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