What Every New Honda Owner Should Buy First (Starter Kit)

November 30, 2025

ByChris Nichols 0 Comments

What Every New Honda Owner Should Buy First (Starter Kit

The Essential 2025 Guide for Honda ATV & UTV Riders

Whether you just bought your first Honda Rancher, Foreman, Rubicon, or Pioneer, congratulations—you’re officially part of one of the most reliable, long-lasting powersports communities in the world. Hondas are famous for being nearly bulletproof, but even the toughest machines need the right upgrades to perform at their best.

To help new riders avoid costly mistakes and get the most out of their machine from day one, we put together the official Honda Starter Kit—a list of the first upgrades and tools every new owner should buy.

This checklist is designed to save you money, improve safety, and make your riding experience smoother from the very start.

1. Snorkel Kit (Your #1 Protection Upgrade)

If you ever plan to ride through:

• Mud

• Water holes

• Creeks

• Sand

• Wet trails

…a snorkel kit should be the first mod you install.

Why it’s essential:

• Prevents water from entering the air intake

• Protects the belt housing (if your model has one)

• Shields critical electronics

• Extends the life of your engine

Water ingestion is one of the fastest ways to ruin a Honda. A snorkel kit is cheap insurance—and a must for mud parks and trail riding.

2. Reverse/Brake Light Kit (Visibility + Safety)

New Honda owners often overlook rear lighting, but a reverse/brake light kit is one of the smartest, easiest upgrades you can make.

Benefits:

• Safer backing up

• Better visibility for group rides

• Clearer communication on the trail

• Ideal for night riding

Vessel Powersports carries plug-and-play reverse/brake light kits for both SRA and IRS Honda models. If you ride at night—or with a group—this is a must.

3. Tow Strap + Winch (Recovery Essentials)

Even a Honda gets stuck. Mud parks, deep ruts, and wet trails can trap any machine.

Your recovery starter kit should include:

• Tow strap (minimum 10,000 lb rating)

• 2,500–3,500 lb winch

A winch is a new rider’s best friend. It saves you money, saves your bike, and saves your pride when you’re buried in the mud.

4. Wheel Spacers (Stability & Handling Improvement)

One of the best-value upgrades for any Honda owner is adding 1-inch or 2-inch wheel spacers.

Wheel spacers give you:

• A wider stance

• Better control

• More stability at higher speeds

• Safer cornering

• Clearance for larger tires

Vessel Powersports offers Terache 4x110 wheel spacers that fit Rancher, Foreman, Rubicon, and other Honda models perfectly.

5. A Quality Tire/Plug & Air Kit (Trail Emergency Must-Have)

Flats happen. Sharp rocks, sticks, and roots can ruin a ride—but only if you aren’t prepared.

Every new Honda owner needs:

• Tire plug kit

• Small air pump or CO₂ inflator

• Valve stem tool

This is the difference between ending your day early and riding out like nothing happened.

6. Basic Maintenance Kit (Keep Your Honda Running Strong)

Routine maintenance is the key to Honda’s legendary longevity. We recommend new owners keep a small supply of essentials:

• Engine oil & extra quart

• Oil filter

• Air filter

• Grease

• Dielectric grease

• Funnel + rags

Keeping these on hand helps you stay ahead of wear and avoid expensive repairs.

7. LED Light Bar or Pod Lights (Must-Have for Night Riding)

Honda headlights are reliable but not very bright. If you plan to ride after dark, a good LED light bar or pod lights are non-negotiable.

Benefits:

• Longer beam for night visibility

• Safer trail navigation

• Helps spot deep ruts, fallen logs, and mud holes

• Ideal for work use on farms or property

Night riding isn’t safe without proper lighting—add this upgrade early.

8. Storage Box or Rack Bag (Carry What Matters)

As a new Honda owner, you’ll quickly realize you need to pack more than you expected.

A storage box or rack bag helps you carry:

• Tools

• Snacks

• Dry clothes

• Tow straps

• First-aid kit

• Your inflator and plug kit

It keeps your gear organized and protected from the elements.

9. Speaker Mount + Bluetooth Speaker (Optional but Fun)

It’s not a necessary part of the starter kit—but it’s definitely a fan favorite.

Vessel Powersports offers:

• Turtlebox mounts

• ECOXGEAR mounts

• Universal speaker mounts for Honda ATVs

Great for hanging at the mud park or having music while you trail ride.

10. Skid Plates & A-Arm Guards (Start Protecting Early)

Bottoming out or hitting a rock can bend A-arms or damage your engine case. Protect your machine early to avoid repairs later.

Invest in:

• Full skid plate

• Front A-arm guards

• Rear diff protection

This is especially important for riders in rocky or root-heavy areas.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Honda the Right Way from the Start

Your first upgrades should focus on:

✔ Protection
✔ Safety
✔ Performance
✔ Reliability

Once your Honda is properly outfitted, you’ll be ready for mud parks, trail riding, hunting, farm use, or weekend adventures without worry.

At Vessel Powersports, we carry essential starter-kit upgrades trusted by real riders—axles, wheel spacers, lighting kits, driveshafts, speaker mounts, and more for all Honda ATVs and side-by-sides.

Chris Nichols