3 Things to Consider When Buying an ATV

ATVs or all-terrain vehicles feature high-ground clearance, low-pressure all-terrain tires, and a robust suspension to tackle rugged terrain. It’s a popular off-road vehicle that can drive through deep mud and water, travel over rough ground, and climb rocky hillsides with ease. It opens up a new world of off-road adventure. People also use it for hauling and towing large loads over uneven terrain.  

Here are three things to look for in an ATV:

Design class

a. Utility ATVs: These ATVs are popular because they have diverse uses, from recreational vehicles to rides for hunters in rural areas. They are also great for hauling, ranching, and farm work. 

b. Sport ATVs: Sports ATVs can operate at faster speeds which makes them difficult for beginners to handle. If you need something in between, look for a sport-utility hybrid. 

c. Youth ATVs: If you’re purchasing an ATV for younger riders, youth ATVs are a good option. These vehicles are not only smaller but also easy to ride for drivers with little to no experience. However, one drawback of purchasing a youth ATV is that the child will eventually outgrow it. Depending on the rider’s age and size, it might make more sense to get a standard model.

Size

Check the ATV for its engine power and physical size. If you are buying one for your child, purchase vehicles with a 70cc or lower engine. For teenagers, you can buy an engine up to 90cc. If you are an adult who has never ridden an ATV before, it’s best to limit yourself to a 250cc engine. 

To check the ATV’s size, stand on the footrest to ensure enough space between the seat and the ATV. You must also be to reach the handlebars and comfortably turn them both ways.

Tires

Tires have a direct impact on the speed of your quad bike. The wrong tires can reduce vehicle efficiency, increase engine stress, and possibly damage your ATV. Look out for these things when choosing the right tires for your ATV:

i. Tread type: There are all-terrain tires, mud tires, and sand tires. The treading configuration of all-terrain tires ranges from ½” to ¾” deep. They can balance the motion both vertically and laterally. The tread pattern of mud tires has large gaps between them, especially for muddy surfaces. Sand tires have lateral stability with a raised rib on the front tires for enhanced traction. 

ii. Tire size: Three factors determine the tire size: height, width, and sidewall height. A smaller diameter tire will have a higher RPM engine, but it can stress an ATV’s components. Larger diameter tires provide excellent treading traction but decrease the RPM. Wide tires offer balance, but too-wide tires can increase rolling mass and decrease braking ability. 

About Basecamp Motorsports

People use ATVs for hunting, general utility tasks, lawn care, snow removal, farming, fishing, ranching, and recreational trail riding. If you want to buy a new or used motorsport vehicle, Basecamp Motorsports is an authorized dealer for Can-Am®, Sea-Doo®, Ski-Doo®, and BRP Spyder Calgary, AB. We provide maintenance service, parts and accessories, and gear for ATVs, utility vehicles, PWCs, and snowmobiles. You can call us at 403.441.1299 or fill the contact form to get in touch. You can also sign up for our newsletter.