ATVs
Wednesday, July 19th, 2006Buy Sell Trade ATV
Buy Sell Trade ATV
If you have experienced all terrain vehicles in action, whether it was for sport and/or utility purposes, then you know the reason behind the growing popularity of their use. ATVs can perform multiple tasks very effectively and because of this they appeal to a diverse audience. For many of you, your ATV adventures have just begun. Whether you plan to rent ATVs for recreational riding or are thinking of buying your own for a farm utility vehicle, there are several aspects of quads that should be taken into consideration in order to find the best four-wheeler for your money. Nearly anyone who knows what ATVing is also knows that the sport appeals largely to a young population. This known fact is also the root of much controversy. Many people protest the use of ATVs by children under 12 and others even believe teenagers under the legal driving age should be banned from driving ATVs. There are actually no strictly enforced regulations or age limits for riding ATVS.
Court cases have ruled with requests that ATV manufacturers print a recommended age limit for certain size engines. Manufacturers now recommend that ATVs with engines larger than 70cc are for ages 12 and up. A 90cc engine is recommended for 16-year-olds and up. These recommendations are not enforced, which frustrates some people, however, ATV manufacturers continue to make ATVs for the young crowds. Several companies have released an ATV model for riders as young as six-years-old.
The age limit is ultimately up to you, but no matter how old you are, it is important to find the right ATV style to ride whether it is a rental or your own. If you have a choice when renting ATVs, find one that suits your comfort with respect your weight and height. Rentals are typically for sport riding; therefore the ATVs will have a light design with less body plastic in comparison to a utility ATV.
Utility ATVs ( i.e. http://www.atv-parts-n-accessories.com/atv_shoppers_guide.htm) have a few features characteristic only to its classification. They are always the ATVs with a larger body and most utility quads have racks for equipment carrying. The suspension on a utility ATV is generally stiffer than the sport styles because you need a smoother ride when carrying a work load.
Sport and sport/utility ATVs are those used for racing and thrill riding. The suspension on these styles is longer to endure hard landings. SUV ATVs may still have small carrying racks for work as well, but the sport styles have as little body material as possible for speed. All ATV styles have a common characteristic, which is their ability to endure rough rides on the toughest terrain.
As you familiarize yourself with ATV riding you will learn which quad styles suit your body and riding type the best. ATVing is similar to many consumer products in that it is wisest to try them out first hand in order to make the best decision. If you are trying ATVing for the absolute first time, start with a smaller engine, just to get the feel, and then move up as you gain confidence.
by Mitch Johnson
There is an endless selection of tire chains available for all styles of motor vehicles, and ATVs are no exception. ATV tire chains vary depending on both the style of the vehicle and the driver’s preference or needs.
One of the first things a potential ATV tire chain purchaser may want to consider is whether they want two or four link spacing. Spacing refers to the number of side chain links skipped between cross chains. With two link spacing, cross chains occur every two side chain links, and with four link spacing, cross chains occur every four side chain links. Most experts agree that two link is always better, because it provides for a more consistent ride by having more chain on the face of the tire. The result is a smoother ride, allowing for more steering control.
V-Bar chains, which are helpful on hills, ice, and hard packed conditions are available in both two- and four-link spacing. However, they are not recommended on pavement since they can damage the surface. Other options include Super Stud chains, which are a good choice for extreme traction applications. Some brands offer two robotically welded studs on every other link to provide the best traction possible, and the diamond pattern allows for a smooth ride. Finally, D-shaped square link ATV tire chains keep the chain on top of the tread for great traction and are easy to install.
With a variety of options available for every vehicle, ATV tire chains are a great way to increase safety and fun when crashing through the great outdoors.
by Elizabeth Morgan
What is a recreation vehicle? Do I need to insure it?
The first questions to answer would be, what is a recreation vehicle and why would you choose to insure it.
A recreation vehicle is one that you would normally use to fun/relaxation. For example if you normally use your car to commute but on week-end drive a motorcycle then the motorcycle is considered to be a recreation vehicle. But on the other hand you use your motorcycle to go to work on hot days then the bike is no longer considered to be a recreation vehicle.
Some of the more common recreation vehicles are:
* Motorcycles
* Boats
* Snowmobiles
* Moto-cross bikes/trail bikes/Quad bikes
* ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles) sometimes used for trail rides or hunting
* Travel Trailers
* Motorhomes
* Caravans
* Personal Watercraft (jet-skis, Inflatable and so on)
Do you need to get a recreation vehicle insurance?
In almost every case the answer is yes, the most common reason is because most good insurance company will not charge you a premium for using a vehicle from time to time. You are usually not penalised for having a recreation vehicle. In most cases a recreation vehicles is well looked after, and because, by definition, it is only used once in a while, most insurance company will offer some very low quotes.
But the other important reason is because most recreation vehicles are not used as often so the likelihood of something happening increases.
You must accept that you are not as familiar with that vehicle as you are with your everyday one. So the likelihood off an accident increases.
You should always check with your insurance company that your insurance is up to date; it is often easy to assume that a vehicle is covered for, say, 12 months when in fact it is only covered for 6 months.
You must also ensure that you are carefully following the policy, if your recreational vehicle is an RV, (Motor home or Caravan), does your license allow you to drive it?
Is the vehicle itself ‘legal’, (can it legally be used for the purpose you are insuring it for?)
Remember that is almost all cases, breaking the local laws will null and void the insurance policy.
Find out more about Recreation vehicle insurance
by Simon Goodman
There are numerous brands of tires available on the market specifically designed for all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Quite often, when it comes time to purchase new tires for your ATV, the options are overwhelming. Although it is a great debate raging regarding which specific brand of ATV tire is the best, the question should be which brand ATV tire is the best for your needs?
There are several popular brands of ATV tires on currently on the market, ranging from the economical to the budget-busting. Tire pioneers Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Bridgestone produce ATV tires. These brands are most familiar with most tire consumers, as they produce automobile tires. Goodyear produces a wide variety of tires, including the popular choice for those interested in riding their ATV in muddy environments, the Tracker Mud Runner. Since the Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin was named 2005 ATV of the Year, Goodyear has become even more popular with ATV owners, since their Rawhide Grip tires are a feature of the 700 Twin.
For ATV owners wanting something out of the ordinary and are looking to after market tires to beef up their all terrain vehicle. Whether you want a tire that will out perform the typical treads available on ATVs straight out of the showroom or a tire that has a certain look that appeals to you, these after market tires are becoming more and more popular. Look to the High Lifter’s Outlaw tire if you want to lift the entire ATV for additional clearing space underneath the vehicle. If you choose this option, be sure to also purchase a lift kit so that your new tires will fit. Keep in mind that any lifting of an ATV can reduce the stability of the vehicle, so do these modifications with the utmost of care. Furthermore, brands like GBC produce fantastic tires that are designed to travel in sandy environments, specifically the Sand Shark brand of tire.
If you are interested in racing your ATV, look no further than the Maxxis brand of tires. Their popular model, the Maxxis iRazr is a great model for anyone wanting a top performance ATV tire. Also by Maxxis is the Razr, Razr 2, and Razr MX. Also for racing are tires produced by Carlisle, especially the Carlisle S-Trac Radial and the Badlands models. These models are perfect for individuals who want control without compromising their top speeds. Keep in mind that racing tires should only be used for racing and are inappropriate and dangerous for any other use. These tires have flat, knobby treads that allow the ATV to travel at maximum speed, but in turn, have decreased stability and control, especially on muddy, sandy, or uneven surfaces.
by Doug Mahopac
If you are in the market for purchasing tires for your all terrain vehicle (ATV), there are several factors for consideration. There are a great variety of tires on the market and it is quite easy to become overwhelmed at the sheer number of choices available from different brands. In order to find the best tires for your specific ATV that meets your needs, consider these three points:
1.) Tread: When it comes to tires, the most important attribute is the tread. Different tires have different types of tread that make the ATV appropriate for navigating different types of terrain. If using the improper tires, accidents are more prone to occur, so ensure you seriously contemplate the uses of your ATV in order to find the appropriate tire tread.
For individuals planning on spending time in the mud, it is strongly recommended that you purchase mud tires. These tires have a unique tread that is angled from the inside to the outside. The tread itself is quite large, usually measuring about one inch high, and allows the ATV to better grip muddy ground, so the vehicle is less likely to become stuck. Mud tires also work well on different types of terrain, but the tread is more prone to become worn quicker if driven on hard surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, or hard packed dirt. Furthermore, due to the tire tread, the ride is not nearly as smooth as with other tires.
Generally speaking, most ATV owners choose trail or all terrain tires. These tires are most likely to handle all types of terrain while allowing the rider a stable and smooth ride. However, these tires are not designed for one specific type of terrain and are not used for muddy environments due to their tread. However, these tires offer the most stability, so they are the safest and should be chosen if the ATV rider will mainly stay on hard trails.
If you plan to spend exorbitant amounts of time in the sand, choose a sand tread for your ATV tire. These tires have a unique tread that uses a scoop to funnel the sand beneath the tires so that the ATV does not become stuck. Keep in mind that sand tires cannot be used for any other purpose except sand, as they have minimal stability on other terrains and will rapidly wear on hard surfaces.
The final option for tire tread is the knobby racing tires designed to take high speeds on flat, hard surfaces. These tires should only be used for racing, as they are inappropriate for any other type of riding due to their lack of stability and flat top tread.
2.) Size Tire size is measured three ways: width, height, and height of the sidewall. All of these sizes should be taken into account depending on your wants for a ride. Tires with too small or too great a diameter should be avoided, as the ATV is under the most pressure, so there is a greater potential for damaging the vehicle. Furthermore, narrow tires tend to sink in mud, but may provide you more stability on hard packed ground. Finally, the height of the sidewall should depend on the type of terrain over which you plan to ride, as short sidewall tires have a greater ground clearance, but are less flexible.
3.) Shape It may seem strange to look at the shape of the tire, but there are two options: round or flat. Generally, sport ATVs come with flat tires, while utility ATVs come with round tires. The difference is the stability and the speed. Usually, ATV owners choose round tires, since the ride tends to be softer and the shape tends to perform better in muddy terrain.
by Mike Barus
All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have a reputation as being dangerous, as each year, many adults and children are seriously injured or even killed by accidents or wrecks. Just like any vehicle, the short answer is: yes, ATVs are dangerous, the same way cars, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, or trucks are dangerous. Far too often, these accidents involving ATVs come about due to improperly using the vehicle or ignorance about the vehicle. Riding an ATV does not guarantee an injury just as riding in a car does not guarantee an injury; however, certain safety precautions should be taken in order to minimize risk.
For starters, no one under the age of 16 should ride a full sized ATV. This is a recommendation put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and should be taken as law. Children under the age of 16 do not have the development necessary for operating a vehicle of this magnitude. There are options for children who are interested in riding an ATV, as manufacturers make smaller models with less powerful engines for children. Before anyone gets on an ATV, he or she should be sure to know the proper rules for operating the vehicle. Training courses for ATV driving are offered all over the country, so be sure to enroll in one before you begin operating the vehicle. Finally, the rider should wear protective gear–including a helmet, gloves, boots, and eye protection–to protect their body from hazards of riding an ATV or potential accident.
Many ATV accidents occur when more than one passenger is riding on the vehicle. ATVs are designed for only one person, and the weight of two individuals can cause the vehicle to turn over. Also, the distraction of having another person on the ATV can cause the driver to wreck. Furthermore, ATVs are designed for off road driving and should not be driven on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. In addition to the hazards of riding on a road with cars and trucks, ATVs do not perform well on hard surfaces and are incredibly difficult to control.
Most accidents occur while the driver of the ATV is using the vehicle improperly. This includes navigating dangerous terrain, riding at excessive speeds, or dangerously interacting with other individuals or ATVs. Keep in mind that your ATV is designed to go a certain speed over certain terrain, so speeding should be avoided at all costs, since the vehicle can tip over or crash. Furthermore, any stunts or tricks using an ATV should be avoided, since that is the easiest way to get injured.
While riding an ATV, be sure to have some sort of communication device, whether it is a walkie talkie or a cellular phone that can call for help in case of emergency.
by John Marcus