Manual or automatic?
Generally, if you are looking for the fuel economy of a mid-sized ATV (approx 400cc), but want to be able to tow a reasonable-sized trailer with hay etc, a manual would be your preferred option.
If, on the other hand, you are looking at predominately using your ATV as a people-mover or simply want ease of use, then automatic might be a better way to go.
Axles and suspension
For those that want to tow, look for a model with a rigid rear axle. They can handle the weight much better and will not lose ground clearance, which is what happens to models with independent rear suspension.
Independent suspension models do come into their own as far as rider comfort goes across rough ground, but the rigid rear axles offer more stability on the sides of hills.
Ultimately, it will come down to a personal choice, as some brands do work better than others and, in my experience, where one models fails in someone’s eyes it will succeed in another’s.
Engine size
Most people will only need around the 400cc size, and the fuel injected smaller ATVs have very impressive power output. This rivals some of their bigger brothers in power, but it is accepted that you can’t beat pure grunt and, when it comes to lugging heavy loads up hills and down dales, the 500cc and up range of models shine.
Be aware – the bigger you go, the more they enjoy their petrol.
Power steering
Power steering is another new option that has become available, and I think it will become a standard feature. Once you drive a power steer model, it’s hard to do without it.
Time will tell, but for an extra $600 or so you certainly appreciate the difference. Who would buy a car without power steering these days?
Cooling
Most models will now offer you water or oil cooling. Either method of cooling works fine and shouldn’t be the deciding factor on any purchase.
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a fairly new feature on some ATVs and is certainly adding to the performance of the smaller cc machines, with the added advantages of power delivery and fuel economy.
However, clean fuel is critical so check those containers you carry your petrol in or you will find yourself cleaning fuel filters more than you would want.
Braking
Braking comes in two forms – disc brakes on the front, or either drum or disc on the rear.
Disc is generally regarded as best, but some models eat brake pads for breakfast. This can depend on its type of use or the conditions, but it might be best to see what sort of run the neighbours are having with their model – this is a good indicator on what you can expect if you have similar uses.
Don’t be afraid of drum brakes as they are cheaper to service and, unless you are going through rivers or similar, work well.
Final thoughts
So, spoilt for choice you are, and when we look back to the 80s when our ATVs were chain-drive, two-wheel drives, it’s hard to believe how far they have come in just 20 years.
When we look at the price tag of around $10,000 back in the early 1990s, we now have models with all the benefits of today’s technology that, if not for the drop in the dollar, are virtually the same price.
If in doubt what to purchase, ask your local dealer for a demonstration – a demo costs you nothing. Don’t be afraid to try different models and play their features off against one another, but remember to compare apples with apples because the old adage of you get what you pay for still applies – you have never been able to buy a BMW at a Skoda price.