If you are considering purchasing an ATV, you should be aware that they are a big investment. Aside form the initial cost that can run from a few hundred dollars for an older used model to $5,000 or more, you also have top maintain your ATV just like your car. They require oil, gas, and eventually you will have to replace broken parts.
Buying an ATV is not a decision to be taken lightly, and you must consider your needs to determine which ATV is right for you. If you are a beginner, you should start with an inexpensive simple model that will give you practice riding. After you are comfortable, you can upgrade to a more advanced model. You will also need safety gear such as a helmet, gloves, and goggles. Some accessories are not necessary for the casual rider such as winches, unless you plan on using your ATV for work purposes.
Before you buy your ATV, think about what you want out of your ATV experience. You may want to ride for fun, to experience the outdoors and be a part of the excitement. You may want to use your ATV to haul things or help with other work such as plowing snow. You may find that your ATV can be both fun and useful. The reason you are purchasing your ATV should be the deciding factor in which type you buy. If you want it for fun, a light model without all the accessories will be fine. If you want it for work purposes, you should look into getting the accessories you need such as a winch, plow, and hitch. You will also be better off going with a heavier model that is designed for work.
The type of engine you want in your ATV is also decided by your purpose. A 2-stroke engine takes a mix of oil and gas and is better fit for riding for fun. A 4-stroke engine is better suited as a work horse. You will also have to decide which type of transmission you want, an automatic or manual. ATV’s with an automatic transmission are easier to drive just like automatic cars.
If you have experience driving a manual transmission, you may prefer the control that a manual transmission offers. You can also get a semi-automatic transmission, which is a cross between the two. You can get advice on which type is best for you from your ATV dealership or online.
You will also have to decide which type of starter you want. Some ATV’s have an electric start, some have a kick start, and some have a pill start. While this is not the most important factor in choosing an ATV, it can make a difference. If you prefer ease of use, an electric push button start is best for you. With a kick start you have to push a lever with your foot located on the bottom of your ATV.
A pull start operates the same way as a lawnmower where you pull a cord to start you ATV. You should do plenty of research before deciding and be sure to get an ATV that fits your needs.

The most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding an ATV is to wear a helmet. But not any helmet will do, you need to find one that properly fits you. Just putting one on for a minute is not enough to check for the proper fit, and you want to be sure you get a helmet that will protect you. There are some things you can do to make sure the helmet you choose is the best helmet for you and will protect your head in the event of an accident.

Your ATV helmet should be snug. There is a difference between tight and snug, and while you should not have to fight to get your helmet on, if it easily slides over your head it is probably too loose. You want to pick a helmet that gives a little resistance as you pull it on otherwise it may move if you are in an accident and will not protect you.

Your helmet should stay put no matter how you move. When you are trying on a helmet, be sure to shake your head in every direction and check to see if it moves. If the helmet moves at all it is not the best fit for you. The helmet should comfortably grip your head without pinching and should not move at all, not matter how you move your head.

The ATV helmet you choose should not come off no matter what after you secure it. Adjust the chin strap and try to pull the helmet off after the closure system is secure. If the helmet moves off your head or comes up even a little, it is not the helmet for you. Either adjust the closure for a more snug fit and try the test again or pick a different helmet. The helmet should not move at all, even when pressure is applied to it, after it is closed.

Many people are tempted to buy the biggest helmet they can find thinking that it will offer them more protection. Fit is much more important than size as a properly fitting helmet will protect you much better than a large one. A helmet that is too large is unsafe and you will end up having to adjust it while you are riding which can cause an accident. Always go for fit, not size, when shopping for an ATV helmet.

Another size mistake people commonly make when buying ATV helmets is buying a helmet that is too large for their child. They think a little extra room is ok since their child will grow into it and the helmet will last longer. This is not a good idea as a helmet that is too large will not protect your child now, and can cause serious injury.

Always buy a helmet that fits your child correctly now, having to replace it sooner rather than later is a small price to pay for the safety of your child. A helmet can save your life if you are in an ATV accident, so make sure you pick on that fits correctly.
The most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding an ATV is to wear a helmet. But not any helmet will do, you need to find one that properly fits you. Just putting one on for a minute is not enough to check for the proper fit, and you want to be sure you get a helmet that will protect you. There are some things you can do to make sure the helmet you choose is the best helmet for you and will protect your head in the event of an accident.

Your ATV helmet should be snug. There is a difference between tight and snug, and while you should not have to fight to get your helmet on, if it easily slides over your head it is probably too loose. You want to pick a helmet that gives a little resistance as you pull it on otherwise it may move if you are in an accident and will not protect you.

Your helmet should stay put no matter how you move. When you are trying on a helmet, be sure to shake your head in every direction and check to see if it moves. If the helmet moves at all it is not the best fit for you. The helmet should comfortably grip your head without pinching and should not move at all, not matter how you move your head.

The ATV helmet you choose should not come off no matter what after you secure it. Adjust the chin strap and try to pull the helmet off after the closure system is secure. If the helmet moves off your head or comes up even a little, it is not the helmet for you. Either adjust the closure for a more snug fit and try the test again or pick a different helmet. The helmet should not move at all, even when pressure is applied to it, after it is closed.

Many people are tempted to buy the biggest helmet they can find thinking that it will offer them more protection. Fit is much more important than size as a properly fitting helmet will protect you much better than a large one. A helmet that is too large is unsafe and you will end up having to adjust it while you are riding which can cause an accident. Always go for fit, not size, when shopping for an ATV helmet.

Another size mistake people commonly make when buying ATV helmets is buying a helmet that is too large for their child. They think a little extra room is ok since their child will grow into it and the helmet will last longer. This is not a good idea as a helmet that is too large will not protect your child now, and can cause serious injury.

Always buy a helmet that fits your child correctly now, having to replace it sooner rather than later is a small price to pay for the safety of your child. A helmet can save your life if you are in an ATV accident, so make sure you pick on that fits correctly.