Friday, September 11, 2009

Buying The Correct ATV For Your Particular Needs

By Jim Samposzi

A lot of people will tell you that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), often known as quad bikes or quads, are designed and built to be workhorses for jobs on farms and building sites. However, in reality all-terrain vehicles are used as much as fun and sports vehicles as they are for hard work.

In short, an ATV looks like a motorcycle with four big wheels. The operator straddles the all-terrain vehicle and steers it using handlebars. The big, thick wheels and strong engines, usually around five hundred cc make them suitable for traveling on all kinds of terrain. That said, quad bikes can vary anywhere in engine size from fifty cc to one thousand cc.

Quad bikes are produced by many of the big motorcycle manufacturers, like Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. There are 2 chief kinds of quad bikes - utility and sport. Utility ATVs are designed for practical use like on the farm, while sport all-terrain vehicles are designed for leisure activities.

There are some notable differences between the two. Sports quad bikes are more lightweight and faster and are designed for jumps and stunts.

Utility ATVs are slower and weigh more, and are generally designed for traversing rougher ground and for dragging heavy objects.

Other popular varieties of all-terrain vehicles are youth quads, for kids and teenagers, and side-by-sides, which have two seats and often have roll bars, so are like buggies.

There is a big range of gear available for ATVs and quad bike enthusiasts. These include safety equipment such as helmets, eye wear, chest protectors and protective gloves, as well as jackets, shorts and jerseys.

In spite of the wide availability of safety equipment, quad bikes are thought by many to be hazardous. There have been a number of fatalities and injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles, but sometimes because of improper use.

However, since they can hit high speeds on rough terrain, safety should always be a concern. Here are some hints on the best way to stay safe on an all-terrain vehicle:

* Drive slowly, particularly at the beginning. ATVs do not handle like cars or motorbikes, and tend to drift at high speeds. Familiarize yourself with how to handle the ATV before increasing your speed.

* Be sure to wear a helmet and chest protector.

* If you use your quad for leisure purposes, begin on easy terrain. Follow some beginners' tracks with no very steep slopes or rough surfaces until you develop your ATV skills.

* Ensure your ATV in good condition. Like any vehicle they need frequent maintenance. Always check brakes and tires when you take your ATV out, and regularly check cables, oil, coolant, chain and filters.

ATVs usually cost in the region of five thousand dollars to $10,000 and there is a big demand for second hand vehicles. So, whether you need a workhorse or a sports ATV, you should be able to find the best ATV for you.

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