Side by Side Repair Service in Vilas, North Carolina
Performance Upgrades and Troubleshooting for Side by Sides
For over 50 years, Motorcycle Medic has delivered high-quality Side by Side repair services in Vilas, North Carolina, and surrounding mountain communities. Side by Sides, also known as UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), play a crucial role for landowners, hunters, farmers, and off-road enthusiasts. These versatile machines are built for rugged terrain, heavy-duty hauling, and recreational trail riding—but they require expert maintenance and repair to remain reliable.
Our experienced technicians understand the unique wear-and-tear Side by Sides endure due to constant exposure to dirt, mud, rocks, and unpredictable trail conditions.
We provide professional repairs, precision diagnostics, and preventive maintenance tailored to these utility vehicles. Whether you’re managing a farm near Boone or hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, a properly maintained UTV is key to productivity and safety.
Located in Vilas, North Carolina, Motorcycle Medic takes pride in offering repairs rooted in decades of mechanical knowledge and hands-on experience. We use the latest tools and time-tested techniques to service all major makes and models of Side by Sides. Our approach is built on trust, quality craftsmanship, and genuine care for your machine’s performance.
From routine checkups to complete overhauls, our Side by Side repair service is designed to handle everything from suspension failures to electrical malfunctions. You’ll be ready for any job or adventure with a UTV that’s fully optimized for performance, safety, and longevity.
Benefits of Professional Side by Side Repairs
Increased Safety
Routine inspections and repairs help reduce the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions during use. Properly working brakes, steering, and suspension systems protect passengers and enhance overall control, especially when navigating steep slopes, hauling loads, or traversing uneven trails.
Extended Vehicle Lifespan
Preventative maintenance prevents small issues from turning into major failures. Consistent upkeep of your engine, transmission, and suspension components ensures your Side by Side remains in reliable working condition for years, extending its usability and reducing the need for premature replacement.
Better Off-Road Performance
Optimized suspension, upgraded tires, and a dialed-in drivetrain provide better traction, ground clearance, and handling. These enhancements make a significant difference in how your vehicle performs under stress, whether you're exploring muddy backwoods or maneuvering rocky paths.
Lower Long-Term Costs
Catching issues early—such as worn bearings or faulty wiring—saves money by preventing larger, more expensive repairs later on. Investing in consistent maintenance helps avoid costly downtime and protects the value of your UTV investment.
Improved Work Efficiency
Reliable Side by Sides improve daily operations for farmers, landscapers, and landowners. With properly functioning lights, brakes, and hauling capability, your machine becomes a dependable tool that supports productivity without interruption.
Higher Resale Value
A well-maintained Side by Side commands a stronger resale or trade-in value. Repair documentation, recent upgrades, and a clean mechanical history reassure future buyers and reflect a high standard of ownership.
Top Side by Side Repair Services We Offer
Suspension System Repairs
We repair essential suspension components like shocks, control arms, sway bars, and bushings. Proper suspension keeps your Side by Side stable on rough trails, reduces impact strain, and protects passengers from jarring rides. A finely tuned suspension also improves maneuverability, minimizes rollover risk, and extends the life of your vehicle’s frame and tires during heavy-duty use.
Brake System Maintenance
We service calipers, brake pads, parking brakes, and hydraulic lines to ensure dependable stopping power. Whether descending steep grades or halting quickly with a load in tow, a reliable brake system is critical. Our brake maintenance helps prevent accidents, enhances control, and keeps your Side by Side safe for both trail and worksite use.
Electrical Troubleshooting & Starter Repair
From dead starters to faulty light bars, we diagnose and repair a wide range of electrical issues. Services include fuse replacement, horn repairs, and full lighting diagnostics. These electrical functions are vital for safe riding in low-light conditions and ensure your Side by Side is dependable on back roads, trails, or job sites.
Tire and Wheel Services
We install large, terrain-specific tires and rims designed for deep mud, rocky slopes, and snowy paths. Our services also include tire inner tube replacement, wheel balancing, and wheel bearing repair. Proper tire fitment and rotation keep your ride smooth and your traction consistent, especially under high torque and load-bearing conditions.
Ball Joint Replacement
Ball joints connect your suspension to the wheels and are essential for steering control. Worn joints can cause unpredictable handling, popping noises, or uneven tire wear. We inspect, lubricate, and replace ball joints using high-quality parts to restore tight steering response, enhance safety, and maintain trail or road precision.
Lift Kit Installation
We install professional-grade lift kits to give your Side by Side greater ground clearance and rugged terrain adaptability. Properly aligned and adjusted lift kits allow for larger tires, better suspension articulation, and improved approach angles—perfect for rock crawling, creek crossings, and uneven terrain. Every installation is performed to factory specifications for safety and performance.
Custom Modifications
We provide tailored upgrades to match your off-road goals—whether it’s performance, comfort, or aesthetics. From cage reinforcements to storage systems and lighting packages, our custom modifications enhance your Side by Side's utility and style. Every modification is designed to perform reliably across trails, job sites, or recreational terrain.
Performance Exhaust Installation
Installing a performance exhaust system improves engine efficiency, throttle response, and overall horsepower. We replace restrictive factory exhausts with systems built for airflow and durability in demanding off-road conditions. These upgrades not only increase performance but also give your machine a more aggressive sound and enhanced fuel economy where it counts.
Street Legal Kits
Transform your Side by Side for both trail and street use with a complete street legal kit. We install mirrors, turn signals, horns, DOT-approved lights, and license plate mounts to meet state requirements. Whether commuting short distances or accessing public roads, we ensure your UTV is compliant and safe.
Turn Signal Installation
Visibility and communication are crucial on multi-use trails or when sharing space with other vehicles. We install durable, weather-resistant turn signal systems to enhance safety and support street-legal conversion. Proper signaling helps reduce collisions and increases your machine’s operational versatility across a variety of environments.
Windshield and Wiper Installation
Stay protected from rain, wind, and trail debris with a rugged windshield and wiper setup. We install full or half windshields along with electric or manual wiper systems to improve visibility during adverse conditions. These upgrades add comfort and extend your riding season regardless of the weather.
Full-Service Repairs for Utility and Recreational Side by Side Models
When it comes to Side by Side repairs in Vilas, North Carolina, Motorcycle Medic stands as a reliable and knowledgeable partner. Our deep mechanical expertise, paired with a passion for off-road performance, ensures that your UTV is serviced with precision and care. We recognize that these machines aren’t just toys—they’re tools for work, exploration, and daily transportation across rugged terrain.
Our facility in Vilas is equipped to handle everything from suspension upgrades and ball joint replacements to full electrical troubleshooting and tire services.
We understand how the Appalachian landscape can challenge your vehicle, which is why we take a comprehensive, preventive approach to repair and maintenance. Every service we offer is aimed at improving performance, reducing future costs, and keeping you moving with confidence.
Whether you’re running fence lines, plowing through trails, or just enjoying a weekend ride, you need a UTV that’s reliable, efficient, and fully capable. Motorcycle Medic delivers the craftsmanship, parts, and experience you need to keep your Side by Side operating at its peak.
Schedule your service with Motorcycle Medic
and experience firsthand why we’ve earned the trust of Side by Side owners throughout Watauga County and beyond. With over five decades of repair excellence, we’re your trusted source for off-road reliability and expert diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my Side by Side?
It’s recommended to have your Side by Side serviced every 50-100 hours of use, or more frequently if operating in extreme conditions like mud, water, or steep inclines.
What are the signs I need suspension repairs?
Watch for uneven tire wear, a bouncy or rough ride, and poor handling. Clunking sounds from the wheels or loose steering can also signal worn suspension components.
Can I install a lift kit myself?
Lift kits can be complex and affect alignment, braking, and suspension geometry. Professional installation ensures that safety and performance are not compromised during off-road use.
Why is my Side by Side not starting?
Common causes include dead batteries, faulty starters, blown fuses, or wiring issues. Our diagnostics quickly identify the root cause so we can get you back on the trail.
Do you offer tire upgrades for specific terrain?
Yes, we install big wheels and tires suited for mud, rock, or snow. We help you choose the right set based on your usage needs and terrain preferences.
How do I know if my ball joints are bad?
Symptoms include clunking noises, wandering steering, and uneven tire wear. Regular inspection is key to catching ball joint issues before they affect control or cause damage.
What’s included in an electrical diagnostic?
We test your lighting, horn, starter, fuse system, and wiring connections. We identify failures and perform repairs or replacements to restore all utility and safety functions.
Can you service all Side by Side brands?
Yes, we repair and maintain all major Side by Side brands, including Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, using quality parts and manufacturer-approved repair methods.
What our customers have to say...
Testimonials
I broke my shifter bolt off while riding on the BDR. What they didn't have was an oem replacement bolt for my ktm 500, But what they did have was the skillset and tools required to extract a broken bolt and a replacement bolt that would work. They rolled another bike off a lift and prioritized my bike to get me back on the trail. They saved my weekend!
Kaleb K.
Man I can not express my gratitude to these guys enough!! Pat and the other guys were super nice and very accommodating. I rode my bike there and left it over night and they kept to their word on time and delivery! I’d give em 6 stars if I could!! Thank you guy so much!! B
Braden L.
Pat, George, and Zack always do excellent work for me, and with a fast turn around time! I took my 2008 CBR600RR to get a full tune up plus some mods, and had it back the same week! If it's a motorcycle, dirtbike, 4wheeler, or side-by-side, trust these guys!
Dillon S.
These guys were amazing. I would highly recommend this shop. We needed a rear tire replaced since ours died a horrible death after many curvy runs. They not only changed the rear tire on my husband's Honda vtx1800 motorcycle but initially helped us take it off the trailer (with a severely flat tire) but rescued us from certain disaster when my husband went down trying to get it back on the trailer. They didn't have to do the repair as this shop is busy but they fit us in. Thank you to the gentlemen at motorcycle medic for your fantastic service.
Dawn H.
Awesome repair shop! Staffed with very qualified mechanics that get repairs done as quickly as possible. It's also run and owed by an incredibly knowledgeable mechanic that's honest as they come. Reminds me of the good old days. There's no upsell or runaround just quality work done for reasonable price. First time customer and now customer for life!
Rendrag R.
Pat an the guys there are honest , they have worked on our 4 wheelers for years now . They always communicate with me help me out when I need them always get me in when they can an work with me on my bill . There not high at all . There amazing . There all smart an know there stuff. I would genuinely trust them with your atvs bikes etc . There great people . Thanks for all you do for me
Maria I.