Clutch – Holeshoting

Keep your clutch fresh for best results in the holeshot.  The exhaust pipe begins to make good power at 4000 rpms.  Since you don’t have a manual clutch, the CVT clutch is doing the work.  The Apex comes stock with 1 shim.

No Shim =  Top Speed

1 Shim = ½ way in between

2 Shims = Best Hole Shot

See article on Clutch Tuning for more information on this topic

Fuel Issues

Is your carburetor clean?

Is your gas tank vent hose closed off?  Do not stick it down the steering stem.  The steering stem is a closed tube.  Is it clogged?

Keep a variety of jets in your tool box.  The jetting can change with air temperature and elevation.

Is there a kinked fuel hose?  Check hoses for any issues.

Is the air screw adjusted properly?

Overheating

Use a good coolant.  We recommend Liquid Performance coolant specially designed for mini quads.  (we used to suggest Evans…but that was too hard on the water pump) 

Always keep the air flow past the radiator unrestricted.  Do not place the race # plate in front of the radiator. 

In muddy conditions keep the radiator clear by using a non stick spray (WD 40 or Pam Cooking spray) on the radiator.  There are kits to relocate the radiator if you need to do that. 

If you suspect you have air in the system (quad overheats and coolant fills overflow bottle) then you need to bleed the system.  Bleed the air out through the bleeder at the top of the cylinder. 

Check to be sure the radiator cap is sealing.  Replacement cap available at any auto parts store.

Adjusting the Chain

Keep the chain and chain tensioner clean and lubricated.  (water proof grease) Always adjust the chain with all 4 wheels on the ground and a rider on the quad.  The bottom side of the chain in front of the rear sprocket should only have about ½ inch of play.  The chain should be just barely tight at the most taught position.  Check this by pushing up and down on the rear grab bar.  If your chain is to tight you can break the chain or the swing arm.  If the chain is  loose it will come off. 

Cutting down on the “vibration” in the handlebars

Some riders complain of “vibrating” handlebars.  If this is a problem for your rider, flexible handlebars and new and grips may help.  Be sure not to over tighten the bolts on the handlebar assy.  The screws should not be torqued past 16 foot pounds.  When you overtighten the bolts it completely eliminates the “antivibe” part of the steering stem by compressing the rubber mounts. Someone mentioned that filling the bars with caulking stopped the vibration.  Check the motor mounts.  If the motor is “cocked” to one side it can cause excessive vibration.  The three motor mounts should be tightend and the motor should be sitting straight. 

Kill Switch not operating properly

When we designed the bike, we used best kill switch on the market.  Today there is a better replacement. If you are having issues with your kill switch and cleaning it is not fixing the problem.  Replace it with a Pro Armour Kill Switch.  The Pro Armour kill switch is the only one with a dust seal that keeps the dirt out of the mechanism.

Kick Starter Sticking

Beings as we all are racing in the dirt and mud, there is no avoiding getting the kick started gummed up.  If the kick starter is not functioning properly, disassemble it, clean it with WD40 and see if that corrects the problem.  If that does not, you may just need a new spring.  (check the parts diagram on www.westcoastquads.com