2 Essential Guidelines on Racer and ATV Accessories Needed for a Safe and Comfortable Adventure

As an ATV racer, you need to be prepared for every competition.  You have to gear up for a safe and comfortable ride and accessorize your ATV for the race.

Before the race starts, you and your ATV must be all prepared for the tough road ahead.  Safety is the topmost thing to be considered, followed by the comfort you need to endure the race, as well as the other requirements of the competition.  Here are the basic accessories needed by every ATV racer:

Gear up for a safe and comfortable ride

Unlike riding ATV for fun, ATV racing involves special gear intended to protect and add comfort to every racer ona tougher adventure.  Although these ATV accessories and clothes are advisable for all ATV hobbyists, some of them are a must for all racers for a safer competition.

• Helmet.   Every ATV racer needs to wear a helmet with full face coverage for a more extensive protection.  For superior safety, it is important to look for one that is certified by Department of Transportation or Snell Memorial Foundation.  These two separate entities set standards for helmet qualities that aim for the safety of motorists, including ATV riders.  For added comfort and ease while on the race, find one that has good ventilation and one that is not so heavy on your head and neck.

• Goggles.  An eye protection that is shatter-proof is required for every ATV racer to protect your eyes from dust and debris.  It is important that you find one that has reliable brand, one that is durable, and one that has many available straps to replace worn out goggle straps.  It would also be helpful to find a pair of goggles that are scratch-resistant for better vision, as well as one that has nonslip strap to avoid disturbance during the race.

• Long sleeve jerseys .  You will be required to wear long sleeve jerseys during the race that are specially designed to absorb sweat better than other materials.  Sometimes, your jersey can be provided by your sponsor if you have one, together with your pants and other accessories.

• Special racing pants.  Your pants must be in full length and must be made of leather or other special materials that are durable, which are designed for protection against abrasions and for greater flexibility.  Other pants have adjustable waist straps for better fitting and comfort.

• Boots.    ATV racing boots must be made of special materials for better protection against impact, abrasions, and heat.  They must be durable yet comfortable to wear.    It is usually a must for your racing boots to be at least eight inches high for added safety.

• Gloves.   Special riding gloves feature padding and knuckle protection to shield your hands from flying rocks.  It must also be well-ventilated and comfortable on your hands.

• Other protective gear.  Other important parts of your body need additional shield as an extra precautionary measure.   Some popular protective gear includes elbow guards, knee guards, chest protector, airframe or race frame, and neck brace.

Accessorize your ATV for the race

Aside from riders’ gear and accessories, there are also important accessories you need to put on your ATV to get into a race.  These are some of the most common requirements for ATV races:

• Tether mechanical kill device.  This is a kill switch that is attached to the racer and the ATV, which stops the engine ignition as you get separated from your ATV.  This will help prevent further accidents, such as you or the spectators getting run over by the ATV.

• Floorboards or side bars.  Otherwise known as Nerf bars, these bars are required to protect your feet from accidentally getting into the peg or ground that may cause feet and leg injuries.  You should, however, note that it must not go beyond the width dimensions allowed in your race.

• Colored plate number frames.  Most competitions require plate numbers on the front and rear of your ATV.  Check the rules and regulations of the race you are joining to know the specific color and size of the plate frames you need to have, as well as the right font, size, and color of the letters and numbers on your plate.

• Decals.  Though not always applicable, some sponsors would require decals of their name or logo on your ATV.  Some events also require you to put number decals on your ATV for easy tracking and monitoring during the race.

In most competitions, other ATV accessories are allowed, but not required, for enhanced protection and better ATV performance.  Hand guards, for example, may be attached to the grip of your ATV to protect your hand from flying rocks and other debris.  Others racers also attach chain tensioners and steering stabilizers for their ATV parts to function better.

Aside from those accessories, it is also important that every racer has the proper tools and kits needed for their ATV parts, especially when a little repairing and tightening of screws are required.  You will also need some chemicals, such as lubricants and polishers to maintain and clean your ATV parts to make them more functional.

To be sure of the accessories you need to have for yourself and your ATV, always be aware of the rules and regulations before you start getting some of them.  It is important that you follow their conditions so as not to get disqualified and in order to have a safe race adventure.