| Many people insist that all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), | | | | equipment such as helmets, eye wear, chest |
| sometimes called quad bikes or quads, are designed | | | | protectors and protective boots, in addition to |
| and constructed to be workhorses for tasks on | | | | jackets, shorts and jerseys. |
| farms and building sites. However, in reality ATV's are | | | | Despite the wide availability of protective gear, |
| used as much as fun and sports vehicles as they are | | | | all-terrain vehicles are thought by many to be |
| for more serious matters. | | | | dangerous. There have been some casualties and |
| Basically, an ATV looks like a motorcycle with 4 large | | | | injuries associated with ATV's, although sometimes |
| wheels. The operator straddles the all-terrain vehicle | | | | due to improper use. |
| and steers it with handlebars. The large, wide wheels | | | | That said, because they can attain high speeds on |
| and powerful engines, generally around five hundred | | | | rough terrain, safety should always come first. Here |
| cc make them suitable for driving on all kinds of | | | | are some hints on the best way to stay safe on a |
| terrain. That said, all-terrain vehicles can vary | | | | quad: |
| anywhere in engine size from fifty cc to 1,000cc. | | | | - Take it slow, especially when you are starting out. |
| Quad bikes are manufactured by many of the big | | | | ATV's do not handle like cars or motorbikes, and |
| motorbike manufacturers, such as Honda, Yamaha | | | | have a tendency to drift at high speeds. Familiarize |
| and Kawasaki. There are two main types of quad | | | | yourself with how to handle the quad before |
| bikes - utility and sport. Utility quads are designed for | | | | increasing your speed. |
| practical use such as on the farm, while sport | | | | - Always wear a helmet and chest protector. |
| all-terrain vehicles are made for leisure activities. | | | | - If you use your quad bike for fun, start off on |
| There are a few notable differences between the | | | | easy terrain. Follow some beginners' tracks with no |
| two. Sports all-terrain vehicles are lighter and quicker | | | | very steep slopes or rough surfaces until you hone |
| and are meant for tricks and stunts. | | | | your skills. |
| Utility all-terrain vehicles are slower and weigh more, | | | | - Keep your ATV in top condition. As with any |
| and are generally meant for traversing rougher | | | | vehicle they require frequent servicing. Always check |
| ground and for dragging heavy objects. | | | | brakes and tires before you take your ATV out, and |
| Other popular kinds of all-terrain vehicles are youth | | | | frequently check cables, oil, coolant, chain and filters. |
| quads, for children and teenagers, and side-by-sides, | | | | All-terrain vehicles generally cost about $5,000 to ten |
| which have two seats and often have roll bars, so | | | | thousand dollars and there is a big demand for |
| are more akin to buggies. | | | | second hand vehicles. So, whether you require a |
| There is a wide range of gear available for ATV's | | | | workhorse or a sports quad bike, you should be able |
| and quad bike enthusiasts. These include safety | | | | to find the right quad for you. |