With ATV usage at an all-time high in the US, the bug is biting increased people. If you are one of these people and are shopping for your first ATV, some of the terminology used may be confusing at first. Here are some things you can do to make your first purchase go smoothly.
Visit a Dealership
You should always visit an ATV dealership as your first step when buying for the first time. The dealer will be able to answer your questions and explain some of the differences between various models of ATV. Just do not forget that they are also there to make a sale to you, so do not be pressured into a purchase you are not sure about.
Try Before You Buy
You should try to rent the model of ATV you are thinking of buying. Barring that, some dealers will let you take a test drive if you ask nicely and provide some form of security that you will return it. Not only can you check out the ATV beforehand, but you may discover that you are not really that interested in buying an ATV after all.
Types of ATVs
ATVs can be broken into to overly broad categories: sport and utility. Utility ATVs will have racks for carrying things mounted front and/or back and will be geared a little lower for better pulling power. A sport model will usually lack the racks and will often be lighter and faster as well. If you are a hunter, or just need to haul a lot of stuff in and out of the woods, the utility model is for you. If you are interested in tolling through the woods or any kind of racing, a sports model will be your best bet. (“Choosing the right ATV | Terra Gear”) Do not forget, you can get racks on sports models as well most of the time or take a rack off a utility model of you do not need it.
Engine Designs
There are two engines available for the most part: the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke. A 2-stroke requires oil mixed with the fuel, since they are self-lubricating, and run louder and at higher RPM than a four stroke. The 4-stroke works much like a car engine, with an oil reservoir, and are much quieter than their 2-stroke counterparts.
Transmissions
A term that often trips up newcomers is the automatic clutch. An automatic clutch is NOT an automatic transmission. You still must manually change gears when needed, but you do not have to worry with the clutch while doing so. (“Choosing the right ATV | Terra Gear – WordPress.com”) 2×2 or 4×4 is also a consideration. A purely off-road ATV will be best served by 4-wheel drive, while a racing ATV will gain from the weight savings of a 2-wheel drive. And do not neglect the drive train. “An enclosed solid driveshaft will be much more robust than a chain or belt drive, while being heavier.” (“Choosing the right ATV | Terra Gear”)
Consider what you plan to do with the ATV before you make the purchase. There are significant differences among ATVs designed for different duty types, so be sure you choose one that matches why you are going to use it. Choosing the wrong ATV can make for an unhappy owner, and that is not good for anyone involved. (“Choosing the right ATV | Terra Gear”) Choose well, and you will get years of enjoyment from your ATV.
Best Wishes, Coyalita
See Tomorrow: “Discovering the Thrills of an ATV”
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