If you're interested in four-wheelers, reading up on manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) news and trends can help you find out who has the hottest machines and which companies to avoid. By spending a little time visiting some key sites on the Internet when you're looking at ATVs for sale, you can get an edge in the business of all-terrain vehicles.

News about ATVs can include innovations from ATV manufacturers, new products, ways to get the best ride and technical bulletins about repair issues. Check out safety issues as well as legislation on ATV use, especially where it concerns kids' ATVs. Current trends can include what features customers are looking for in an all-terrain vehicle or an all-terrain cycle.

When you're looking for ATV news, consider the following for easier searching.

1. Read the brutally honest chatter on websites to find out what customers are saying about their ATV experiences.

2. Get a look at the latest features offered by ATV manufacturers to help you choose a cheap ATV for fun or a feature-packed workhorse.

3. Stay up-to-date on the injury record for ATVs and changes to the laws governing their use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse popular websites for news about all-terrain vehicles

All-terrain vehicles are a popular mode of transportation in rural areas and a source of fun for all ages. Whether you're interested in new ATVs or used ATVs, look for articles from trusted sources on ATVs, and follow their recommendations.

I recommend: See all the latest models of ATVs from Yamaha, Suzuki, Polaris, Kawasaki, Honda and Arctic Cat, as well as other brands, and get in-depth information on each model at ATV Riders. Sign up for a free e-newsletter at ATV News.

Check in with ATV blogs for customer opinions on all terrain vehicles

It never hurts to read what people are saying about the competition, or even your own product. If you're in the ATV business, take a look at blogs and newsgroups to get a better picture of the industry and its users.

I recommend: Read the chatter on the ATV Rider Online forum for a peek at what customers are saying about different manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles. Catch up on the news about ATV manufacturers at ATV Frontier.

Know your ATV facts to make the best decisions about all terrain vehicles

The Internet is a good place to find information about ATV safety precautions and hazards. You can also find statistics on injuries and deaths, as well as industry moves to improve safety.

I recommend: ATV Safety Net is a service of the Concerned Families for ATV Safety, with a large collection of ATV safety news from around the country. ATV Safety is the U.S. government website regarding ATVs, offering recall information, safety tips, data and legislation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Start a file for all major ATV manufacturers and print out relevant news bites that you find for each. You'll be able to spot trends and locate information that will help you make the best decisions.

Whether you're looking for wholesale ATVs to sell at a small retail business or just want to buy one all terrain vehicle directly from the manufacturer, ATVs are easy to get direct from companies worldwide.

If you're shopping for ATVS in America, you may want to check out foreign companies for cheaper wholesaling, but American companies also have advantages such as free shipping and easy customer service.

When you start looking for ATV manufacturers, remember to do the following:

1. Compare prices among foreign suppliers and check availability online;
2. Check American ATV manufacturers for additional benefits;
3. Look for specialized products such as kids' ATVs if you have a specific product need;
4. Consider accessories such as trunks and helmets, also available from ATV manufacturers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare ATV manufacturers online

It's easy to access Chinese ATV manufacturers and Japanese ATV manufacturers online, but an even more convenient tool is comparing across several manufacturers. Use a product search to compare by supplier.

I recommend: TTNet offers a product search for ATVs where you can organize your search by product and then compare the same product from multiple suppliers or organize by supplier and find out which products are available from a specific manufacturer. Regional information is provided for each company. You can also apply to be a dealer of foreign manufactured all terrain vehicles online with Mooser Moto.

Get ATVs for sale from American companies

Whether you want to purchase cheap ATVs for resale or just get free shipping on one all-terrain vehicle, American companies are a good option. Most American manufacturers offer free shipping, parts and service, and no sales tax except in their home state. Another benefit of buying from an American company is that you can easily call during normal business hours with questions about wholesale orders or other inquiries.

I recommend: Midwest Direct and Best Price ATVs, as well as other American ATV manufacturers, offer benefits such as free shipping, direct ordering or reduced prices for wholesale orders, and parts for their all-terrain vehicles available for order online.

Search for other products from ATV manufacturers

If you are interested in other products like dirt bikes or kids' ATVs, search for those directly to make sure they are available from a manufacturer. Most ATV manufacturers offer a range of products and related accessories.

I recommend: Many ATV manufacturers also manufacture related leisure products, but if you're looking for kids ATVs make sure you search for them specifically, because at a glance they resemble full sized ATVs. Midwest Direct and Scooter Factory are two companies with a wide selection of kids' ATVs and free shipping on orders in the United States.

Buy all-terrain vehicle accessories direct

ATV accessories such as trunks, covers and helmets are sometimes necessary and increase the utility of your all terrain vehicle. Buy direct from the manufacturer to get the accessories to fit individual all terrain vehicles. For the best prices and information about wholesale orders on accessories as well as all-terrain vehicles, contact manufacturers directly when you buy.

I recommend: Accessories such as trunks and covers, as well as safety must-haves such as helmets and goggles, are available direct from ATV manufacturers. You can also locate a dealer of ATV modifications such as snowplows and hitches if you want additional service or support for installation of accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  All-terrain vehicles can be fun for private recreational use or versatile tools for small agricultural businesses or recreational companies, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly.
• •  Whether you're using an ATV personally or selling or renting ATVs to others, know how to safely operate your ATV and inform others who may be using them how to avoid misuse and injury.

Manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles are experts at serving up the fun for kids young and old. The term all-terrain vehicle generally refers to a four-wheeler ATV, but can also indicate a three-wheeler or all-terrain cycle. However many wheels, ATVs can take you just about anywhere, through muddy, bumpy or hilly conditions.

You can use an ATV for many purposes besides recreation. All-terrain vehicles can be very useful for checking progress on a farm or a large construction project, and you can tow a trailer to carry firewood. Safety forces may use ATVs to get in and out of difficult places.

Whether you're looking to purchase an ATV to help with your personal business, or you are looking for a business opportunity, all terrain vehicles hold appeal for all ages. Here are some points to consider when exploring manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) basics.

1. Decide what kind of ATV would be most suitable, whether sport or utility.

2. Look for the latest in technology and safety features including independent suspension that makes rollover injuries less likely.

3. Determine whether you want to find new or used ATVs for sale.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into safety concerns of manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles

You can't be involved in the world of all-terrain vehicles without focusing on safety, and what steps manufacturers are taking to make their ATVs safer. Government agencies do not recommend kids ATVs at all because of the number of injuries and deaths they cause.

I recommend: Consumer Reports blogs about a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding ATVs. ATV Safety Institute spells out their golden rules of ATV safety.

Choose all-terrain vehicles from manufacturers with experience

Chinese ATV manufacturers make many all-terrain vehicles. You can also buy Japanese all-terrain vehicles. Popular brands include Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha, who incidentally all manufacture motorcycles as well as all-terrain cycles.

I recommend: Honda is one of the front-runners in ATV sales, offering whole lines in their sport and ATV utility lines. You can build your own Yamaha ATVs with all the features you desire right on the company website.

Take a look at an American ATV manufacturer

Polaris, one of the most popular American ATV manufacturers, started manufacturing all-terrain vehicles in 1985, after more than 30 years producing snowmobiles. You can find a local Polaris dealer on the company website.

I recommend: You can find out more about different ATVs on the Polaris company website, and build your own model with the features you desire. Read a review about the Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI Touring ATV from ATV Source.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can find a great deal on a used ATV, but check it over thoroughly before you close the deal. Checking the tires, the oil and the CV boot joints are just a few of the precautions you should take.

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, have come a long way since the first off-road buggies with lawn tractor engines and no suspension. ATVs, sometimes dubbed “quads” to distinguish from their three-wheeled counterparts, all-terrain cycles, now have technological features rivaling cars. As you scan the sites of manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles, keep in mind the following terms to help you choose which ATV will fit your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sport ATV

Sport ATVs are used for recreation or competition and have high-powered engines mated to smaller, lighter chassis. Best suited to solo riding, sport ATV's are often built without lights or accessories to keep the weight as low as possible. Enthusiasts and cross-country racers gravitate toward these ATVs.

I recommend: Review ATV Sport magazine for a look at various sport ATVs. The site also hosts forums, news stories and an e-marketplace for these vehicles.

Utility ATV

The workhorse quads, utility ATVs look very similar to sport ATVs, but are usually larger. They include headlights and running gear, with larger engines geared for low-end grunt work like hauling or towing. Their larger size also provides a more stable platform for passengers. Hunters, campers, farmers and even construction tradesmen who need a highly maneuverable tow-horse gravitate to these ATVs.

I recommend: ATV Magazine provides an article excerpt comparing seven different utility ATVs.

Utility terrain vehicles (UTV)

Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) can be thought of as a cross between an ATV and a golf cart. Their construction allows two people to ride side-by-side. They are also often equipped with a short bed in back like a miniature pick-up truck. As with ATVs, UTVs can be found in sport and utility mode.

I recommend: UTVGuide.net offers a comprehensive site for all topics related to UTVs.

Semi-auto

ATVs are typically constructed with manual transmissions, which are operated with a hand-clutch and foot shift pedal. Semi-auto ATVs have the foot pedal but no clutch, making them easier to operate. Other ATVs are built with fully automatic transmissions.

I recommend: WonderHowTo.com provides a video showing you how to operate a semi-auto ATV, including reverse gear.

Remote stop

Similar to the keyless entry and starters on new cars, ATVs are sometimes equipped with a remote start switch and a stop or kill switch that lets you shut off the engine without being near the ATV. This is a great safety feature, especially on smaller ATVs ridden by younger enthusiasts.

I recommend: The Cheap ATV Store features a mini ATV for smaller riders with a remote stop and automatic transmission.

EFI

Electronic fuel injection (EFI) gives ATVs higher performance, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than ATVs with carburetors. In an EFI system, an on-board computer monitors engine function to more accurately control the air-fuel mix flowing into the combustion chamber.

I recommend: Travelizmo highlights an ATV model with an EFI system.