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MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR UTV

Melissa Coons | 06/02/2021

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 Southern Illinois Motorsports, 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. Stop by our store or visit us online at simotorsports.com

Tires Make The Difference

Melissa Coons | 04/07/2021

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. Southern Illinois Motorsports offers 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 today at (618) 549-7397.

Why Buy A Polaris Ranger®

SIM | 04/06/2020

A Polaris RANGER® is a high-performing UTV that best suits those with adventurous lifestyles. This powerful mechanical workhorse can tackle a variety of terrains and tasks, making it a wise investment. Use it to get work projects done, blow off steam on the open trail, and more. Keep reading to learn more about these models, then visit Southern Illinois Motorsports to explore our Polaris RANGER® side-by-sides for sale. Our dealership is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and we welcome all those coming from Marion and Murphysboro, IL, as well as St. Louis, Missouri.

Features of the Polaris RANGER® UTVs

When you explore different Polaris RANGER® side-by-sides, you'll find an impressive range of features designed to make your riding experience unforgettable. In 2018, the company unveiled the RANGER® XP 1000. On this model, you will find over one hundred owner-inspired improvements. These include incredible in-cab comfort, 82 HP, 13'' ground clearance, 11'' suspension travel, and a 2500 pound towing capacity. It didn't take long for this UTV to become the leading premium utility side-by-side on the market.

Then the company released the Polaris RANGER CREW® XP 1000. It saw an upgrade in its seating capacity, from three passengers to six passengers. Enjoy 2500 pounds of towing capacity and a 1750 pound payload capacity. This side-by-side also boasts industry-leading in-cab storage capacity of 19 gallons.

For those looking to dominate muddy terrain, the Polaris RANGER® XP 1000 High Lifter Edition is a great option. Enjoy 28'' Outlaw 2 tires, 13.5'' ground clearance, full-body skid plate, arched A-arms, purpose-built bumpers, a 4500 pound winch, and industry-exclusive quick drain half-doors. Six passengers can hop on board and enjoy the adventure!

Versatility of the Polaris RANGER® Side-by-Sides

One advantage of Polaris RANGER® UTVs is their impressive versatility. For example, some owners use their Polaris RANGER® side-by-side to enhance their hunting trips. Take advantage of the large storage space to load up gear, a deer stand, and food to lure in your prey. Cruise over difficult terrain to find the best spot to wait for the game. Bring along friends and all their gear for a hunting excursion. Use a winch to easily get your game onto the cargo bed and transported to your tow vehicle.

Others rely on their Polaris RANGER® side-by-side to help them maintain their property. Use the storage capacity to bring tools, materials and other supplies to your project site, then carry away unwanted debris. Cruise around on turf mode to help ensure a gentle ride on your delicate lawn. You can use the model to mow vegetation, transport watercrafts to the water's edge, cart around firewood, and more. This sturdy, durable model will offer the grit you need to get your work projects done.

Of course, you can always use your Polaris RANGER® for recreational riding. Head out on the open trail and enjoy exploring nature while getting adrenaline rushes. You can take a solo journey or bring friends and family members along for a ride that they will never forget.

Ready to explore Polaris RANGER® side-by-sides for sale? Check out the selection at Southern Illinois Motorsports. We are conveniently located near Murphysboro and Marion, IL, as well St. Louis, MO. Our expert staff is happy to assist you in finding the right model for your needs. Tell us your budget, riding level, and how you hope to use your UTV. We can then suggest the right Polaris RANGER® models to match.

UTV Buying Guide

SIM | 07/07/2020

Shopping for a UTV is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There is a seemingly endless amount of options. With so many models and features to explore, where do you even start?

Here at Southern Illinois Motorsports, we strive to make your life easier. We've created the following side-by-side buyer's guide to help aid your search. If you have questions or want to shop UTVs for sale, head over to our powersports dealership in Carbondale, Illinois!

Decide The Purpose Of Your UTV

Many side-by-sides are made with a specific use in mind. They offer the features and specifications needed to excel at certain tasks. Think about the ways you'll use the UTV and the types of models that will best match.

If you'll be tackling property maintenance tasks, look for:

high towing and hauling capacity
enough storage space to transport your tools and materials
comfortable seating for those long work hours

If you'll be enjoying recreational riding, seek out:

high speed potential so you can enjoy adrenaline rushes
more compact frames that can fit width-restricted trails
high ground clearance so you can plow over obstacles on the trail

If you'll be using the UTV on hunting trips, consider:

a quieter running model so that the engine doesn't scare game away
a camouflage exterior to help the side-by-side blend in

Decide The Passenger Capacity

Next, think about how many people will be riding in the UTV. Maybe you want to bring along extra hands to help with a project. Maybe you want to take your family for a thrilling ride. Whatever the situation, figure out how many seats the side-by-side needs to offer. Models can fit anywhere from two to six riders, so make sure to get a model with enough seats for everyone.

Consider The Terrain

Next, factor in any unique challenges to the terrains you'll be exploring. For example, maybe you want to explore muddy or sandy areas. Get a model made with those terrains in mind.

Or maybe you want to explore rocky areas. Get a model with high ground clearance. That way, the UTV can cruise over the obstacles without getting damaged.

Consider Extra Safety Features

Every side-by-side will come with standard safety features. But you may want to get even more. Common safety upgrades include windshields, side doors, and a full cab enclosure. These can help protect you from hazards during the ride, such as kicked-up debris or low-hanging branches. They also add extra protection in the event of a crash.

We recommend all riders invest in extra safety features. New riders often make mistakes as they learn how to ride, which can create increased safety threats. Experienced riders take on more challenging trails, which can pose more serious safety threats. Whatever your experience level is, you can benefit from getting extra safety features.

Decide What Accessories To Get

There are plenty of accessories that improve the enjoyment of a UTV ride. For example, you could get a hard or soft top roof. It'll protect riders from unrelenting sun, rain, and so on. That way, you can still hit the trail when the weather is less-than-ideal. Spend some time researching side-by-side accessory options, then include the ones you want to get into your budget.

Ready to shop side-by-sides for sale? Check out the selection at Southern Illinois Motorsports. If you aren't sure which model to get, let our expert staff help. Simply tell us about your budget and lifestyle so that we can suggest the models that best meet your needs. We proudly serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as Murphysboro and Marion, Illinois!

Best Practices For Disinfecting Your Motorcycle And Gear

SIM | 05/06/2020

It's important to thoroughly disinfect your motorcycle and riding gear. The deep cleaning process helps kill germs and keep them from spreading. How often you go through the disinfection process depends on how often you go riding, but every rider should go through the steps at least a few times a year, which is why we created the following guide to disinfecting your motorcycle and riding gear.

Preparing for the Disinfection Process

Grab a mask and gloves to wear while you disinfect your motorcycle and gear and try to avoid touching your face and other parts of your body while you clean. Once you finish, take a shower and wash the clothes you were wearing.

Your Motorcycle

Start by parking your motorcycle on the main stand. The cleaning process will be smoother if the bike is in a balanced position and you can easily reach the various parts. Always let the motorcycle fully cool before you spray it with water. Once that’s taken care of, give your motorcycle a good wash. You don't want caked-on gunk getting in your way when you are trying to disinfect the various parts.

Next, disinfect the frequently touched surfaces, such as the handlebars and touchscreen. When it comes to the cleaner you use, you are trying to strike a balance. You want something powerful enough to kill germs, but you don't want something so abrasive that it damages the material. Your owner's manual should give you advice on the types of cleaners/ingredients that you should use or not use. Pair the appropriate cleaner with a microfiber cloth and be extra careful around any electronics.

Your Motorcycle Helmet

If your helmet is made with removable pads, start by taking those out and giving them a good wash. Then use a disinfectant on your helmet. You can find sprays that are made with motorcycle riding helmets in mind. If you get a disinfectant and aren't sure whether it's compatible with your helmet's surface, test it out. Place a small amount of disinfectant either on an old helmet or a small area of the helmet first and make sure the cleaner won't dull or harm the helmet's finish. As you clean, pay extra attention to the insides of the mouth and nose areas.

Your Riding Gloves

Sure, it's convenient to toss your gloves in your helmet when you finish a ride. But try to break this habit. Storing gloves in your motorcycle helmet could transfer germs from your gloves to your helmet.

It's also helpful to own two pairs of riding gloves. One can be used on the ride while the other is getting washed.

Riding Habits

When you hit the open road, you can follow a few techniques to keep your motorcycle and gear clean for as long as possible.

Anytime you fill up at a gas station, try to have a barrier between your riding gloves and the nozzle (such as a paper towel). Or keep a supply of disposable gloves on hand for when you need to refuel.

You can also pack your motorcycle with disinfecting wipes, a microfiber cloth, and other small cleaning items. If you are on a long ride or even an overnight trip, you'll still be able to clean your motorcycle on the go.

We hope you found this motorcycle disinfecting guide useful! If you have any questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, visit the experts at Southern Illinois Motorsports in Carbondale, IL. We are happy to assist you with whatever you need, so stop by and visit us today. We also serve those in Murphysboro and Marion, IL, as well as St. Louis, MO.

How To Ride Your ATV In The Sand

SIM | 03/27/2020

You can use your ATV to tackle a number of different types of terrain. There’s no need to worry about taking it to the beach or a sandy plot of land to chase your adrenaline thrills. However, riding in the sand can be a bit tricky if you haven't attempted it before, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

To help you dominate the sand, we at Southern Illinois Motorsports have compiled the following guide. For additional information or if you’re looking for worthy ATVs for sale, visit us at our location in Carbondale, IL. We’re here for all the ATV needs of our friends from St. Louis, MO as well as Murphysboro and Marion, IL.

Equipping Your ATV

San can be a pretty challenging terrain to ride on, and your ATV “as is” might not be able to handle it adequately. For a smooth ride, you’re going to have to make some modifications. Start with your ATV tires. For optimal traction and to keep your quad from getting stuck in sand, try out paddle tires. They will offer many features making them ideal for soft, sandy ground. For example, the wide paddle ridges will move large amounts of sand so you’ll get solid momentum.

Your ATV should be equipped with steel sprockets instead of aluminum ones because steel is better at handling the abrasive nature of sand. For chain lube, go for something that’s lightweight and has low viscosity. This will prevent it from jamming when you hit the sand. Protect your ATV’s air filter with a pre-filter and Airbox cover to prevent choking your engine with a mass of sand. Finally, most dune areas require riders to use orange safety flags so they’re more visible to other riders on the other sides of the dunes, so make sure your ATV has a flag.

Gear Up

Riding your ATV in the sand isn’t that different from riding off-road trails or even the pavement. Since there’s an element of risk involved, you need to wear full-length clothing to save your skin from the sun, flying debris and just in case you fall off your quad. It may be tempting to wear a tank top and shorts due to the heat, but you want the protection that full-length clothing offers.

You also need to protect your noggin so look into getting a well-fitting helmet. Check out motocross helmets if you can because they’re built for intense, outdoor adventures and extreme riding. Don’t forget a set of proper-coverage goggles to shield your eyes from the sun, sand and other hazards.

Carry Supplies

When you’re riding your ATV around on sandy dunes, you’re probably under the hot sky, which means your quad can get hot too. If you keep riding it for too long, it will overheat. Make sure to pack both coolant and fuel to help you out when you’ve been riding for a while and your ATV engine gets too hot or the fuel tank runs dry.

It’s not just your quad that can overheat in the sun; you, too, will start to feel very hot and will begin to sweat a lot. When you lose fluids, you need to replace them as well as all the lost electrolytes. Bring along plenty of water (a hands-free hydration pack makes it easy) to stay hydrated. Pack a sports drink or salty snack to replace the electrolytes.

Riding Tips

When you arrive at the dunes, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a good look at your surroundings and establish a riding area. Stick within the designated area and you won’t need to worry about getting lost when the sun starts setting.

If you can convince someone to come with you, it never hurts to drop a spotter off on the top of a dune that you’ll be riding over. They can signal you if there’s traffic coming the other direction and help you avoid a nasty collision. Riding with others gives you a good safety net as well. They can help assist if your ATV encounters mechanical issues or get help if there is an injury out on the sand. Plus, riding with friends makes the whole experience more fun!

We hope this guide helps you have a safe and fun riding experience on the sand! If you still haven’t found the right ATV for you or need your quad tuned up for your next adventure, come to Southern Illinois Motorsports and have a chat with our expert staff. If you’re looking for ATVs for sale in St. Louis, MO or Murphysboro and Marion, IL, contact our sales department at the earliest opportunity!

How To Corner On A Dirt Bike

SIM | 02/10/2020

A key dirt bike riding skill is correctly cornering. After all, you are not going to ride simply in a straight line, stop, rotate your dirt bike, then ride a straight path back to your home. That would be a lackluster riding experience!

But before you can tackle winding trails and explore side trails off of the route, you will need to know how to successfully turn on your dirt bike. We've created the following beginner's guide to help you learn this crucial skill. If you have any questions or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, head over to Southern Illinois Motorsports. Our dealership is based in Carbondale, Illinois. We also proudly serve those in Murphysboro and Marion, IL, as well as St. Louis, Missouri.

The Importance of Proper Technique

Dirt bikes are designed to conquer sharp turns at fast speeds. Just watch any motocross competition to see impressive cornering in action! But new riders need to build their skillset up to the level of their model's performance potential before they try out any crazy turning. By mastering the basics, you can build up muscle memory and get to your dirt bike's full capacity much faster. Plus, it'll save you energy since you'll be working with your dirt bike rather than fighting against it.

Tips to Cornering

1. Stay Alert

As you ride, stay aware of your surroundings. New riders will need to be on the lookout for bumps and grills. Advanced riders can cruise right over these, but newbies will want to avoid them or be extra cautious in going over them.

2. Look Ahead

It's natural to want to focus on your front wheels, but it's better to look ahead at the place you want to go. Your body, and your dirt bike, will naturally follow in the direction that your focus is pointed.

3. Pick the Entry Line

When you are getting to turn, you will need to pick your entry line into the corner. You may want to go wide if there are obstacles on the main path, such as brake bumps.

4. Handle the Corner Smoothly

As you approach the corner, you will want to begin braking. Usually, you will be in the standing position. When you begin going through the corner, transfer your body weight to the front of the dirt bike. Keep your elbows high and squeeze your legs. As you lean into the corner, raise your inside leg up and forward with your toes pointed. This will help keep your heel from catching in the dirt.

5. Use the Right Gear

Pick a gear that gets you smooth power as you go through the corner. When you accelerate out of the turn, you will want to employ steady throttle control and work the clutch. Get power to the ground but without the rear wheel losing grip.

6. Upgrade to Cornering While Standing

You'll want to devote plenty of practice to seated cornering. But once you master the basics, you can move onto turning while in the central standing position. It'll come in handy on trails where you'll be standing often. Plus, turning while in the standing position is great for saving energy and pushing through corners even faster. As you go into a turn, you'll want to lean into the corner and put more weight on the inside leg. For example, as you take a right corner, put more weight on your right foot.

We hope you found this beginner's cornering guide useful. If you want more advice or want to shop dirt bikes for sale, visit the experts at Southern Illinois Motorsports. We can assist you with whatever you need, from helping you find OEM parts to giving riding advice. Our dealership is based in Carbondale, Illinois. We also serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, and Murphysboro and Marion, Illinois. Stop by and visit our dealership today.

Ride Your UTV In The Snow

SIM | 01/28/2020

The snow’s coming down! That means it’s time to get your UTV ready for some winter riding. If you don’t want to stop the fun just because it gets a little cold, then we’ve got the guide for you. Check out our tips for riding in the snow and stop by Southern Illinois Motorsports with any other questions you might have. We’re in Carbondale, Illinois, serving Murphysboro and Marion, as well as our neighbors in St. Louis, Missouri, so visit us today!

Prepare Your UTV for the Cold

The first thing you’ll need to address is your UTV. Getting your UTV ready for the snow and cold is going to help ensure the season won’t wear down on the machine and that you’ll still be able to use it to its full potential. Around our area, things can get cold.

On top of that, if you’re going out of your way to find areas of the country that are even colder, then you’ll have to ensure your engine is ready for those frigid temperatures.

Make sure there’s no excess water in your coolant that could freeze and use engine fluids that’ll withstand the winter. Most of the fluids your side-by-side uses have a freezing point of well below 0°F, but it’s a good idea to check anyway.

Riding in the snow might require some specific upgrades. For example, to get better traction, you might want to use snow tires, as opposed to the ones you use for dirt or mudding. You can even ask about switching to tracks. If you want to use your side-by-side for plowing, there are attachments you can use to clear snow away from driveways and sidewalks.

You might also want to take advantage of any covers you might have. UTVs are handy in that they can be more completely enclosed with the right cover. This can protect you from the chill and any sludgy precipitation that might be coming down. At the very least, we recommend a windshield to deflect some of the winds that’ll pick up once you get going.

Staying Warm

Now to get you ready. It’s already going to be cold, but once you get going, it’s going to feel even colder. Because of this, you might want to upgrade some of your safety gear to provide extra warmth. For example, a more enclosed helmet with goggles can help keep your face warm. You can also include gloves that are waterproof and insulated.

Speaking of insulation, what you wear is important. Of course, you’ll still want to prioritize safety, but to stay warm, you’ll want to wear layers. Each layer should get successively thicker and warmer, with the outermost layer being waterproof. Layers are better at providing insulation and they allow you to cool off more easily if you start to get too hot.

Good Snow Safety Practices

Another part of preparing is making sure you know how to properly ride in the snow. Even with the right tires or tracks, you’ll need to slow down and take turns carefully to avoid losing traction. If you encounter ice, proceed with caution. At best, it’ll pose a slide risk, at worst it could be a serious danger. Avoid ice as much as possible, especially if temperatures have started warming up. If you can’t drive around ice, try to stick to the edges, where the ice will be the strongest. And, of course, all the standard safe riding practices still apply, like staying sober, hydrated, and rested.

With the right strategy, your UTV experience doesn’t have to stop just because the snow starts coming down and it gets a little cold. To add some of the upgrades we mentioned earlier, talk to our experienced staff here at Southern Illinois Motorsports about what to get and how to get it installed. So stop on by! We welcome all those from Murphysboro and Marion, IL as well as St. Louis, MO.

Tips For Hunting With Your UTV

SIM | 01/20/2020

Improve your next hunting trip by bringing your trusty UTV along! Use your side-by-side to transport all your gear, traverse difficult terrain with ease, and find the perfect location to wait for your prey. We've rounded up some of our favorite tips for making the most of your UTV hunting trip. If you want more strategies or want to explore side-by-sides for sale, head over to Southern Illinois Motorsports. Our dealership is located in Carbondale, IL. We also proudly serve those in Murphysboro and Marion, as well as our neighbors to the west in St. Louis, MO.

1. Use Your UTV to Scout the Location

A successful hunting trip starts long before the hunting season. Scouting the location in advance will help you find the best place to set up camp. Your side-by-side can be a great resource for easily cruising around the terrain as you search for the best spot. Look for the types of vegetation that your prey will seek out and keep your eyes peeled for deer paths and trails. You'll also want to find a place with a perch where the wind will blow in your face, which helps you stay downwind of the prey so they don't smell you and leave.

2. Get the Gear

One benefit of using your side-by-side on your trip is that you will be able to pack it full of gear for easy transport to your destination. You aren't limited solely by the items that you can carry by hand, which allows you to pack more cargo.

Start with a rifle scabbard. This will help keep your rifle and scope secure from the elements. It will also keep your weapon secure while you travel by UTV to your destination.

Another key piece of gear is a winch. Use it to pull game out of the brush and onto flat land for easier dressing. You can also outfit your side-by-side with a GPS. You can mark locations on the map that you will want to return to and easily find your way back to your tow vehicle.

3. Keep Your Side-by-Side Quiet

When you cruise around the forest in your UTV, you could run the risk of your side-by-side making too much noise and scaring the game away. Fortunately, there are ways you can easily modify your UTV to help decrease the amount of sound it makes.

First, remove or strap down any loose metal. It's amazing how loud of a clatter loose metal can create! Second, use soundproofing material, such as rubber, to reduce any rattling noises.

Third, keep up with your side-by-side maintenance. Many sounds that UTVs make are due to issues with the powersports vehicle. A whistling noise could be a leak or a crack in the exhaust. Brakes that make a loud, whining noise could be dealing with mud and sand caught in the brake calipers or between the brake pad and rotor. Screeching wheels could be caused by water and mud in the wheel bearings. Regular maintenance can help keep these noisy problems from arising, so be sure to keep up your maintenance schedule. If you start noticing issues, you will want to get them repaired as soon as possible.

We hope you found these side-by-side hunting tips helpful. If you’re in St Louis, MO, or Murphysboro, IL, and want some more hunting strategies or to check out UTVs for sale, visit Southern Illinois Motorsports. Our expert staff is happy to assist you in finding the perfect model for your lifestyle and budget, so stop by today.

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MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR UTV

Tires Make The Difference

Why Buy A Polaris Ranger®

UTV Buying Guide

Best Practices For Disinfecting Your Motorcycle And Gear

How To Ride Your ATV In The Sand

How To Corner On A Dirt Bike

Ride Your UTV In The Snow

Tips For Hunting With Your UTV

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