How to Pick the Right Beginner ATV (Without Wasting Money on the Wrong One)

You've decided to purchase your first ATV. Perhaps your child can't help but ask for one. Perhaps you simply want an enjoyable way to shred around the home at weekends. Regardless, welcome- you're about to join a club of folks that spend too much time considering mud.

If you are searching for the "best" ATV? Well, it is something that no one mentions when you begin shopping for an ATV. It's what's best for you! But figuring it out is much simpler than is suggested by the Internet. Let's take a closer look.

Start With Who's Riding It

Don't even bother to check out one of the quads; ask yourself who is really playing with a leg over this thing.

Buying for a kid? It's not a time to consider a full-size machine. Youth ATVs typically come in the 110cc–125cc size and are equipped with speed limiters, smaller chassis, and automatic transmissions to prevent a nervous first-time rider from pushing the bike and the throttle at the same time.

Buying for yourself as an adult beginner? You have a few more options in play space but the “beginner” does not mean that you want anything hard. The 200 cc automatic quad seems to be the happy medium, sufficiently powerful to be fun, but not so much that you'll be the first to be thrown into next week the first time you hit the gas.

Engine Size: Don't Overthink It

It's here that many first-time buyers get stuck and continue scrolling for hours. Here are the tips:

• 110cc–125cc – For younger teens and children. Easy to control and difficult to get into trouble on.

• 150cc–200cc – The level for those who can and want to ride. There is no shortage of enthusiasm for trails or property riding - but it's not a dangerous proposition!

• 250cc and up  – Save for when you have some hours in the saddle. Don't think that it's "beginner" territory, even if it seems like a good deal.

The general rule is that larger numbers don't necessarily indicate that it is a better first ATV. They're more machine than you may require at this time.

Automatic vs. Manual (Just Go Automatic)

If you don't know what that is, then, for now, avoid using a manual clutch. Automatic ATVs will allow you to concentrate on learning how to drive the machine — throttle, brakes, balance — rather than on switching gears as you are still learning which way is forward. It is always possible to take it up a notch if riding is not a stressful experience, but rather a natural choice, in later years.

Reverse Gear Is Non-Negotiable

This one is small until you're in the ditch with your nose first, and have nowhere to run to back up. Reverse is a must-have for all beginner ATVs, regardless if it's a child's ATV or an adult size. It's not a luxury feature; it will make you question how in the world you didn't get stranded.

What Should You Actually Budget?

Now things get serious! The price of a good youth ATV is between $900 and $2,000, depending on the ATV size and the number of features it contains, such as LED lights or larger tires. Typically, the price for the full-size beginner quads (150cc–200cc) ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Of course, it will be cheaper on the internet. As long as you know that rock bottom prices with ATVs typically equate to rock-bottom parts, and you don't want to save a few dollars on parts that have wheels and a throttle.

Safety Gear Isn't Optional

But, very important, a helmet of some sort is required for all rides, no exceptions, including the "quick lap around the yard. If possible, wear gloves and eye protection, and if it's a child on the bike, have an adult supervise until they have a few hours under their belt. Although it's fun to ride an ATV, it's a machine with a lot of power.

How to find one to buy

After determining your size and budget, purchase from a place that knows and understands these machines, rather than a random online listing with a stock photo. You want a shop that will be able to explain what it is you should have because you need it for your rider; you'll have people to call if you have questions about anything with your order; and if you need parts later on, it will have them.

Mississippi Powersports is that's what they're in the business of doing. From youth ATVs for the kids or a full-size beginner quad for yourself, they have a lineup geared towards this age group, easy to ride, easy to afford, and easy to get help with, before and after purchase.

The Bottom Line

Not the flashiest or the largest engine is the "best" beginner ATV. It is the one that suits your (or your rider's) actual skill level, has reverse, doesn't require any manual intervention, and won't break the bank on features that you will not be using in the first year anyway. Do smaller than you might expect you could — you can always enlarge if you get some trail time.

Looking to get some shopping done? Visit Mississippi Powersports for a complete selection of ATVs or call the team; they will help you pick the one for you the first time.