The call was from Justin Dawes, the ATV communications guru for Kawasaki. It seems he and fellow adventurous motorhead Jon Rall, also of Kawasaki, had a trick up their sleeve. They had caught the scent of a unique riding destination in west-central Pennsylvania called the Mines & Meadows Resort and thought it would be an excellent destination in which they could feature the capabilities of the company’s Brute Force 750 4×4.

Frankly, the 54 miles of above-ground trails are reason enough to visit the Mines & Meadows Resort, as the varied terrain, featuring hillclimbs, rock crawls and mud pits, provides challenges for seasoned riders but other easy trails with gentle, sweeping turns let anybody come and give it a shot.

The underground limestone mine, however, raises this riding destination to the next level. How many places can you go where you get great trails, plus a chance to ride 200 feet underground in complete blackness, and drive through an underground lake?
The answer, as best we can tell, is one – and that one place is Mines & Meadows.

Putting It Together

Upon meeting Bob Svihra, the brainchild and moneyman behind Mines & Meadows, it’s sometimes a wonder this guy can make it through tying his shoes in the morning without getting distracted by an idea that’s rolling through his head. When he talks, one sentence hardly gets finished before the next comes tumbling out of his mouth, and he seems less likely to stay on the original topic than to bounce to something else he wants to say.

He’s not scatterbrained, however. Svihra has been very successful, having started and run businesses involved in disparate fields like medical waste removal, shoulder and knee harness manufacturing, creating a process to remove materials from compact discs and DVDs and as an investor in a variety of things, including the local BeaveRun motorsports complex located a couple miles down the road from Mines & Meadows. So Svihra’s definitely a person who has proven he can follow through on a concept, but while he’s doing that, a dozen other ideas are also pulsing through his gray matter.

“One business supports the next one that I do, and then that supports the next one that I do … . I’m a good builder but a lousy maintainer – so when I do something like this, I throw it over my shoulder and let somebody else take care of it once it’s up and running,” Svihra said with a laugh.

Mines & Meadows is one of his latest start-ups. Some friends took Svihra on an ATV ride through some private property about seven years ago. The trail riding was interesting, but then his friends took him boondocking into an abandoned limestone mine.
“When they took me into the mine, being an entrepreneur, I put two and two together and said, ‘This would be a great ATV riding place.’ So that’s what I tried doing,” Svihra explained.

Svihra invested $2 million in the park, initially purchasing more than 400 acres of land around the mine and leasing part of the mine from the Grinnen family, which bought the mine in 2004 and formed the Underland Development Corporation. The riding park has now grown to more than 600 acres above ground, with 54 miles of trails that twist through interesting and varied terrain. Another 14 acres is found underground in the limestone mine, providing a unique experience for visitors.

Underground:

The Mine

After a brief trail ride through some April showers, our Kawasaki-mounted party made its way to the mouth of the mine. The doorway looked to be about 5 feet wide and 7 feet tall, with wood sign reading “Mine Entrance – Guided Tours Only” hanging above the door. The doorway was lined on the top and sides by wooden beams similar to railroad ties, and from the outside it looked like we were entering a bear’s den.

We watched other machines disappear into the darkness, then took a deep breath and ventured through the narrow gateway. The bright light outside was quickly replaced by darkness – our eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden change in ambient light. Luckily the headlights from the Brute Force illuminated a narrow path in front of us as we plodded forward.

The initial staging room does feature just a tiny bit of light, thanks to whatever brightness sneaks through the doorway, but it’s still dark. The room we entered was about the size of a high school gymnasium, except with a relatively low ceiling.

Once our group was inside and some photos were taken, we followed our leader deeper inside. We could see only as far as our headlights would stretch, and only in the direction of those lights. Want to get a close look at the rocky walls? Better turn your machine in that direction, because that’s the only way you’re going to see them.

The mine itself was created in the 1800s, as mining crews using the relatively crude tools available at the time burrowed through a tall hill to capture the natural strip of limestone found there. For more than 60 years, limestone was pulled from the mine and used in local cement manufacturing until the mine closed in 1958. When digging out the limestone, crews had to leave sections of stone untouched every 35 feet so the ceiling wouldn’t collapse – in essence, leaving irregularly shaped pillars of support.

What’s left is a sort of drive-thru, underground beehive. As we followed our leader deeper into the mine, our main path snaked through the darkness, and on each side of us there would be a “pillar,” then what looked like a secret room or passageway leading farther into the darkness. We weaved our Brute Force 750 back and forth to throw some light into these side areas. Some were shallow, some were deep, and in some cases there would be a room behind the room, again, with pillars separating the spaces every 35 feet.

The ceiling hung about 15 feet from the floor in most places, though occasionally we’d drive through a “keyhole” or other area that wasn’t dug out quite as much, and we’d have to duck our heads as our ATV climbed over rock to make it through to the next room.

The pure darkness is the first thing that grabs your attention – it’s eerie, especially when everybody turns off their headlights and it is absolute darkness. Your eyes try to adjust to the changing light conditions, but in truth they’ll never catch up – without even a sliver of light coming in from anywhere, you are completely blinded. Luckily the Kawis sprung back to life and we were off again.

Also notable is a musty, cool dampness. The mine stays at 55 degrees year-round, and the humidity hovers at about 80 percent. It made it a perfect place for a mushroom (yes, LEGAL mushrooms!) growing operation that filled this particular mine in the 1970s and ’80s. Crews of up to 45 people worked around the clock like moles in this cave, ensuring proper garnish for pizzas, salads and the like.

The grade is mostly flat in the mine – you’re actually not going downhill into the earth, instead the earth rises 200 feet in the form of a hill while riders go through.

Eventually, we came to a 3-acre underground “lake.” The word lake is in quotes because the water here is merely trapped by a dam on the far end of the mine. Still, it’s an interesting sight, and fun to drive through.

The mine was left abandoned beginning in the mid ’80s and became a hangout for local explorers and party hounds until the Grinnen family purchased the land.

“We wanted to develop it and possibly get into record storage and storage of vehicles, boats, motorhomes and campers,” explained Steve Grinnen. “Also, our main goal right now is a winery. This is the perfect temperature for storing wine, and the humidity can be controlled very easily. There’s a lot of square footage in here.”

In all, leisurely tours through the mine take about an hour. There’s no extra charge for the mine tour – it comes with the price of admission, but the only way in and out is with a guide.

Above Ground:

Trails Everywhere!

The mine is awesome, but we’d be interested in riding at Mines & Meadows even without it.

The facility has more than 50 miles of trails that twist through the wooded and rolling landscape. A color-coded map illustrated the spiderweb of trails, with easy yellow and green trails running around the perimeter and down the center of the trail system, and then a hodge-podge of blue and black trails demarking the greater areas of challenge.

Out on the Brute Force, we found the system to be relatively easy to understand, as trails were marked by number and color, and direction signs pointed the way back to the main staging area.

Best yet, many of the trails are one-way in nature, making it unlikely you’d ever meet somebody in a corner and really easy to find your way back to your tow vehicle, as all trails eventually lead to other trails that will take you back.

Knowing they had some experienced riders with them, our guides took us to the toughest stuff the park could muster. The challenges were fun, but in the end, the rock scramble, powerline hill climb and mudbog were ideal habitat for the Brute Force 750.

The Mines & Meadows Resort near Wampum, Pennsylvania, is open all year, except for two weeks in late November/early December for Pennsylvania’s deer hunting season. A day pass is $25, and that includes a mine tour.

Among the features that you should not fail to check is its heavy duty wheels so that you will have something that can endure both on and off road tracks. In case you are not very sure about the product to give your youngster, it would be safe to go with something that is selling like pancakes in the market, and don’t fail to ask the store owner about the specific kind of mini quad ATV that you can get.

Furthermore, when buying, you need to consider the space where you intend to keep the mini quad ATV for you to be able to pick the right dimension. This factor is a necessity particularly if your family loves to hike or stroll for a nature trip. For sure, you will be able to get the one in the right dimension and specification that you prefer, with lots of manufacturers of ATV as of these days.

For your kid’s enjoyment, might as well check the design of the ATV in order to get something that will match his or her personality. Some ATV come with famous cartoon character in their design so they are best to fit your kid’s taste.

The skill of the rider should be taken into account as well. Is your kid just starting how to ride the ATV? Novice riders do not like getting those with powerful rides like the newer version of these bikes are available with. On the other hand, there are some kids who prefer those that have more technical trails while there are even others who would rather go with cross country challengers. No matter what the choice of your kids is, it is best to take for consideration their riding skills in order to ensure safety.

Online shops are available with kid’s ATV but it is not really practical to buy online because there are some rides that need personal ocular perusal just before it can be considered. Consequently, if you are going to buy one, bring your kids with you so he or she can test drive it before buying. And even though it is much convenient to buy online, there are some bikes that don’t work well for some kids so it is always more sensible to personally buy your kid’s ATV since this will also ensure their safety.

For work, or for play, the right ATV accessories can make your next adventure or task much more enjoyable. There are many types of accessories available, but most share a similar purpose – to haul gear or riders comfortably, conveniently and safely. Gear grips, such as Rhino Grips, help to securely transport fishing poles, firearms, shovels while drop racks and cargo boxes fit larger gear that you may need haul such as 5 gallon buckets, tools or feed bags. ATV Rear Loungers are a great addition when riding with a passenger or needing to store helmets and riding gear. For those times when you want to venture far off the beaten path there are even ATV fuel packs that allow you to bring additional fuel on your ride. There are even heated seat covers and gear mitts to help keep you warm when riding or working during the winter months.

When choosing the ATV accessories that will fit your specific needs, make sure you keep in a mind a couple of key features:

- Will it fit my machine(s)?

- Is it versatile? Can it serve more than one purpose or application?

- Is it easy to install/remove?

- Does it leave room for additional accessories?

- Is it constructed to last, or handle the abuse of outdoor application?

No matter the season, or the reason, by choosing the right ATV accessories will get a much better return on your investment.

Northeast – Although ATV riding in the winter is uncommon due to heavy snow and inclement weather, fall attracts plenty of tourists to the region’s wooded riding trails. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and stunning fall foliage by exploring these popular ATV trails in the Northeast:

* Maine – The extensive ATV trail network coursing throughout Maine is mostly privately owned, and you must belong to a club that has been granted permission to use them. However, you may bump along public trails owned by the Bureau of Parks and Lands, including those found in Mt. Blue State Park, located in the southwestern corner of the state. Here you can enjoy ATV riding trails surrounded by the natural wildlife and verdant landscape that only Maine can offer.
* Pennsylvania – Allegheny National Forest encompasses over 510,000 acres in northern Pennsylvania. This heavily wooded and hilly area is the perfect place to watch summer greenery transition into a gorgeous display of autumn foliage. The park also boasts five main ATV trails varying from 10- to 40-mile loops, ranging in degrees of difficulty from easy to difficult. Camping is available off most trails.

South and Southeast – ATV riding trails in the South can be fun, but they come with plenty of heat and humidity during the summer. Stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion by wearing a vented face mask and shirt made of breathable material, as well as drinking plenty of water.

* Tennessee – The Coal Creek Trails in Oliver Springs, Tenn., has over 160 miles of moderate-terrain trails and great scenery. You can purchase an all-day riding permit from the campground office for less than $20. For lighter traveling, you can rent an ATV and leave yours at home.
* West Virginia – Rated the “Top ATV Trail System on the East Coast” by Dirt Wheels magazine in 2008, the Hatfield and McCoy Trails located in southern West Virginia feature over 500 miles of ATV riding paths. Beginning in Charleston and heading southwest, you can experience a wide variety of terrain ranging from easy to extremely difficult and beautiful mountain scenic views.
* Southwest – One attractive feature of an ATV trail in the Southwest is the sheer number of remote and uninhibited camping opportunities that are available in the desert, mountains, lakes and canyons. If you are going on a backwoods camping trip, be sure to pack appropriately. The desert is hot during the day, but can be cold at night. Pack for both extremes to remain safe, as well as comfortable.
* Arizona – Sprinkled throughout central and southern Arizona are primitive ATV trails just waiting to be explored. Go-Arizona.com recommends exploring Box Canyon of the Hassayampa Trail, an intermediate to difficult 13-mile trail through the desert. Along the way, stop through ghost towns and cemetaries for a glimpse into the old Southwest.

West – Riding at high mountain altitudes can be a challenge, and handling physical exertion on your 4-wheeler can be tricky in the thin, low-oxygen mountain air. If you’re travelling here for a vacation, take a few days to adjust to the climate. You’ll feel better while riding and be less likely to be affected by altitude sickness.

* Utah – The Moab riding region in Southeast Utah is renowned for breathtaking and challenging ATV riding, and rightfully so. Make your way through the lush, dramatic landscape of the Colorado River Canyon. Summit the appropriately named “Top of the World” scenic point, where you can survey 360-degree panoramic views of mountains, sweeping red rock valleys and dense mineral beds. If you don’t want to camp, spend the night along your route in one of the many lodging opportunities that offer spectacular views.

Now that you know the region and trails you want to explore on your ATV, and have riding tips to make your excursion more comfortable, all you have to do is pack your things and get going. Riding in a new or unfamiliar area always poses as a risk for theft or damages to your ATV. Be sure to protect your investment with a comprehensive ATV insurance policy. Contact a company, like Nationwide, for ATV insurance discounts and more today.

Right in the heart of northern Michigan, Mio is nestled in the middle of the massive Huron National Forest. The nearest major freeway is about an hour away from this quaint small town. Although accommodations in the area are somewhat limited, Mio has a number of restaurants, fueling stations, and bars to offer visitors. There’s a large chain supermarket that carries just about anything you could need. A vast network of well-groomed ATV trails encompasses the entire area. Trips of any length are easy to accommodate. Many thrill seekers will venture out into the forest and camp overnight out in the middle of nowhere. There is a wide variety of different terrain to explore and navigate. During the winter months, snowmobiles are extremely popular. Other popular activities in the area include fishing, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. Equipment rentals are available from a number of local businesses. Check with the local visitor’s center for guidelines and restrictions regarding ATV use and camping.

If you’re looking for an extremely remote wilderness experience well off of the beaten path, Drummond Island is just the place for you. This large island is located at the easternmost tip of the Upper Peninsula. It can only be reached by a year round ferry service. Accommodations are extremely limited and camping is the best option. Public ATV trails cover the entire island. Some trails are extremely well groomed, but others are more difficult to navigate. Camping is allowed if you obtain a permit in advance. Fishing and hunting are very popular activities to enjoy while you’re there. Due to the large amount of snowfall during winter months, snowmobiles are the preferred method of transportation. It’s not uncommon for residents to get snowed in once or twice a season. Those willing to bear these sometimes harsh conditions are rewarded with one of the most pristine examples of nature in the country.

Whether you’re seeking a wild wilderness adventure or something a bit more civilized, northern Michigan is an excellent ATV destination.

Mini Quad ATV’s, on the other hand, are much smaller ATV’s, which were designed specifically for the use and enjoyment of children. ATV’s with an engine size of 50 cc are recommended for children 6 to 12 years of age. ATV’s with an engine size of 90 cc are recommended for children and teenagers 12 to 16 years of age, and ATV’s with an engine size of 90 cc and above is recommended for teenagers 16 years of age and above. These ATV’s are equipped with additional safety features, such as remote controlled speed regulators and emergency kill switches, and are equipped with the regular safety features of regular ATV’s like brakes, rear and head lamps, and signal lights. For additional safety, it is recommended to make kids, or any person, wear safety gear for added protection. Mini Quad ATV’s were designed specifically for the outdoor enjoyment and recreation of children, which should be under the watchful eye, at all times, of adults.

Read more about Mini Quad8 Information and Safety Tips.

You can also check latest price on Kids Mini Quad Atv at http://www.miniquadatv.com

The first thing you want to do is have the seller start the engine. Far too often, especially with very old models that have been in service for a long time, it is difficult to start an aging ATV and takes multiple attempts. This could be a result of a number of things, but age and wear are often the major contributing factors. Listen for any strange noises once the engine is started. Rev it up a few times to see how it sounds and take it for a short test drive if possible. Most dirk bikes and ATVs aren’t worth a lot of money, so if the engine is shot, the whole thing is practically worthless. If you feel comfortable with the way it looks and sounds, proceed to the next steps. If it isn’t shaping up so well, walk away and look for something different.

Next thing you’ll want to look for is body damage. Excessive damage to the body or frame is usually a sign that the previous owner ran the bike or four wheeler way too hard. You definitely don’t want to buy something that is almost on its last leg. You’re looking for something that will last you for years to come, so make sure the seller cared for it the same way you would. Also make sure to check the tires for damage or wear. While tires aren’t overly expensive to replace, it’s an added cost you won’t want to have to bear. If the ATV looks like it’s going to need new tires soon, try to negotiate and lower the price. Most people will be looking to haggle and you should use any information you have to get yourself a better deal.

Arturo Chuong is currently writing about sports, and travel related articles. Check out Jansport’s lightweight luggage, sporting, hiking, and business bags including, rolling luggage, laptop cases, and functional luggage.

Here are 7 ways to prevent winch theft.

Buy a winch lock or a security bolt lock. They prevent access to the bolt and can only be removed with a special key. Just make sure you don’t lose the key, in case you ever need to take your winch off!
Weld a section of C-Channel over the bolt heads to prevent access to the bolts.
Weld a cap over one or several of the bolts. If you ever need to remove your winch to repair or replace it, you’ll need to grind off the cap.
Weld the bolts and nuts together. Some have done this and it’s worked just fine; others claim that the extreme heat can weaken the bolts. So while it’s not the best option, it is an option. Most winch manufacturers advise against welding the bolts because it could compromise the strength of the bolts.
Secure the winch with a cable and lock. While it’s not the most secure option by far, it may be enough to discourage the casual thief looking for an easy target. At the very least, it slows down the thief and gives you a better chance of catching them in the act.
Use a winch cover. Sometimes the best way to keep your stuff from getting ripped off is to keep it out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind.
Take the winch off and put it back on only when you go offroading. Sound like too much work? That’s what I thought. But it’s an option. If you mount your winch with a receiver hitch instead of a permanent winch mount, this option sounds a little more realistic.
If you have another way to protect your winch from theft, let me know in the comments!
Copyright 2009 Gorilla Winches. Get a limited lifetime warranty and FREE SHIPPING on all ATV and truck winches and winch covers from Gorilla Winches at http://www.gorillawinches.com

For more info on winch maintenance and off road recovery, visit the Gorilla Winch Blog.

Reprint Rights: Feel free to reprint this article, provided that the article is published in its entirety as written and includes the copyright section, author bio, and active URL links.

Meet the Candidates
How is one to decide? Polaris makes a strong case for both the mid-size Sportsman 400 H.O. and its full-size 500 H.O. model – the 400 is a new entry level machine with big boy features, while the full-size 500 offers a larger engine and a slight price penalty. With such a narrow difference in fiscal policy (a.k.a. price), the choice seems fairly insignificant.

As you dig in to the specifics, though, you’ll see there are some meaningful differences that must be aired out – namely how the 400 spins the truth and actually packs a 455cc single cylinder engine from the departed Sportsman 450, whereas the 500 meets expectations with a 499cc unit in office for a decade. Looking at dry weights, obesity being a key issue and all, there’s a 91-pound advantage for the 400 – 605 pounds versus 696.

The wheelbases also offer a stark contrast. The 400 is 4.5 inches shorter than the 500, which makes for a more manageable package for less experienced riders, or loading up in a crowded toy hauler. Let’s not get bogged down in contrast – there’s a lot in common here, too. Both rigs have carburetors and liquid cooling, are suspended by MacPherson struts in front and IRS out back, display vital statistics through full instrumentation and divide power with the company’s selectable “true” on-demand all-wheel drive. Sounds even-Steven but we’re nowhere close to naming a front runner.

The Initial Debate
It was time for some face time, a true knock-down-drag-out debate. Forget Iowa, New Hampshire or the Carolinas, we’re outdoorsmen here at ATV Magazine and headed for the snowy trails of northwest Wisconsin to pit the candidates head-to-head.

Just thirty seconds into our trail ride, and with only 2 miles on the odometer, we noticed the four-wheel drive wouldn’t engage on the 400. We were unable to self-diagnose the problem. A tough first debate had now raised some potentially serious character flaws with the red candidate.

Even though our destination was snow-covered and slippery, 4WD wasn’t essential and we continued along the undulating, scenic woods trails. Switching off between the two clearly illustrated a disparity in suspension performance. Our 500 rode like so many Polaris 500 H.O.’s before it – soft. Bumps are absorbed to the point of elimination, for a fatigue-free experience. Credit that to the 500′s ample 8.2 and 9.5 inches of suspension travel, front and rear, compared with 7 and 8 for the 400. Acceleration is moderate, body roll isn’t a concern, controls are where you expect them and it feels like a true-blue, full-size machine.

Bruised, but still fighting, the 400 motored along like the underdog it was – lighter and less bulky. Two testers, tall and taller, both felt comfortable on the downsized ride and appreciated its tossability. The four-hundo still delivers that trademark cushy Polaris ride, but whether it’s firmer dampening rates, different suspension geometry or the shorter wheelbase, there is less rider comfort. Instead, riders get a sportier feel than the 500. Lower fenders and three inches less width for the 400 back up the smaller, playful feel imparted by the lower curb weight.
This round’s a draw.

The Power to Change
Finding a clear victor is easier when it comes to raw power. Polaris says the 500′s mill generates 35.9 peak hp, and 31.1 pound-feet of torque at 5000 revolutions, while the 400′s 29.2 peak hp and 24.6 pound-feet of torque scrambles to catch up.

There’s that weight difference, though, and for that very reason, we pulled out the radar gun and did some acceleration testing – never a bad way to kill some time on a deserted country road.

Less weight and more petite dimensions were not enough for the 400, which was soundly outrun by the faster 500. It took 101 feet for the 400 to hit 30 mph, while the 500 accomplished the same task in less than 90 feet. After putting on several miles, and frequently switching between machines, the numbers weren’t a surprise. They’re both fairly close, and can hang with each other on trails, but the 500 wins the speed voters.

Kitchen Table Issues

More time with the candidates brought out some of the finer points of contention – matters of performance, harshness and tone.

On paper, there’s nothing different with the duo’s braking packages. Both offer single-lever hydraulic discs up front and a hydraulic rear foot brake – traditional single-lever braking. But, then you look at the actual record. Our 400′s braking was noticeably front-loaded, with nearly all of perceived braking force sent to the front wheels. Around slippery corners, it was enough to send the machine into instant understeer. Braking on the 500, on the other hand, is a model of consistency – exactly what you expect, when you expect it, and without the front-heavy bias.

Ergonomics are another battleground for any consumer cross shopping these two. As both of our testers were above the 6-foot mark, we were surprised to feel comfortable with both. The trimmer 400 felt like a 9/10ths scale quad designed for smaller riders, but it’s still spacious enough to appeal to the masses.

With all things being equal, noise, vibration and harshness can make a big difference to fickle comparison shoppers. Why go with one, when another is less irritating? To that end, neither single-cylinder engine is all that high-tech or polished. Since this is a debate, after all, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give it to you straight – the age-old 500 vibrates less, a nod to its years of refinement. While the 400 is not harsh, there is more engine and chassis vibration that makes it to the rider. There’s no landslide here, but the Sportsman 500 is the smoother operator.

Wedge Issues

Moving past the big-ticket questions, there are a few small differences worth mentioning. You never know what’s a deal breaker with pesky issue voters. First up, while it has most of the full-sized features of the 500, the 400 does not have low-range or parking gears.

If you’re shopping for a Polaris Sportsman, you’re probably excited about that storage bin under the front rack – we love the feature and use it every chance we get. A smaller space, combined with service access to the radiator and battery charger plug creates a smaller cubbyhole on the 400. It’s still usable storage, but 500 H.O. buyers can be more of a pack rat up front and they get an additional storage box under the rear rack.

Instrumentation is another area that shows some minor cost cutting on the 400 – its all-digital gauges are not as readable as the digital-and-analog display on the 500. There’s also a pod light on the 500. Hey, this is a campaign, and every little detail counts.

Damage Control

As the sun was setting and the trail reached a dead end, it was time to turn around and head back to the trailhead. We gave it all we had for a powerslide-filled trip back, trying to make the final call on these two opposing rides. The truck’s always a good place to think.

Back at the shop, we decided to dig up some answers on the 400′s faulty 4WD system. Polaris service technicians later poked around, prodded and told us that a snap ring either popped out of its groove in the main gear case, or it was never seated at the assembly line. When the power was transmitted through, it pushed against the snap ring until the pinion gear on the snorkel shaft was no longer making contact – hence, no front-wheel action.

Surely a problem bound to be cast in a harsh light by the media. Not so! ATV Magazine has a proud history of objective reporting. Such driveline problems are rare for any mainstream manufacturer, and we’ll cautiously attribute it to a one-off blunder.

Election Day

Trying to nail down a winner, the media rehashed the same old questions. Who’s the ideal buyer for the smaller 400? Who should go with the larger 500? Is there enough of a difference between them? And, which would us testers go with, if we had to make the call for ourselves?

Our vote? The Sportsman 500 H.O., for its full size, super-plush ride, low range, higher speed, more torque and the fact that a Sportsman 500 has never been priced so low. Whether it’s work or play, and we like both, there are plenty of reasons to justify the extra $400 spent. Store more gear, haul more butt, pull more stuff.

By contrast, those maybe aren’t major compromises for someone who appreciates the simpler operation, more managable dimension and lighter weight of the Sportsman 400 H.O. It may offer more of the important-to-you features than any other quad in its class.

What’s right for you? That’s your call. But if you’re like us, and you’re looking for a full-size worker and a lively trail rider, mark your ballot for the Sportsman 500 H.O.

For more articles like this, please visit http://www.atvmagonline.com to get the latest news and info in the ATV industry!

The Mini Quad ATV is equipped with state of the art safety features that ensure our kids safety, and our peace of mind. Children are not as technically skilled as adults, which require a different setup of features; not normally found in bigger and more advanced ATV’s. The mini quad is equipped with two headlights, both low and high beam, which is a standard in all mini quads. It is equipped with two taillights (LED) and brake lights, which serves as a signal and warning for turning left or right, and a signal for when the vehicle has or is about to halt to a complete stop. The quad is equipped a tire pressure gauge, which measures the tire’s tire pressure. It is equipped with safety controls, like a thumb throttle, electrical start, brake lever (normal braking procedures), kill switch (emergency stoppage), and a remote controlled vehicle safety switch that remotely controls the desired speed of the quad. The mini quad is equipped with a safety tether, found at the rear of the vehicle, which acts as an emergency kill switch. All mini quads come with their own individual ignition keys. The mini quad has a standard twelve volt motorcycle battery that powers the quad’s electrical demands. All Mini Quad ATV’s come with a standard safety foot rest, which allows stability for its riders.

Aside from the quads safety features, it is recommended to make our kids wear additional safety gear, such as helmets and padding, for added safety and protection.

Read more about Mini Quad Information and Safety Tips.

You can also check latest price on Kids Mini Quad Atv at http://www.miniquadatv.com