If your ATV sat outside uncovered all winter, your tires sustained more wear and tear than they would have if they had been stored inside or if they had been covered. After sitting all winter your tires are probably low, fill them up and thoroughly review their condition. Make sure that you fill them to the PSI recommended by the manufacturer. We have seen first hand how an over-inflated tire led to a blow out that caused a machine to roll at high speeds on a gravel road, and how under-inflated tires led to a 2 inch gash in the sidewall when the wheel hit a rock 17 miles from the truck.

You should check for:

a. Tread wear – make sure that you have enough tread left to maintain traction and control of your ATV on the terrain you plan to ride. (more…)

Much beyond many peoples beliefs, the humble quad bike started to become a household name back in the late 70’s early 80’s, yet not for the reason you may be thinking. Should you decide to look up the word “Quad” in the dictionary you will find the following definition;

* Adjective: designation or compromising of four persons or things.

Now, never could a stranger expression be used for something that was in fact, based on a Three Wheeled Machine and not as it is today, a Four Wheeled Machine.

The early days of Quad Bikes was purely an agricultural affair, where by farmers would use them to do the easy tasks like rounding up sheep or cattle or where they just needed to get from point A to B slightly quicker than using a tractor. Let’s face it, we have all been stuck behind a tractor or two in our time and they are never the fastest moving vehicle on the road. (more…)

In the first article of the series we discussed how to change your oil, in the second we talked about tire evaluation and repair. This article is going to focus on (1) battery evaluation; and (2) maintenance and air filter evaluation/cleaning.

1. The best way to prevent battery power loss during extended periods of non use is to hook your battery up to a trickle charger. If you choose this option, make sure that you follow the manufacturers guide lines and instructions very closely. I have heard of instances where the improper use of trickle chargers has caused fires which resulted in significant property damage. (more…)

Quad Biking In Brighton For a Stag Weekend

With easy access from London by Train, and car access from the M23 and A23, Brighton is a great coastal resort to spend your stag weekend. With its pier and pebble beach it is a classic UK holiday resort where you can get away from your daily routing and have fun on your last weekend of freedom. If you and the guys are looking for some adrenaline action within the city of Brighton and Hove, you might also want to consider partnering this destination with the fun activity of quad biking! (more…)

So far we have discussed changing your oil, checking/repairing your tires, evaluating and maintaining your battery, and cleaning your air filter. The final article in this series will address the two remaining topics: (1) Draining your carburetor and (2) Safety checks.

(1) If you properly prepared your machine for winter, you started your machine, turned off the fuel and let it run until the motor used all of the fuel in the carburetor. You then added fuel stabilizer to the fuel in your tank to prevent it from turning into gel. However if you did not follow this step, you will want to drain all of the fuel out of the carburetor before you start your engine. You will also want to evaluate the condition of the gas in your tank. (more…)

An electric winch is a powerful recovery tool. Used correctly, it provides massive amounts of power to pull out your ATV or truck. With the right tools and rigging, you can pull up to two or even three times the maximum rating of your winch. The key to maximum power is knowing how to use your recovery equipment to its full potential. With these recovery tips, you’ll be winching your way out of even the toughest spots just like the pros.

For starters, let’s focus on rigging up a single line pull. Whenever possible, choose an anchor point directly in line with the stuck vehicle. A straight line pull is more efficient than an indirect pull. If the only option is to winch at an angle, use a snatch block to guide the cable directly into the winch and prevent it from stacking up on one side of the drum. Attach the cable as low as possible on the anchor point for the best leverage. The base of a tree, stump, or rock is generally the strongest point. (more…)

It doesn’t matter if you have been riding for years, or you are a proud owner of a brand new 4 wheeler, common sense and attention to safety procedures should always be in the front of your mind. Many accidents happen every year because of people taking for granted their capabilities on the ATV trails.

The most common rule that is broken is you should always wear a helmet when riding, in fact in many places it is the law to wear a helmet. I know there is probably no one around for miles and miles, but keep in mind you are not wearing a helmet for other people, you are wearing it for yourself. We never know what might happen and it is best to err on the side of caution than to become a statistic. Always wear your helmet. This can’t be stressed enough. (more…)

You’re in the market to buy an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and you’re not sure where to find a cheap ATV bargain, or even what it will look like when you find it. You’re not alone, in fact over the past two years as editor of ATVStyle.com I’ve received countless emails, forum messages and PMs from people asking me if an ATV they are interested in is a good bargain.

Step #1 – Be patient, the ONLY way to recognize a cheap price or great bargain on a used ATV is to take the time required to get a good understanding of the current market value for the particular ATV you’re interested in. Different ATV brands sell at different prices from model to model and year to year.

Step #2 – Know which ATV you want to buy. Its much easier to find a bargain on an ATV when you’re actively monitoring just one or two particular models, if you don’t choose the type of ATV you’re going to buy in advance, the ATV will choose you. Narrow down your search, be specific.

Step #3 – Join an ATV forum and ask for member feedback, in fact join several and don’t be afraid to speak your mind and voice your concerns. If other members have owned a particular ATV model and know that it has specific traits you need to be aware of they’ll let you know, the seller won’t. (more…)

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. (more…)

All proud new owners of a brand new ATV should sit down at night with their owners manual and get familiar with it. In today’s world of ATV’s there are numerous different types of off road vehicles, the many labels and parts will vary between different ATV types. If there is anything that you don’t know or would want to know about your specific model, it will be found in your owners manual. When you are out on the trails riding it is always good to have your owners manual with you, because you never know when you might need it. If you have acquired a used ATV, by supplying a dealer of your brand of ATV with the serial number on your machine can get the user manual for the model you bought.

After becoming familiar with your machine comes the fun part, getting out on the trails and practicing. The only way you are going to get better and become experienced with your ATV is by riding it in different situations. Never ride on peoples land without permission from the owner. In the beginning do not get to crazy in your riding style, take it easy and learn the ins and outs of your machine. Always ride with experienced riders, as with any other sport, you will learn from others with more experience. Also no matter how confident you feel on an ATV always ride with someone who is familiar with the trails you will be riding on, in other words never ride alone. (more…)