How to Choose the Right Snorkel Kit for Your Honda ATV

September 30, 2025

ByChris Nichols 0 Comments

How to Choose the Right Snorkel Kit for Your Honda ATV

If you ride through deep water, mud, or swampy terrain, a snorkel kit is one of the best upgrades you can give your Honda ATV. But not all snorkel kits are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to fitment issues, leaks, or even voiding warranties. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can pick the snorkel kit that’s just right for your ride.

Why Add a Snorkel Kit?

Before diving into comparisons, here’s why many Honda ATV owners install snorkel kits:

• Prevent hydrolocking — Keeping water out of the air intake protects your engine from serious damage.

• Protect transmissions, differentials, and case vents — A snorkel kit often includes vent lines for these components, keeping water and debris out.

• Better air quality & performance — By placing the air intake up higher, you reduce the chance of sucking in dirty or muddy air.

• Freedom in terrain — You’ll be able to ride through deeper water crossings or mud holes with confidence.

• Longer life for filters and internal parts — Less debris, more durability.

Vessel Powersports covers these benefits well in this article: Discover the Benefits of Honda ATV Snorkel Kits. 
And in Top 5 Reasons to Snorkel Your Honda ATV, you’ll see more about the performance and reliability gains. 

What to Consider Before Buying

When shopping for a snorkel kit for your Honda ATV, use this checklist to evaluate options.

Examples of Good Snorkel Kit Options

Here are some snorkel kits you can find (and compare) — either through Vessel Powersports or external reputable sources:

• Titan Center Snorkel Kit 2014+ Honda Rancher/Foreman/Rubicon — A center snorkel design. (Note: A radiator relocation kit is required for use with this style.) 

• Titan Side Snorkel Kit for 2014+ Honda Foreman/Rubicon 500/520 — Side exit option for models that prefer an alternate routing path.

• High Lifter Honda ATV Snorkel Kit — A well-known brand with solid reputation for durability.

• Honda Rancher 420 Snorkel Kit — A kit built specifically for the Rancher 420 lineage.

• Honda 520 Foreman Snorkel Kit — For 520-series Foreman models.

• High Lifter Snorkel Riser Kit for Honda Rubicon 500 — Ideal for Rubicon owners who want to raise the intakes and vents.

You can also browse our Snorkel Kits section on Vessel Powersports to see all model- and style-specific options.

Step-by-Step: How You’d Choose the Right Kit

Here’s how you can walk through the decision process:

1. Know your model and year — Double-check what exact Honda ATV you own.

2. Decide on snorkel style — Do you prefer a center snorkel or side exit? Consider how you use the machine and what clearance or appearance you want.

3. Check for radiator modifications — Some center snorkels require relocating your radiator, so factor that in.

4. Examine vent routing — Ensure the kit provides appropriate vent hoses for your transmission, differential, etc., and that they can be routed cleanly.

5. Review materials and parts list — Make sure clamps, hoses, brackets are all high quality and included.

6. Look at installation complexity — If you want a simpler “bolt-on” route, avoid kits that require heavy cutting or fabrication.

7. Check warranty/insurance — Ensure you’re not voiding anything by installing the kit (check your owner’s manual, warranty docs, or talk to a dealer).

8. Read reviews or user feedback — See how others with your same model have fared.

Common Pitfalls & Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a “universal” snorkel kit that doesn’t fit tightly — leads to leaks.

• Poor vent line routing (kinks or pinches) — defeats the purpose.

• Overlooking the need for a radiator relocation — especially with center snorkels.

• Neglecting to seal joints or use proper clamps.

• Forgetting that even with a snorkel, you still need regular maintenance, especially checking seals and hoses.

• Assuming your snorkel automatically saves you — a bad install is worse than none.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Choosing the right snorkel kit for your Honda ATV comes down to balancing compatibility, functionality, quality, and ease of install. When done properly, a snorkel kit can dramatically increase your off-road confidence and protect your machine in the harshest conditions.

Chris Nichols