Entering the exciting world of All Terrain Vehicles can be a little daunting for the first timer. While all quads share some basic structural similarities, there are a huge number of different designs on the market, and it can be difficult picking out the right quad for you. With a little care and preparation, however, you can be sure to pick out a vehicle that suits your needs and will provide years of entertainment and excitement.
The first thing to consider is what your ultimate ATV goal is - cross country, utility, or racing. Racing quads are built for speed and handling, with highly tuned two or four stroke engines and usually sporting manual transmissions. Utility vehicles are built for power more than anything else, with larger engines geared more towards torque and power than acceleration. Cross country ATVs generally fall in the middle, balancing speed and power to emphasize range. Transmission style is another consideration - while a manual transmission will allow for much faster acceleration and a better power profile overall, it can be difficult to manage cross-country work, especially involving steep hills. Four-wheel drive is usually the best choice for quads, simply because of the unstable terrain you're likely to be encountering no matter what style of ATV riding you choose. Finally, overall size and comfort is probably the most important consideration. If you pick out an ATV that doesn't feel natural to ride, you'll have a hard time getting the most enjoyment out of your purchase. So make sure you take a test drive if possible, and at the very least sit on each bike and gauge the ergonomics. Your back and other muscles will thank you for it later. |
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