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Features to Look for in a New ATV Purchase

Oct. 11 2020 Buying Guide By Dunfords of Havelock

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Things to Consider When Buying a New ATV

So, you’ve made the decision to purchase a new ATV. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be difficult to sort through all of the fluff surrounding the different options that are available to you. You will want to consider everything. From budget to usage, to future plans to maintenance, safety etc.

In this article, we will go over some of the most important things to consider when deciding on which quad will work best for your lifestyle and needs.

Features to Look For Based on Your Intended Use

The first thing to consider is what you will want to use your quad for. Are you a sport and racing fan? Living on a farm and looking for a machine to help you get some work done? Looking to use an ATV for recreational use and pleasure? There are many questions you can ask yourself to determine which machine will serve you best. Let’s go over your main options to help you narrow things down.

Sport

A sport ATV is built for sport. It’s an ATV that is used for racing and pleasure. Definitely not one to use if you are looking to get work done around the farm or your property, and it won’t offer the same comforts as other options. Sport ATVs are all about performance. They are nimble, agile, able to take sharp turns, and are purely for thrill riding. If this is your jam, then a sport quad is definitely for you.

Sport quads typically offer the following features:

  • Lightweight
  • Fast engines
  • Long travel suspension
  • Easy handling
  • Sporty look
  • 5-speed transmission

Utility

Utility vehicles are built for work. They are rugged machines that will get you through tough jobs and allow you to use them for recreational use as well. They are work horses and offer a plethora of gear and accessory upgrades to help you even further. If you’re looking for a machine to help you get the job done, hauling things that a bigger truck or tractor can’t help you with due to its larger size, a utility quad is the option you will want to look at.

Utility ATVs typically offer the following features:

  • Powerful engines
  • Limited suspension travel
  • High ground clearance
  • Storage boxes
  • Auxiliary electrical outlets
  • Removable headlights
  • Independent rear suspension
  • Liquid-cooled engines

Youth

Youth quads are built for just that – youth. They are limited in their features simply to keep things simple and safer for youth who are learning how to ride. They are beginner bikes for young riders. The reduced ccs in a youth bike allow the rider to learn the ins and outs of ATV riding without having the option of significant speed, which reduces the risk of injury and keeps things far safer. They are usually built with an automatic transmission and are great starter quads for younger kids.

Youth models offer the following features:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Engine sizes ranging from 50cc to 125cc
  • Safety features
  • Easy handling
  • Automatic transmission

Other Things to Consider When Buying a New ATV

There are many different factors to consider once you’ve narrowed down the type of quad you’re looking for. Let’s explore a bit further.

Your Budget

Determine your budget once you have narrowed down the type of quad you’ll be looking at. Do some research to determine the price range for the type of bike you want so that you can decide on what your budget will be. Doing so will help you avoid temptation when you’re shopping and looking at bright shiny objects that may be out of budget and unnecessary.

Your Experience Level

You’ll want to know your experience level. ATVs require maintenance, so you need to understand what you’re willing to handle and what you already know. Have you been riding for years and looking to seriously up your game, or are you satisfied with just having something reliable to get the job done? If you’re looking at sport, is this a new hobby or one that you have dabbled in for years and are looking for significant power upgrades? Think about your needs, but also think about them realistically as to not put your budget through the roof unnecessarily.

What Terrain You’ll Be Using

Do your future plans include more trail riding? Do you plan on moving to a bigger property that may require more care and in turn, more work for your ATV? Do you have children who are growing quickly and approaching an age where they may be transitioning to a bigger quad? Do you plan on making recreational trips or are you strictly using your ATV for work? These are all factors to consider when deciding on which ATV to purchase.

Do You Know the Right Questions to Ask?

If you’re not sure, speak to your local ATV professional. This is what they do for a living and they are experts at determining what the best machine may be for you, based on what they learn about your lifestyle.

Research and Be Prepared

Taking the time to do your research will help you make the right decision for your investment. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the buying process when you’re faced with many shiny new ATVs on a dealership showroom, so take your time before you visit, to ensure that you are confident in what it is you’re looking for. Doing so will help you avoid looking at machines that may be outside of your budget or not suitable for your needs. Your local ATV professional can help walk you through all of your needs and desires to help you make the right choice.