ATV Trails - Which is Best Sport ATV v Utility ATV?

If you like to ride ATVs, you probably have a good idea where some of the best ATV trails are. Sometimes, you'll actually hear about other ATV trails from other riders. Before you attempt the trail, however, you'll want to find out all you can about it.

You know ATVs were intended to have some fun but the Earth's terrain isn't the same for everyone. You may like a certain trail and a friend can't ride on it himself or herself and vice versa. This is why asking questions is so important.

Just two decades ago, designs of ATVs were pretty similar. In fact, you could find more three-wheeled ATVs than four-wheeled ATVs. These days, there is a vast array of ATVs, sure to meet any rider's needs. ATVs of today are focused and made to handle many things including rocks, mud, work and speed. Quads are designed for specific purposes and certain trails will tend to suit a particular kind of ATV. There are two kinds of ATVs. They are: sport and utility. These two ATVs perform best on certain kinds of terrain.

Utility ATVs On Rough, Rocky Terrains

Are you into rough terrains such as rock crawling? Then you'll want to get a four-wheel drive utility quad. However, you'll want to get skid plates. Why is four-wheel drive so perfect for rocky terrain? It's not uncommon for a front or back wheel to come off the ground while you are driving from one rock to another rock.

Sport ATVs On Rough, Rocky Terrains

If you have a two-wheel drive sport bike, it's not unheard of to go over the rocks. Keep in mind that there is no reverse on these bikes and the way the suspension is setup makes them harder to get over the bigger rocks. Why? The suspension is stiff on two-wheel ATVs and most don't have an independent suspension. Utility quads, however, are able to get over the rocks because of how they are designed.

Utility ATVs In Mud

If you plan to go riding in the mud pits, your four-wheeled ATV utility quad will do just perfectly. The tires are able to sling what it can't pick up out of the way thanks to two things: their weight and their locking differentials. Sport ATVs in Mud

Sport ATVs can be tons of fun and excitement when you are out in mud but be aware that they don't do well in deep mud holes. It's important to be speeding when you are crossing mud so you don't get stuck. You certainly don't want to get stuck in the middle of the mud. Most of the time getting stuck means hooking the bike up to a tow cable and pulling it out. That's never fun. Most sport bikes are designed for speed so use it.

Utility ATVs In Sand

One of the more problematic terrains for ATVs is sand. Unpacked sand such as seen on beaches are difficult for utility ATVs to get a handle on. Stay away from sand find near creek beds as they mean trouble too. However, dunes do provide decent traction so keep that in mind. In all honestly though, sand is more a friend to the sport ATVs than the utility quad ATVs.

Sport ATVs In Sand

If you want to ride over sand, the sport ATVs are going to be your best bet. Due to their lightweight, they can easily move over sand while you speed along it.

Where To Ride and Why

Many people wonder what makes a trail so great that it must be ridden upon. For each person, it's different. Some say that level areas with just a few hills or ditches are wonderful places to go riding. However, if you want to ride and get dirty, then these kinds of trails just will not do. This is when you need to go mud slinging for a bit. No matter what kind of riding you feel like doing, it's imperative to find a terrain that works best for you. Utilize your ATVs strengths and go riding.