Why ATVs Are Great to Ride in the Summer

What do I think is worth adventuring on? ATVs! Gas ATV tires and durability allow you to explore areas that your traditional motorcycle can’t handle, and it’s a totally different experience. That doesn’t mean you have to swear loyalty to an ATV, either, it’s just a great chance to jump on one and experience just a little more of the unknown.

If you live in a generally picturesque area, riding an ATV makes this a ton of fun. And even if you’re not in an area you would consider traditionally beautiful, there are always a variety of surprising spots you can find. An ATV allows you to go off-road, and it’s much easier to adjust and adapt to that an off-road bike. If you live in a particularly rocky area, ATVs are professionals at getting over those problematic paths.

It doesn’t take any convincing to tell a rider what kind of friendships a set of wheels can create. And while you might love your motorcycle buddies, there’s always enough room in your life for new people. That’s especially true if you enjoy any kind of activity that gets your adrenaline pumping and gets you out there. The big difference between you motorcycle friends and potential Kids ATV friends? One rides the road, and one doesn’t need or want one.

Whether Polaris, Yamaha, or a Honda ATV, these are becoming increasingly more popular, and that means establishing a group of friends to adventure with is getting easier or easier. It’s easy to bond with people when you’re all riding through muddy areas and trying not to spin out, or riding alongside a lake. It has its own, unique culture to get involved in. And with summer here and moods lifted, everyone’s out to find some new riding buddies.

As I have previously mentioned before, 3-month long summer breaks are no longer the norms in our life. And while summer does bring a certain air of excitement, the everyday grind is still there, sometimes breathing down our necks. It can be even more frustrating when you get to see your kids having a blast during summer vacation, and you can’t join in because life must go on.

While your motorcycle can be a great stress reliever, any experience that gives you a sense of escape will help you achieve that. ATVs give you the ability to really remove yourself from everything else, and take things off-road. You’ll earn some silence that you may not have been able to experience in a long time, or get  time to ponder over things. The weather will be great, and sometimes it just takes removing yourself to decompress a little bit. And Youth ATVs are great for helping you get there.

Educate yourself first. Before you fire up your all-terrain vehicle, invest a few hours in hands-on Adult ATV safety training. The ATV Safety Institute is a great place to start. Each RiderCourse offers thorough ATV training, and some states offer training subsidies, so check with your DMV. If you’ve recently purchased your ATV, training may be free.

Make sure you have solid footing. As a new rider, you’ll have enough to think about without worrying about what to do with your feet. With Nerf bars and heel guards, you’ll get the stability you need.

Nerf bars are like giant foot pegs that allow you to keep your feet planted during your ride. Heel guards keep your feet where you want them, giving you more control while riding.

Stay off the street. ATVs are typically licensed for “off-highway” use and are not safe or designed to be driven on certain pavements. Also, it may be illegal. Check with your DMV to learn about ATV restrictions in your area.

Learning the Throttle on Your ATV

Bring along an experienced friend, riding on another ATV, who can coach you along the way. Stay aware, and get a feel for the way your ride accelerates. Take a look at our ATV throttle tips:

Go slowly at first. The accelerator on an ATV is actually a thumb throttle that you press. Getting the feel of the throttle is important for new riders to help build confidence. Giving it too much gas can cause the ATV’s front end to pop up. Practice easing the throttle on and you’ll be riding safe and stable.

Purchase high-test gasoline. Filling up with high-octane fuel can keep your machine running smoother, longer. Your throttle will perform more consistently too.

Always Wear Your ATV Riding Gear

Having the right gear can make a big difference and being prepared is one great way to prevent serious injuries. Here are a few key points about Electric ATV riding gear:

Wear protective clothing. As a new rider, you should invest in all the necessary protective clothing and gear you need. Make sure you have a protective jacket, good boots that go above your ankle, a DOT-certified helmet, gloves and goggles. Don’t forget a chest protector and knee/shin guards for further protection.

Get a good helmet. When you’re moving fast down the trail, ducking branches and catching dirt from the ride in front of you, you’ll be glad you invested in a good DOT-certified helmet. They’re the single most effective means of preventing head injuries.

Off-road/Motocross helmets offer full-face protection and a solid section of molding that protects your chin and jaw. They also cut down on noise and protect you from flying insects.

Learn About ATV Shifting

Depending on the type of ATV you’ve got, you may have to ramp up on manual shifting. Usually the left foot will control the shifting lever and the left hand controls the clutch. Your right thumb will typically manage your speed with a spring-loaded throttle.

You’ll find there’s a finesse to managing the throttle and the release of the clutch to prevent stalling. Here are a few other ATV transmission tips:

Practice changing gears. If anyone ever taught you how to drive a stick shift, they probably took you to a parking lot and you practiced working the clutch and shifting gears over and over until you felt confident. This same lesson should apply to new ATV riders.