ATV Ground Clearance and Why It Matters
Your ATV is a rugged, compact powerhouse of a machine, but it still has its limitations. We here at Escondido Cycle Center believe that knowing your ride helps you control and care for it, so we’ve put together some information on ATV ground clearance and how it impacts you, below. To learn more, or to see the ATVs we have for sale, contact our store in Escondido, California, today!
What Is ATV Ground Clearance?
The short answer is that it’s the distance between your ATV and the ground below it, but naturally it isn’t quite that simple. Every part and system in your ATV’s undercarriage has its own distinct ground clearance, since some parts hang lower than others.
We recommend measuring the ground clearance of each part you can find, but you’ll first have to park your ATV on smooth, flat ground like a paved driveway or hard-packed dirt. Use a measuring tape and figure out the distance between each part and the ground, then record your findings.
Why Does It Matter?
An ATV’s ground clearance has impacts on accessibility, ease-of-use, and where the ATV can safely drive. Lower ground clearance, for instance, means loading, unloading, mounting, and dismounting the ATV is all easier. This makes it better for shorter individuals, people with some mobility issues, and anyone using the ATV for work.
High ground clearance, however, is better for off-roading, since it will keep your undercarriage safer when you drive through mud or over uneven ground and obstacles.
Ready to hit the road? Contact us at Escondido Cycle Center for more information, or to browse through our various ATVs. We proudly serve the people of San Diego and Oceanside, California—let us serve you today!
