Quad Motorcycle

Quad Motorcycles: What are they?

Quad Motorcycles are a form of ATV. Whether it is three-wheeler, four-wheeler or six-wheeler, an ATV is basically a vehicle that uses low pressure tires. The seat is straddled by the driver thus it can only accommodate one person at a time. Handlebars like that of a regular motorcycle are used for steering control and direction when driving it.

As its name suggests, it is built to handle all sorts of terrains. In places where a regular automobile may fail, an ATV can more than handle. This can be pointed out as the reason as to why they are famous among a lot of people regardless of its ‘street-illegal’ status in many cities in the US, Australia and even UK.

Quad Motorcycle Driving: How it is done?

Driving an ATV is similar to driving a motorcycle; the only difference is that it is more stable and slower than the latter. The stability of the ATVs is due to the presence of extra wheels whereas motorcycles have only 2 wheels. Judging by the looks and size of it, driving an ATV may seem like a real challenge but that is just one of the misconceptions about ATVs as the driver simply needs to straddle in the seat and hold the handlebars.

Quad Motorcycle Usage: Where is it used?

Quad Motorcycles are widely used in Agriculture in almost all parts of the world mainly because of the light footprint that it produces. Its speed is another reason as to why they are the “vehicle of choice” of the people in the farming industry.

Racing ATVs is another way to use them. Its low centre of gravity makes it perfect for motocross, its good suspension makes it perfect for cross country racing, and its high power makes it perfect for desert racing. As it is an all-terrain vehicle, it can be used in flat track racing, ice racing, hill climbing racing, flat track racing and many more.

Basically, Utility Models are used for work and Sports Models for recreation.

ATV Types: What are the different kinds of ATV?

Three Wheelers are the first types of ATVs. These ATVs came out first in the 70′s and was popularized by a couple or so James Bond Films. As recreation may be its main purpose, sports models were developed by a few manufacturers at the height of its fame.  17 years after its introduction, production of these types of ATV forcibly stopped due to safety reasons.  This is the very reason as to why a lot of collectors are after these types of ATV.

Four Wheeler ATVs was first introduced in 1985. They are also known as Quad Motorcycles. A couple of years later, all ATV manufacturers were forced to upgrade production from Three Wheel to Four Wheel. Sports models are lighter and smaller compared to the Utility Models which can tow and haul.

Six Wheeler ATV on the other hand possesses a small dump bed and an extra set of wheels at its back part for increased payload capacity functions.

ATV Manufacturers: Who are they?

These days, there are about 9 major ATV manufacturers. Each of them has their own version of each ATV type except for the Three Wheeler ATVs which have ceased production since the 80’s. Here are the top 5 ATV manufacturers:

Arctic Cat is a North American ATV and snowmobile manufacturer. It started as a snowmobile manufacturer in the 60′s and has widened its operation and production over the years.

Bombardier Recreational Products is a Canadian Company that started way back in the 40′s. The company manufactures snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, sailboats and the like.

Honda is a Japanese Corporation that manufactures automobiles power equipments, solar cells, mountain bikes, aircrafts, robots motorcycles and many more.

Kawasaki is a Japanese Based International Corporation that produces aerospace products, transportation products, industrial equipment items, ship building materials and so on.

KTM is an Austrian company that manufactures bicycle, motorcycle and moped. It has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 30′s as a metal working shop.