Saturday, July 25, 2009

Rent Or Bring Your Own? The Pros and Cons of ATV Rental By Rachel Spohn

ATV enthusiasts agree that their sport is a fun and unique way to enjoy the outdoors. But is it better to bring your own ATVs on the trip or should you stick to renting them? Here are a few pros and cons to each side, and the tips you need should you decide to rent.

One of the biggest cons of renting ATVs is availability. That is, if you decide to go somewhere not specifically known for ATV trails then you might have a hard time tracking some vehicles down. Bringing your own, on the other hand, ensures that you can enjoy the trails wherever you go.

On the flip side, one of the biggest pros of renting your ATVs is convenience. If you have four or more ATVs, lugging them with you on your next family trip can prove more of a hassle than it's worth. Not to mention the price of gas you have to cover when you haul your own. Taking your ATVs on an especially long trip also isn't practical and ends up costing you more money.

So if you're not keen on hauling your ATVs across country but still want to enjoy the outdoors on an ATV, renting is still a great option. Here are a few renting tips that will help you make the most of your experience.

1. Don't be too picky. Focus on enjoying the ride and the scenery, rather than whether the body style or color is one you like or would have picked out. The enjoyment of renting can be overshadowed by picking apart the very ride you're there to enjoy. Renting is not cheap, but it does cost significantly less than the cost of the extra gas spent hauling your own. Get comfortable with your ride and realize you're saving money and are there to have fun.
2. Inspect the vehicle before agreeing to rent. Make sure the one you choose is in safe working order and good condition. Take it for a test drive and inspect the tires. Ask the shop you rent from if the tires are compatible with the terrain you'll be riding in. If you fail to inspect the safety of your vehicle, only you are responsible for potential injuries once you sign the agreement.
3. Read the agreement carefully. To ensure you understand the details of the agreement, read the fine print. Are you responsible for gas? Are there any hidden charges to you once you are done renting? Also check out whether the rental shop offers optional insurance; this too is an important consideration to take before signing the agreement.

Forget hauling your ATVs across country for your next vacation! Renting is an affordable and hassle-free solution that lets you enjoy the outdoors to their fullest.

Arizona Outdoor Fun Rentals, LLC (http://arizonaoutdoorfun.com) offers fun and affordable Arizona ATV rentals. Visit the Web site for more information today. Rachel Spohn is a freelance writer.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

How to Prepare Your ATV For Trail Riding After Winter Part 1 of 4 By Bryan Coats

Like most riders you are probably ready for the snow to melt so you can get out and hit the trails this spring, but is your machine ready?

There are 5 areas that I will discuss in a 4 part series that will help riders get their machines ready for spring, (1) Fluid Levels (2) Battery Condition (3) Tire Condition (4) Carburetor Condition (5) Safety Check

(1) Fluids: Oil and Coolant: Check your owners manual or with the service department at your local dealer to see how often you should change your oil. Changing your oil is not a difficult process, but you will need the following tools/accessories:

(a) oil filter wrench;

(b) crescent wrench or the appropriate sized wrench to remove the oil plug

(c) a drain pan.

Locate your drain plug (it is located on the bottom of your engine)

Put the drain pan or some type of oil collection device under your machine.

Remove the drain plug and let the oil drain out. Use the oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter.

After all the oil has stopped dripping, replace the plug and the filter. Take your finger dip it in the oil and apply a thin coat around the gasket on the oil filter before you replace it, this will help it seal better. Snug the filter tight with the oil filter wrench. Dispose of the oil properly, your local auto parts store will most likely accept your oil to recycle.

Add oil to the manufactures specifications and check the oil level.

While your checking Fluid levels look at your coolant level if you machine is liquid cooled and make sure that it is within the correct range.

Bryan Coats is an avid ATV rider and one of the two owners of the website http://www.AtvTrailReviews.com Content for this article was gathered from a number of sources including the service manager from Moab Power Sports http://www.moabpowersports.com

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Second Hand Quad Bikes By Darren P Moore

With the Quad Bike market now starting to show signs of overtaking the motorcycle market just on growth year on year, there will inevitably be more and more Quad Bikes for sale as time goes on.

What we have prepared below is some basic guidelines for the buyer and hope that this makes enough logical sense that it gives you some idea on what to look for and how to find it.

Pre-Owned Quads & ATV's

Even though someone advertises their Quad Bike or ATV as "GOOD CONDITION," it is always a good move to make sure it is "AS DESCRIBED" before you part with your cash. Most advertised machines are usually out of area, so if you decided to buy it based on pictures and description then you should need to be sure your happy with the seller.

Over the last few years there has been an increase in the sales of NEW & USED Quad Bikes, far greater than Motorcycles, so it is always good practice to make sure you either see the goods before you part with your money, or that you have an independent holding facility retain the funds until the vehicle has been viewed if it is being delivered by courier.

Pre-Owned or Pre-Loved?
There is a massive difference between these two statements, and one of them does get used out of context all too often. The one thing you should always consider is a Quad Bike or ATV will be used for one of three reasons:

  • Work Horse - That has got to be one of the best ways of describing the fact that it was purchased for a purpose. No matter whether it is a Farm/Utility Vehicle or for getting round a large estate, both use the same description yet, can be completely different in the way they are used.
  • Just For Fun - Again, yet another open ended answer that can be completely flattering in one respect, yet the other side of the coin could spell complete abuse. It may have been a fun machine for one person, or the whole of the local town or village, so make sure you define the terminology with the seller.
  • Used to get from A to B! - This one is a complete mine field. Was he just commuting backwards and forward to work on the road, or did he work on a Quarry? The reason you ask is that with some of the Chinese imported Quad Bikes, the moving parts are not as reliable as their Japanese blood lines. For example, the shock absorber on a Yamaha would be completely different to a Kinroad and would last probably 10 times longer if used off road.

The trouble is, no matter what it says in the listing when someone is selling a quad bike, it is there for one reason - to sell the bike. Most of the time people can be honest, but then you will always get the ones who wish to try and sell something that isn't anything like what they described in the advert.

Did you find this article helpful?

For anything related to the Quad Bike Industry there is only going to be one place to go - http://www.myquadbike.com

No matter what it is you are trying to find, a New Quad Bike to a Fuel Filler Cap - all will be available on a site you can trust. With information spanning all sections of the industry from Insurance, Finance, Where to Ride, Safety, Security and A List Of Dealers that are recognised as Industry Specialists, you'll always find something interesting.

Also we have a comprehensive blog so, if you want to make your point known or ask a question then you have a point where you can do it. Visitors to the blog is increasing every day, so make sure that you pop by and leave us a comment.

It would be much appreciated if you could rate this article, so that other who come along can, at a glance, make sure that what we write is worth reading. Should this not be the case, then please feel frr to contact us regarding the article that you have shown interest in.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Quad Bike Tires - What's What? By Darren P Moore

Tires- What's The Difference?

There are many different types of tires available for Quad Bikes, ATVs, Buggies and all have a completely different job. The one thing to remember is that the one you need for road use should always have the correct stamp or logo/kite mark to prove that it is for road use.

Many of the tires currently being used on the road are not legal and do not carry any safety stamp, which in turn can turn into a few points on your license and some cash from your wallet.

What Are The Alternatives?

  • Style - Field Trax
  • These are the type of tire that are used for utility use mainly as the cause less damage to the ground. A typical usage for this type of tire would be for a vehicle carrying tools on a school field or maybe on a golf course.
  • Style - Turf Tamers
  • As they are described, "Turf Tamers" are primarily used on fields where you need to cross causing the least amount of damage. Again these are mainly used for schools, colleges and golf courses to save creating too much damage.
  • Style - Knobbly
  • The good old knobbly tire is one of the first "E" Marked road tire that did not look like it was designed for the tarmac. These tires are probably the best way forward of you use on road and off road. Each manufacturers tires are different, and may not have "E" Marks.
  • Style - Pathfinder
  • Something for the weekend taken to another level! If you find yourself off road more than on the road then, this is the style of tire. Based on a tried and tested pattern used mainly on sand the pathfinder pulls grip from the center line and pushes it out sideways.
  • Style - Knarly
  • When looking for the extreme tire for off road work then this is the beast of beasts. The Knarly has more beef than your average deli counter and can take the roughest of terrains. This tire should only be used for off road work as it does not carry and rating stamp.

Did you find this article helpful? For anything related to the Quad Bike Industry there is only going to be one place to go - http://www.myquadbike.com. No matter what it is you are trying to find, a New Quad Bike to a Fuel Filler Cap - all will be available on a site you can trust. With information spanning all sections of the industry from Insurance, Finance, Where to Ride, Safety, Security and A List Of Dealers that are recognized as Industry Specialists, you'll always find something interesting. Also we have a comprehensive blog so, if you want to make your point known or ask a question then you have a point where you can do it. Visitors to the blog is increasing every day, so make sure that you pop by and leave us a comment.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Quad Bike "Night Riding" Tips! By Darren P Moore

Be Seen At Night
In the Quad Bike and ATV Industry there has always been an emphasis on apparel, what it looks like and how colourful it is. But sadly this is only shown in the light weight section of most stores and does not reflect in the winter or waterproof wear.

The majority of this section seemed to either be dark colours or camouflage, but which ever one it may be you need to make sure you have some High-Visibility points so that you can be seen whilst riding at night.

Below are just some of the market leading concepts in the high visibility section.

Arm Bands
It doesn't take much to cast the mind back to doing your cycling proficiency test at school to remember some of the tips given by the road safety officer about "Being Seen At Night." The arm band is one of the easiest items to wear and offers great visibility to vehicle approaching from the side - for example when parted at a junction. The costs involved in buying something like this are minimal.

Body Strips
Much like arm bands, the body strip is again easy to wear and gives great visibility from both front and rear. If worn with the arm bands it's safe to say that you would have extremely high visual impact on traffic coming at you from any angle. Costs, well again these are pretty economical and would cost you no more that about £15-20 depending on the size/manufacturer.

Waist Coats
Now we are not saying that these are the trendy alternative to wearing body belts or arm bands, but they certainly are light weight and can be stored easily under the seat on pretty much any ATV or Quad Bike. With a Velcro fastening system on the front and High Visibility strips and the front and rear, this style of garment is possibly one of the better ways to be seen at night. Costs between £15-20.

Jackets
We all see these day in day out when passing anyone working on the road gangs or building sites. Not only are these High Visibility but they come waterproof too. They have fluorescent stripes on the arms, front and rear panels and even the collar. (depending on manufacturer) These are great for night riding and not only give you a great presence on the road but are very warm and dry. Costs between £35/40 - £100 depending on manufacturer.

To summarize - the levels of visibility offered with these types of apparel vary. The costs agin are very much the same - but how can you place a cost on safety?

Did you find this article helpful?

For anything related to the Quad Bike Industry there is only going to be one place to go - http://www.myquadbike.com

No matter what it is you are trying to find, a New Quad Bike to a Fuel Filler Cap - all will be available on a site you can trust. With information spanning all sections of the industry from Insurance, Finance, Where to Ride, Safety, Security and A List Of Dealers that are recognised as Industry Specialists, you'll always find something interesting.

Also we have a comprehensive blog so, if you want to make your point known or ask a question then you have a point where you can do it. Visitors to the blog is increasing every day, so make sure that you pop by and leave us a comment.

 
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