An ATV is a fun and affordable pastime for many North Carolina residents. In recent years, the industry has taken hold in both rural and urban areas because ATVs provide the perfect balance of thrill and function. It’s not hard to see why these four-wheeled fun-machines have risen in popularity. They can help with work tasks or provide a much-needed means of escape on the weekend.
An ATV is also a safe space for riders just starting to explore possibilities of off-roading. For many new riders, the idea of an off-road machine is a brand new concept, and learning to navigate the rules of this new identity can be challenging. Both adults and younger beginning riders find that junior ATVs offer a seamless transition from the regular rules of the road to off-roading adventure. These quads provide the right blend of balance and comfort not found in other off-roading options like motorcycles, dirt bikes, or scooters.
That said, selecting your first ATV can be a challenge. Novice riders often feel overwhelmed by the possibilities and don’t know where to start when it comes to finding an ATV that checks all the boxes.
As a new rider, it’s hard to predict how you’ll react to the sudden ATV euphoria you experience when you first get on an ATV. As a beginner, it’s best to start small and focus on the basics: finding the right fit, equipment, and features that will complement your learning environment. While most motorsports lots contain plenty of new ATVs with the latest and greatest technology, powerful engines, and flashy features, new riders should skip the bells and whistles, opting for something safer and more economical. No rule says you can’t upgrade later.
While ATVs (especially youth ATVs) offer a little more security and balance than more traditional off-roading vehicles like bikes and scooters, they can still be dangerous contraptions if you’re not careful. Safety should be top of mind when selecting your first ATV.
Part of engaging in a safe riding experience means keeping the throttle under control. As a novice rider, it’s tempting to skip the ranks and opt for a powerful, speedy engine, but this mistake can be quite costly in the long run. Discuss your experience level and comfort with a member of the sales team when you visit the dealership. They can direct you toward new or used ATVs explicitly designed for beginners. Typically, smaller engine sizes yield less horsepower and are a great place to start when learning how to ride. Add-ons like nerf bars that expand the footing area, keeping your feet on the machine and out of harm’s way, enhance the learning experience by providing additional safety and security. It’s important to work with your salesperson and ask about other safety features that can make the learning process more fun.
As a first-time ATV rider, you’ll definitely want a model that’s reliable and safe. The last thing you want to do is invest in one of the hot new ATVs on the market and then find out that the brand is known for endless maintenance and repairs. Understanding what’s out there takes a little time, but it’s time well spent.
Similar to the Kelley Blue Book for cars, some websites cater specifically to ATV enthusiasts and provide product reviews and safety reports. This information can help you sift through some of the minutiae and confidently select a brand that’s a good fit for you. Brands like Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha consistently land top marks, but there are other lesser-known brands that also manufacture a good machine. Doing your own investigation is well worth the time investment.
An ATV is a highly functional vehicle. New ATVs can be used for a variety of jobs, from hunting to farming to a myriad of other work tasks. They can also be used as a fun way to explore the beautiful North Carolina countryside, riding trails and spending time in nature. Other riders take the ATV craze a bit further, regularly training and competing in racing competitions.
No matter how you plan to use your ATV, it’s essential to have that purpose in mind when you start shopping. Looking at all the ATVs for sale can be overwhelming, so understanding function can help narrow your options. If you’re looking for help with manual labor – tasks like hauling paving stones or pulling a tree stump – or you’re a hunter who needs a machine to haul that 10-point buck, a model with more girth and a mid-size engine will work just fine. However, if you want to explore the world of competitive racing, you’ll need something lighter with more maneuverability. This is something to discuss with the sales manager when browsing the options on the lot. He or she can quickly point you in the right direction.
Now that you know a little more about what you’re looking for as a beginning rider, it’s time to check out all the ATVs for sale in your area. Finding a dealer you trust is half the battle, but MotoMax is a great place to start. MotoMax is one of the most trusted dealers in all of North Carolina, and their reputation is apparent when you talk with their customers. The team at MotoMax is well-versed on all things ATV (including youth ATVs or beginner’s picks), and they’re well-equipped to help you explore your options when it comes to choosing an ATV for a beginning rider. And you get a bonus when you work with MotoMax: a special financing team ready to assist with financing options for your new ride.
MotoMax has new and used ATVs for the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Garner, Knightdale, Oxford, Wake Forest, Henderson, and Youngsville markets. No matter where you’re located, you can check out their inventory of ATVs online. What are you waiting for?
