| What you should look for in an ATV depends greatly | | | | If you are looking for an ATV for your ranch, farm, |
| on what you plan to use the ATV for. ATV is | | | | or other professional use, you want something that is |
| short-hand for all-terrain vehicle, and so there are | | | | big enough to haul tools, buckets, and even larger |
| many different types of motorized vehicles that | | | | items, like fence posts. If you are looking for |
| technically fall into the category of ATV, and all these | | | | something for recreational use, you will want to |
| vehicles can be used for different things. For | | | | consider your own skill level, who else will be riding it, |
| example, there are four-wheeled ATVs that look | | | | and where you will be taking it. Overall, there are |
| more like small cars or golf carts. These are not used | | | | some characteristics that are universal. |
| for recreational purposes-instead, people use them | | | | First, you should always research the model that you |
| for farm work, or fish and game purposes. They | | | | are interested in. This research should include reviews |
| tend to be very powerful, they can get through thick | | | | from other people who have bought the ATV, as |
| mud, swamps, and snow, and they can carry a great | | | | well as ATV magazines, websites, and places like |
| deal of weight. In contrast, there are small | | | | Consumer Reports. Second, the model should have |
| motorcycles that count as all-terrain vehicles. These | | | | the appropriate safety features. Third, the ATV |
| lightweight, powerful motorcycles are used for | | | | should be appropriate for the terrain and area you |
| recreational purposes, including professional and | | | | plan to ride. Fourth, the ATV should be the |
| amateur racing on dirt tracks. There are also quad | | | | appropriate size and horsepower for your age, build, |
| ATVs. These can also be used for recreational | | | | and skill level. Most new riders should consider getting |
| purposes, though they are helpful on ranches and | | | | something smaller and less powerful, and then |
| farms. | | | | graduating to the larger ATVs. |