Many people insist that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), often known as quad bikes or quads, are designed and constructed to be workhorses for tasks on farms and building sites. However, in reality ATVs are used as much as recreational and sports vehicles as they are for hard graft.
Basically, an all-terrain vehicle resembles a motorcycle with four big wheels. The driver straddles the ATV and steers it using handlebars. The big, wide wheels and strong engines, often about five hundred cc make them suitable for traveling on any kind of terrain. That said, ATVs can vary anywhere in engine size from fifty cc to one thousand cc.
ATVs are produced by many of the big motorbike manufacturers, like Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. There are two main kinds of quads – utility and sport. Utility ATVs are meant for practical use such as on the farm, while sport quad bikes are meant for leisure pursuits.
There are some big differences between the 2. Sports quads are lighter and faster and are designed for tricks and stunts.
Utility ATVs are slower and weigh more, and are generally designed for dealing with tougher terrain and for dragging heavy objects.
Other common kinds 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 accessories available for quad bikes and quad bike owners. These include safety gear such as helmets, eye wear, chest protectors and protective boots, as well as jackets, shorts and jerseys.
Despite the wide availability of safety gear, ATVs are thought by many to be dangerous. There have been a number of deaths and injuries associated with quad bikes, though sometimes due to improper use.
That said, because they can hit high speeds on rugged terrain, safety should always be a concern. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on an ATV:
* Take it slow, especially at the beginning. ATVs do not handle like other vehicles, and have a tendency to drift at high speeds. Learn how to handle the ATV before increasing your speed.
* Always wear a helmet and chest protector.
* If you use your ATV for recreational use, start off on easy terrain. Find some beginners’ tracks with no excessively steep slopes or rugged surfaces until you develop your ATV skills.
* Make sure your all-terrain vehicle in top condition. As with any vehicle they need frequent servicing. Always check brakes and tires before you take your quad out, and frequently check cables, oil, coolant, chain and filters.
Quad bikes generally cost in the region of five thousand dollars to $10,000 and there is a thriving demand for second hand vehicles. So, whether you need a workhorse or a sports ATV, you should be able to find the right quad for you.
Jim is an independent writer with over twenty five years of editorial experience. Jim is currently employed as a publicist with our b2b site and is considered the resident specialist on recreational vehicles. Visit our great web portal for additional information on 250cc Atv and 50cc Atv.