|
By: Rick Fowler
ATV’S-MAKING THE RIGHT
CHOICE
 When I prepare to make a major vehicle
purchase I know I have to do some research,
visit various dealers, and have a background on
the two or three choices I have in mind. I have
used this same framework for purchasing a
snowmobile and the ATV’s, which have been parked
in my garage.
As fall makes its way into winter, consumers
will be inundated with radio and TV ads,
blitzing the listeners with adjectives and
adverbs on why their product should be
purchased. Indeed, there is a vast selection of
ATV’s to choose from, yet one phrase from my
early Latin High School class sparks a warning
“Caveat Emptor”-Let the buyer beware! This is
not to say that ATV companies are producing
faulty or cheap machines, but rather, that
consumers need to purchase a machine for what
they will use it for the most.
Basically, there are three categories for
ATV’s. UTILITY, which are used for doing work
like snowplowing, pulling, towing. The up side:
slow speed maneuvering and very stable, which
could mean a very dependable and reliable
machine for a variety of jobs.
 SPORT, usually reserved for the more
aggressive driver, who might feel the need for
speed. Though there are exceptions, this machine
will probably not take care of the jobs you
envision around your acreage or home. I haven’t
witnessed too many hunters traversing the woods
at slow speeds with a myriad of fishing or
hunting equipment attached to a Sporting model
ATV. However, they are very resourceful in rough
terrain at high speeds and also for jumping.
Finally there are SPORT UTILITY models that are
becoming very popular, akin to the SUV in the
automobile industry. The owners of these types
of machines can haul some firewood back to the
home in the morning and set out on a trail in
the afternoon and feel very comfortable that
this machine can handle both work and play. One
pitfall, don’t try and catch your buddies on the
afternoon trail ride who are on their sport
models or you might find yourself having to
reserve a spot at the nearest dealership for
repairs. Obviously you need to know the machines
limitations and more importantly yours.
The manufacturers of ATV’s have established
engine size and recommendations for reasons, but
the consumer needs to also look at the physical
side of the machine and the physical strength of
themselves.
THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Engine size under 70cc-Age 6 and older
- Engine size from 70cc to 90cc-Age 12 and
older
- Engine size greater than 90cc-Age 16 and
older
However, even though the nine-year-old is
physically big, does he/she have the ability to
react well? Can they make decisions to avoid
problems or situations if they were put on a
machine greater then 70cc? On the other hand can
the soon to be adult owner of a utility rig
handle and maneuver a full-size 4X4? Also, no
matter what size ATV, can the driver/operator
reach all the controls effectively? Before
buying the machine did you check out the inseam
clearance? The inseam clearance is measured
between the operator inseam and the top of the
seat of the ATV while standing on the footrests.
However, I would recommend that the inseam
clearance be greater than the rated suspension
travel of the ATV to avoid snags and tears of
clothing, and/or body parts.
The ATV community is growing rapidly with
safer and more efficient machines. As consumers
we need to keep pace, by doing our homework
before purchasing.
|
