Types of ATVs

All Terrain Vehicles have become popular in the last 15 years and is now being used for recreational activities, especially in the United States. These vehicles are used by people for adventurous rides from nasty mudlands and mountains to slushy snow and frozen lakes. For all those who want to enjoy the back country and get the experience of dodging trees, or negotiating awe-inspiring streams, ATV riding is your thing. Apart from these, ATVs can be used for agricultural purposes like plowing lands and rounding up cattle. It is also used for hauling landscaping equipment. The size of the engine determines the speed and power of the ATV. The size ranges from 50 to 800 cubic centimeters. Some of the main manufacturers of ATVs are Arctic Cat, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen (KTM), Honda, Bombardier (Can-Am), Kawasaki, Polaris and Kymco.

Types of All Terrain Vehicles

Youth Models
The Youth model ATV is best for off-road riding and it is basically designed for children and teens. This model is cheaper than models that are designed for adults. Safety is a main factor in this ATV, and the design is such that the engine will stop if the person in the vehicle falls off, so as to prevent him/her from being dragged with the vehicle. The size of the youth model engine ranges from 50cc to 125cc. Pitster Pro FXR 125R, Pitster Pro quad, KingQuad 500 Axi and Mongoose 50 4T are some youth models manufactured.

Entry-Level Four Wheelers
This category is next to youth models in size and price. It is also known as recreational trail class. The size of the engine ranges from 125cc to 250cc. Automatic transmission is a main feature of the model. For those who prefer casual pace, entry-level four wheelers are best suited. Yamaha Raptor 250, Yamaha Blaster, Polaris Phoenix 200,Suzuki Ozark, Can-Am DS250, Kawasaki Bayou, Honda TRX250X are some entry-level four-wheeler models.

Utility Quads
By definition, utility quads is primarily used for heavy-work purposes like plowing fields, hauling cargo etc. It is used in factories, law enforcement agencies and also by scientists. Utility quads are popularly used by people who have agricultural businesses and construction workers. This machine was a favorite thing for hunters, fishermen, and campers during the 1980s. The suspension level is limited but the engines are powerful enough to run at any environmental condition including rocks and steep hills. The Yamaha Grizzly 300 2WD, Polaris Ranger diesel, and the Polaris Ranger RZR 570 are some utility quads available in the market. The size of the engine ranges from 250cc to 700cc.

Sport/Utility ATVs
Sport/Utility ATVs combines the features of utility quads with sporting characteristics that is necessary for racing. Sport/Utility ATV models are flexible and there is an array of models available to choose from. The Sport/Utility quad can be described as a sports machine, trailer hitch, and a four-wheel drive with powerful engines. Yamaha Wolverine 350, Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4 ATV, Kawasaki Prairie 650 etc., are some of the Sport/Utility ATVs. The size of the engine is in the range of 250cc to 800cc.

Sport Quads
The main features of sport quads are zippy engines, long travel suspension, great handling etc. Sport quads are best designed for jumping, hitting and sliding around corners. Experienced drivers can fly around with this machine and it really gives a great experience. The shifting skills and good handling features, makes it special. The Yamaha Raptor 700R, Suzuki Z400, Suzuki QuadRacer R450, Kawasaki KFX 450, Can Am DS 450, and the Honda TRX 450R are some of the sport quad models. The capacity of the engine is from 200cc to 400cc.

High Performance ATVs
High performance ATVs are called the corvettes and ferraris of all ATVs. The high speed of acceleration is a main feature in this model. It can cruise along sand dunes and the woods. The ultimate goal of the high performance ATV manufacturer is to provide a race-like handling feature. The size of the engine is from 350cc to 700cc. KTM 505SX, KTM 450SX ATV, KTM 525XC are examples of high performance ATVs.

Buying an ATV is a surely a big investment, and you need to choose the right one for you. It is advisable to ask your friends who have bought the machine before you buy it. Before you choose one, you should consider some of the factors like appropriate size, model, thrill factor, comfortable suspension system, power requirements etc.