Do you love the thrill of riding a powerful ATV around rugged terrain? ATVs are amazing machines, but under that body is a complicated device. If you are going to push it to the maximum, it pays to know the parts so you can do repairs and fixes if needed.

The ATV is made up of a number of parts, which can change and vary depending on the model. Below, we discuss ATV parts and give a must-know guide on everything you need to know.

ATV Parts

The shell moulded plastic shell of the ATV has parts that bolt onto the various sections with fasteners. The main purpose of them is to protect the internal mechanisms, engine, and the rider. This can be from impact, dust, and debris that trails can throw up.

One of the most important sections is the rear mudguard. As dirt and earth force out from behind the rear wheels, the mudguard protects the rider from it. Panels at the rear also block them from reaching the engine and transmission.

Exhaust System

Under the body of the ATV will lie the exhaust system. It is here to protect the rider from the heat that will build up during use. The exhaust can switch to provide a little extra horsepower.

ATV Suspension

One of the most important features of an ATV is its suspension. Suspension cushions the wheels and the body as they impact upon the ground. Without it, you would be in for a very stiff and bumpy ride.

Suspension units are usually adjustable, so you can tune them to provide more or less pressure depending upon how you use them. Each wheel will have its own independent suspension parts. These can be removed and replaced should they need changing.

Handle Bars

The handlebars are where you will steer the ATV. For ease of use, a lot of the other controls also here. You will twist the grip on the handlebars to increase the throttle.

The light and ignition will be in this area, so you can easily switch on the engine and increase visibility. For driving, the clutch and front brakes also reside here.

Protective Bars

Protective equipment will appear in various areas of the ATV depending on what type you have purchased. The most common is the bar across the front of the ATV that protects the engine. You may also find them on the side, rear, and guarding the chain.

ATV Engine

ATVs come in two types of engine, a two and four-stroke. Two-stroke engines are very rare and do offer more power to weight ratio. However, a four-stroke is much easier to maintain and generally more reliable, thus why they are more often found in modern ATVs.

One reason two-stroke engines are harder to maintain is that they use a mix of fuel and oil to make them run. This has to be pre-mixed, which is more complicated than simply filling the vehicle with fuel as you do in a four-stroke. You can find two-stroke vehicles that have oil injection and do the job for you, but they are still harder to maintain than four-stroke engines.

Engines will also come in one or two-cylinder versions, with power between 100 to 800cc. When choosing an ATV, bigger is not always better. As riding requires physical movement, turning bodyweight into bends and corners, larger, powerful models can be hard to control for inexperienced riders who are not physically strong enough.

The engine begins working when the rider turns the ignition. Pistons in the engine will then move down into the cylinder. A valve known as the intake opens up, pulling in air and fuel.

When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the intake valve closes and the piston returns to its normal position higher in the cylinder. This will squash a mixture of air and fuel. All it then needs is something to ignite it.

This comes from the spark, which burns off the mixture of fuel and air. The piston is pushed back down into the cylinder. As it moves back up, the used gasses are expent through the exhaust, and this process moves the axel that pushes your ATV forward.

ATV Transmission

Modern ATVs have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVAT). This links to the engine. As it is automatic, the driver does not need to worry about changing gears as the ATV will do it for them.

This is useful if you are using the ATV for labour purposes. It will choose the best gear for the job depending on the weight, speed, and amount of effort the task requires. All the driver has to do is push down on the throttle.

Some ATV models do have manual transmissions. The clutch to shift gears may be on the handlebars, or it may be a foot pedal mounted model.

Wheels

Wheels get a little more complicated when talking about ATV’s, as they are one of the key components which give it an advantage over other vehicles and make it unique. They are there to grip the trails and allow you to go places other vehicles do not.

The wheels you choose all come down to size. Sometimes you may need big, chunky wheels and sometimes you may need smaller ones. The measurements are in diameter, width, and offset.

Measuring for ATV wheels can be complex. A series of numbers, which each correlate to tell you the diameter, width, and offset, indicate measurements. You can use them to buy new wheels and choose tires.

The first measurement will be the height (diameter) of the wheel. This is where you need to pay attention, as it is not just a case of measuring straight across. You must take the measurement from the center of the bead seat to the opposite edge of the bead seat.

This is because many wheels have different lip and bead sizes. Getting the wrong measurement can result in you buying the wrong tires. Getting the width is much easier, as you only have to measure from the outside of the wheel to the inside bead.

Wheel Offset

Offset measures the distance between the center of the bead seat to the hub mount. It is the measurement that shows how far your wheels will stick out from the body of the ATV. This can impact performance, handling, and clearance, as it determines how wide or narrow your ATV will be.

Offsets come in positive, negative, and zero. Positive offsets are wheels that have a bell section wider than the nose. They will be marked with a + symbol.

Negative is when the nose is the wheel’s widest part. They are marked with a – symbol. Zero wheels have the hub-mounted at the exact center of the wheel.

Youth ATV

A youth ATV is specially designed for younger riders. They are usually smaller, less powerful versions of well-known brands, models, and designs.

Engines on youth ATVs typically go from 50cc to 125cc. They will have speed limiters in place, so a designated adult can restrict the power and speed at which the driver can go. As they are for children, they often come with enhanced safety features such as lights, tethers, and flags.

The larger youth ATVs should only are only for children ten years and older. Any younger than this, and you can get smaller electric models, though they may lack the power to keep up on a long outdoor ride.

Sport ATV

Sport ATVs are for speed and competition. They will be lighter and have a more aerodynamic shape. The suspension on these vehicles will also be increased so that they are better equipped to handle bumps and offroad jumps.

As they are for speed on tracks and trailer runs, the whole ATV is designed for performance. This can be in everything from engine parts to seats and handlebars. Although designed for performance, they are often used by many people as multi-purpose recreation vehicles with the addition of aftermarket products.

Utility and Recreation ATVs

These ATVs are the most widely used, as they are extremely functional and versatile. They can be used for fun, or as general work vehicles. You may see them on farms, ranches, for use in forestry, defence, and other industries.

Utility ATVs are usually bulkier, heavier, and more robust than other ATVs. As such, they may not have the speed and performance. Instead, their power is used to tow, pull, and transport goods and items across rough terrain.

For this work, they can often be fitted with extra features. These may include front and rear storage racks, winches, winter tracks, and other peripherals. Some of them are even capable of pulling around 1750 pounds.

Know Your ATV

Once you know the ATV parts, you should make an effort to identify the features that are on your own ATV. This can help you perform repairs, maintenance, and locate any problems with your vehicle.

If you are looking to buy or rent an ATV then make Westshore Marine your number one stop. We have a range of vehicles for all needs and occasions, at the best prices. Click here to view our selection and you could be riding away on a brand new ATV sooner than you think!