Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Get to Know ATVs: A Guide to Common Parts and Accessories

 

source: highlifterblog.com

Out of any possible country in the world, you'd think ATVs were first used, you definitely wouldn't guess it was Japan. It was before the popularisation of ATVs in 1969 which was the first time the West saw an actual proper ATV and it was made by none other than Honda.

It was called the All-Terrain Cycle and unlike today's ATVs, it had three tyres. The popularity of ATVs dropped in the 80s since multiple reports of accidents and injuries were reported. But thankfully in recent times, ATVs are getting recognised more for their capabilities and safety features as well as more mature riders.

ATV Anatomy

Engine

source: i69motorsports.com

You'd think that throughout the decades, ATVs have changed quite a bit and while that is somewhat true they still largely stay the same in terms of their anatomy. What you'll find in every ATV since its inception, as well as every well-supplied quad parts store, is an engine. It works in the same way as the one in your car it just has fewer cylinders and power.


Suspension

What helps make the engine and transmission work together and also makes an ATV turn and stay stable is the suspension. There are various different components that make up the suspension and they vary depending on the type of suspension your ATV gas. What you should know is that this system of components is what helps prevent you from flipping over in most scenarios.


Transmission

The transmission is a collection of gears that help transfer the power generated by the engine, be sent to the wheels in a predictable manner. Most ATVs nowadays come with an automatic transmission which chooses the right gear for you but you can go for a manual one, just know that it's not going to be as easy to ride one.


Exhaust

When all that power is generated and most of it is used up, the product of all this is harmful gasses. These gasses go through the exhaust system which is there to filter out harmful pollutants and also to reduce the amount of noise coming through the manifold.


Handlebars

What helps you steer an ATV area is the handlebars but these ATV UTV parts also allow you to do other things. This involves turning on the engine, changing gears (if it's a manual), turning on your lights braking and accelerating.


Wheels

The only components of an ATV that are in contact with the ground are the wheels and therefore they need to be tough and durable. The wheels house not only the tyres but they also have the brakes on them as they also connect to the suspension.


Protective Bars

Although not all ATVs come with them, most do and protective bars are there for a good reason. They are there to protect your ATV when in an accident be it colliding with another rider or a tree or rock. These bars are usually found around the front of the ATV while others are also found on the sides. Some ATVs also come with chain guards as part of their added protection.


Popular ATV Accessories


Mudguards

Since an ATV is essentially a more compact off-roading vehicle, going over mud is inevitable and you don't want it to kick up in your face or over your gear and equipment. Found in almost every quad parts store, mudguards are able to keep all that muck away and only on your wheels. They are one of the simplest aftermarket ATV UTV parts.


Bash Plate

When it comes to staying safe in the wild, you can protect yourself with gear and equipment but protecting your ATV requires the use of some of the most popular ATV UTV parts in Australia – bash plates. Bash plates are made of metal and cover the underside, where the engine is, from mud, stones, wood and other flying objects. 


Mud Tyres

Since mudguards can't keep mud off the tyres, you should consider getting tyres for it. These types of tyres can help keep as much mud as they can off of them so that you get better traction even on the steepest of hills. 


Winch

In case you do get stuck even with mud tyres, you should have a winch with you. These ATV UTV parts are essential to get your ATV unstuck from any muddy terrain or when you get it stuck into a bog. If you have a mate with you, a winch can also help you pull them out of the same situation.


Lights

source: atvconnection.com

Sometimes the lights that are already on your ATV are just not enough when you want to ride at night. Therefore some aftermarket lights can help make your adventures in the wild at night much safer as they can help you see further down the beaten path. 


Snorkel

No water is allowed in the engine, which is why it comes with all those gaskets, however, water can get into it through the air intake. To prevent this when going through deep water crossings, you should get a snorkel for your ATV. These are some of the most sought-after ATV UTV parts in Australia as they help keep the engine safe but also supplied with both clean and cool air.

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