Perhaps you have heard the term and even familiarized yourself with what it looks like. But for many, you may not know precisely what the acronym ATV stands for.
In short, ATV stands for “All-Terrain Vehicle.” As the name implies, these vehicles are designed to travel under a variety of conditions. Aside from roads, they can navigate woods, fields, mud, sand, and just about any kind of terrain you can imagine.
An ATV is ridden straddle-style, similar to a motorcycle. Also, like a motorcycle, it is steered with handlebars. But ATVs have four wheels instead of two, with wide, deep-ridged tires often inflated to low pressure to maximize their surface area.
ATVs come in two main types. Type I ATVs are designated for a driver only and do not come equipped with a passenger seat. Type II ATVs are designed for a driver and a passenger, with two seats instead of one. In addition, ATVs are also available in various sizes.
Here are a few other ATV basics that you might not know.
Types Of ATVs
As you might imagine, the term “ATV” is a bit of a catch-all, encompassing various vehicles. Just like there are many styles of cars and motorcycles, there are several styles of ATV. Depending on the design, you can use them for everything from racing and recreation to search-and-rescue and military applications.
ATVs can vary widely in size, ranging from tiny 50cc youth models to large utility models with over 1,000cc motors. They can also vary in amenities, cargo capacity, and other features. Let’s take a quick look at the most common ATV styles.
Sports ATVs are light to medium-weight machines that are designed for recreation. They have a lot of suspension travel, which makes them well-suited for racing over bumps and taking sharp turns. However, cargo and towing capacity is usually limited, with emphasis instead placed on speed and maneuverability.
Utility ATVs are heavier-duty machines designed for hauling and towing, meaning larger engines (with a minimum of 700cc), plenty of torque, and typically comes equipped with a cargo rack. They are popular among ranchers and hunters and are an excellent choice for anyone who needs to get work done in hostile terrain.
Youth ATVs are tiny models designed specifically for children. In addition to their small size, they typically have an automatic transmission or no transmission, so they are easier to ride. They also come with speed limiters installed for safety. This makes them a brilliant choice for kids who are just learning to ride.
ATVs vs. UTVs
ATVs can be easily confused with UTVs, but they are not the same thing. UTVs, also known as Utility Terrain Vehicles, are built with bucket or bench seats instead of a saddle. They are often referred to as side-by-sides (SXS) because the driver and passenger sit next to each other. Some models have a second bench seat, allowing for up to five passengers, along with the driver.
As their name implies, UTVs are designed for work and hauling. They are very popular among farmers and ranchers since they allow you to haul gear down back trails where trucks cannot access.
UTVs are also becoming popular with sprawling university and corporate campuses. They can be used to move groundskeeping and maintenance equipment without a bunch of trucks and trailers ruining the pedestrian-only vibe.
Important ATV Gear
ATVs can be outfitted with any number of cargo accessories and other aftermarket modifications. But before you even start thinking about extra bells and whistles, it is essential to focus on the basics. The paraphernalia of every ATV rider should include:
Helmets
Just like riding a bicycle or a motorcycle, riding an ATV leaves you exposed. In the event of a crash — which is almost inevitable when you are zipping around in the woods — you need to protect yourself adequately. A broken arm will heal, but a concussion can leave you with permanent brain damage. Therefore, never ride without a DOT-approved helmet!
Protective Clothing
Wear heavy boots, jeans, and long sleeves when you ride. Proper ATV gloves are essential to protect your knuckles from thrown stones. On a similar note, you would want to wear goggles to keep your eyes safe.
Toolkit
There is no reason to carry an entire full-sized toolbox everywhere you go, but an ATV toolkit should have a few basics. Keep a pair of adjustable wrenches, a Swiss Army knife, duct tape, and a tire gauge. That should get you out of most ordinary mishaps.
First-Aid Kit
You should assemble a first-aid kit to help you in the instance you incur minor injuries like scrapes and bruises. Items like antibiotic ointment, Band-Aid strips, gauze, and tape are all wise choices for inclusion. It is also good to include an Ace bandage in case of any sprains. A sturdy ankle wrap can help you hold things together in the unfortunate instance you suffer an injury while operating the vehicle.
Winch
Despite their name, ATVs can and do get stuck sometimes. If you have gotten bogged down in the mud, you may need to request the assistance of a friend or family member to help tow you out. With a winch, you can wrap the cable around a tree and haul yourself out. Then, you are off and running once again!
