires are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, so you can push the limits of your offroad adventures.

At Valor Offroad, we understand that offroading is more than just a hobby - it's a lifestyle. That's why we are committed to providing top-quality products that not only perform well but also enhance the overall appearance of your offroad vehicle. With our extensive selection and dedication to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to be your go-to source for all your Polaris, Can-AM, Honda, and Kawasaki utv accessories.

So whether you're tackling the trails or hitting the dunes, choose Valor Offroad to equip your offroad vehicle with the best wheels, tires, and accessories on the market. Experience the difference that our products can make and elevate your offroading adventures to new heights.