1) Purpose

Are you up for a sport that will give you the thrills? What about a sport that lets you witness some of the most amazing and interesting landscapes while you’re at it? Having an ATV lets you experience all that! First, you got to be sure what would you be riding your ATV for. It can be for racing purposes or a recreational activity with family and friends or even for hobby purposes. All of it will give you an experience of your lifetime!

2) Budget

Ask yourself how much are you willing to spend on your ATV. Give yourself a budget range. That way, you will not be restricted to only a few options. If you are not sure what minimum range to start with, here’s a secret; good off-brand or Chinese ATVs will start with a minimum cost of about $600 plus and you can get a good 110cc ATV to start with.

3) Off-brand ATV or Branded ATV

I bet this is your one main deciding factor that keeps you going back and forth. Here is the truth, Chinese ATVs or off-brand ATVs has since been improving tremendously on their quality and technology. No longer are the days where people are shunning away from these ATV types because now the usability and even technical specifications of Chinese/Off-brand ATVs are in fact on par with those branded types. Branded ATVs comes with a high price, some of which even starts off with a minimum of about $3000 plus. It has always been a battle to choose between Chinese/Off-brand ATV and branded ATV but my advice is, have an open mind and explore on both options! You may even see why many of the ATV riders out there are getting off-brand or Chinese ATVs as compared to the branded ones nowadays.

If you are new to this sport, there is nothing to worry about! Everyone has to start somewhere, and you just started yours here. The good news is if you are already thinking on answering the above 3 questions, you should get yourself an ATV. Live your life to the fullest and make it happen!

You and your ATV are made for each other. Enjoy the ride!

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A basic set of grip warmers cost about 140$ and the installation time is about an hour. Anybody can do this it is simple and straight forward. First you have to remove the existing grips off your ATV. An easy way to do this is by taking a razor blade and slicing an opening from the top to the bottom. Then peel them off. If there is any glue or rubber left on the bar it will have to be cleaned off. Using the razor blade it can be scraped off or sanded off with sandpaper. Now you are ready to install the new grip warmers on your ATV. To help you slip them on spray some WD-40 on the bar handles of the ATV. Slip them on with force.

The thumb warmer has a little pad that will stick to the throttle lever. Make sure it is as clean as possible. Then place the sticky side of the heating pad against the throttle lever and press on it. Place the shrink wrap over the whole throttle lever not just the heating pad. Heat it with a heat gun if you have one, for about 20 sec. or else use a hair dryer. The shrink wrap will shrink to mold perfectly the shape of the ATV’s throttle lever.

Find a good place to secure the wiring around the handle bars of the ATV. Test to see if it is Free. Move the handle bars from side too side to make sure that you have the liberty to make big movement and that the wires don’t get stuck or kinked. Once you have found the best place tie them with the cable ties supplied in the kit.

Finally place the controller boxes on the ATV in a place that you can read and have access easily. Most control boxes have a setting for the grips and another for the thumb warmer. Some have a temperature range that can be adjusted and others only have the on/off settings.

So this is it’ your grip warmers should be installed in less than an hour. Spring is a good time to profit from the sales on the left over winter inventory. You are now ready to go out and enjoy your ATV.

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Maintaining your Quad Bike – ATV – Buggy – Minimoto between the manufacturers service schedules is very important and should be second nature to the owner of the machine. If you own a Children’s Quad Bike then it is always good practise to show the child some How Togeneral maintenance. By this we do not mean how to remove a spark plug from a quad bike or top up the oil on a minimoto – more the checking parts are tight and not lose or broken.

How To – Maintaining A Quad Bike – Minimoto – ATV – Buggy
One of the first tips we always tell people is to make sure that when you are carrying out periodic inspections or maintenance to make sure that you wear protective clothing. Some of the lubrication oils and grease compounds can be irritant – so making sure that you have good protection on your hands is always a must. There are manufacturers of Latex Gloves that will supply direct from the internet and can be purchased by single boxes or in multiple units. These on a whole including delivery at today’s prices (please check date of article) should not cost you any more than £11 or £12 per box. Box sizes vary but an average box contains between 250-300 pairs depending on manufacturer and the size of glove.

Due to the ferocity some Quad Bikes – ATV’s – Buggies – Minimoto’s can be placed under it is always good practice to do an inspection before the machine is taken out of the garage or storage area. Some machines that look like replica’s of bigger machines do not have the quality of suspension that the large versions have. As well as this, some of the moving parts on the smaller machines are obviously under fair amounts of strain in short bursts leading them to have a temperature shift that will in time cause possible weakness to the materials. Most 50cc Child’s Quad Bike’s lack a rear suspension unit at all and this also includes Children’s Mini Motorbikes – Children’s ATV’s etc. This is not just 50cc Children’s Quad Bikes but can also be seen on 90cc Quad Bikes and 110cc Quad Bikes too.

Parts that are recommended for periodical inspection are pretty much the external moving parts and this can be a particular task or format to follow before the machine is taken out – possibly once a week or fortnight. Another good reason for making sure these periodical inspections are carried out is that it is your responsibility to your children to make sure that even though they wear the safety clothing, that the machine is up to scratch making sure the possibility of failure is at it’s minimum.

Most if not all Children’s Quad Bikes have area’s where things can be done to decrease any failure risks, these are as follows:

Periodical Quad Bike Maintenance
Always make sure that you de-grease the chain and sprocket regular and use a quality spray silicon wax or oil to keep the chain up to scratch. These items can be purchased from any Quad Bike Parts Store, motorcycle dealer or cycle shop. Never use new or old engine oils as these are not for exterior use and can be harmful to wildlife.

Make sure all wheel nuts are checked for tension. You can use a tension bar but before you do, check the user manual to find the tension settings before hand. An over tightened wheel nut can be just as dangerous as a lose one. When removing wheels for any reason, it is good practice to make sure that when replacing the wheel nuts to use a copper grease. This will keep both stud and nut in good order.

Depending on the size of your quad bike or atv, will dictate whether your machine has disc or drum brakes. Should you have drum brakes it is always good practice to again, make sure all external parts are free from rust or dirt – once clean you can spray these with a small amount of silicon oil keeping the movement good. Should your Quad Bike have disc brakes the always check that the parts are free from dirt or stones which can prevent inadequate operation or complete failure. DO NOT SPRAY THEY DISCS OR BRAKE PADS with any oil or silicon based products as this can cause stopping distance changes.

Braking Systems and Linkages.
Most cables for braking and throttle linkages are much the same from Quad Bikes ATV’s, Minimotos or Buggies – Check to make sure they are not trapped or damages in any way and should there be a none smooth operation with any cable you can use normal 3in1 bike oils to keep them lubricated. Some Small Quad Bikes will have both brake levers on the handle bars whilst others may have one hand brake on the handle bars and the other as a foot brake on the right hand side of the machine.

Electric start – Kick Starts.
If your Mini quad bike / ATV / Buggy or Minimoto has an electric start then it is standard practice to make sure that the battery is checked regularly for damage, leakage or just to tighten the terminal connections. A standard copper grease can be used on battery connections and prolongs the life of the terminals.

Fuel Hose – Fuel Pipe.
No matter what it is, this is again one of the more regular inspections should your Quad Bike have them. Some Child Quad Bikes are battery powered so will not have fuel lines, but ones that do should be checked for perishing – splits – cracks on regular intervals. Some of the cheap Child Quad Bike, Child ATv’s, Child Buggies and Child Minimoto’s can use materials that on first inspection look as good as something used on an Adults Quad Bike or ATV yet will be more than likely a much inferior product.

Plastic Panels – Mountain Brackets.
Plastic panels get knocked and bumped more times than not. To save the chances of your child being involved in a small accident it is always good to check the maintain brackets and bolts that hold the panels on. Even though most panels are flexible, when bumped or knocked can appear to be good on the face, but underneath the bolt system can be working lose.

Handle Bars.
The studs on the handle bars are very sturdy and rigid but again should be checked often. Even though they may seem a part that does not need much adjustment the can always come away and fall off. This can dramatically affect not only performance but also over the rider and how he/she controls the machine.

Summary
Always keep on top of your machine maintenance as it is something that will prolong the life, safety and pleasure whilst riding. For more information and to receive our monthly updates regarding Buying Quad A Quad Bike – Quad Bike Safety Tips – Selling A Quad Bike and lots more please go to the website at the bottom of this article and sign up for the monthly newsletter.

We have been involved within the motorcycle and quad bike industry for the last 9 years. Through this time we have imported quad bikes and buggies, traded machines to and from dealers to now showcasing the most comprehensive website the Quad Bike Industry has ever seen.

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But, does it occur to you what matters most when you ride your ATV? In this article, allow me to share with you the “SKY” tips that you should keep in mind before you get that engine started.

1) SAFETY!

ATV rides can be fast and can go up to a very high speed, therefore it is greatly important to ensure that you equip yourself with appropriate gears especially for your head. Complete yourself with a helmet and body protector whenever you get on your ATV. You deserve to enjoy your ride in the safest way possible. Remember, Prevention is always better than cure!

2) KNOW-YOUR-COMFORTABILITY!

Make sure you choose an ATV that complements well with your body built. If you are of a small or medium built, you may want to consider choosing an ATV (small or medium size) that fits you perfectly so that you will feel comfortable riding it. For someone with a larger built, it is advisable to get a bigger ATV so as to achieve the ultimate comfortability and enjoyment while riding. This also helps in controlling your ATV when overcoming those challenging corners and big jumps during your rides. It is all about being comfortable while you are on the wheels!

3) YOURSELF!

And of course, what really matters most when riding your ATV is YOURSELF! You have to be in the right state of mind when you want to max it out with your ATV on the tracks. In that way, you will feel good about yourself and trust me; your ATV will “feel” good and works great too! With that, you and your ATV will definitely be on SKY-high performance!
The above are just a few great tips that I ought to share with ATV riders out there and that includes you! And whenever you are on the ride, just remember that the SKY (Safety, Know-Your-Comfortability & Yourself) is the limit! Have a great ride!

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As far as 2008 was concerned the Grizzly did pretty well against it’s competition. The big question was would the 2009 model see people with their begging bowls out looking to change? As nice as last years model equivalent was, the 09 Grizzly 700 EPS does growl more that it’s bite!

So is it a case of “Bigger is Better?

“The 09 Grizzly – Undressed – Just because the NEW 700 Grizzly is the lightest in it’s class did it mean that they down tuned the horses to release more of the beast? Yamaha seem to think not and they have a big belief that it has made the handling far better than ever before. It seems hard to get to grips with that idea – throw a paper aeroplane into the wind and it gets beaten heavily – reduce the weight of an ATV so when you throw it at some big sticks it handles better – i’ll take a back stand on that one and let the money talk.

So what’s this EPS system really like? I was lucky enough a few years ago to test drive a new model Vauxhall that had EPS and the only fault I found was at night time when you had the full disco and light show going, that extra strain on the battery for the EPS system made a significant difference on the horses pulling the chariot. Is this why they have made the Grizzly even lighter?

Sliding away from one gizmo to another – the on command 3-mode drive system seems to be the winning point here, the drive ability is far smoother than ever before – the 4 stroke engine does seem to react well and give a very smooth delivery right through the range. Do they have the rights to say “This is arguably the ULTIMATE utility ATV power source?” Sorry to say this – but they have!

What a great way to bring the Sushi home for the kids tea!

With a huge list of colours – GREEN – BLACK – BLUE – RED – CAMO which one would you aim for?

No matter what Quad Bike – ATV – Buggy – Minimoto your looking for, you’ll be sure to find something special through us. As of April 5th 2009 you can start to see why the industry has a new focusable place for information.

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The number of options available for your first off road winch can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t understand the pros and cons of each feature. You want to make sure you get the right winch for your vehicle, or you could end up just as stuck as before. If you’re a first-time buyer, there are four basic design options to consider:

1. Rated Line Pull
2. Line Speed
3. Cable Type
4. Solenoid Mounting

The first factor you’ll need to consider is rated line pull. If you buy a winch that’s too small for your vehicle, you’ll have a tough time getting unstuck. If you buy one that’s too big, you’re going to add excess weight to your front or rear bumper, which can throw your vehicle off balance as well as slow you down.

The rated line pull is the maximum amount of force that your winch can handle. You can calculate the minimum rated line pull by multiplying your gross vehicle weight by 1.5 (GVW x 1.5 = minimum rated line pull). Notice that this is only the minimum rating you’ll need. Depending on how you use your winch, you may need a higher line pull. For example, if you’re a mud hole addict, keep in mind that the suction force of the mud requires a greater pulling force to get you out.

The second consideration is line speed. How fast do you want to winch out? Line speed depends on the gear train in your winch. The two basic types are planetary and worm. Planetary includes multiple gears for a faster pull; however, it also generates a greater amount of heat. Worm uses only two gears, which makes for a slower pull but less heat.

Third, you’ll need to decide between steel and synthetic cable. Both types of cable have their advantages and disadvantages. Steel winch cable requires less maintenance and can withstand a greater amount of heat. On the downside, burrs from the steel can gash your skin if you’re not careful, and a steel cable creates a dangerous whiplash effect if snapped under load.

Synthetic winch rope is lighter, safer, and stronger but requires more care and attention and can weaken if rubbed over sharp objects during the recovery process. The type of cable you choose depends on a number of factors, including the terrain you cover and the weight you’re willing to add to your vehicle.

The last consideration is how the solenoid, also known as a contactor, is mounted. Integrated or remote are your two options. Integrated solenoids are built into the winch itself and provide greater protection; however, the added space they take up may require you to modify your vehicle if your mounting space is restricted. Remote solenoids mount separately, offering greater versatility. The remote option is more popular because it allows you to install the winch in a tight space and mount the contactor elsewhere.

Perhaps the best part of any off road winch is the freedom it gives you to ride harder. So with your vehicle ready for the worst nature can dish out, you’re free to dig for the bottom of that mud hole or conquer the mother of all boulders without the fear that you’ll be stuck there forever. With a quality ATV or recovery winch, your vehicle is ready for bigger and better off road adventures.

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If you know how to properly handle your ATV, you will be less likely to get into dangerous situations that can result in injury or death. As your off road riding skills improve, so will your confidence. You will be ready for new challenges that put your off road skills to the test.

Most ATV training courses cover basic riding techniques such as using signals and controls, starting, shifting, braking, and turning. They also cover basic and advanced off road handling for emergency stops and swerving, hill riding, and riding over obstacles and various terrains.

You will learn basic safety rules for ATV use, including pre-ride inspection, protective gear, and courtesy rules for sharing the trail with other ATVers and trail users. Most off road training includes hands-on practice for new riders to apply basic safety and riding techniques on their own ATVs.

Your ATV training may also include information on how to make as little impact as possible on the environment. Respect for the land is a major factor in protecting the right to ride. Sticking to the trail and riding only on land designated for ATV use helps to preserve wilderness areas for off roaders and everyone else to enjoy for years to come.

Enrolling in an ATV safety course in your local area means that your training will include instruction about local laws for ATV use. You’ll also get to meet other local ATV riders, learn about the trails in your area and the best spots to ride, and find out about local ATV clubs.

Both adults and younger riders can benefit from off road training. ATV youth safety is a growing concern across the country. The best way to reduce the number of ATV injuries and fatalities in youth and adults is education. Safety awareness in young ATV riders increases their skill and confidence. Learning to ride an ATV allows young riders to develop responsibility and good judgment while having fun and spending time outdoors.

Contact your local ATV club, state highway department or DNR office, or the ATV Safety Institute for information on ATV safety training in your area. If you purchased a brand new ATV recently, your safety training may be included for free. Check with your dealer for more information.

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Promoting the safe use of ATVs is another important function that can be performed by specialist organizations. It is vital for those who use all terrain vehicles to know just how dangerous they can be if used inappropriately or foolishly, accidents can be very serious and sometimes fatal. Keeping any vehicle in good working order is the duty of any owner or user, and ATVs are no different, they should be maintained correctly on a regular basis. Another way to improve the safety of off road vehicles is to upgrade certain parts. ATV brakes need to be of a high quality and should be able to perform in all kinds of conditions. Off roading can be a messy business, so ATV brakes which can perform well in dusty, muddy and wet conditions are vital. When the time comes to replace ATV brakes the quality and performance should be of paramount importance. It the cost of parts is an issue, finding offers on good quality products should be possible, especially given the current financial climate.

For those who wish to start getting involved with ATVs, good clubs can be great sources of information, and have designated trails where newcomers to the concept can get used to ATV brakes, controls and acceleration. They are great places to meet other people who share the same interests and enthusiasm; many great friendships can be formed through the love of ATVs! Spending some spare time at the weekend enjoying the thrill and adrenaline rush of off road driving is some people’s idea of a dream, though others can see it is a noisy occupation – anyone with an ATV should make sure they respect others when using them, stay on your own land or on club land, and away from protected areas! Any kind of vehicle needs to be used responsibly, taking others into account, whether on the road or not.

Safety is just as important to those who rely on all terrain vehicles to enable them to do their job and earn a living. Upgraded and properly maintained vehicles are important no matter who the user is or why they are in command of the machine! Never be in too much of a rush to start out off the road without checking an atvs condition. No matter who you are or why you use an all terrain vehicle, remember that safety comes first!

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These utility atvs capable of being driven by all four wheels, are able to perform far more tasks than originally anticipated. The addition of accessories including luggage and storage racks and powered winches have also impacted the use of ATVs for business and practical purposes. Engines can range in size with maximum displacement as high as 800cc providing plenty of power for towing, dragging, and other tasks. A reverse gear provides much more versatility than the mono-directional ATVs of earlier years. Shaft drives have replaced chain and sprocket drives on the original sport models. PTO has become an option providing power for those who need to drive external accessories and machinery. With a plethora of options available, the 4×4 utility ATV can be considered a viable off-road vehicle and useful tool rolled into one.

Law enforcement is a fine example of ATV use from a practical standpoint. The police have begun making use of ATVs for patrolling as well as search and rescue. The ability of the ATV to travel off-road in less than perfect road or trail conditions makes the ATV the perfect tool for police in rural areas. In areas where horseback and foot patrol used to be the only option, the ATV can provide a reliable means of travel, and in some cases a much longer range. In a city environment, ATVs play a huge role in crowd control. The ATV has also made beach patrols far easier for enforcement officers. Large areas of sandy beach can be patrolled in a relatively short period of time versus good, old fashioned walking. Firefighters also can reach wooded areas normally off-limits to firetrucks and medical personnel now have a means of assisting and retrieving individuals in need of emergency medical care.

The use of ATVs in agriculture and farm operations is most predominant of all. Small and medium sized farms have made use of ATVs performing tasks previously performed by horses and by good old human power. The application of pesticides has become more efficient due to the availability of ATV-mounted pesticide applicators. The feeding of livestock has become easier using ATVs for hauling and distributing feed. Mowing smaller fields can be more efficient with ATVs over full size tractors especially in areas with limited access.

The relocation of dirt and gravel, a simple task done for a variety of reasons, has been made easier as ATVs can reach areas not accessible by pickup truck or tractor. Seeding is another example of life made easier on the farm by means of ATV, an attached ATV spreader can ease the workload associated with seeding crops as well. Tilling can also be accomplished via ATV. A cumbersome tiller attached to a full size tractor may not always work well in areas with limited access or difficult maneuverability.

Anyone who has ever ridden an ATV for recreational purposes knows how gratifying and enjoyable riding can be and it is always interesting to see exciting new roles played by the all terrain vehicle as they continue to emerge year after year. Through the use of new and innovative accessories, larger engines, better suspension and control, we can only imagine where we’ll find an ATV next.

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ATVs were first considered as a “toy” for adults – a vehicle that isn’t a car, not a main mean of transportation and not a race car. It’s between everything. Something recreational and provides fun, excitement and can also be used for work. Because of the price, ATVs used to be designed for the sake of simplicity and convenience. That also means that the old-school type of ATVs has nothing much to look at.

As a direct response to the growing number of younger ATV buyers, manufacturers are starting to take a closer look at the way their ATVs are designed. The taste and preference of the younger generation differs tremendously with the older generation. They want flash, colors, cool designs, cut, sleekness, speed, and bright, enthusiastic designs. They don’t want the boring old ATVs designed for the farm! This very same trend is seen in sale of motor homes, trailers and van campers. Manufacturers of ATVs see an upward trend and a sale record that is simply astounding. Many new owners of ATVs said that they are getting loans that are equivalent to a second-home loan for the ATVs or RVs. Some even commented that some of the loans could be stretched up to 15 years and they are able to deduct the interest for tax purposes too. This could be one of the many reasons why many more people can afford to purchase their own ATVs nowadays.

As the target audience begins to widen and take a change, manufacturers are hiring younger and ‘funkier’ designers with creative taste to design their newer ATV models. ATV retailers are also operating in more channels to help sell the ATVs to a younger audience. As such, most online ATV stores are being credited by big brands and they offer very good prices for ATVs. Even the Chinese ATVs are getting more popular!

The world of ATV is certainly, without a doubt, positively changing.

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