ATVs and such

[AJ]

Anyone have much of a background with ATVs and 4 wheelers? What to look for when buying new or used. Common repairs, licenses, ect ect. Site to check out?

A couple sites I've been looking at:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/index.html
http://www.trailsource.com/scripts/three.asp?STATENAME=Minnesota&TYPE=ATV
http://www.atvfan.com/Minnesota_ATV_Trails/

I don't think I'll be in a hurry for a car project anytime soon, but Jana and I have talked about ATVs/4 wheelers and such for a while. Especially since we can use them at the parents in IA as well.

Kinda looking for a mass thread of info.

 

[Workdawg]

I've driven them pretty much all my life. Starting with a couple Honda 125cc tiny things that are as old as I am. Started driving them when I was really young with my dad on the back, going solo probably around 10-12. My uncle now has two Honda Recons (250cc I think) and two (correction one, my cousins friend wrecked one) Suzuki Eigers (400cc). Also, a Polaris scrambler; which is a scary fast racing quad. It does some SICK donuts though.

I have pretty much no experience outside of riding them though, so I probably won't be much help here. I changed the oil, and replaced a Tie-rod and ball joint in one of the old ass 125s once, but that was pretty easy stuff since those are really basic. I'd suggest seeing if you can't find a place that'll let you test drive them. Polaris had a demo at the RenFest this year, and possibly at the State Fair.

As far as what to buy, depends on how much you'd be using it and what for. For leisurely riding, you don't need anything giant. I actually prefer to drive the Honda Recons we have over the Suzukis even though the Suzukis are bigger. I feel I can handle the Hondas better because they fit me perfectly. I blast through trails that I know well on them. Even a smaller engine one, such as the Recon's 250cc, feels pretty quick. If you plan to go mudding, you'd definitely want a 4x4, and a winch is probably a good idea as well.