Where does it come from?

Japanese constructors managed to combine seemingly incompatible a little more than two decades ago, when the term “ATV” appeared in common usage. The ancestor of modern all-terrain vehicles is the Japanese company Honda. Back in the 1970s, the company released on the U.S. market three-wheeled model US90, called ATC (All Terrain Cycles – translated from the English “off-road motorcycles”). A distinctive feature of this machine were huge wheels with powerful grousers. The company advertised it as a helper for farmers. But thorough Yankees preferred more serious equipment for work. Sales of US90 were sluggish up to mid 70’s until the model was noticed by “moneybags” from prosperous California. It turned out that such a machine is a fantastically fun way to travel on sandy beaches. The passion quickly turned into fashion, and in 1980, such three-wheeled vehicles were in the production programs of the big Japanese “four”. Later, the American Polaris and Arctic Cat joined it. Only in 1982, the company Sudzuki decided to add one wheel to the tricycle, creating four-wheeled model LT-125.

Anatomy of “beast“

Over the years, a common style and a unified concept of ATV design has been formed. The rear suspension is spring and front suspension is of McPherson type. The suspension includes a stabilizer, reliably keeping the machine from toppling over off-road. All ATVs are distinguished by high ground clearance – 245-285 mm and powerful protection of the crankcase and transmission mechanisms. A distinctive feature of this equipment are low-pressure tires (0.2-0.4 atm, i.e., 5-10 times less than in a regular wheel), which improves ride comfort and does not harm the soil.

The wheel formula of the vast majority of ATVs is 4×4, but simpler models and sport machines designed for relatively good trails may have only one drive axle. Since recently in the world of four-wheeled motorcycles appeared its own Goliath – the model Big Boss-500 with wheel formula “6×6” from the American company Polaris. But this is not the limit! The floating models can be with 8×8 wheel arrangement as well.

The “heart” of the machine is a motorcycle engine, usually a single-cylinder (2- or 4-stroke) with the volume of 200-600 cc. Motor power ranges from 20 hp to 40 hp at 6000-7000 rpm. That is the power capacity reaches 64-66 hp! Such power combined with a powerful suspension provides excellent cross-country ability. By the way, cooling of “quads” is liquid, which is very actual for off-road motorcycle.

The design feature of the vast majority of ATVs – automatic transmission with V-belt drive and reverse. However, each company itself determines the type of transmission used. Thus, Honda gives preference to cardan gears, while Yamaha has machines with chain and V-belt drive. There are also hybrid systems, in which cardan gears are combined with V-belt or chain drives. Fuel consumption on ATVs is not measured by miles, but by the hour. On average, they consume 6-7 liters per hour. A full tank is enough for 4-5 hours of work.

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The first ATV was released by Ford back in 1896. Of course, it was very far from its modern counterparts, it was kept on the bicycle rims, it had only four horsepower and two cylinders.

Today, the most powerful quad-monster is considered Lazareth Wazuma V8F – its power reaches as much as 250 horsepower, it has eight cylinders from Ferrari and a gearbox from BMW.

Since the mid-90s, ATVs were actively used in agriculture. Surely – such mini-tractor would be useful for any farmer! The only disadvantage – all over the world have become much stricter requirements regarding the registration of ATVs and everything that relates to safety.

Produce quad bikes began almost everywhere in the world, but not all do it “turnkey”. And what should be expected in the near future really inexpensive and competitive ATV – it’s from China. They are already making inexpensive components, so it is likely that in the next couple of years, this market will be filled with models made in China.

Another area where “ATVs” are deservedly popular – the army. Not every state can “rearm” its troops modern powerful quad bikes, but many have such a plan developed and will be implemented in the near future. So the ATV is not only a toy and entertainment, but also a very useful and necessary means of transportation.

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1. Most models are equipped with four-stroke engines with different capacities – 100 to 1000 cc. It depends on the class of equipment and the assumed direction of operation. ATVs installed on both diesel and gasoline engines, depending on the area of operation of motorcycles.
2. ATVs, because of the operational features, are often equipped with automatic transmissions, or variators, working in up or down gears. However, there are models with a manual transmission, but they are fewer, as manual gearshift is not appropriate when riding off-road.
3. The system that transmits the torque to the wheels can be gimbal or chain. ATVs designed to ride on difficult terrain are equipped with driveline drives, which makes them more reliable, but adds weight to the technique. Sports and universal (utilitarian) ATVs are equipped with chain drives.
4. In view of the fact that the ATV and SSV technique is designed to operate in difficult, sometimes extreme conditions, it has higher demands on the suspension. Most models are equipped with undercarriage system, which consists of two arms, pendulum suspension on the rear axle, front shock absorber and hydraulic shock absorber. Heavy-duty models have independent suspension with hydraulics on each wheel.
5. The cooling system is either air or liquid. The air system is easier to maintain and performs the function of engine cooling under medium loads. A liquid cooling system is more complex, but also much more efficient.
6. Tire width and tread size are responsible for “tight” traction with the surface, the degree of immersion in soft ground and maneuverability. Sport ATVs designed for riding on smooth, hard or asphalt surfaces are usually equipped with tires with a small tread. For rough terrain with small variations in surface level, tires with medium-height tread are suitable. Mud, sand, wet riverbank, clay, stones – for such conditions tires with a large aggressive tread are used.

These are the main components of the ATV, on the basis of which the choice in favor of this or that model is made.

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ATVs are compact and versatile vehicles. They are used for extreme recreation and sports competitions. You can ride them effortlessly on off-road and rugged terrain.

Wide wheels and a powerful engine can easily overcome unpaved roads, potholes, ravines and slopes. Many dacha owners, hunters and fishermen prefer to travel on ATVs. They can carry loads on them. In winter, they replace snowmobiles.A trip on such motor vehicles brings a lot of pleasant emotions.

However, riding on quad bikes is an extreme form of transportation. And it is better to do it with professional instructors of the QuadRider club. Unlike motorcycles and other vehicles, they have a short wheelbase, small width and high center of gravity.

Improper driving often leads to rollovers. It is important to know how to drive your ATV correctly to avoid dangerous accidents. Appropriate training and compliance with the rules of driving – a guarantee of safety not only for drivers but also for pedestrians.

Where to start?

Before getting behind the wheel of a quad bike, you need to do the following:

• Purchase equipment: helmet, gloves, goggles, special suit and shoes. For driving in the cold season you will need thermal underwear. Accessories must be practical and comfortable. You can buy them in specialized stores. Wearing protective equipment at times reduces the likelihood of injury.
• Get proper training and get a driver’s license category “A1”.Learn to operate a motocross-cross-country vehicle can be in special schools. After passing the exam, future ATV riders are issued a license.

Operating a vehicle without a license and skills is fraught with serious injuries and large fines.

Safety rules

1. Before you ride, wear protective gear and check your ATV for proper operation.
2. Follow your instructor’s directions and instructions.
3. Ride in unfamiliar terrain at low speed.
4. Avoid steep slopes, bumps and slippery road surfaces unless you are experienced.
5. Maintain an even speed to prevent the engine from stalling when climbing a hill.
6. To avoid skidding or slipping on ice or other slippery surfaces, drive at a slow speed.
7. Before turning around, make sure there are no other road users or obstacles nearby.
8. When driving, keep your hands on the steering wheel and your feet on the footrests.
9. Without sufficient experience, do not drive passengers.

It is strictly prohibited:

• ride without a helmet and safety glasses;
• operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol;
• intentionally hit and run over obstacles;
• drive onto the roadway designated for motor vehicles;
• remove your feet from the footrests, dangling them outside the ATV;
• ignore the instructors’ recommendations;
• get behind the wheel of the ATV before the age of 16.
• to overtake the ahead of the advancing column;
• touch the wheels, pulley, drive and other moving elements while riding;
• change gears while driving.

Driving Basics

The weight of the rider has a great effect on the handling of the motorcycle. Centrifugal forces are compensated by transferring body weight to the rear or front of the quadcopter.

ATVs are powerful machines that are prone to tipping and slipping. Improper driving can cost lives. Because of this, not only do you need to know how to ride an ATV, but you also need to learn the basic struts.

Riding on the ATV standing up, it is easier to avoid overturning. Among ATV riders there are 3 basic stands. Each of them is used in certain situations.

1. Front – to load the front axle, climbing the hill and gain speed.Body maximum lean forward and slightly bend your knees.
2. Mid-used when riding in a straight line. Your back and arms are relaxed and your legs are also slightly bent at the knees. Arms are slightly bent and turned outward.
3. Rear – used for braking, loading the rear wheels and going downhill. The body is pushed back as much as possible and the head is tilted to the handlebars. Arms and legs are extended.

A dangerous variant of the stance is a tense back and straight legs. In this position, your body can not absorb shocks and impacts. The spine and joints are exposed to enormous loads. This position impairs control over the vehicle.

The main units of control

The main controls of the ATV are located on the handlebars.

The throttle trigger, differential lock switch (2WD /4WD/ LOCK) and the safety switch are located on the right handlebar. All-wheel drive is typically used for hauling loads, driving off-road and on slippery roads. The differential lock provides synchronized rotation of the wheels.

On the left side of the steering wheel is the ignition switch, engine start button, headlight switch and horn key.

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• small dimensions;
• high motor power;
• tires designed for low pressure;
• the position of the driver on the saddle;
• steering wheel of bicycle type;
• single or double design.

The fields of application of ATVs are limitless, because they can be found both in the mountains, where the terrain is characterized by steep turns, long descents and ascents, and on dirt roads, where not even a helicopter can reach.

Riding on a quad bike is not only a solution to the problem of overcoming off-road, where any obstacle will not cause technical difficulties, but also to obtain pleasure from the unusual driving. The advantages of ATVs should also include high fuel efficiency, variety of models and availability.

ATV driving – basic rules
Car driver and ATV driver – it may be the same person, but the driving skills in this case are different. Simply put, for a beginner to drive an ATV is to encounter problems in driving, but by following certain rules, you can avoid mistakes. It will take a little time.

In order for a beginner to understand how to ride an ATV, it is recommended:

• Use equipment (helmet, special suit, gloves);
• First, find a flat surface, preferably dirt, and conduct training;
• not to press on the gas, and to concentrate on the smoothness of the motion and clarity of maneuvers;
• check the brake lever at low speed;
• at the beginning of training, drive on gentle slopes (leave the ascent for later);
• focus and keep the situation under control.

Control of the ATV and the movement of the quad bike itself are parallel actions, and they are always paired. The main rule is that the driver must always shift his weight inside the turn. Moreover, the ATV driver should shift his body forward and inside the radius of the turn, look in the direction of the turn, and when the speed increases move his body further.

The ATV is controlled in four stances, one of which is sitting and the others standing. The option of riding when the driver can stand on bent knees is very convenient for those who have long been familiar with the ATV, and allows you to get a better overview of the road, as well as perform complex maneuvers and actions, such as jumping.

The hands and feet of the ATV rider should always be on the handlebars and special stands respectively. These are primitive rules of safe driving, which should not be neglected.

How to choose an ATV?
To ride an ATV, the driver must first choose the most advantageous option, taking into account the area of application and the parameters of the vehicle itself. The main difference is that quad bikes are sport for racing competitions and utilitarian. Otherwise, the choice will be based on such characteristics:

• manufacturer;
• engine volume;
• maximum power;
• Type of transmission and the number of gears;
• engine start;
• front and rear brake;
• wheel size;
• payload;
• fuel consumption;
• maximum speed.

Depending on where you will ride the ATV – in the country house, during trips in the mountains, hunting and fishing, driving children, you can add up a set of the above parameters.

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