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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Choosing The Right ATV For Your Particular Purpose

By Jim Samposzi

Many people will tell you that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), often called quad bikes or quads, are designed and constructed to be workhorses for tasks on farms and building sites. But in reality all-terrain vehicles are used as much as recreational and sports vehicles as they are for more serious matters.

Basically, an ATV resembles a motorbike with four big wheels. The rider straddles the ATV and steers it with handlebars. The large, thick wheels and powerful engines, often about 500cc make them suitable for driving on any kind of terrain. However, all-terrain vehicles can range anywhere in engine size from fifty cc to 1,000cc.

All-terrain vehicles are manufactured by many of the big motorcycle makers, such as Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. There are 2 chief types of quads - utility and sport. Utility all-terrain vehicles are meant for practical use such as on the farm, while sport quad bikes are made for leisure pursuits.

There are some notable differences between the 2. Sports quad bikes are lighter and quicker and are designed for jumps and stunts.

Utility all-terrain vehicles are slower and heavier, and are generally meant for dealing with tougher terrain and for dragging heavy objects.

Other common varieties of quad bikes are youth quads, for children and teenagers, and side-by-sides, which have two seats and often have roll bars, so are more akin to buggies.

There is a large range of accessories on sale for ATVs and quad bike owners. These include safety equipment such as helmets, eye wear, chest protectors and protective gloves, as well as shirts, shorts and jerseys.

Despite the wide availability of protective gear, quads have developed a reputation for being dangerous. There have been some deaths and injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles, though sometimes because of improper use.

However, because they can reach high speeds on rough terrain, safety should always be a concern. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on an all-terrain vehicle:

* Take it slow, especially when you are starting out. 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 bike for fun, start off on easy terrain. Follow some beginners' tracks with no very steep slopes or rough surfaces until you hone your skills.

* Keep your all-terrain vehicle in good condition. Like any vehicle they need regular servicing. Always check brakes and tires when you take your quad out, and frequently check cables, oil, coolant, chain and filters.

All-terrain vehicles generally cost about five thousand dollars to $10,000 and there is a thriving demand for second hand vehicles. So, whether you require a workhorse or a sports quad, you should be able to locate the best ATV for you. - 21396

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