How to choose a quad bike

Four-wheeled motorcycles have gained great popularity among various technology lovers. They are more stable, have a beautiful design and high permeability. ATVs are used for sports and performing various tricks. Other models are ideal for working in rural areas, and highway options allow you to travel in comfort. There are miniature copies for children and driving around the field or a large yard. What parameters should have this mototechnique for certain conditions, in order not to get bogged down on soft ground, jump over an obstacle or make a long distance move, described in this article.

The best ATV manufacturers - which company to choose

To buy reliable equipment and use it for a long time, you can contact one of the well-known companies for their release:

1. CF Moto

2. Honda

3. Kawasaki

4. Stels

5. Yamaha

It will not be superfluous to see the advantages and disadvantages of specific popular models that are given in ranking best quads. This will help to more accurately determine the type and capabilities of the vehicle.

Well, for a detailed self-selection of all the key characteristics of the material below.

The principle of operation and the device ATV

In terms of internal elements, the quad bike resembles a regular motorcycle, but the important condition is the presence of four wheels and the central location of the saddle between this base. This design gives a high stability on bends, when jumping and landing, and also allows you to load the device more by weight.

Use ATVs in different ways:

1. For sports events where you want to perform various tricks, jumps.

2. For work in the countryside, where you need to get to the field, forest area, bring tools, spare parts. The vehicle has a hitch to connect a cart or attachment. Fishermen and hunters use them to practice their favorite hobby.

3. Extreme tourism on such models is particularly interesting, because it allows you to ride through the mountains and rugged terrain.

4. Four-wheel vehicles are also used for traveling on the highway. Specialized suspension, transmission and wheels provide the comfort of movement as a subcompact.

5. Children who like appliances are meant to be smaller models with low speed and maximum safety. They can drive on the field or a rural road, under the supervision of adults.

To ensure the implementation of all these functions, the creators are carefully thinking over the device ATV, which in most cases includes the following elements:

• power unit;
• gearbox;
• metal frame for fixing equipment;
• shock absorbers;
• wheels;
• ignition system and fuel supply;
• steering wheel;
• brakes;
• saddle;
• cooling system;
• headlights;
• trunk;
• rear view mirrors;
• plastic decorative covering.

Thanks to a sophisticated suspension, high wheels with pronounced lugs and powerful powertrains, ATVs are able to drive where other equipment is powerless. This allows you to move along the sand, marshes, chernozem, a grassy field, mostly forests, and stones. But the use of such a vehicle requires rights (except for children's models and driving off-road).

For long-term operation requires regular maintenance of equipment: cleaning the carburetor, monitoring the level of oil in the engine, replacing seals in shock absorbers, tightening attachment points.

To start driving, you must sit in the saddle, turn the key, start the engine with an electric starter, engage first gear or move forward at elevated speeds of the variator and gently pull the gas trigger. The device starts moving. The harder to press the trigger, the faster the speed.

To pass on stones and ravines, it is necessary to establish the position of the variator to move forward with low revs. For putting back the handle is rearranged in accordance with the designation. Braking is carried out by a manual brake or a pedal. For emergency shutdown of the engine in unforeseen situations, there is a check on the right side.

Types of ATVs

There are four types of four-wheel vehicles with a saddle in the middle. Each has its own characteristics and scope.

Baby

They have a compact design and are designed for one passenger. They can be used by children from 6 to 12 years. The maximum speed of 45 km / h will not allow to accelerate to dangerous values. Most models have a remote engine shutdown system.

The equipment supports the transportation of a driver weighing up to 55 kg. The device is suitable for playing children under the supervision of adults in open spaces (field, park, large yard), away from the roadway.

Advantages:

• relatively inexpensive;
• simple equipment and care;
• sufficient load capacity;
• Beautiful design;
• thoughtful security system;
• availability of reverse gear.

Disadvantages:

• after the child has grown up, it is impossible to use;
• low fuel capacity;
• small battery capacity.

Utilitarian

The most popular type of ATVs because of their universal use. They are distinguished by powerful engines, good suspension, high ground clearance and wheels with pronounced lugs. A sturdy frame allows the vehicle to be loaded with two passengers or luggage.

Suitable for extreme tourism, hunting, fishing, as a working technique in the garden, walking on uneven terrain. Equipped with thick protective arches, fencing body.

Advantages:

• powerful power units;
• average speed;
• large maximum mass of passengers;
• high ground clearance;
• wide wheels do not fall through the sand, soft ground;
• high-quality suspension;
• there are models with liquid cooling;
• widespread use of the vehicle;
• large tank volume.

Disadvantages:

• heavy;
• more fuel consumption than other types;
• expensive.

Road race

They are distinguished by a large engine capacity and high speed, which makes it possible to drive on the highway with sufficient comfort and speed of a compact car. Suitable for all ages. They have cooling from the circulating fluid system and wide chassis with good grip on smooth asphalt. Ground clearance in these species is not the highest, due to the purpose for a flat surface.

Advantages:

• beautiful design, different from the classic quad;
• high speed;
• wide wheels like a car;
• cornering resistant;
• alloy wheels;
• digital speedometer.

Disadvantages:

• there is a manual gearbox, which is not familiar to all beginners;
• small tank means frequent refueling.

Sports

Their device is designed to provide the minimum mass of the apparatus to perform jumps and other stunts. They are distinguished by small fuel tanks, a saddle for one person, medium-sized engines and power, allowing short-term loading of equipment for acceleration and descent from the springboard. Suitable for regular hobbies for young and old people.

Advantages:

• small weight;
• narrow tires;
• acceptable power;
• good shock absorbers;
• stable fuel injection;
• high landing, which allows you to manage both standing and sitting.

Disadvantages:

• small tank volume;
• there are very expensive models;
• low ground clearance, although you have to drive on the ground and sand.

ATV selection options

To choose a vehicle for your needs, you need to understand the effect of specific values ​​of the characteristics of the operation.

Engine capacity

The first parameter, on which the convenience and possibilities of use depend, is the volume of the power unit. There are models from 100 to 698 cm cubic:

1. To ride a child in the yard or field, you need no more than 108 cm cubic, it will allow you to enjoy the ride faster than by bike, but with a sufficient level of safety for the young passenger.

2. For household needs (bring the harvest, go fishing), need ATVs with a large volume from 150 to 230 cm. Cube. A trip on the dirt road or grass is not difficult.

3. To drive around on the highway at a good speed, choose engines from 150 to 280 cm. Cube.

4. Extreme tourism and overcoming the steep slopes, loose sand and huge stones, are easily passed on motors with the parameter 350-689 cm. Cube.

5. For sports, which requires acceleration before the jump, enough figure in the 150-170 cm cube.

Power

The parameter affects the ability to dramatically increase the number of revolutions at the right time and determines what kind of load the equipment can take:

1. For children, no jerks are required, and their weight is minimal, so four-wheel vehicles with 6-7 hp are bought here.

2. Driving on a flat road does not need frisky overtaking (not the type of vehicle) and it takes 13-18 hp to develop the required speed and maintain it with a quiet ride.

3. Using an ATV for tourism or cargo transportation, on the contrary, needs power to give gas and drive out of the ditch, move the log at low speed, deliver boxes of vegetables in the trunk. Indicators from 13 to 45 hp are relevant here. The more loads are planned, the higher this number should be.

4. Single models for training jumps need only a short-term intensive work on overclocking, and 13-15 hp is enough here.

Speed

You cannot call a quad bike as a high-speed transport, but there is also a decent run up of the parameter that needs to be taken into account. In order for young drivers (from 6 to 12 years old) to travel safely, the speedometer does not require more than 45 km / h. In contrast, driving along the highway is more pleasant with an indicator of 80-95 km / h, which is the cruising speed of a regular car. Vehicles for fishing and hunting will not allow you to accelerate over rough terrain, so there is enough 75 km / h to get to the forest on a dirt road, and then continue to travel 20-40 km / h

Ignition system

There are three ways to establish the engine, differing in models:

1. Electronic system - requires turning the key and pressing the button, after which the motor hums and is ready to go. It is convenient for everyone, including children and girls. Practical for people not versed in technology. Suitable for driving on the highway or riding children.

2. Manual system - needs to pull the cable for a special handle, which forces the engine to rotate. To use is not so comfortable and need some physical strength. But such models are cheaper and will be useful when fishing or hunting with an experienced driver.

3. Combined - contains a button for a comfortable start, but in case of its failure, it allows you to force the power unit to rotate. This is necessary for long journeys (hunting, extreme tourism), where it is not possible to go to the workshop.

Fuel supply system

Redistribute gas from the tank to the engine in two ways. The carburetor is cheaper and easier to maintain and repair, but with it the expense increases. It is suitable for infrequent trips for fishing or transportation of vegetables from the garden. The injector is more demanding and "capricious", but it significantly saves fuel. It is useful for long-distance travel or regular exercise.

Transmission

Switching speeds for ATVs is done in different ways:

1. Manual box requires constant attention from the driver and manual shift lever, not taking his eyes off the road. It is suitable for driving on a highway where there is a flat surface, no jolts or bumps.

2. A variator means setting a lever for moving forward even at the start and then requires attention only when meeting an obstacle or a loose surface, where it is necessary to move the lever to the position with low revolutions. It is practical for dacha use, hunting and fishing.

3. An automatic box does not require attention from the driver at all, and he can concentrate on the road. "Smart" node itself will adjust the transfer depending on the load on the engine and the speed of its rotation. This is convenient for traveling in the mountains, where it is important to keep an eye on the road, so as not to fly off into a steep cliff, or when playing sports, where all attention is paid to doing the trick.

Cooling system

The engine, burning fuel, can overheat. To prevent excessive expansion of internal elements and seizure, a cooling system is provided. Air type is suitable for occasional use on trips for fishing, hunting, cargo delivery or walking. To ride every day and for many hours requires a fluid system that provides greater heat transfer. It is good for road vehicles and long tourist travel with a high engine load.

type of drive

Torque from the engine is transmitted to the rear axle through a metal chain and sprockets. It is a reliable system used in motorcycles, which is suitable for trips through the fields, forest, sand, sports jumps or transportation of boxes and bags along a dirt road. But if the technique is used on very steep climbs, driving over huge stones, then the chain may not withstand a sharp load and break. In such situations, better suitable cardan torque transmission. The joint of metal solid pipes and bearings is much safer and stronger.

Brakes

To avoid an accident or exit from the route will help high quality brakes. Their inclusion is performed by pressing the bracket with the handle (front brake) or by pressing the pedal with your foot (rear brake). Both versions have discs and hydraulic clamping pads.

On models with a low maximum speed of up to 50 km, there is no need for a front brake. Often, these are children's quad bikes. A rear brake or remote engine shut-down by the monitoring parent helps avoid collisions. For all other cases both types of brakes are required.

Saddle height

Convenience of driving a quad bike is determined by the height of the driver’s landing relative to ground level:

1. For children, you will need 600 mm low saddles to freely reach the ground and slit.

2. Sport requires a ride, then sitting, then standing (at the time of the performance of the trick), so here you need an average fit of 700 mm.

3. Long driving on the road or the field is convenient with a height of 760 mm on the saddle.

4. For tall people (from 180 cm) it is practical to buy ATVs with a parameter of 880 mm.

Load capacity

The maximum weight of the user, the number of passengers and the mass of baggage carried depends on this factor. For skating children it makes no sense to buy equipment with an indicator of over 50 kg. To travel comfortably or walk together, you need a value of 145-200 kg. The equipment that is planned to be used for the transportation of cargo (crop, tools, spare parts) can reach 350 kg of carrying capacity.

Volume of the tank

Although fuel consumption at the ATV is small (about 2.5 l / 100 km), the size of the tank will affect the distance of the trip without an additional canister or refueling. Children who ride close to home need a device with a capacity of not more than 2.5-3 liters. Fishing and hunting will require a fuel reserve of 200 km, so the tank should be 5-6 liters.

There are often gas stations on the asphalt road, so the highway units do not need a large supply and 7 liters are enough. Sport versions, on the contrary, need to be completely unloaded and refilled, so 4-5 liters would be enough. A trip far into the mountains is associated with unforeseen situations and route changes, therefore a tank from 12 to 22 liters is desirable.

Signaling

Such an element can be put yourself, but there are models with a built-in system.It is useful if you want to leave the equipment in the parking lot (when traveling), in the woods (hiking) or in the courtyard of a high-rise block. Owners of private houses and garages can save.

Suspension

Suspension affects the softness of the course and comfort when moving through pits and obstacles. A frequent option are the two levers and ball dampers in the front, allowing you to drive into the curb or jump out of a rut, as well as a pendulum suspension with one hydraulic shock absorber in the back. This is enough to drive on the field, sand, asphalt or soil.

More severe road conditions better pass ATVs with independent suspension on two levers with springs and hydraulics both in front and behind. This will allow to move through logs, boulders, ravines with steep walls.

Ground clearance

No matter how powerful the engine is, if the equipment is rubbing against the ground or stones, it will be difficult to drive. Here the indicator of a road gleam is important. To move on asphalt of great importance is not required and will be enough 95 mm. Sport models cost 100 mm. The use of equipment in the village (transportation of hay in a trailer, vegetables) or when hunting requires indicators of 120-150 mm. For mountainous and forested terrain there are models with a clearance of 265 mm, allowing you to move through a large stone or a fallen tree.

Tire size

Tire size affects stability when maneuvering and the degree of collapse on soft soil. For riding on hard ground need wheels with a width of 170 mm (garden, vegetable garden, field). Forest, sand and marshy margin will require 185 mm. To drive on smooth asphalt, you need a large area of ​​contact with the surface, so choose the indicator 235-270 mm.

Drive type

Steel discs look less attractive, but due to the soft structure of the metal, they are well tolerated by blows from obstacles, holes or jumps. For movement through woods, ravines and stones, only such wheels are necessary. It is optimal for sports.

On the track, in addition to notches, there are fewer threats, so you can put alloy wheels. They have a beautiful design and reduce the mass of the ATV, but if they crash into the curb at high speed, then the material may split.

Which quad bike to choose

Having considered all the nuances and characteristics of the quad, you can formulate the requirements for specific needs:

1. The child, for riding near the house or in the field, will need an engine capacity of 108 cm3, power 7 hp, speed not more than 45 km / h, electronic ignition, carburetor and air cooling. A 3 liter tank and rear hydraulic brakes complete the kit.

2. For hunting and fishing you need a power unit of 149 cm cubic, with a variator, pendulum rear suspension, axle chain, carburetor, 13 hp, maximum speed of 70 km / h, and a wheel width of 170 mm, tank size 7 l. With a load capacity of 140 kg it will be possible to take everything you need. The height of the ground clearance of about 100 mm.

3. Extreme tourism is mastered with the technique of 30-45 hp, engine capacity 400-689 cm., Injection injection, independent suspension, propeller shaft, electronic and manual ignition, liquid cooling system, the height of the saddle 800-880 mm and with a loading capacity of 300 kg. A large 22 liter tank and 250 mm wide wheels are required. It is convenient to regulate turns with a CVT or automatic transmission.

4. Sports tricks will be performed on an aggregate with an engine capacity of 176 cm3, a speed of 75 km / h, a power of 17 hp, a carburetor and an electronic ignition. Hydraulic disc brakes are required on all wheels, and tire widths up to 180-220 mm are needed. The height of the saddle is about 700 mm and the ground clearance of 125 mm.

5. For traveling on asphalt, a vehicle with an engine capacity of 246 cubic meters is needed, allowing the vehicle to accelerate to 80 km / h. The power will require 16 hp, carburetor injection and manual transmission. In view of the conquest of large distances, the liquid cooling system is important. Ground clearance 95 mm and wheel width 270 mm. A fuel tank of 6 liters is enough.

How much is a quad bike

It is not difficult to find the cost of this vehicle having specific parameters at hand:

1. Children's equipment has a price of 50000-84000 rubles.

2. Units for fishing and hunting cost 150000-190000 rubles.

3. The most powerful models are estimated at 360000-400000 rubles.

4. Sports equipment can be purchased for 94000-150000 rubles.

5. Comfortable traveling will be in a quad for 100000-170000 rubles.