| Product: |
General |
| Date: |
11.04.06 (2457 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Fun, Exciting Experience
Disadvantages: None at all . . . . . . . best thing ever
Quad Biking ~ What is it?
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Up until a few years ago Quad biking was hardly recognised. Just recently Quads have become a much more popular thing for people to have. There are now so many places and track accepting Quads and there are numerous Quad events going on all over the UK, some even spreading over into the rest of Europe.
Quads are fun and very entertaining for all ages. There are many different types of Quad Biking experiences such as, Utility Quads which farmers use, Leisure Quads the type you fine at holiday parks but my favouriteare the Sports Quads for events and races.
There are so many types of Quads, different sizes, engine cc's, colours, graphical designs, specs and many more other differences.
Where did Quad Biking Begin?
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Quad biking can be done on almost any terrain, from muddy hills, Ice Speedway, Road Racing, Enduros, Hill Climbs, Drag/Sprint, rough banks, Speedway, Grass Track, Super Moto, rocks, sand and road. For most of the names terrains, utility Quads are the best for these. Dirt and mud are the best terrains for the Sports Quads.
ATV is another name for a Quad Bike and this stands for All Terrain Vehicle. When the ATV first came out many years ago, they were known as Trikes. They didn't have 4 wheels like the ATV's/ Quads today, they only had the 3 wheels. Two at the back and one at the centre front. Many people found this too hard to race and ride so that's when they introduced the ATV/Quad bike with 4 wheels.
The Quad was made using a trike by welding a sub frame onto the front of the trike one the forks and lone front wheel was removed, and the hanging A Arms, Steering Column, Track Rods, Hubs and a Pair of wheels on to the machine to create it.
Who can ride a Quad?
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Any one can ride a Quad bike, no matter what your age or whether you are male or female.
My son who is 18 months old has got a bright red battery powered Quad that he takes to the tracks with and he really enjoys it. But for the older child wanting to ride there are many different quads to choose from. The Suzuki LT50 or Suzuki LT80 are two of my recommendations to the young ones who want to try it out. They children's Quads are all mostly automatic. I think these are a great way for your child to have fun yet at the same time learn the basics of co-ordination, speed and control.
In some places actually racing a Quad, you are unable to do this until the age of 16, when at some places and clubs you will need to have parental consent until you reach the age of 18.
Although some places allow the younger races. My dad and brother are currently racing for Quad Heaven where they are competing against some of the World Champion Quad Racers such as Paul Winrow, John Mitchell, Jason Macbeth and Willy Wagott.
Quad Bike Makes
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There really are so so many different Quad bike manufacturers around today. Here are a few dealers and Quad bikes that they make.
HONDA TRX 205r
HONDA 400EX
HONDA 450
HONDA TRX330
YAMAHA YFM50
YAMAHA YFZ 350r
YAMAHA YFZ450
YAMAHA 660 RAPTOR
SUZUKI LT50
SUZUKI LT80
SUZUKI LTZ400
WARRIOR YFM350
GRIZZLEY YFM125
Basic Quad Speed's
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Here is a rough idea of how fast each race Quad would go.
For an engine size of 250cc you are looking at doing about 90mph. That is full throttle, you only go as fast as you feel comfortable.
For and engine size of 350cc you are looking at doing about 115mph full throttle but some of the bigger size engines, 450cc upwards have been known to do about 135mph. Once again you only go as fast as you feel comfortable with.
Quad Bike Price Range
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To buy a second hand Quad that is ready to race then you are looking in the region of about £1000 upwards. For this sort of price, you are looking at a complete ready to race Quad with everything you need such as Nerf Bars, Widened Axle's, Shocks etc. But to buy a brand New Standard Quad you are looking in the region of about £3500 upwards. I know this may sound like a lot of money for a standard Quad but in theory having a brand new Quad with Warranty is far better than spending out on a 2nd hand Quad that could have something wrong with it.
Parts and prices.
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Well, what can I say. This is where you will all be shocked. That parts for some of these Quads are really high, but all very worth it in the end. As you may have seen in another of my reviews, my dad had a Honda 400ex and has just had to get a new Calliper for it costing in the region of £300.
My brother is getting a new and updates steering stem for his Yamaha YFZ 450 and is trying to save his money by working with my dad as this is going to cost him about £600.
There are so many parts and accessories that can be added to a Sporting Quad and like I said above they can be very dear to buy but if you are a true Quad bike fan and racer like my dad and brother then these kind of things are a must have.
I asked my brother the other day why he wanted a certain part for his Quad and not a cheaper one and he came out with " This is the best part you can get" I suppose to them the best names parts for their Quads are like us girls having a names handbag for £300. But would the men see our point of view? No....never.
PEP
DURA BLUE
AC
RED BULL
GOLDSPEED
LAEGER
ELKA
SCORPION
All the above names are just a few of the selected name I have chosen that are all part of a Quads performance. They are designs of Nerf bars, A-Arms, Steering Stem's, Shocks, Exhausts and many other parts and accessories.
So now you want to know the best way to get into Quad Biking
Take some training
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I f you are not an experienced Quad rider or you have never ridden a Quad bike before then don't be worried that you'll never be able to get into it. All you need to do is practice. There are a number of different Quad Bike Schools around but for more information on training you could try contacting the European ATV Safety Institute ( EASI_) on 01903816286.
Go to a Quad Racing Event
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Before my dad and brother got into Quad racing they found out where some of the events were taking place and went along to check them out. This in my opinion is a great way to check out what happens and talk to some of the competitors. They are always happy to answer any questions and give you some great advice and tips.
Choose your event
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Before you go out and buy yourself a Quad decide which type of Quad you think is most suitable for you. Whether it is a Sports Quad or Utility Quad. Find out about all types of Quad racing and do a bit of research. There are many to choose from such as Motocross, endurance, grass-track, supermoto and hill-climb so having the right Quad for the right type of event is the best way to get started.
Buying a Quad
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Remember when buying your Quad that you want to get one that you feel comfortable on and riding. If you know someone who has maybe a Honda 450 or a 660 raptor that has been riding Quads for some time then don't try and compete with them if you have never rode a Quad before. Everyone starts somewhere and you will find that starting off with a smaller engine size Quad will give you the confidence, feel, speed and a basic idea of what its all about. Even if you get a 250 and only have it for a few months and feel it's not quick enough for you, it would have hopefully have given you the confidence to sell it and buy something bigger and better.
Whether you are looking to buy a second hand Quad or a new Quad you are looking to pay anything from £1000 to a massive £10.000
Brand-new club-level Quad are available for less than £6500 fully fitted out to race.
and last but not least
Buying some Gear!
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If you are going to ride a Quad of any sort you will have to get some quality protective clothing. As a rough guide you will defiantly need to have the following, if you don't you will not be able to ride.
HELMET
GOGGLES
GLOVES
BOOTS
TROUSERS
SHIRT
B ODY ARMOUR
These can all be brought for reasonable prices. It is advisable though to buy the best that you can afford. You must always remember though that when buying clothing for this sort of thing you need to make sure it fits. It needs to be comfortable and ~ essential for Quad Riding ~ You need freedom of movement. Any dealer that you go to will be able to help you get the right protective clothing.
Finally................... Your 1st Race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some tracks for you to try
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Scotland
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Kypesid e riding centre
Kypeside
Lesmahagow
Lanark
Tel: 01357523834
E-mail: kypeside@hotmail.com
www.kypeside.com
Details: Ride your own Quad or hire Quads for all ages. Booking required. Storage available
Westlands
Annan
Tel: 01461800274
Fax: 01461800274
E-mail: info@westlands-activites.co.uk
www.westlandactivit es.co.uk
Details: Quad trek available
Ireland
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Country Quads
Borris Co. Carlow
Tel/Fax: +35350324699
www.countryquads.com
E-mail: info@countryquads.com
Details: Open every day for Quad biking. Quads can be hired for 6 year olds and over. Pre-booking available
England
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Apex Motocross Track
Norton, Worcestershire
Tel: 01905769832
Mobile: 07989098289
E-mail: info@apexmotocross.co.uk
www.apexmotocross.co.uk
Details: No Quads available for hire. Open Wednesdays 10am - 8pm and Saturdays 10am - 4pm. Two tracks. One for up to 50cc, (children's track~) and One for 100cc upwards. (14yrs up to Adults)
Armthorpe Moto-Parc
Armthorpe, Doncaster
Tel: 01302300243
E-mail: amp@motoparc.fsnet.co.uk
www.motoparc.fsnet.co.uk
Details: Open every day for Quads, Adult and Children.
Wales
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Ritec Valley Quad Bikes
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
SA70 8NF
Tel: 01834843390
E-mail: info@ritec-valley.co.uk
www.ritec-valley.co.uk
De tails: Call for pre-bookings
Dulais Valley Quads
Seven Sisters, Neath
West Glamorgan
Tel: 01639701768
E-mail: griff@dulaisvalleyquads.com
www.dulaisvalleyquads. co.uk
My Opinion
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Since going to the Quad racing events that my dad and brother have been racing in I have found Quad biking a truly fantastic experience. As with race of any sort the worry of accidents do occur. We have got to meet and make great friend with the world champion Quad racers and travel all over the UK. We are currently awaiting our 3rd round of the QH Championship that will take place in two weeks time and are finding it great fun.
Happy Quadding and Safe Racing/ Roding
Emma xxxx
Summary: Fun, Exciting Experience
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