Choosing an ATV

Ready to make yourself a proud powersports vehicle owner? All-terrain vehicles (ATVs, also called quads or four-wheelers) are a perennially popular choice for adrenaline junkies all across the country. You can tear up trails, cruise through mud puddles and speed around tracks with friends and family!

But choosing the right 4-wheeler means carefully considering what your needs and wants are as a powersports rider. As your local quad dealer, Escondido Cycle Center is more than happy to provide you with the information you need to make a smart purchasing decision.

Types of Quads

First, think about how you want to ride. There are two types of ATVs you’ll want to consider: sport ATVs and utility ATVs. Both are great in their own ways but have some minor differences that it pays to be aware of.

Sport ATVs are the more agile and faster of the two quad options, and they are intended for purely recreational riding. They are great on trails and rugged ground with their solid suspension systems and speedy motors.

Utility ATVs are a little more boxy because they’re intended to help you with heavy-duty work needs, so they might have cargo racks or other features. They often have higher towing capacities to let you haul equipment or trailers behind you.

Your Riding Level

How much experience you have is also going to be a determining factor when it comes to choosing the right 4-wheeler. After all, you don’t want to get something that’s too powerful for you to safely control, but you don’t want to get something that feels too slow and amateurish.

Novices should stick with lower-powered engines of no more than about 300cc. This will help them to master the basics and become comfortable with how an ATV feels without being completely overwhelmed with power. Other good beginner features include throttle limiters, keyed ignitions, footplates and automatic CVT transmissions. Talk to the staff here at Escondido Cycle Center about how much riding experience you have so that we can help you choose a suitable quad.

Desired Features

Next, think about what additional features you might want on your quad. You could go with a basic model that just has the bare minimum of what you need, or you could go for one that’s got more bells and whistles. Obviously, a more feature-laden quad will cost more, but it’s worth it if you want those amenities! Some ATVs might come with a bigger seat, a stronger suspension system, or even a second seat to allow you to bring a passenger along for the ride. Fenders can help to prevent mud from splashing you. A winch can let you haul and tow.

Budget

Think about how much you can afford to spend on an ATV before you go to the dealership to look at models. You want to establish a firm budget so you don’t spend beyond your means. Don’t just think about the sticker price, either! You also need to consider accessories like riding gear (helmets are very important), different sets of tires, repair tools and so forth. You will also want to factor in maintenance costs and general upkeep, as well as any insurance costs. Having a budget will help you get the vehicle you want without spending all your money on features you don’t need.

Ready to choose the perfect four-wheeler? Stop by our location in Escondido, California, to check out our wide selection of new and used ATVs for sale. Escondido Cycle Center proudly serves San Diego and Oceanside, California.