| For whatever reason, the ATV bug has bitten you. | | | | themselves by burning fuel. There is a specific gas - |
| You've seen them on television or maybe you have | | | | to - oil ratio mix used in order for the vehicle to run |
| a couple of friends that already go riding on the trails. | | | | properly. A few models require that the oil reservoir |
| Day in and day out, in all kinds of weather and in | | | | be refilled every five or six tanks of gas. Noise is also |
| every season, people are enjoying recreational ATV | | | | a major drawback, a by - product of higher RPMs. |
| trail riding. | | | | Two - stroke engines are fading from popularity as |
| But when you're new to this activity, where to | | | | technology improves, and more people lean towards |
| begin? What needs consideration before making a | | | | the clean - burning four - stroke engine. Four stroke |
| major purchase of an ATV? Do you need to take a | | | | engines are quieter and are more fuel efficient than |
| driver's test or a safety course? Do you want the | | | | their two - stroke counterparts. |
| ATV for recreation or for work? Are you thinking | | | | The automatic clutch is another feature that might |
| about competitive racing? | | | | cause some confusion. An automatic clutch requires |
| Finally, how much is this whole venture going to cost? | | | | putting the ATV into the appropriate gear when the |
| The first thing you need to do is take a trip down to | | | | engine hits the corresponding RPM for that gear. An |
| your local ATV dealership. Not only will you be able to | | | | automatic clutch does not mean an automatic |
| look at and try out different models, but you can | | | | transmission. Models with an automatic clutch will not |
| talk to the dealer for information as well. Don't be | | | | have a foot peg for shifting; instead, there is a |
| intimidated about asking questions; salespeople are | | | | shifter for your left thumb on the handlebar. An ATV |
| there to help - and also to make a sale. If you don't | | | | with automatic transmission has its drawbacks as |
| like the service at one dealership, visit another. | | | | well, as in order to have the machine engage the |
| A good idea is to try to rent a particular model | | | | auto transmission, the driver must maintain a certain |
| before you buy. Renting an ATV for a weekend is a | | | | number of RPMs. This can be a problem when |
| smart thing to do if you plan on having a child as a | | | | climbing steep, rocky terrain. |
| passenger on your ATV. So many times, a child will | | | | Another question is whether you need two - wheel |
| want to try a new hobby only to discover they don't | | | | or four - wheel drive, otherwise known as "two by |
| like it on the first day. There are some adults like | | | | two" or "four by four". A two - wheeled drive vehicle |
| that also, so if you're unsure whether or not an ATV | | | | has the rear wheels do all the work and push the |
| is for you, then do try renting one first for a test run | | | | vehicle along, whereas a four - wheel drive employs |
| before you sign the final papers to purchase. | | | | all four wheels to provide better traction. Four - |
| Currently, there are two types of ATVs on the | | | | wheel drives do cost more, but are good for extra |
| market: Sport and utility. Some ATV models claim to | | | | traction in particularly tough terrain. Newer machines |
| be hybrids of the sport and the utility models. The | | | | on the market will allow for "on - the - fly" four - |
| utility ATV will have racks on the front and rear of | | | | wheel drive, where the four - wheel drive is engaged |
| the vehicle, while a sport model will have no racks. A | | | | as needed. |
| hybrid model might have a rear rack only. The type | | | | Finally, there is the choice of a drive shaft, chain, or |
| of ATV best for a hunting, fishing, or camping trip | | | | belt drive. All three methods of drive are good ones, |
| would be a utility ATV. Those activities involve hauling | | | | but an enclosed drive shaft seems to make better |
| a lot of stuff in and out of the bush, and you will | | | | sense for various types of terrain. With a chain or a |
| need front and rear racks. Sport ATVs are for trail | | | | belt drive, there is always the risk of snapping the |
| riding or racing and will usually have more speed | | | | chain or the belt while out on the trails, and then you |
| available, as well as bright colors for high visibility on | | | | might have to do some emergency repairs. In the |
| the trails. | | | | end, the shaft drive will pay for itself with lower |
| Engine type is also another consideration. Two stroke | | | | maintenance. |
| engines have a system where they lubricate | | | | |