How to choose an ATV: what is it, what sizes are they and what is it for?

There are several proven ways to choose an ATV. You should always start with the purpose of the all-terrain vehicle, because the technical characteristics greatly depend on this. For example, sports models are the most powerful, while road devices are not so powerful, but they are cheaper and perform well on relatively flat roads. A description of different types of all-terrain vehicles and the rules for their selection can be found in the presented material.

Design and dimensions of the ATV

An ATV is an all-terrain vehicle with 4 wheels. This explains the presence of the prefix “quad”, which means “four”. If ordinary motorcycles, as a rule, have two wheels, then an ATV necessarily has 4 wheels. And not ordinary ones, but reinforced ones - large diameter, surface area and textured tires, providing good cross-country ability even on off-road terrain.

It is clear what an ATV is - a vehicle that is equipped with an engine running on gasoline or electricity (depending on the type of model). The mechanism is welded to the frame, to which the axles and wheels are mounted. If the power comes from electricity, the all-terrain vehicle is also equipped with a battery. More often, a gasoline engine is installed - in this case, a gas tank with a lid is attached to the rear.

Control is carried out using pedals and levers mounted on the steering wheel. The column is equipped with power steering, mounting bracket and other items shown in the diagram.

The dimensions of the ATV depend on the specific model. If you average, you can get the following parameters:

• length 2300 mm;
• ATV width 1200 mm;
• height 1230 mm.

Another important point is related to how much the ATV weighs. As a rule, the weight of an all-terrain vehicle without a passenger is 400 kg. Although there are also heavier models, for example, 500-600 kg. They are designed for transporting goods, often have 2 or even 4 seats, and resemble a small car.

If we are considering which ATV to choose for regular walks or high-speed riding, it is better to choose models weighing 330-350 kg. They are equipped with only one seat, are very maneuverable and reach high speeds of up to 100-110 km/h. At the same time, the maximum speed of a sports ATV reaches 120-130 km/h.

Types and purpose of ATVs

We can say about an ATV that it is a specialized vehicle for fast movement in almost any road conditions. At the same time, the cross-country ability of different vehicles is not the same. Engine power characteristics, ATV weight, wheel diameter, drive and other important parameters depend on the specific type of model:

1. Sports – the most powerful, can accelerate to maximum speeds of 130 km/h. They are more expensive than all other types, so they are in only limited demand.
2. Utilitarian – wider and longer all-terrain vehicles, often with a tow bar or semi-trailer. Great for off-the-beaten-path travel, such as when commuting to work or fishing.They are distinguished not only by cross-country ability, but also by high load capacity. Since the dimensions of this type of ATV are larger than other models, they remain stable even on difficult terrain.
3. Tourist – are used for purely entertainment purposes, for example, for a trip to nature, for a picnic. Unlike utilitarian ones, their dimensions are smaller. At the same time, the power reserve is not so large; such all-terrain vehicles are more affordable.
4. Road – the choice of an ATV of this type is made in the case of driving on ordinary asphalt, dirt forest roads. They also have a fairly high clearance, are maneuverable, and are capable of reaching high speeds. However, off-road travel is limited due to small wheels. That’s why such devices are called highway devices.
5. One can also conditionally distinguish a group of universal models, which are characterized by high power and increased cross-country ability. They can really be used for different purposes - tourist, recreational trips, hunting trips and others.

Gasoline and electric quad bike

When considering different characteristics, for example, the speed of the ATV, power, first of all, you should study another important classification related to the type of energy on which the model operates. There are 2 types of devices:

1. Gasoline.
2. Electrical.

The advantages of the former are associated with good maneuverability, high speed, minimal fuel consumption and an affordable price. We can say about an ATV of this type that it is such a universal device that is suitable for a variety of purposes. You can ride a gasoline all-terrain vehicle on roads, rough terrain, forests, and even cross small bodies of water.

On the other hand, they also have disadvantages:

• pollute air;
• can wear out quite quickly;
• For long trips you need to take a supply of gasoline with you.

The design of an electric ATV is fundamentally different in the presence of a battery, from which the engine is powered. Such models have many advantages:

• environmentally friendly, no air pollution;
• significant savings on energy (charging a battery is cheaper than constantly refueling with gasoline several times);
• easy maintenance - batteries are unpretentious and do not get dirty;
• reliability and long service life.

But electric models are less powerful, do not reach as high speeds and usually have a limited range. It is quite clear that it will not be possible to recharge the battery in a remote place, while the reserve of gasoline allows you to travel even over long distances. In addition, electric devices are more expensive compared to gasoline-powered counterparts.

10 selection criteria

When considering specific models, you should decide what the ATV is needed for. As already mentioned, the most powerful all-terrain vehicles are used for sporting purposes, while for walking you can purchase a high-quality model in the budget segment. When exploring different options, it is recommended to pay attention to several technical characteristics:

1. Engine power - the more, the more expensive the model. Typically 10-20 hp. enough for leisurely walks with light loads. If you plan to drive off-road, it is better to consider devices with a power of 20-45 hp. But if a professional all-terrain vehicle is required for any type of terrain, and for transporting not only passengers, but also cargo, the power requirements are at least 50 hp.
2. The overall dimensions of the ATV, as well as the weight of the device, also matter.Thus, heavy all-terrain vehicles from 400-450 kg are more stable on the road, although they consume more fuel. If you are planning regular walks through the forests, 350 kg is quite enough.
3. Engine displacement is directly related to power. Thus, ATVs with a minimum volume of up to 200-230 cm3 can travel on not very relief roads and carry light cargo. Devices with 200-300 cm3 are designed for fast driving, while those with 350-700 cm3 are professional models. They develop excellent speeds and can even climb steep slopes.
4. The volume of the fuel tank is an important characteristic of gasoline models. If the main purpose is a fishing or hunting trip, 5-7 liters is quite enough. For long-distance trips, 10-20 liters are suitable.
5. The maximum permissible weight is determined by the characteristics of the driver, passengers (if any) and the average weight of the cargo. It is better to take with a small margin of 10-20 kg.
6. Fuel consumption is related to engine size. On average, it corresponds to the characteristics of a typical passenger car - 10 liters per 100 km. On bad roads it can reach 12-13 liters.
7. For electric models, the battery capacity should be taken into account. The minimum is 12-20 Ah, but it is better to consider all-terrain vehicles with an indicator of 30-40 Ah.
8. Drive – a common chain version, suitable for most roads. But if you often have to climb a steep slope or drive through very difficult terrain, it is better to consider devices with a gimbal type.
9. Braking system – disc brakes work best.
10. Suspension type - ball shock absorbers are well suited for off-road conditions, and pendulum shock absorbers are suitable for relatively smooth roads.

Now it’s clear what you should pay attention to when choosing. You need to proceed from the purpose and type of device.For example, you should first understand what a utilitarian ATV means and what it is needed for, and only after that consider the corresponding model range.