Choosing An ATV

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are among the most popular powersports vehicles available. Riders love them for their high-powered engines and rugged construction. These qualities provide an adrenaline-pumping riding experience, whether you’re off-roading, at the track, or on a trail. But figuring out which type of four-wheeler is right for you can be something of a challenge given the vast selection that’s on the market. Here at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, we have experience with many different types of ATVs, so we’ve created this guide to choosing an ATV to help you narrow down your options.

Types Of ATVs

There are a few different types of ATVs on the market, each suited to a specific riding purpose. You can save yourself some trouble by determining how you plan to use your four-wheeler, then look for an ATV in that specific category.

Sport ATVs are what most people think of when they think of an ATV. They’re sleek, fast, and made for recreational riding. These ATVs will give you the adrenaline-pumping thrills you seek if you’re into racing on the track, off-roading, or riding special four-wheeler trails out in the wilderness.

Utility ATVs are less common, but very practical for certain lines of work that require quick, nimble transport that doesn’t take up nearly as much space as a car or truck. They’re larger and boxier in build than sport ATVs, and they often come equipped to handle heavy duty tasks with features like cargo racks and tow hitches.

Features

Some riders simply want the most basic model available, especially if they’re looking to save some money. However, there are plenty of ATVs with great features that may be worth the extra cash. Perhaps you want one of the two-seater ATVs with a hardier suspension system so you can take a friend along for the ride. Maybe you want more comfort during your ride, so you’ll want to look for fenders that keep mud from splashing you. Or you could want extra lights or a cargo box for storage purposes. Think about what it is you need on your ATV and use that to search for your ideal ride.

Budget

Before you go shopping for your ATV, it’s wise to establish a budget to limit how much you can honestly afford to spend. Be conservative with this number and make sure that you stick to it, no matter how much you’re pressured to do otherwise. A budget also helps you to rule out any models that are hundreds or thousands of dollars more expensive than what you’re willing to spend. Remember that you’ll want to account for the costs of repairs, insurance, helmets, and other riding gear in your budget, too.

Riding Level

If you’re new to ATV riding, you may want to stick with a four-wheeler that has a less powerful engine. Getting a vehicle that’s too powerful for your skill level can overwhelm you, making you feel like you don’t have control of the four-wheeler and potentially increasing the likelihood that you’ll get into an accident. New riders can also benefit from features like automatic CVT transmissions, keyed ignitions, and throttle limiters. Of course, more experienced riders will probably want to look into more powerful vehicles because they have the skills to handle them.

When you’re ready to see some four-wheelers for yourself, come down to our Lake City dealership. Our talented sales staff can show you our full inventory of new and used ATVs by all the top brands so you can get the powersports vehicle you’ve always dreamed of! Interstate Cycles also serves the cities of Tallahassee, Gainesville and Alachua, Florida.