Bringing Out Your ATV’s Strengths
Bringing Out Your ATV’s Strengths
Not all ATV’s are made equal, especially nowadays when there are as many different types of ATV’s as there are ATV trails. You have 4 wheel drive utility type ATV’s to rigid suspension racing 4 wheelers.
Four wheel drive utility quads are the perfect match for muddy terrains, but it is highly recommended that you have skid plates installed. The heavier weight of these types of ATV’s with locking differentials will let you sling mud and basically grab onto just about anything.
Another type of ATV that fits some personalities are sport racing style ATV’s. Now don’t be mistaken sport style ATV’s can hold their own in mud, but are not the first choice for deep mud holes. Speed will help crossing over some mud holes which fit the sport bikes to a T, although stopping in the middle will find yourself pulling out with a wench.
Another type of terrain that is typically encountered is sandy trails, especially the sand found in and around creek beds.
Usually traction is good in sand dunes although unpacked sand is going to be a problem for most 4 wheelers, unless you are an experienced rider. In looser types of sand a sport bike will be the prevailing choice, with the lighter weight and the advantage of speed. Utility type quads and there heavier weight will usually sink in loose sand. Whether you have a utility or sport style ATV speed will be your savior when crossing sand.
Discussions and debates among your riding friends will be varied as to what makes a riding trail great. Some people will enjoy mostly level trails with a few hills and ditches thrown in. Others will enjoy slinging mud, jumping through the air or crawling up bluffs.
It really doesn’t matter what type of trails that you think is the best, what matters is that you are prepared to match your type of ATV to the type of trails that you will be riding on to maximize your fun.
Matching the trail type to your ATV will showcase your quads strengths instead of bringing out it’s weaknesses.
Michael is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing hiking and riding ATV’s. He resides in Okmulgee, Oklahoma with his dog Fred. Michael Graduated from the University of Kansas as an agriculture engineer and currently is employed by the state of Oklahoma.
