Which ATV Is "Right"
Whether you are just getting into the sport of ATV'ing, or if
you have been in it for quite some time, you are, no doubt, aware of
the vast selection of ATV's from which to choose.
We recommend that you first decide what you will use the quad for
the most. There are currently three "basic" categories that
ATV's are manufactured in. They are:
Sport - These ATV's are typically built for more aggressive
driving.
- Better in rough terrain at "speed", maneuvering at "speed" &
jumping.
Sport Utility - These ATV's are attempting to bridge the gap
between "Sport" & "Utility" models.
- Be careful here. When you attempt to have the "best of
both worlds", remember you are giving up something on "both
sides". The most common error we see is the person who
mostly uses their "sport utility" for "work" and then goes out for a trail
drive with their buddies on their sport ATV's. They start
wanting the "sport" portion of their "sport utility" to keep up
with the sport ATV's. They over drive the ATV and commonly
end up having an incident.
Utility - These ATV's are typically built for doing work.
- Better at plowing, pulling, slow speed maneuvering and can be
more "stable".
Once you have decided which "category'" of ATV you want, the next
will be to look at the physical size of the ATV. Remember
"more" is not always better nor is "less" always better. The
manufacturers of ATV's have established age to engine size
"recommendations". They Are:
ATV's engine size under 70cc - Age 6 or older.
ATV's engine size from 70cc - 90cc - Age 12 and older.
ATV's engine size greater than 90cc - Age 16 and older.
Dealers are restricted, by
the manufacturers, to only sell ATV's, according to the above
guidelines. The only effective way we know of, to avoid
"confrontation" with your dealer, is to not discuss youth operation
of the ATV. You are not breaking any laws, by choosing an ATV
for your youth, that is outside of the manufacturers
recommendations.
While these recommendations are a good place to start, in
Michigan, anyone can drive any ATV they wish. When it comes to
"youthful" operators, and for all operators for that matter, there
is much more to consider than simply the age of the person relative
to the ATV's engine size.
A person too large for the ATV can be just as dangerous as a
person too small for the ATV. Take into
consideration the following items:
The operators mental capacities:
- Be sure the person operating the ATV has the ability to make
decisions and act on those decisions as well as "interpret" or
"see" potential problems and avoid them successfully.
The operators physical strength.
- Be sure the operator has the necessary "strength" to maneuver
the vehicle they are driving. Even a full grown adult can
sometimes struggle to maneuver a full size 4 x 4 ATV.
The operators ability to reach all controls.
- Be sure the operator can physically reach and effectively use all of the controls
that are
operated, both by
the hand's and feet, while seated, turning the handlebars full to
the Left and full to the Right.
The operators proper inseam clearance.
- Be sure the inseam clearance of the operator is greater than
the rated suspension travel on the ATV. The inseam clearance
is measured between the operators "inseam" and the top of the
"seat" of the ATV, while standing on the footrests of the ATV.
The rated suspension travel can be found in your owners manual.
We trust this information will help you in finding the "right"
ATV for you, your child or even when you are considering who you will
allow to "use" your ATV.
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