Buying Your First Four-Wheeler

Four-wheeling can be lots of fun, especially if you know where to go for the best experience. But, if you’ve never bought a four-wheeler before, you also want to make sure you invest in the right one. Whether you intend to use your ATV for labor-intensive purposes or just for fun excursions on the weekend, you should know how your needs affect the type of four-wheelers you buy. We’ve offered some tips to get you started and when you’re ready to make a purchase or if you have more questions, stop by Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki in Memphis, near Jackson, Tennessee. We also serve the areas of Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville, TN.

Purpose

The type of four-wheeler you get depends largely on what you’re going to be using it for and who will be the primary driver. Do you want a sport or utility four wheeler? Sports quads are more streamlined and made for recreational use while task oriented utility quads come with four-wheel drive. Learn more about two-wheel vs. four-wheel drive below.

If you’re a first-time user, don’t overdo it. For younger or more inexperienced drivers, it’s better to start with something that is easy to handle and control. There’s always the possibility of upgrading later. There’s even a line of youth four wheelers if your driver needs something a little smaller.

Engine Size

Engine size tends to matter more when you’re talking about sports quads. Big engines aren’t always necessary, even in utility quads. Some advantages include liquid-cooling for all-day work and it can be more comfortable for taller people who will appreciate the larger frame.

Other than that, there are many smaller engines that are just as effective as the bigger ones. So, especially when we’re talking about slimmer sports quads, consider more what will be comfortable for you and easy to handle. If you’re a new user getting a sports quad, a smaller engine will suffice.

Transmission

All four-wheeler manufacturers carry at least one model with automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions have improved greatly in the past two years and are ideal for gentle riding. In fact, driving up hills is often better with an automatic as there’s no wasted time down-shifting.

However, they still lack the engine compression braking that’s so important for tasks like going down steep hills. In fact, many utility quad tasks are easier and better for your four-wheeler if you have gear shifting. Consider what you need to avoid replacing expensive parts too frequently.

Two or Four Wheel Drive

Two-wheel versus four-wheel drive often revolves around how you’re using the four-wheeler. As we mentioned earlier, utility quads built for labor tasks use four-wheel drive. Sports quads generally have two-wheel drive, especially if they’re intended to go over easy terrain.

The terrain is also an important factor. If you intend to travel over rocky roads or mud or sand, you’ll want something sturdier, whereas typical trails only require a two-wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive will also be more expensive. If you have the money to spare and you intend to take your four-wheeler through rain, snow, mud, or bumpy roads, it would be worth the investment. If your four-wheeler will be used primarily for fun trails and occasional use, it may not be necessary to spend that kind of money.

Riding Gear

It’s often misleading to think you’re completely safe on an ATV. Four-wheelers can be very dangerous. Whenever you use your four-wheeler, you’ll want chest protectors, boots, helmets, goggles, and gloves. Safety should be your primary objective and you’ll want to make sure you pick up appropriate riding gear before your first run.

Price

All of these things will affect how much you pay for what you need. First time ATV owners looking for something that’s easy to handle might be looking at $4,000, but the price can continue to climb from there. Because of this, it’s very important to carefully think about what you need from your first four-wheeler so as not spend money unnecessarily.

There’s certainly more that could affect which four wheeler you purchase, but if you think you’re ready to buy or if you’d like to ask us more questions, stop by Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki. Our experienced staff will gladly give you the help you need. We’re in Memphis, near Jackson, Tennessee, serving Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville.