Riding ATVs

admin — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:15:04 +0000

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 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.

ATV Safety Points

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:38:55 +0000

ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles) have been given the reputation of being dangerous, because each year more and more adults and children have been seriously injured or killed whilst riding such vehicles. But just like any other vehicle an ATV can be dangerous in much the same way as a car, sports utility vehicle, motorcycles or trucks are. Often accidents which involve an ATV occur due to them being used improperly or by ignorance on the part of the rider. IN fact there is no guarantee that you will not be injured whilst riding on an ATV, in much the same way as there is no guarantee that you will not be injured whilst in a car; however, there are safety precautions that should be taken which will help to minimize this risk.

Firstly, no one under the age of 16 should be allowed to ride a full sized ATV and this recommendation has been put forward by the American Academy of Pediatrics and should be read as the law. The reason why children under the age of 16 should not be riding a full size ATV is that they have not developed the necessary skills for operating such machinery and if your child is interested in riding an ATV, you will find that many manufacturers have produced ones that have less powerful engines. Before you allow your child to ride an ATV you must ensure that they are aware of the correct rules and procedures for operating such vehicles. You will find that there are many training courses available which will teach you the correct procedures for driving an ATV across the country and it is a good idea to enroll on one prior to operating your ATV.

At all times a rider should where the correct protective gear, which should include helmet, gloves, boots and eye protection so that their body is protected from any hazards that will occur whilst out riding or any potential accident.

Most ATV accidents occur when there is one or more person on the vehicle and as they have been specifically designed for use by one person only, by having the weight of two people on the ATV it is likely to cause it to turn over. Also being distracted by the passenger on the ATV could cause an accident. Never ride a ATV on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as they have been specifically designed for off road use only, not only do you have the added hazard of dealing with cars and trucks on a road, but you will also find the ATV does not perform as well on a hard surface and it may in fact be very difficult to control.

In fact many accidents that have been reported when some is using an ATV is because of the driver using the vehicle improperly, this includes such things as riding at high speeds, not be able to control the vehicle over dangerous and difficult terrain, or they interact dangerously with other individuals or ATV’s. Always remember that an ATV has been designed to be used on certain terrain at certain speeds and at all times speeding should be avoided since this may cause the vehicle to tip over or crash. Also avoid carrying out any stunts or tricks whilst on ATV.

If you are going away from home using your ATV then ensure that you have some form of communication device with you such as a walkie talkie or a mobile phone for calling for help during an emergency.

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Riding ATVs

ATV Safety Points