FAQ

  1. Home
  2. FAQ

At Cycle Shack, we know the machines we sell. That’s because we work with them every day and play with them for fun on the weekends.

We’re always happy to pass our extensive knowledge on to you, so please contact us with any questions you may have.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 601-798-8493 or 1-800-748-8945

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our staff of professional service technicians encounters.

Lawn Mowers

Q: What are some general tips for tuning up my lawn mower?

A: Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your lawn mower. You may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department tune up your Scag or Hustler lawn mower.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your machine.

  • Change the oil in your mower after every 25 hours of use.
  • Check spark plugs for rust. If necessary, clean them with an emery cloth or replace them.
  • Clear the filter of dirt and debris. Some filters can be cleaned with a solvent; others must be replaced.
  • Check the belts and replace them if necessary.
  • Check the blade. Remove any rust with a steel brush and steel wool. If the blade needs sharpening, bring it in for service or sharpen it yourself with a hand file, a grinding stone attached to an electric drill, or a bench grinder. Using a sharp blade will reduce the amount of fuel your lawn mower uses.
  • Make sure the wheels are secured to the frame and are all locked in place at the desired height.
  • Draining the fuel tank and filling it with fresh gas should be part of your annual storage routine in the fall. If you neglected to do it in the fall, do it as soon as possible.

Q: What are some general tips for storing my lawn mower?

A: Some basic maintenance should be performed before you store your lawn mower to ensure optimum performance when summer returns. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your lawn mower, so you may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department prep your Scag or Hustler mower for storage.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your machine.

  • Clean out grass clippings and dirt. (Make sure the engine has cooled. Use a bristle brush to clean.)
  • Sharpen or replace the blade if necessary.

 

ATVs

Q: What are some general tips for storing my ATV?

A: Store your ATV in a cool, dry place and protect it from dust with a porous cover. Some basic maintenance should be performed before you store your ATV to ensure optimum performance when you’re ready to ride again. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your ATV, so you may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department prep your Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki ATV for storage.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your ATV.

  • Change the oil and filter. The new oil will not go bad sitting in the engine over the winter, but the old oil will eat away at your engine all winter. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after you change the oil to wash the new oil around inside. Running the engine a few minutes like this will not contaminate the new oil.
  • Drain the fuel tank or at least turn off the fuel valve. Then run the engine to get the fuel out of the carburetor.
  • Clean and lubricate all moving parts. Make sure you clean all the mud and dirt out of these areas before you add oil.
  • Check for loose hardware.
  • Check brake levers, throttle lever, etc.
  • Clean the air filter.
  • Check the spark plug, lights, switches, tires, etc.
  • Turn the wheels a little every month in order to prevent the tires from becoming degraded in one spot.
  • Cover the muffler outlets with plastic bags to prevent moisture from entering them.
  • Remove the battery and fully charge it once a month. Do not store the battery in an excessively cold or warm place.

Q: What should I do to prepare my ATV for winter use?

A: Some basic maintenance should be performed before you take your ATV out in the cold and snowy winter. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your ATV, so you may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department prep your Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki ATV for winter.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your ATV.

  • Install a carburetor heater.
  • Switch to a synthetic oil, which will be unaffected by temperature and provide instant lubrication when you start your engine.
  • Make sure your battery is in good condition and the terminal connections are clean and tight.
  • Keep the fuel tank full to prevent moisture from condensing and causing passages to become ice-clogged.
  • Prevent corrosion by spraying down the suspension and brakes with a silicone water-dispersant before trailering your ATV. This will protect it from road salt.
  • Rinse the ATV after each trip and let it dry in a warm garage, if possible.

 

Motorcycles

Q: What are some general tips for storing my motorcycle?

A: Store your motorcycle in a dry, heated location, if possible. Do not cover it with any tarp that would hold moisture and cause corrosion. Instead, use a special breathable motorcycle cover.

Some basic maintenance should be performed before you store your motorcycle to ensure optimum performance when you’re ready to ride again. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your bike, so you may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department prep your Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki motorcycle for storage.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your motorcycle.

  • Change the oil and filter.
  • Inflate tires to proper pressure.
  • If possible, use a centerstand to reduce stress on the tires and suspension.
  • Clean and lubricate the bike before storage to reduce corrosion.
  • Remove the spark plugs and pour a teaspoon of oil into each of the cylinders. Then replace the plugs.
  • Remove battery and charge it once a month, with the charging clips disconnected, in a dry place that is not exposed to low temperatures.
  • Shut off the fuel flow to the carburetors, if possible.
  • Fill your fuel tank full and add the proper amount of fuel stabilizer. Then start the engine and run it for several minutes to make sure you get the treated gas into the carburetors.

 

Personal Watercraft

Q: What should I do before storing my PWC?

A: Store your personal watercraft in a cool, dry place and protect it from dust with a porous cover. Some basic maintenance should be performed before you store your PWC to ensure optimum performance when you’re ready to ride. Procedures vary depending on the brand and model of your PWC, so you may want to have the experienced professionals in our service department prep your Honda, or Kawasaki PWC for storage.

If you choose to do the job yourself, keep the following advice in mind and check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your machine.

  • Make any necessary repairs before storing your PWC for several months.
  • Store your PWC upright in a horizontal position to prevent fuel from leaking out into the engine or engine compartment.
  • Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
  • Flush the cooling system to prevent salt, sand or dirt from clogging it. (See owner’s manual.)
  • Disconnect and remove the battery if you are storing your PWC for more than a month. Disconnect the negative (–) lead first, then the positive (+) lead and breather hose.
  • Clean the battery casing using water. If the battery terminals are dirty or corroded, clean them with a wire brush.
  • Fully charge the battery and then store it in a cool, dark place.