Seriously, do you want to buy an ATV? If your answer is yes, but you are not sure how to go about it - well, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will find some great tips on buying an ATV - so, let's read on!
First thing first - you must always keep an open mind when it comes to buying an ATV. Just because your friends like a particular brand, it does not mean that you have to get that brand's ATV. What they like may not be what you really want. And if you preset in your mind now that there are certain brands of ATVs that you will never want to get, you are on the losing end because now you are restricting yourself the choices of ATVs that you will find in the market. So, keep your mind and options open - who knows, there may just be an off brand ATV that you never thought you'd buy but end up buying instead?
Next, let's take a look at your budget. Ask yourself this question "How much am I willing to pay for my ATV?" This is a very important question because it is one of the deciding factors of your ATV purchase. Once you are able to ascertain the amount that you are willing to spend on buying your ATV, the process becomes a little easier. Then ask yourself this question "How will I ride my ATV - for recreational purpose or racing?" This question is also another deciding factor for your ATV purchase because the type of ATV that you decide to buy largely depends on how you will be riding it.
Before you decide on which ATV dealer to buy your ATV from, it's best to look around first. If you are interested in branded ATVs as well, there is no harm in checking out their websites and compare the notes and prices of their ATVs against the other off brand ATVs. When you do that, you are actually broadening your choices of ATVs. Hence, when you do some comparison notes on the ATVs that you like, you should be able to shortlist your choices.
A word of advise though - don't think that just because it is an off brand ATV or a Chinese ATV, it will not be as good as one of those top of the line ATVs like Yamaha or Polaris. Some of these off brand ATVs or Chinese ATVs are just as good as those branded one, and they come a lot cheaper. Don't be "blinded" by the name of an ATV.
Below are some quick tips on how to choose your ATV or when you are "test driving" it :-
1. Comfort is a must so when you are seated on the ATV, be sure that your feet lands squarely on the floorboard or foot peg.
2. Check and see if your thighs are parallel with the ground - it should.
3. If your knees are high or if your shoulders are hunched over - the ATV is too small for you.
4. You should be able to easily reach the handlebars and turn the handlebars without stretching or leaning.
5. There should be a slight bend in your elbows when you are holding the handlebars - if you notice that your arms are straight, the ATV is too big for you.
6. When are your riding on the ATV, you should be able to lean into a turn without having to let go of the handlebars. Reaching for the hand levers and brakes should be easy tasks for you.
Remember, what you like may not be what others like and what they like may not necessarily be what you must have - just go with your instincts and with some good sense, you will find the "perfect" ATV for yourself!