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What are the types of quad bikes?
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Quad bikes, more commonly known as ATV quads or All-Terrain Vehicles, are gaining popularity all over the world. The popularity of quad bikes is increasing especially in the United Kingdom where more and more enthusiasts are showing their interest in this new found craze.
What is a quad bike?
Principally, quad bikes have been a well-known vehicle in the agriculture and military field. These bikes are known for their speed and ability to handle different terrains. The American National Standards Institute defines a quad bike as a powered vehicle that moves on low pressure tires, with operator-straddled seat along with handlebar-operated steering control. Its design is derived from a motorcycle and is usually used for farm work or recreation. These quad bikes are originally intended for solo use although manufacturers have already produced two-person ATVs.
What are the types of quad bikes?
Presently, quad bikes are categorized into two markets – the utility market and the sport market. Utility vehicles are usually larger and heavier four-wheel drive vehicles that run up to 72 miles per hour. This type of quad bike is generally used to pull things and is still classified into several models -- the off road quad, road legal quad, and the utility quad. Off road quad bikes are similar to a four-wheel dirt bike, while road legal quad bikes look like motorcycles with four wheels. Utility bikes, as the name suggests, are used to perform certain work.
Sport models are used for motocross, wood racing, speedway racing, drag racing, desert racing and other forms of racing. These are high performance models that are light weight, have excellent suspension and have a low center of gravity. Quad bikes made for sport can be modified to adapt to specific racing disciplines. Most sport models are small and light and have a manual transmission. They have quicker acceleration and run as fast as 90 miles per hour.
Honda was the first to design and manufacture a three-wheeled ATV used for recreational purposes while Suzuki was the first to manufacture a 4-wheeled ATV. Honda and Kawasaki responded to Suzuki’s race quad bike and created the Honda FourTrax TRX250R and Kawasaki Tecate-4 250. Yamaha then followed and produced the Banshee 350 equipped with a high performance machine. Suzuki then later released the LT500R QuadRacer or the Quadzilla which is believed to be the fastest ATV produced because of its 500cc engine and 5-speed transmission. At present, Japanese manufacturers dominate the quad bike market. Many of these are also considered a road legal quad bike.
Today’s quad bikes are made more innovative as custom made models have been produced. Hence, you will be assured that whatever type of legal quad bike you ride, you’ll get to feel the thrill and adventure of four-wheel driving.