What to consider when buying a quad bike or ATV

In this second instalment of our series on the ”other” fun off-road vehicles, we take a look at what you should consider when buying a quad bike or ATV.

If you’re itching to get off the beaten track but want something different from the usual 4WD experience, buying a quad bike or an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) might just be the answer. These machines are built for both work and adventure, offering more compact fun that can tackle some serious off-road conditions. But before you rush out and grab one, there are a few things you need to consider to make sure you get the right ride for your needs.

#1. ATV vs. quad bike – What’s the difference?

Let’s clear up a common confusion first. “ATV” and “quad bike” are often used interchangeably, but technically, they’re slightly different. ATVs can have three or more wheels and are built for a wider range of uses, from off-road recreation to utility work on farms. Quad bikes, on the other hand, specifically have four wheels and are generally geared toward recreation. In Australia, you’ll mostly come across the term “quad bike” when it’s time to hit the trails.

In the images below, both of these are ATVs, but only one of them is a quad bike.

So, whether you’re tackling trails, sand dunes, or even working on a property, picking the right model is key. Here’s what you need to consider before buying a quad bike or ATV.

#2. Purpose – what will you use it for?

The first thing you’ll want to figure out is how you plan on using the quad bike or ATV you are buying. Are you looking for a weekend warrior for thrill-seeking trail rides? Or is it going to be more of a workhorse for property maintenance or carrying gear? Some models are designed for pure off-road fun, with high-performance features, while others focus on utility, equipped with racks, tow hitches, and cargo space.

If you look again at the example pictures above, you can see that the Can-Am is built for work and play, with a rack on the back for carrying loads. The Yamaha is purely just for fun and getting around off-road.

Make sure you know what balance of fun vs. function you’re after, as this will narrow down your choices fast.

#3. Engine size – power for play or work

ATVs and quad bikes come in various engine sizes, measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The smallest engine starts at 50cc for kids (much like the smallest dirt bike for kids), and goes up from there to 700cc and beyond.

If you’re just starting out, you don’t need tons of power when buying your first quad bike or ATV. In fact, it could be quite dangerous if you don’t yet have the experience. Most beginners and youth will start with something 150cc or smaller. However, if you are already an experienced rider, want to tackle tougher terrain, or want something more intense, consider buying a quad bike or ATV with an engine capacity of 450cc or above.

But keep in mind, the bigger the engine, the more fuel it’ll drink and the more it’ll weigh. This might affect handling for some riders. You don’t want to go overboard and end up with more than you can handle.

#4. Speaking of engine size – is this quad/ATV for a child, teen or adult?

One in seven quad bike deaths have involved children under the age of 14. I’m not trying to scare you – but it’s particularly unsafe to let a child ride an adult-size quad bike/ATV. To reduce the risk, make sure to buy a quad bike/ATV with a small engine and features specifically geared towards kids like a throttle limiter, no clutch and hand guards.

Luckily, there are plenty of well-known brands that offer options for kids looking to get started. Check out these four below.

#5. Four-wheel drive vs. two-wheel drive

Just like in the 4WD world, you’ll need to decide whether you want two-wheel or four-wheel drive. If you’re sticking to mostly flat trails or using the quad bike for light work, a 2WD will do the trick. But if you’re heading into tough, uneven terrain, especially with steep climbs or mud, a 4WD is a must.

Not all quad bikes/ATVs will offer 4WD, and it usually comes with a price.

#6. Suspension and comfort

If you’re planning on spending hours out in the bush or on the farm, you’ll want to take suspension seriously. A good suspension system will keep you comfortable over rough terrain, absorbing shocks and bumps. When buying a quad bike/ATV, look for one with adjustable suspension if you want more control over your ride quality, especially if you’ll be carrying extra weight or passengers.

#7. Towing and payload capacity

When you’re looking at buying a quad bike or ATV, you’ll come across two key terms: payload and towing capacity. Payload is the total weight the ATV can carry, which includes the rider, any tools, and gear loaded onto the bike itself. Towing capacity, on the other hand, is all about how much the ATV can haul behind it.

If you’re planning to put your quad bike to work, make sure to check the towing capacity and ensure it can handle the kind of weight you’ll be hauling around.

#8. Safety features

Off-roading is loads of fun, but safety should always be top of mind, especially if you’re buying a quad bike/ATV for kids because they’re simply too young to know any better. Look for models that come with built-in safety features like speed limiters (great for younger riders), roll bars, and automatic transmission if they’re/you’re not confident with a manual.

It goes without saying that safety gear like a proper helmet and protective gear is a necessity— not an option.

New quad bikes safety standards came in a few years ago in 2020 and in the following years after that, so if you’re buying second hand, it pays to understand the new standards – which you can view here.

#9. Legal requirements and licensing

In Australia, quad bikes and ATVs are subject to various laws depending on your state or territory. But in general, you can ride it around private property with no problems. However, if you’re hoping to ride it on the road, it must have a conditional registration and other requirements. Each state and/or territory has different rules, though, so you’ll need to check first!

#10. Cost and maintenance

Finally, keep in mind that the initial price tag is just the start. Like any vehicle, when buying a quad bike or ATV, you’ll need to factor in the cost of regular maintenance, especially if you’re using it off-road. Factor in the cost of servicing, parts, fuel, and even insurance if you want to make sure you’re covered in case of an accident or theft. It’s always a good idea to shop around for a bike that’s known for reliability and ease of maintenance to save yourself headaches down the track.

Wrapping it up and coming up next

Whether you’re new to off-roading or an old hand looking for a new and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, buying the right quad bike or ATV for your needs and wants is essential. Make sure to think about how you’ll use it, what features you need, and whether you’re comfortable with the power you’re about to handle. Get it right, and you’ll have a reliable, fun companion for all your off-road adventures.

If you’re keen on exploring even more off-road fun, stay tuned! In our next article in this series, we’ll dive into UTVs and SxS (Side-by-Sides), explaining how they stack up against quads/ATVs and what you should consider if you’re thinking of buying one.

Read next: