Got Quad Bike/ATV Questions?
Your quad bike/ATV questions answered.
We understand that it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting a new machine, but it's important that you understand what is required of you before climbing on and hitting the throttle.
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In an attempt to help you as much as possible, we have created this Quad Bike FAQ that answers some of the most common questions that we get. Should you have any more, you can, of course, contact us using the contact form or calling us on 01608 652653.
What quad bikes are road legal?
Can-Am! Unlike some other manufacturers, Can-Am quad bikes can come road legal as standard, and can be paired with a multitude of different accessories to make your travel on the road incredibly safe, efficient and comfortable.
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What quad bike to buy?
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Which quad bike to buy is entirely dependent on the situations and environments you will be using it in. There are many different specifications and features available on several different ATVs, which allow you to tailor your machine to suit your usage. Do you want Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), a winch, perhaps you only need a basic 450cc, or maybe something with a bit more grunt, like the 650cc Outlander. Either way, you still get the phenomenal performance of the Can-Am Rotax Engine
How dangerous are quad bikes?
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As with a multitude of things, quad bikes can be dangerous if you do not adhere to the correct safety procedures when riding them. Quad bikes are intended to be ridden by just one individual, without a passenger, unless the ATV has been designed with a second seat. Some of the most common incidents we see involving quad bikes are;
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Overturns or being thrown off due to a lack of control
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Collisions or crashes with other vehicles or nature (trees, etc)
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Pedestrians or bystanders being struck by a quad bike being ridden
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There are many contributing factors to a quad bike being made 'dangerous', this could include
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Lack of correct training (See below for training guidance)
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Incorrect protective equipment
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Carrying excess passengers
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Towing loads that are in excess of legal limits
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Poor maintenance of the vehicle
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Rolling from riding in areas that are unsuitable for the vehicle
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Travelling too quickly / excessive speed while riding
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What are the benefits of a quad bike?
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All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Quad Bikes as they are more commonly known, come with so many benefits for a variety of industries, which means it can be quite difficult to know where to begin. Dependent on the industry you require it for is dependent on the machine you require.
You can read more on this in the 'what quad bike to buy?' section below.
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Quad bikes allow you to do a multitude of jobs, but quicker and more efficiently. Perhaps you need to tow a small trailer or feed your animals, a quad bike can help. Maybe you have a lot of land and travelling across it is tiresome, a quad bike could be useful. Whatever the purpose, there is a quad that can help you to improve your productivity.
How to ride a quad bike?
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In order to learn how to ride a quad bike, there must be proper training introduced to each individual that will be using the vehicle.
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Some of the recommended bodies that we recommend to learn how to ride a quad bike include EASI Quad Safety & Lantra Vehicle & Attachment Training - Both of which are heavily certified and awarded as being industry leaders.
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It is important to understand the legislation surrounding riding an ATV before you proceed to use one.
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Staying safe on a quad bike
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Since quad bikes are not fitted with cabs or roll bars, your main source of protection is going to be two things.
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The things you wear
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Your sensible use of the machine
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The clothing and personal protective equipment that is used on a quad bike are crucial for your safety, with the main focus being on what it is that you wear to protect your head. You only get one, so ensuring you keep it safe is number one. A lot of severe injuries can be caused by not having a correct helmet. All helmets should conform to EN/BS Standards. Goggles may also be useful if your helmet is open-faced, or does not have any facial protection or screen.
Wearing suitable clothing before wearing your personal protective equipment (PPE) is important as this lays the foundation for safety.
Clothing should be tough and hard-wearing, not thin. Consider wearing full-length sleeves to protect your arms, pairing that with gloves (Though, handlebar muffs can also be used) is useful for protection and keeping hands warm in the winter, meaning you remain in better control of your machine. Pairing these items with some hard-wearing boots that protect the ankles is also important, but ensure they have good grip and can take a bit of a beating.