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My Trail-Tested Guide to Gearing Up with Kemimoto
There’s nothing quite like it, is there? That moment the pavement ends and the real adventure begins. The rumble of the engine, the freedom of the open trail, and the feeling of leaving your worries behind in a cloud of dust. I’ve spent more weekends than I can count exploring backwoods trails, crawling over rocks, and getting happily lost on my UTV, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the right gear transforms a good day into an epic one.
For me, getting my machine ready is half the fun. It’s about more than just bolting on parts; it’s about dialing in your ride for performance, comfort, and safety. It’s about making your machine truly yours. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but I keep coming back to Kemimoto. They just get it. Their gear is tough, smart, and built by people who clearly spend time on the dirt themselves. I wanted to share a few of my thoughts on how to approach gearing up and point out some pieces I think are absolute game-changers.
First Things First: Protection and Comfort are King
Before you get to the flashy stuff, you’ve got to build a solid foundation. An unenjoyable ride is a short ride, and nothing ends a day faster than getting blasted by wind, rain, or a face full of mud. This is where I always start my builds.
- Windshields & Roofs: This is non-negotiable for me. A good full or half windshield keeps the wind, bugs, and trail debris out of your face, which makes a huge difference in fatigue on long rides. I’m a big fan of the hard-coated polycarbonate ones for scratch resistance. A roof is just as crucial for sun and rain protection. A simple aluminum or poly roof can completely change your comfort level.
- Doors & Enclosures: If you ride in a cooler climate or love mud, full doors or even soft cab enclosures are a godsend. They keep the warmth in and the mud out. I recently helped a friend install a set of Kemimoto’s aluminum lower doors on his Can-Am Defender, and the quality was top-notch. They make you feel so much more secure inside the cab.
- Mirrors: Safety first, always. A good set of side-view and rearview mirrors is essential for keeping an eye on your buddies behind you and navigating tight spots. Don’t cheap out here; a quality set that doesn’t vibrate into a blur is worth its weight in gold.
Level Up the Fun: Game-Changing Tech and Lighting
Once you’re comfortable and protected, it’s time to add the fun. This is the gear that enhances the experience and makes your machine stand out, especially when the sun starts to dip.
My absolute favorite upgrade in this category has to be a sound system. For the longest time, I rode in silence, but adding a soundtrack to the trail is a total game-changer. The Kemimoto 26″ Universal RGB Soundbar is a beast. I’ve seen it on countless RZRs and X3s in my group. The sound quality is killer even over engine noise, it’s tough as nails, and the customizable RGB lights are just plain cool for night rides.
Speaking of night rides, proper lighting is critical for safety and visibility. Whip lights aren’t just for show; they make you incredibly visible to other riders in dusty conditions or after dark. Greg Cremer, one of the guys in the community, put it perfectly: they’re a “lifesaver.” Combine those with a powerful light bar and some spot pods, and you can confidently own the trail long after sunset.
Smart Upgrades: Storage and Utility
There’s nothing worse than needing a tool, a drink, or your phone and having nowhere to put it. Smart storage is one of the most overlooked but impactful upgrades you can make. Kemimoto has this dialed in with door bags, overhead bags, and center console storage boxes that are custom-fit for specific models like the Maverick X3 or Polaris General. They use every inch of available space, keeping your essentials secure and out of the way.
And don’t forget fender flares! If you run bigger tires on your X3, you know how much mud they can throw. A set of their extended fender flares will save you hours of cleanup and keep your cab—and your passenger—a lot cleaner.
A Hot Tip for Your Wallet
Look, this hobby isn’t cheap, so I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. I was browsing the Kemimoto site the other day and saw they’re running some insane sales. Right now, there’s a Holiday Sale for an extra 20% off everything, which is a great time to grab that bigger ticket item you’ve been wanting. If you’re new to their stuff, you can also get a 15% discount just for signing up for their newsletter.
But the real goldmine is their clearance section. I’m talking up to 70% off on some items. It’s definitely worth a look before you pay full price anywhere else. And the free shipping in the lower 48 states is the cherry on top.
Ride Your Own Ride
At the end of the day, it’s all about making your machine work for you and the way you ride. Whether you’re cruising easy trails, tackling hardcore terrain, or just getting work done, having reliable gear makes all the difference. I’ve been impressed with the quality and thoughtful design of Kemimoto’s stuff time and time again. They’re making gear for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts, and it shows.
So, get your machine dialed in, stay safe, and I’ll see you out on the trails!
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