Articles

TIRES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Melissa Coons | 05/04/2021

ATV tires are something that will eventually need replaced. Perhaps since purchasing your ATV you have found some favorite riding spots and really put those tires to the test. Is your favorite spot rugged, sandy, muddy or partially paved? Since terrains are different in every environment, it’s important to outfit your ATV with the appropriate tires for the terrain you are most often riding on.

TRAIL

All terrain tires come standard on most ATVs. They are extremely versatile and can handle a multitude of riding conditions. These tires tend to last longer than other tires and they are a popular choice. With a deep tread and large contact patch, trail tires provide traction and a smooth ride.

Mud

With an aggressive look and deep tread depth, mud tires really shine with their performance capabilities. The tall lugs act as paddles to help get good traction in soft muddy terrain. While these tires are perfect for the mud, they will offer a less than comfortable ride when using them on harder surfaces.

Turf

Turf saver tires are special made for lawns, turf or pavement. Other forms of tires will damage turf. These types of tires offer a tread that is similar to a lawnmower tire. Turf saver tires are truly the best choice for driving on harder surfaces.

Not all tires are created equal, especially when considering the terrain. ATVs and More offer a wide selection of tires to fit your needs. Not sure what size you need? No problem! Our staff is here to help you. Call us at (618) 548-1360 today!

MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR UTV

Melissa Coons | 03/02/2021

Owning a UTV is fun and practical. The standard models have everything you need for your traditional driving experience. However, those who are looking for more safety features, greater comfort and an enhanced driving experience will want to purchase some additional accessories. Here are the top five accessories you should consider adding to your UTV.

Mirrors

Adding a rear-view mirror to your UTV is a smart idea. It will help you have better awareness of what is around your vehicle. Adding side-mirrors will also give you added awareness of your surroundings. Plus, if you live in an area where UTVs are permitted on public streets, having a rear-view mirror will keep you street legal.

Roof

While there is nothing more exhilarating than the wind in your hair, it will become less thrilling in extreme weather conditions. Don’t let the rain or extreme heat keep you from enjoying your time in the great outdoors. There are both fabric and hardtop options available to meet your needs.

Windshield

Adding a windshield to your UTV will help keep you safe from debris when driving on trails and more rugged environments. It also helps protect you from dust, wind and weather elements. No matter what terrain you’re traversing, a windshield makes the perfect layer of added protection.

Cargo Net

When you’re zipping over the hills and through the woods the last thing you want is your belongings flying out of your UTV. Cargo nets are a great way to secure items. This easy solution will save you time and money.

Winch

Taking your UTV on muddy trails or sandy dunes may land you in a tight spot. You’ll never have to worry about getting stuck when you have a winch! These are incredibly convenient for the avid trail rider. They are also durable and tend to last for several years with proper maintenance.

If you are looking to enhance your driving experience while increasing safety and comfort, then these accessories are a must have for any UTV enthusiast. At ATVs and More, we offer a large selection of after-market parts and accessories. Our experienced team is ready to help you find the perfect accessories for your UTV. Visit us online at ATVSANDMOR.com or call us at (618) 548-1360.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Motorcycle

ATVs and More | 07/06/2020

Your motorcycle gets you where you need to go and provides you with an enjoyable form of transport and recreation at the same time. But all that riding eventually gets your bike pretty dirty. During these uncertain times, you may also be concerned about how clean your bike is, especially if you take it to a shop or allow someone else to touch it. So you want to be safe and cautious and get your motorcycle as clean as possible before you ride it.

ATVs and More is a motorcycle dealership near St. Louis that can provide you with the help you need to keep your motorcycle in peak condition. That’s why we’ve outlined the steps you should take to wash and disinfect your motorcycle below.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you wash your bike, make sure that it’s cooled off; if you recently rode it, give it an hour or two for the engine to cool down. Park it on a flat surface that has good drainage like a driveway or gravel lot so that the soap and debris doesn't ruin your lawn. Try to park your bike out of direct sunlight as well to prevent it from getting soap spots (although sunlight is also a very good disinfectant, so leaving your bike in the sun in general should help to keep it cleaner!).

Gather together everything you need to get your bike clean. These supplies include: a source of clean, fresh water (a garden hose is perfect), buckets, a motorcycle soap, a wax or polish if you so desire, a hard-bristle brush, chamois cloths, sponges and a microfiber cloth. Some people like to invest in a pressure washer that can blast off dirt and grime on surfaces, but you don’t need one. Wearing a mask and gloves can help you to stay protected from any germs your bike harbors, and you can take a shower and change your clothes once you’re done cleaning.

2. Rinse & Scrub Your Bike

Use a rag to plug up the exhaust on your motorcycle to avoid getting water in it. Take your garden hose and give your bike a thorough rinse, top to bottom. Once the bike is wet, you can mix your motorcycle soap and water in a bucket and apply it with a sponge from top to bottom, rinsing as you go to prevent soap residue build-up. Use your hard-bristle brush to get into every crevice to really get the dirt out. Rinse your sponge often and replenish the soap and water mixture in your bucket so that you aren’t cleaning your bike with dirty water.

3. Rinse Again & Dry

Now you can give your bike another rinse with the hose and either allow it to air-dry or dry it by hand with your chamois cloths to prevent water spots from forming. Some people like to use an air blower to thoroughly

4. Wax or Polish

If you so desire, you can now apply a wax or polish to your bike and its chrome to make it look great. A tire shine can spruce up your wheels, too. Just make sure that you use the right type of wax or polish for the materials that your bike is made from, and avoid getting polish on the seat or handlebars as this can make your motorcycle slippery. Your bike should be clean now! To maintain cleanliness, you can carry a bleach wipe to disinfect your handlebars after riding and make sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Seeking motorcycles for sale in St. Louis? Browse our website to see the full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale at our Salem, IL, dealership. ATVs and More is proud to be your premier ATV dealership for the greater STL metro area, also serving the city of Mount Vernon, IL.

Must Have Dirt Bike Gear

ATVs and More | 05/12/2020

Everyone knows that dirt bike riding requires safety gear. But not everyone knows which gear to get. It can be tough building your starter collection, which is why we created the following guide to essential dirt bike safety gear.

If you have any questions or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, head over to ATVs and More. We are a dirt bike dealership based in Salem, Illinois. We also proudly serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, and Mount Vernon, Illinois.

A Helmet

The first essential piece of dirt bike gear is, of course, a helmet. This handy item offers protection from concussions, brain injury, and even death during a bad crash. Never hop onto your dirt bike without it!

But a helmet alone is not enough. It needs to be well-fitting to offer the protection you want. Too loose and your head can move upon impact, reducing the effectiveness of the protection. Too tight and you face an increased risk of chomping down on your tongue and cheek in a crash.

There are a few key traits to seek out when helmet shopping. Look for:

a crash tested model. Government agencies (such as the Department of Transportation) and non-profit organizations (such as Snell) put helmets through rigorous safety tests. Get a model that received good ratings.
a comfortable model. Improve your ride by getting a helmet that offers features such as ventilation and extra padding.
a full-face model. This style provides the most protection and coverage.

Sturdy Boots

You'd never jump onto your dirt bike wearing flip-flops. But closed-toed shoes alone are not enough. You need a few more features to get the protection you want. The right dirt bike riding shoes guard your feet against kicked-up debris, absorb impact after a jump, and help prevent a twisted ankle.

It helps to purchase dirt bike boots, which are designed with dirt bike riding in mind. Make sure the boots lack laces since the laces can get caught in your dirt bike and cause an issue. Once you purchase boots, spend some time breaking them in before going on a long ride.

Eye Protection

When you ride your dirt bike, you face kicked-up debris, insects, low-hanging branches, compromised visibility due to rain, and so on. Eye protection helps ensure you can clearly see the path and keeps your eyes safe from incoming hazards.

Make sure your eye protection fits with your helmet and isn’t uncomfortable to wear. It’s also wise to find models that offer ventilation features to prevent fogging and extra foam padding to absorb sweat.

Outerwear

Dirt bike riding requires full-length outerwear, which protects your skin from the weather and during a crash. Make sure you get outerwear that leaves room for any accessories, such as a knee brace or chest protector.

Gloves

Your hands face the hazards of weather, blisters, and scrapes. Protect them with dirt bike riding gloves. The right ones will offer extra grip and protection while staying comfortable to wear.

A Knee Brace

One of the most common sports injuries are knee injuries. Consider wearing a knee brace when you ride your dirt bike. This simple purchase can help protect your leg and knee against damage. Seek out a model that fits well and offers enough protection without being too uncomfortable to wear.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you want to shop dirt bikes for sale, visit ATVs and More. We offer a range of models for all riding levels, so stop by today! We are a dirt bike dealer located in Salem, Illinois, and we also proudly serve those in Mount Vernon as well as St. Louis, Missouri.

The Full Cost Of Buying A Motorcycle

ATVs and More | 03/20/2020

A motorcycle is a great investment in adventure, excitement, and an improved lifestyle. But before you make a purchase, it’s helpful to have the full picture since the cost of getting a motorbike extends beyond the sticker price. There are other costs, such as getting safety gear or paying for motorbike insurance. Keep reading to learn more about expenses to factor into your budget. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to ATVs and More. Our dealership is based in Salem, Illinois. We also proudly serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, and Mount Vernon, Illinois.

1. The Motorcycle

Average Cost

Beginner riders typically pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a new motorcycle.
Experienced riders typically pay between $10,000 and $35,000 for a new motorcycle.

Relevant Factors

Motorcycles with more features and higher performance capabilities will cost more.
Used motorcycles will cost significantly less due to depreciation. With a little research, you can find gently-used motorbikes with a much lower sticker price.
There are often great sales during the winter months. Dealerships see a decline in sales during this off-season, which prompts them to offer enticing deals and discounts.

2. The Riding Gear

Average Cost

Helmet prices start around $70, but can go up to $300.
All of the required safety gear tends to be $1,300 on average.

Relevant Factors

Helmets need to be replaced if they get compromised, which happens after an impact. They also need to be replaced after about five years.
There are riding gear features that will improve your ride, but will cost more. For example, there are riding jackets that are made from waterproof or reflective material.

3. Motorcycle Maintenance

Average Cost

Owners typically pay around $1,000 a year to maintain their motorcycle.

Factors to Consider

Newer motorbikes won’t need as much maintenance. Older models will need repairs sooner.
The more often you ride, the more parts replacement and maintenance you’ll need.
Proactive maintenance can save you money on future repairs. Staying up-to-date with service department appointments, oil changes, and so on can keep your motorcycle running well and reduce the need to replace parts down the road.

4. Insurance

Average Costs

Motorcycle insurance usually costs between $200 and $500 each year.

Relevant Factors

The annual cost will depend on the coverage you get. Insurance can protect you in situations of injury, motorcycle damage, theft, and/or property damage.
Out-of-pocket expenses for situations such as medical bills can be very high. Paying extra for coverage now can save money in the long run.

5. License and Riding Courses

Average Cost

The application fee for a license tends to cost around $30.
A beginner’s motorcycle riding course usually costs around $100.

Factors to Consider

There are advanced classes you can take down the road to further build your skills. It's another expense to consider, but can help improve your riding quickly.

6. Fuel

Average Cost

Riders tend to spend around $300 on fuel a year.

Factors to Consider

The more fuel-efficient your motorcycle is, the more you can save on gas.
A motorcycle typically has better fuel efficiency than your car. If you take your motorcycle instead of your car, you’ll be saving on gas.

Ready to shop for motorcycles for sale in Salem, Illinois? The expert staff at ATVs and More is ready to help. We can assist you with finding the best motorbike for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by and visit us today. We also proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Modifying Your UTV For Disabilities

ATVs and More | 02/08/2020

A UTV is among one of the most versatile and exciting powersports vehicles on the market. They’re easy to use and just about everyone can enjoy some time behind the wheel—including those with disabilities. There are a lot of ways in which UTVs in particular can allow disabled persons to enjoy off-roading just as much as anyone else, although you might need to make a few tweaks to your model. That’s where ATVs and More comes in. We’ll help you find the perfect side-by-side for you and we can help you upgrade it, or give you some pointers on how to do it yourself, some of which we’ve listed below. Just stop by our ATV dealership in Salem, Illinois, serving Mount Vernon, as well as our neighbors in St. Louis, Missouri, and let us know how we can help you.

How UTVs Can Help Those with Disabilities

If you can use a car, you can probably use a UTV. They come with the same wheel and foot pedals that a larger vehicle does, they just can’t reach the same speeds and things will feel a little more open. Not to mention, they’re easy to get in and out of.

Even if you yourself can’t operate the side-by-side, you can still enjoy off-roading with these machines. Most models offer bench-style, side by side seating (see where the name comes from?) for at least two to four people, if not more. While someone else drives it, you can still enjoy all the thrills and excitement that comes with off-roading in a machine built to accommodate passengers.

This can make UTVs the perfect option for those with a wide range of disabilities, or even a less severe form of mobility impairment. Explore new places and see everything the country has to offer with the right UTV.

Modifications

Depending on your needs, you might need to make a few adjustments to your side-by-side. Honestly, for most, you probably won’t have to make too many adjustments, but if operating foot pedals is out of the question, you might need to look into installing a trigger, button, joystick, or switch to make driving easier. You can also look into more secure harnesses to replace the seat belts.

Some UTV models might be easier to modify than others, so ask our experienced staff what some of their recommendations are.

With so many outdoor riding avenues you can open up for yourself or a loved one by investing in a UTV, you might be ready to start searching for the perfect machine. In that case, stop by ATVs and More in Salem, Illinois and let one of our staff members give you the complete tour of available options. We welcome all those from the city of Mount Vernon, as well as our neighbors in St. Louis, Missouri.

Improve Street Motorcycle Skills By Riding A Dirt Bike

ATVs and More | 01/07/2020

There's a compelling concept found in the world of sports: cross-training. An athlete takes up another sport with the idea of improving skills relevant to their main sport. Football players take ballet to become more agile and lighter on their feet, making it easier to avoid tackles. Runners begin swimming to strengthen their muscles in a low-impact setting, making them faster on race day. This practice of cross-training can apply just as well to the world of motorcycle riding!

Your core style of riding may be hitting the highway, but riding a dirt bike can be a great way to build up relevant skills. Below we cover the many ways you can improve your street motorcycle riding skills by riding a dirt bike. If you want more information or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, head over to ATVs and More in Salem, Illinois.

Accelerate Your Learning

There's a saying in the motorcycle world: what you learn in a few years of street riding, you can learn in a few months of dirt bike riding. That's because dirt bikes are more agile and easier to control than their street counterparts. Since the vehicle is more responsive, it'll be easier to practice skills such as turning and accelerating. The more you practice basics on a dirt bike, the easier it'll be to master those skills on a street bike.

Beginners can benefit from learning to control motorcycles. But advanced riders can also benefit from this accelerated learning. They can focus on improving their precision and performance, which they can put to use on the highway later.

Test Limits Safely

Sometimes, the best way to learn your limits is to test them. But you don't want to do this on the freeway surrounded by other motorists traveling at top speeds! Instead, gain a better sense of your limits by riding a dirt bike.

After all, dirt bikes are made to withstand crashes (since dirt bikes crash more often) and this results in plenty of built-in safety features. It's also easier to crash on dirt than firm pavement. Plus, you won't be surrounded by other motorists so you won't need to worry as much about hitting someone else. Hop on a dirt bike and play around with speed and turning to better discover your limits, then take your newfound knowledge with you when you ride on the highway.

Strengthen Your Visual Skills

When you ride a dirt bike, you'll need to stay aware of the terrain. The off-road trails are much more unpredictable than paved streets. There's an increase in obstacles, such as potholes and sudden dips in the road. There are also obstacles you won't find on a paved road, such as a sudden batch of sand or a giant tree root in the middle of the path. Riding a dirt bike gives you a great opportunity to strengthen your awareness skills.

Improve Your Endurance

Riding a dirt bike is an incredibly athletic activity. This style of riding involves continually switching from standing to sitting to standing, which builds muscle strength. It also takes more stamina to stay balanced and in control of a dirt bike. As you ride your dirt bike, you'll improve your endurance and be able to enjoy longer city rides.

Ready to get your dirt bike and begin improving your riding skills? Check out the selection at our dealership in Salem, Illinois. If you aren't sure which model best fits your needs, our friendly staff can help. Tell us your budget and experience level, and we can recommend compatible dirt bikes. We proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

Recent Posts

Tags

Archive

TIRES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR UTV

Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Motorcycle

Must Have Dirt Bike Gear

The Full Cost Of Buying A Motorcycle

Modifying Your UTV For Disabilities

Improve Street Motorcycle Skills By Riding A Dirt Bike

Quick Links

Hours

Connect With Us