About to Grab Yourself a Shiny New ATV? Look for These 5 Features

For those who are unaware, the abbreviation “ATV” means all-terrain vehicle. These can be fun to operate in many circumstances. They’re not street legal, but using one in the woods on trails can be a great time for you and your friends or family members.  

You can visit Karl Malone Powersports if you are interested in purchasing the ATV of your dreams. When you look at some of the options, make sure that you pay particular attention to these features.

1. The Size of the Engine

With ATV engines, size definitely matters. You might think that the larger the engine, the more power the ATV will have. That is true, for the most part. However, the engine size also impacts the vehicle’s handling.

A 1000-cc engine will give you more power, but it may also make the vehicle more difficult to handle if you are a beginner.

If you are just learning about these vehicles and have not mastered riding one yet, you may want to go with something like a 500-cc engine instead.

2. The Tires

If you plan to do some ATV riding in grassy meadows with few obstacles or challenging spots, then you probably won’t need high-performance tires. If you’re going to test your riding skills and the vehicle itself by rolling over creek beds or gravel patches, then you’ll want tires that can stand up to such conditions.

Larger tires will be the way to go for off-roading, mud, etc. Smaller ones should be more your speed if you’re more concerned with gripping the terrain and giving yourself some additional traction. 

3. The Vehicle’s Size

You will also find when you’re looking at the various ATV options that are out there that they come in dramatically different sizes. If you are a larger, heavier person, then it stands to reason that you will want a larger ATV. 

In general, the larger the vehicle, the more difficult it will be to maneuver, especially for a neophyte ATV rider. A smaller one with less power would be a good starting point if you’re a smaller individual with less experience in this niche.

4. The Oil and Fluids

If you buy a brand-new ATV, then the oil and fluids should be at the optimal level. However, it’s still a good idea to check before you get out there and test your new ATV’s capabilities.

Check the fluid levels with a dipstick. You will also want to look for any metallic particles. If you see any, that could be a sign of a flaw. Even new vehicles can exhibit such issues, though they’re more common if you buy a used ATV.

5. The Brakes

You’re certainly going to want the brakes on your ATV to be functioning perfectly. Testing them when you’re out on a trail can prove disastrous. 

Any ATV retailer should be happy to let you hop on and test the vehicle before you sign anything. Test the brakes with the utmost care to make sure they are performing as they should be.