Quad Bike
Owning a quad bike has become very popular these days, with a number of celebrity owners bringing them to the attention of the public.
An all terrain vehicle (atv) with four wheels, a handlebar and a saddle, a quad bike is similar to a motorbike. But don’t assume that because you can control a motorbike or a car that you will be able to ride a quad bike – it handles very differently and can easily be overturned.
A quad bike is a high speed off-road machine, designed to be used on difficult terrain and steep slopes. Used properly it can provide endless fun, but a quad bike is not a toy. Smaller models are available, however even these should only be ridden by children with full adult supervision.
Cornering and turning techniques on a quad bike need to be practised and mastered before venturing off-road. Indeed, a quad bike would need to be modified to use on UK roads, as it doesn’t conform to regulations regarding tyres, horn, lights and speedometer. It is therefore illegal to drive a quad bike on the road or pavement in this country.
If you are using your quad bike off-road on fields and private land, make sure you have permission from the landowner. And while it is legal to ride a quad bike without a safety helmet, it is strongly recommended, as losing control of a quad bike can happen to the most experienced riders and serious injury can result.
Quad Bikes
Professional training is recommended for personal users of quad bikes to ensure the safety of riders and spectators. Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers as this can easily unbalance the vehicle and make it more difficult to control.
It is a good idea for riders of quad bikes to wear protective helmets, boots, gloves, eye protection and waterproof trousers, as it often gets very muddy. In the summertime, of course, it tends to get very dusty.
Quad bikes generally run on standard unleaded fuel. Some run on a mixture of unleaded and two stroke oil. However there are alternatives for high-mileage users – diesel and LPG. Red diesel for off-road use is most economical, though this produces poorer performance compared to that of petrol quad bikes, as well as increased noise and diesel fumes.
Quad bikes are valuable items and should be stored in a safe place, preferably a garage or shed which is locked. Additional security for quad bikes that should be considered are wall or floor clamps to make life difficult for potential thieves and an electronic anti-theft system which would help your vehicle to be identified.
Like all possessions, quad bikes should be properly insured. Some household policies will allow quad bikes to be added as long as they are itemised, or specialist insurance companies may be able to help.
