How to Adjust the Idle on a Honda ATV
by Justin WashThe idle adjustment on your Honda ATV controls how much fuel and air get to the engine when the throttle is closed. This allows the engine to stay alive while you are stopped or while coasting with the clutch pulled in. If the idle is not adjusted properly, the engine may rev too high when stopped, or it may die, requiring you to restart the engine whenever you come to a stop. By learning to adjust the idle on your Honda ATV, you won't need to deal with these problems.
Step 1
Take the ATV for a 10-minute stop-and-go ride to warm up the engine. The engine needs to be at normal riding temperature to adjust the idle properly.
Step 2
Remove the recoil starter cover from the left side of the bike just below the seat. To detach the cover, simply release the three plastic bosses from the rubber grommets and pull it aside.
Step 3
Locate the idle adjustment screw behind the recoil starter cover. Twist this screw a few times clockwise to raise the engine speed to a fast rate.
Step 4
Listen carefully to the engine and twist the idle adjustment screw slowly counterclockwise. You should hear the engine speed begin to fall. Continue twisting the screw counterclockwise until you hear the engine begin to hiccup or pop. When this occurs, twist the screw a 1/2 turn clockwise.
Step 5
Reposition the recoil starter cover by reinserting the bosses in the rubber grommets of the frame.
Writer Bio
Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., Justin Wash began his professional writing career in 2004 with an online freelance copywriting business. Over the years, he has written for a myriad of clients including China-Vasion and The Executives Closet.
