AUTOMOTIVE MOTORCYCLE

Some of us are content with a good book and a glass of wine to qualify for having a hobby outside of work, but for some they seek bigger thrills. All-terrain vehicles are growing in popularity for their adrenaline-pumping stability on rough terrains such as steep hills and mountainous territory. ATV accessories are in high demand by these bikers, and as such there is a broad range of choice on sale to the public.

Many bikers on ATVs are also interested in the maintenance and upkeep of their bikes. The sport, for them, encompasses the whole spectrum of off-road biking including cleaning, maintaining and showing their vehicles in various demos and rallies. Before the bike hits the super cross track, there is often a rush at the ATV accessories store as bikers hurry to make sure their vehicle is the best it can be. Fine-tuning a vehicle is imperative if the rider is serious about performing to his or her best ability.

A popular choice for those buying ATV accessories for their vehicle is protection from the elements caused by the rough nature of the terrain. Shields and overfenders protect the bike and the rider from spray and debris being kicked up at them from the tires. Also a rider may want protective clothing, eyewear and headgear to keep them safe under the potentially dangerous circumstances of off-roading on rough terrain.

Whatever the needs of the ATV user, the priorities are for a well-built, durable vehicle. Consumers should look for affordability without compromising quality and reputation. Especially in competing, there is no room for error, and as such, many ATV riders look for a name they can trust when shopping for parts and accessories. Many brands offer online advice and help guides to maximize the potential of the part or accessory they are fitting.

Enthusiasts have many different reasons for where they shop for their ATV accessories, ranging from recommendation, to price and availability. Luckily for ATV owners, the internet provides a huge range of resources with plenty of research materials to make sure the customer is going to get exactly what they are looking for without hours of legwork searching through high-street stores. Reviews and customer feedback make it easy to see reliable suppliers and recommended brand names, whilst a quick online search can give information on any brand to confirm whether it will perform to the standard required or not.

Most of us dread putting in our cars, vans or motorcycles in for an MOT test (often called a Vehicle Inspection or similar outside the UK). Not knowing whether it will easily pass, or require hundreds of pounds of work can make budgeting difficult.

To help reduce the costs of an MOT, there are some simple steps that any driver should be able to take. By checking these items first, you can repair some yourself (far cheaper than paying a mechanic at 70 to 120 pounds per hour at a main dealer), or have time to shop around to get the best deal.

Here are some of the things you can easily check:

• Ensure that all the lights are working. Check the headlights (dipped and main beam), rear lights, rear registration plate light, rear fog lamps, brake lights and indicator lights (front fog lamps do not have to work). A helper is handy to look round the car while you test the lights. Replacing the bulbs with standard or upgraded options is generally a simple job and is detailed in the vehicle handbook. Vehicles with HID bulbs fitted as standard often suggest returning to a main dealer for replacement due to the high voltages used, but as long as you ensure the lights are off (and leave them a few minutes for the capacitors to discharge) they are very similar to replacing any other car bulb.
• Check the windscreen wipers all work – do they clear the screen effectively over the entire wiper area? Look at the wiper blades themselves – do they feel hard and brittle, or are there bits missing? If there are, you will need to replace either the rubber blade or the whole wiper. Replacing the whole wiper is simpler, especially as most cars now use quick clip systems. One thing to note is for the modern flat beam wiper blades, such as the Bosch Aero twin or Viper Vision that you may need to bend the blade by hand so that it correctly matches the curve of your screen. Only the front wiper blades are checked for the MOT, but you may want to check rear wiper blades and headlight blades at the same time.

Whether you are hoping to purchase an all terrain vehicle that features Interco Super Swampier tires or you’re planning to use another brand, think first about the actual type of vehicle you are selecting. There are different models of ATVs available out in the marketplace. Choose the one that best meets your needs. Below, we explain a few of the models available to you.

Different types of all terrain vehicles include:

- The utility quad – If you envision your time on an ATV as hours spent working instead of playing, the utility quad is likely the all terrain vehicle for you. As the name suggests, the utility quad is used for utility purposes – namely, for getting work done in a swift manner. Utility quads are often used to tow trailers or carry farm gear. You may find them around farms, and they are often called upon to help farmers with various chores. Utility quads feature a low first gear and tires that can easily handle a variety of different terrain conditions. These heavy vehicles often have racks built in to ensure optimum carrying capacity.

- The sports quad – This is the all terrain vehicle for the ATV enthusiast. Lighter than the utility quad and easier to maneuver, the sports quad is often used for racing. It is a favorite vehicle of weekend enthusiasts who like to ride different terrain conditions. The vehicles are quick and responsive, giving the driver great ability to control the machine. Of course, the higher your experience level, the bigger the machine you will want to purchase. There are a wide variety of sports quads out on the market today.

- Automatic or gear shift options – You will have this option no matter which type of ATV you select. To decide which one is right for you, consider how practical you are. If you are going to use the all terrain vehicle for work purposes, it just makes sense to forego the trouble of the gear shifts. However, if you want to enjoy the responsiveness of the vehicle and you are choosing to purchase one for sporting purposes, the gear shift option may be for you.

- Four wheel drive option – Florida drivers really do not often need this option, but anyone who is going to encounter snow and ice will be glad they have it. In fact, even drivers who do not encounter icy conditions often opt for the four wheel drive option, as it can make the driving experience feel more secure.