ATVs (or all-terrain vehicles) are common vehicles used in rough landscapes such as mountains or densely forested areas. It looks like a hybrid of a motorcycle with four wheels, but it is a unique vehicle with several features that make it stand out from the rest. Also, they are more of an off-road automobile and mostly not allowed on public roads, so licensing them is not possible in many countries.
Anyway, if you’re interested in owning one but don’t know where to start, then I have some information to help you put those uncertainties away. In this article, I’ll relay some of the essential information you need to take note of when buying an ATV, and hopefully, it will help you find one that especially suits your preferences. So without further ado, let’s begin…
Type of ATV
Like a motorcycle or your typical AUVs, there are several types of ATVs as well. You have to take note of your purpose before buying one, and some of the common ones include—
- Utility ATV – this type of ATV is for recreational purposes only. It means if you’re only thinking of using light activities like trekking, ranching, camping, hunting, and similar purposes, then this is the perfect fit for you.
- Sports ATV – this form of automobile is designed for sports endeavors. They’re more powerful, high speed-performance, and have excellent handling and suspension capabilities. Some examples of such ATV models are the Scrambler XP 1000 and Scrambler 850.
- Youth ATV – as the name suggests, it is an ATV designed for much younger individuals. It takes into consideration the typical stature of a person of a specific age group. In addition, they are also equipped with special safety features to prevent any accidents from occurring.
Gears and Maintenance
Just like your typical AUVs and motorcycles, you also have to regularly maintain them to ensure that they are in their top condition. Another important thing to note here is that if you’re new to ATVs, you have to familiarize yourself with the parts as well. Doing so allows you to skillfully troubleshoot in case of emergencies and somehow identify the cause of the problems.
Aside from the ATV, you also have to invest in the gears involved. Some of the common examples are as follows—
- Spare tires and wheels
- Storage and racks
- Hunting accessories ( if it’s a recreational ATV)
- Plows
- Lighting system
- Brush guards and bumpers
- Track kits
- Helmet and handguards
- Windshield
ATV Tires
The tires of the ATV are also an important factor to consider when owning one of them. Often this is where most beginners fail to take note of. The term all-terrain vehicle suggests that it is well-adapted to any landscape, but you also have to consider the change tires due to the uniqueness of specific land features. With this being said—it’s important to look for the following traits when buying tires for your 4-wheeler bike—
- Self-loam trails
- All-terrain performance
- Suitability in loose sand such as desert or beach
- Mud and water
- Snow and ice
- Rock climbing
- Hardpack trails
Final Thoughts
I hope today’s discussion on the essentials of beginners’ guide on ATVs has provided you with the sufficient information you need about this special form of vehicle. Again, allow me to remind you that there are several types of ATVs that serve unique purposes. If you are unsure what automobile type to go for, you may opt for a more generic ATV. Also, you have to take note of the budget you’re willing to spend.
Although they do not necessarily require licensing, the money involved is still high that may cause you to break the bank in one way or another. Again, if you’re only buying one as a hobby and not planning to use it for heavy usage, then I highly suggest availing of a more affordable 250cc atv. It is still very reliable nonetheless, considering the low cost of the vehicle.
