Get FinancingKnow Your ATVs
ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), also known as “four-wheelers,” “quad bikes,” “quad cycles,” or simply “quads,” are designed specifically for off-road riding. Although typically built to hold one rider, there are a number of tandem (or “2-Up”) ATVs with large enough seats to hold two people single file. In that way they are distinct from UTVs (utility vehicles, also referred to as “side-by-sides”) that can carry two to six people with seats arranged similarly to those in passenger cars. While all ATVs have the same basic layout, there are several subtypes available, including recreation, utility, sport, and youth ATVs, as well as six-wheelers, AATVs (amphibious ATVs), and others. Read on to learn more about each type of ATV and find a model that will meet your needs.
Recreation/Utility ATVs
Recreation and utility ATVs are the most common models available; owners use them for a wide range of industries and applications, including agriculture, ranching, hunting, surveying, forestry, law enforcement, military, and more. While they may come specced with high-performance features, they are often larger, heavier, and less agile than sport ATVs, which are often faster and designed to compete in races and other off-road events.
Utility ATVs are no less powerful than other ATVs, but channel that power into towing and hauling cargo. In fact, some models are capable of towing as much as 1,750 pounds (794 kilograms) and have payload capacities of nearly 750 pounds (340 kilograms). Other common features include storage racks in the front and rear, LED work lights, and a variety of accessory options, such as windshields, winches, reinforced bumpers, and even tracks for riding in winter.
A popular recreation/utility ATV model is the Honda FourTrax Foreman 4X4, which features a 518cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine and a five-speed transmission. It also has a curb weight of 636 pounds (288.5 kilograms), a front rack capacity of 88 pounds (40 kilograms), and a rear rack capacity of 176 pounds (80 kilograms).
Another example is the high-spec Polaris Sportsman XP 1000S, which features a powerful 952cc engine that produces 89 horsepower (66.4 kilowatts). This 970-pound (440-kilogram) workhorse is designed to carry heavy loads with a 715-pound (324-kilogram) payload capacity and 1,750-pound hitch towing rating. It also features front and rear racks with capacities of 200 and 300 pounds (91 and 136 kilograms), respectively.
Sport ATVs
Sport ATVs live up to their name, as they are designed to handle trail and track riding as part of a fun weekend or for use in competitive events. They are typically lighter and more aerodynamic than utility ATVs to maximize speed and feature long-travel suspensions that help them better handle the jumps you might find on a motocross track. In essence, every facet of a sport ATV from the engine and transmission to the frame, seat, and tires are fine-tuned for the highest level of performance. However, with add-ons and accessories, such as windshields or LED lights, some sport ATVs do cross over somewhat with recreation/utility models.
One of the more popular sport ATV models is the Yamaha Raptor 700R. It features a 686cc four-stroke engine, a five-speed transmission with wet multi-plate clutch, and electric start. It also has a wet weight of 422 pounds (191 kilograms), maximum ground clearance of 9.5 inches (24 centimeters), and a rear and front suspension with 9.1 and 10.1 inches (23 and 25.7 centimeters) of travel, respectively. Other features include an ergonomically designed seat, wide 45-millimeter foot pegs, twin aluminum-piston front disc brakes, and standard headlights and LED brake light.
Youth ATVs
Youth ATVs serve as starter machines for children aged 10 years and older. Most youth ATVs are essentially smaller versions of full-sized models intended to simulate the experience in a slower and safer way, but there are smaller, electric models that may even be suitable for riders younger than 10 years old. They typically feature engines ranging from 50cc to 125cc and throttle limiters that allow parents and instructors to set speed limits for young riders. Many youth ATVs also come with standard safety features not typically found on full-sized models, including daytime running lights, safety flags, safety tethers, and more.
Take the Can-Am DS 90, for instance. It features an 89.5cc, four-stroke engine and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that has forward, neutral, and reverse gears. The 250-pound (113-kilogram) four-wheeler also has a built-in throttle limiter, neutral and reverse lights, and daytime running lights.
Other Types Of ATVs
There are several additional types of ATVs that don’t fit neatly into the aforementioned categories, including 6x6 models and eight-wheelers. There are also AATVs on the market that can operate on land or in the water. AATVs are typically slower than other ATVs, especially in the water, and while some models are straddled, most AATVs more closely resemble a UTV without a cab or ROPS (rollover protection system). ARGO is a popular manufacturer of amphibious models and other non-conventional ATVs.
An example of a 6x6 model that is essentially a standard recreation/utility ATV with an extended rear end and an extra axle is the Polaris Sportsman 6X6 570 Big Boss. This 1,075-pound (488-kilogram) six-wheeler features a 567cc, 44-horsepower (33-kilowatt), four-stroke engine and an automatic transmission. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,115 pounds (506 kilograms), and a rear rack that sits atop the four rear wheels and has a capacity of 800 pounds (363 kilograms). It also has a hitch tow rating of 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms). With options to add a Polaris HD winch or a Glacier plow system, the Big Boss is well-suited for work on large farms, ranches, and acreages all year round.
Find The Right ATV For You
MotorSportsUniverse.com has a large selection of new and used ATVs for sale from such popular brands as Arctic Cat, Can-Am, CFMOTO, Honda, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Prices range from $500 to upwards of $25,000 with model years from 1982 to today, so no matter what you’re after, you’ll find the right ATV right here.