My first All Terrain Vehicle was a 1985 Honda 250 cc Big Red three-wheeler and at the time I was the owner of one of the best machines around. It had power, shaft drive and fat flotation balloon tires.
Today I ride a new Arctic Cat 650cc H1 with independent suspension, 2,500 lbs. Warn winch, on the fly two-to-four wheel drive and full differential lock, 27” ITP mud tires and a full digital instrumentation panel.
Oh, how times have changed and although that ole Honda Big Red saved our backs many times extracting moose from the woods, there is no comparison to the way ATVs are designed and manufactured today.
More and more people are buying ATVs and using them in more versatile ways - hunting, fishing, trapping, trail riding and in employment situations such as surveyors, tree planters, hydro line crews and geologists.
ATVs are now being used long distance just as much as snow machines and the development of faster, more comfortable rides means it’s easier on your body traversing rough terrain including rocks, steep hills and bogs.
Most of the manufacturers that produce snow machines are also making ATVs and with their increase in popularity there is pressure to make them suit all riders and outdoor enthusiasts’ needs.
ATVs are slowly becoming an all-season vehicle with more folks using them in the winter for more than just riding the trails. Snow removal has become popular with ATVs and most makes and models can now be accessorized with plows that bolt right onto your machine.
Living in Thunder Bay and experiencing some good snowfalls, it sure is a great thing to have when the heavy accumulations hit. Of course with this type of set up you would definitely not have to spend the $1,000 to $1,500 on a new snowblower. A snowplow set up will cost you somewhere between $450 and $700 depending on size and make. This is something to consider if you are an ATV owner and sick of shovelling your driveway.
Living in Thunder Bay and experiencing some good snowfalls, it sure is a great thing to have when the heavy accumulations hit. Of course with this type of set up you would definitely not have to spend the $1,000 to $1,500 on a new snowblower. A snowplow set up will cost you somewhere between $450 and $700 depending on size and make. This is something to consider if you are an ATV owner and sick of shovelling your driveway.
I am also starting to see more ATVs out on the ice for ice angling. Over the last few years more of these four-wheelers are pulling sleighs and ice augers to their favourite spot or warm ice shack.
Four-wheel drive tracked ATVs are fast becoming popular with the ATV crowd. They are an all-season accessory and will allow you to go just about anywhere you want with ease whether it be deep snow, a swamp, sand, bog or the nastiest of mud, the four drive track system will get there and back.
The cost of a decent set of these tracks for your ATV will run you somewhere between $3,500 and $4,500, which is a handful of cash, but if you take into consideration a new snow machine can be anywhere between $6,500 and $12,000 it might be more in your budget to get yourself a set of tracks for your bike. Do yourself a favour, if you have any doubts or reservations about the capability of these track systems, get online and check them out. Read some of the testimonials and watch some of the videos available. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
My ATV is an invaluable piece of equipment and being a hunter and angler, it only adds to the places I can venture to hunt and fish no matter what season. Whether it’s with aggressive rubber tires or the popular track system, there is no stopping this machine.
