ATVs

Remember summer camps? If you’re over 40, summer camps for our generation were chalk full of outdoor activities, ATVs being one of them. Not that summer camps these days likely don’t feature the same, but ATVs back in the day were still a bit sketchy. Sketchy in the sense that adults knew they could let kids use them supervised, but it was still the wild-wild west when it came to literally letting your little one go nuts on an ATV. Slower than motorcycles and sturdier, the ATV was and is an absolute blast to ride. And if you’re in the market, keep reading, because this post is directed at you.

The current ATV market has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. A 300cc engine for example used to be considered top-of-the-line fast. By 2007 that bumped up to 700cc and nowadays we’re easily north of 1,000cc. Like other industries, ATVs started out with a limited offering and the plethora of models today is mind-boggling. Everything from ATVs outfitted with sound systems, GPS, power steering, windshields, the list is endless. In a way the sector became less sporty and more mainstream which is good for the public at large because there is an ATV for every type of buyer in 2019.

To begin with, ATVs are sorted into 3 categories. First up are sport ATVs, designed for competition, are lightweight, fast and naturally great around the corners. Creature comforts are not as readily available with sport ATVs, but the thrill in driving them makes up for any frills you might long for. Clutches, manual transmissions, swing-arm rear suspension, rear wheel drive, these are common in the sport category.

Second is the utility ATV. You won’t get sport performance with a utility SUV, but you will be able to go literally anywhere on these bad boys. Designed to pull trailers and haul loads, utility ATVs are perfect for casual work, camping or general play. They feature automatic transmissions, and while slower, can do more of anything compared to sport ATVs for example. An apt comparison to the animal world would be riding a friendly bear, as opposed to a horse. Makes sense, right?

Last is the youth ATV. These are as the title suggests, beginner machines. With engines as small as 50cc, the youth ATV is smaller, understandably, and designed to bring kids along slowly but surely with ATV riding and culture. You will find very few bells and whistles here, and most are low maintenance but also not designed to be pushed to the limit. In fact, pushing youth ATVs farther than you should will land you in an expensive pickle. There are 6-year old youth ATVs, 12-year old, and then young adult.

As we mentioned earlier, the plethora of ATV brands out there is numerous. But within the industry, there is something known as the “Big 6.” You guessed it, the 6 brands that are manufacturing kings in the ATV market. These are – Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha. The best in class choice, hands-down, is Honda. Honda has been an ATV player for several decades now and the Honda ATC and Honda Pilot FL400 are renowned models in the ATV world. Can-Am on the other hand is known as an innovator, featuring some groundbreaking technology and super powerful engines easily capable of exceeding 91 horsepower. Polaris is best in class toughness while Suzuki takes the cake with best in class sport/utility.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better weekend event with the kids than ATV riding. Happy hunting, and if buying isn’t in the plans yet, rent a couple this weekend, the adrenalin rush alone is worth it!