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An ATV in the woods

Buying An ATV

May 06, 2020

ATVs, or all terrain vehicles, are both useful work vehicles for the farm and construction site as well as thrilling off-roading rides that provide you with a fun weekend of recreation. If you’ve been thinking about getting an ATV of your own, you might be overwhelmed by the choices available. Not only are there a great number of brands out there, but there are different styles and options for your ATV depending on how you intend to use it. You’ll also want to take your budget into consideration. Here at Gordon Bay Marine of Lake Joseph, Ontario, we want to take the headache out of buying an ATV, so we’ve made this brief guide to help you figure out what you want in an all terrain vehicle.

Determine Your ATV’s Purpose

While ATVs are somewhat inherently multi-purpose, some are better for recreational riding while others are geared towards hauling heavy cargo and performing work tasks. If you plan to do a lot of track riding or off-roading on the weekends for fun, then you may want to stick with a sport ATV that’s more streamlined and made for speed and agility. Task-oriented, or utility ATVs, are sturdier, not as fast and made to handle large payloads and tow equipment and trailers. Consider your skill level as well: if you’re new to ATV riding, don’t go for the most powerful model because it might be more than you can comfortably handle. Stick to a smaller ATV that will provide you with plenty of recreational enjoyment or help on the job site while being easy to use.

Consider Transmission

ATVs come in manual and automatic transmissions, similar to a car. Many manufacturers have at least one ATV model with automatic transmission, which are great for gentle riding. Driving up hills is easier with an automatic transmission since you won’t waste time trying to downshift. On the other hand, automatic transmission ATVs don’t have the engine compression needed to go down steep hills. For utility ATVs, a manual transmission is preferable because it reduces wear and tear on your ATV’s parts.

Build A Budget

Next, you’ll want to determine your budget for your ATV. Figure out how much you can afford to spend month to month if you’re looking into financing options. Don’t forget about the other things you’ll need, like insurance and riding gear and maintenance needs. Certain options are more expensive than others, which is why it’s so important to determine how you’ll use your ATV and what you need to facilitate that usage. Don’t spring for options you don’t need or want. Buying used can also save you money if you’re not invested in the absolute newest model, and there are some great used models that will serve you well for years.

Get Riding Gear

After you get your ATV, you’ll need to get the right riding equipment to make your ride safe and secure. ATV riding can be dangerous because you’re left exposed to the open and there are no seatbelts, so if you hit something, you’re likely to be thrown from your ATV. This is why wearing a helmet is so important. If your helmet doesn’t have a face mask, invest in a pair of goggles for eye protection. You will want boots and gloves as well as chest or knee protection for more extreme riding, and you should have a repair kit and a first aid kit on your ATV. Remember to budget for these things when considering how much you can afford to spend on your ATV.

Now that you’ve armed yourself with a little information, you should drop by our dealership to see our huge selection of new and used ATVs for sale. Our capable staff can answer any questions you still have and help you find the ATV that’s right for you. Gordon Bay Marine is located near Lake Joseph, serving the cities of Muskoka and Toronto, Ontario.