ATV Escape

Major Options to Consider

In this article we will cover the major feature choices to consider when buying a particular ATV. These choices will apply to 4-wheelers and side-by-sides, even though side-by-sides have very few feature choices to be made. This list should help you get a good idea as to what you will need to be considering when purchasing your ATV. Remember to come back to how you will be using it as the determining factor on many of these options.

Engine

"So how much engine do I really need?" is a common question when buying an ATV. There is not a lack of choices in engine size. The choices range from 50cc to 1000cc's. The answer is complicated because more times than not, it is more a question as to how much engine do you want rather than how much engine do you need for your activities. We will take the perspective of "need" more than "want." How much engine do I need. In all of our experience and study, a 400 to 500cc ATV for an adult is more than enough power for regular use. This is what we have coined as the 500 cc rule. Regular use includes trail riding, hill climbing, mud bogging (we will have more to say about this below), hunting, working around the ranch or farm, and moving it down the road plenty fast (we realize this one will be argued). If you want an all-around ATV engine, then 500cc's will work for you. Lets talk specifically about some uses which need more explanation  for exceptions to the 500cc rule.

Mud Bogging

Turning wheels and tires in thick mud takes more power from the motor than it does on a hard pack trail. If you are going to do serious mud bogging with your ATV, good aftermarket mud tires are a must (see the article on modifications for mud bogging). A common thing for people to do now when buying good mud tires is to buy bigger tires (27" and larger) than came on their stock ATV. The bigger the mud tire the heavier it is, and the more power it will take to turn it in thick mud. Multiply that times 4, and you are using a lot more power. For regular size mud tires (25", 26", maybe 27" ) 500cc's is plenty of power to turn them, but when you get up to bigger tires than that, you need more power. Why this explanation? Simple: If your primary use is to get huge 31" mud tires and mud bog every weekend then get a bigger engine. For serious mud bogging, the more power the better.

Ranch or Farm Work

Transmission

Just like in cars, there are basically two types of transmissions in ATVs: Automatic and Manual. There are, of course, a couple of hybrids because we always need options which fall outside of the norm. There is obviously no need to go into much detail about the differences between a manual and automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are common on sport quads (for racing) and many entry level utility quads. When using a manual transmission on a quad, you use your left foot to shift the gears. An automatic transmission requires nothing but placing the transmission in a forward or reverse gear and going.

Manual Transmission

1. Racing- A manual transmission seems to be the transmission of choice. It offers more precise control.
2. Fun- There is just a "fun factor" to running through the gears (at least at first) when riding around a little while on a 4-wheeler.
3. Price- On a utility quad, a manual is cheaper than an automatic.

Automatic Transmission

1. Ease of Use- Being able to put it in gear and forget about it is a wonderful thing.
2. Rider Fatigue- At the end of a day of riding, an automatic transmission allows you to be less tired.
3. Long Rides- This goes back to rider fatigue. If your primary purpose is long trail rides and mud bogging, an automatic transmission is worth every penny in increased price.

Suspension

There are two types of suspension systems on ATVs: Solid Axle and Independent. Follow the links to get an explanation of the two. Then remind yourself of what your primary use for your ATV will be. The higher the price for a utility quad the closer you come to Independent Rear Suspension being standard.