The sales of ATVs and side-by-sides have now surpassed dirt bikes, nearing one million quads sold yearly. With an expanding lineup of models and brands catering to different rider needs, quad bikes are being beefed up with more power, versatility, and guaranteed thrills for all skill levels.
With more options available, the aftermarket for replacement and upgrade parts is growing, accessible both in-store and from established ATV parts online retailers. Whether you’re seeking enhanced performance, better handling, or convenient accessories to improve safety, comfort, or usability, shopping online saves time, offers a broader selection of OE and specialised parts brands, and often provides lower prices. The convenience of same-day deliveries, multiple payment options, and the ability to shop for parts as needed is a bonus.
Replacement and Upgrade Basics
In addition to regular maintenance, adding the right tires for the terrain or adjusting suspension setups for the required clearance, some quad bike parts will inevitably wear out sooner than others. ATVs and side-by-sides are becoming more powerful, and the added stress from larger torque numbers and higher redlines means drivetrain components like axles and drive belts will need more frequent replacements.
Higher top speeds also put more strain on stock brake parts, particularly the pads. If you’re using your bike in diverse settings, you’ll appreciate the versatility wheel spacers offer without having to spend hundreds on upgraded control arms or lift kits.
Why Consider Axle Upgrades
Drive axles transfer power from the engine and gearing to the wheels. In their stock form, they are suitable for regular rides with moderate throttle use and should last on milder ground with few obstacles or steep inclines. However, this is not the essence of ATV riding. Enjoying the ride with full throttle can bind, bend, or shred the axles to pieces. High-speed impacts with boulders or branches can rip the axle right off.
Stock parts are made to a price point but are surpassed in every way by aftermarket options. These feature heat-treated high-tensile steel alloys for higher tensile strength and flexibility, thicker diameters to handle elevated stress levels and weight loadings, and machined internals (CV joints and bearings) for smooth rolling and less heat.
Aftermarket axles offer significant performance gains. Heavy and extreme-duty options provide better wheel articulation, aiding handling over varied terrain, smoothing inclines and descents, and featuring thicker CV boots for reduced puncturing. These axles offer more longevity even when thrashing your quad through tough conditions. Quads will perform better on challenging ground, handle towing tasks with ease, and provide ample feedback from the throttle. The superior materials, attention to detail, and improved production methods of aftermarket axles make them a worthwhile investment, especially considering their lower prices compared to OEM replacements.
Aftermarket Drive Belts
Drive belts are another essential component readily available from well-stocked ATV parts online stores. They link the axles, CVT transmission, and engine, sitting between the drive and driven clutch pulleys. Like axles, drive belts endure high engine loads, heat, elongation, and impact. Stock units perform adequately in most conditions, but the more aggressively you ride, the shorter their lifespan.
High temperatures, increased wear, and impact can deform any belt, leading to fraying, chipped sidewalls, missing cogs, and thinning. Once a belt shreds or snaps, your ride is over. Aftermarket drive belts, like axles, come in heavy and extreme-duty variants tailored for different machines and uses.
Heavy-duty belts address the shortcomings of stock units with better tooth and cog designs for smoother power delivery and upgraded materials like reinforced synthetic rubber for higher strength and resistance to oil, mud, and water. They enhance the performance of mid-sized ATVs and smaller side-by-sides, preventing common issues found in factory belts such as jolty throttle response and clutch slippage. They are competitively priced with factory replacements, if not cheaper, making them ideal for everyday rides with mixed terrain and towing tasks.
Extreme-duty belts handle the higher torque of larger-engined quads. Featuring synthetic fibres and rubbers like Kevlar or EPDM, these belts offer high strength in tensile cords and reduced wear when exposed to temperature extremes, elongation, impact, and external factors. They are perfect for rock
crawling, hauling heavy loads, faster downhill runs, and providing more traction and control on loose surfaces.
Safety and Performance with the Right Brake Pads
Safe stopping, negotiating slow-speed turns, and maintaining race lines require the right brake pads. These vary depending on your ATV. Most ATVs now have discs all around, and pads matched to the bike’s maximum speeds and weight. Organic pads are affordable replacements for worn factory units, offering a good brake feel, quiet operation, and responsiveness in most rides, though they may lose bite when hot. They are gentle on discs but produce more brake dust.
Sintered or metallic pads are preferred by enthusiasts for their superior braking performance, ideal for racing or pushing the engine to its limits. They provide an excellent brake feel, handle higher friction and heat, and have a longer lifespan due to their metallic mixture. These pads can be noisy, wear down discs more quickly, and are pricier, but they offer a good blend of value and performance.
Ceramic pads are a newer alternative, providing disc-friendly, quiet operation with similar performance to sintered pads. They are slightly more expensive but wear less, making them last longer during spirited riding. However, they require some time to warm up.
Choose brake pads based on your driving habits, engine power, and average speeds. All are inexpensive to replace but generally correlate price with performance.
Sizing Up With Wheel Spacers
Spacers are an affordable and safe solution for widening your wheel track. Increased distance between wheels enhances stability at speed, improves control in technical terrain, and enhances cornering ability. They also allow for fitting larger tire and wheel combinations without scraping plastics or using tire chains in snow or mud. Spacers fit between the hubs and wheels, ranging from half an inch to three inches thick, and come in cast or forged varieties. They are easy and quick to install.
High-grade, coated, and heat-treated aluminium or stainless steel ensures durability in all weather and riding conditions. Choose the right bolt patterns to match the hubs and thicknesses that provide the best performance gains without excessive widening, which can accelerate suspension and steering parts wear or compromise control.
Buy ATV parts, including spacers, belts, brake components, and axles, from reputable aftermarket or third-party brands and online from an ATV parts shop stocked with compatible parts for your quad.