Choosing the Right ATV: A Buyer's Guide to Off-Road Adventure Machines

May. 8 2024 Miscellaneous By FFUN Motorsports Central

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are three or four-wheel motorized off-road vehicles for navigating rugged roads. ATVs are best for even or uneven, rough terrains thanks to their low-pressure tires that make them lightweight and able to move through rugged terrains. They have a straddle seating position, powerful engines and handlebars. Choosing the best ATV requires a buyer’s guide to help select your perfect off-road vehicle.  

Purpose of the All-terrain vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV)

The ATVs are for numerous purposes, including racing, hunting, Powersports, off-road adventures, riding trails, farming, plowing snow, recreation, and emergencies. At this point, you need to define the purpose of the ATV before starting the purchase process. For instance, you can choose heavy-duty ATVs or UTVs with high hauling and towing capacity for hard tasks such as towing, plowing, and farming to navigate deep mud.

Types of ATVs 

After determining how you want to use the ATV, it's time to choose the ideal type of all-terrain vehicle that can serve the purpose. 

  • Utility ATVs: these all-terrain automotives feature large engines and short travel suspension fit for working or hunting workhorses. They include the Polaris Sportsman, Brute Force, Yamaha Grizzly EPS, Can-Am Outlander, and Score.    

  •  Sport Quads: The ATVs are lightweight ATVs with solid suspension systems ideal for power sports. These sport ATVs include the Yamaha Raptor, Honda TRX450R, and Suzuki LTZ. 

  • Side by sides (sxs): These side-by-side vehicles are large with a small wheelbase and are best for transporting people and freight, and providing flexibility and agility in sporting events. The best SXS include the Kawasaki Mule Pro, Can-Am Defender XT, and Polaris Ranger 1000.

  • Youth ATVs: These types of ATVs are smaller in size, use little or no fuel, have no gears, and allow automatic drive for kid’s fun. The most popular youth ATVs include the Polaris Outlaw, Yamaha Raptor 90, and Suzuki Quadsport. 

ATV Models 

After finding the type of ATV, you can use the buying guide to identify brands with the best ATVs offered for the intended purpose. Some of the best ATV models or brands include:

  • Can-Am

  • Polaris

  • Honda 

  • Arctic Cat

  • Yamaha 

  • Kawasaki

Engine Size  

Another essential aspect to consider before choosing the right ATV is the engine power of the four-wheeler. Most off-road vehicles have two or four-stroke, liquid-cooled and v-twin engines with a horsepower that ranges from 50cc to 1000cc, which is small to large. The engine size determines the weight, price, MSRPs, and speed. Consider an ATV with a large powerful engine if it is for sports, farm work, or racing, or smaller ones if the machine is for trail riding for fun by a beginner. 

Other Aspects to Consider

 Using a buyer's guide, you can consider off-road vehicles with top-quality electronic power steering (EPS), a suspension system that improves ride quality and high ground clearance. The durability of the new ATVs or UTVs is vital to withstand the rugged terrains. ATVs should also have bumpers that can absorb the shocks in off roads to prevent damage and collisions. Considering the ATV accessories such as a winch, protective gear, light bars, safety features, and GPS systems is also essential when choosing the right ATV or UTV. 

Find the Best ATV or UTVs 

Visit our FFUN Motorsports Central dealerships in Kenora, Portage, and Winnipeg locations to check our ATV offers and choose the best option that meets your needs, including powersports and other light to heavy-duty tasks. We have top ATVs with warranties to ensure the type, brand and model you choose suits you. You can apply for finances from one of our financing options.