With warm days and cool nights, the desert seems made for year-round riding. The terrain is varied and challenging, with steep climbs, epic flat terrain and a constantly turbulent mix of sandstone. However, the question remains: Should you hit the dunes on an ATV or UTV?
Here are three things to consider before your next sordid trip into the wilderness.
Size
ATVs are smaller than UTVs, but both are suitable for off-roading and are compatible with a wide range of types motorcycle aftermarket parts for sale nearby and online. Also known as four-wheeled vehicles, ATVs are meant to be steered by a single rider who straddles the seat and brakes with his hands and feet and uses a thumb or twist-grip throttle.
A UTV, also known as side-by-side, is steered like a car, and can accommodate two passengers, hence the nickname.
Due to their smaller frame, the ATV is better for racing, making sharp turns, and navigating narrow lanes. In the desert, trails and other size restrictions are few and far between, making a UTV as rideable as an ATV.
In fact, UTVs are often more comfortable in the desert because of their bench (or bucket, depending on the model) seat. It has the ability to easily accommodate a large number of people as well as store your gear. If you need a desert crane, UTV is also your choice.
Security
As you scramble across the unpredictable desert plains and tackle crumbling hills, a UTV will generally provide a safer ride. This is partly due to its larger size and more conventional ride configuration.
However, it can also be associated with UTV’s built-in safety features, such as roll bars, seat belts, and in some cases, windshields. That best UTV ride gear only increase your travel safety.
ATVs, on the other hand, offer fewer safety features. Controlling it can require a fair amount of strength and balance on the part of the rider, and with that comes the inherent risk. But for some riders, this is precisely the appeal of the ATV. This can provide more control and a more exhilarating ride.
Experience
Since driving a UTV is no different than driving your own car, it is usually a better choice for new or relatively inexperienced riders thanks to its smoother ride and handling. It is much more customizable than an ATV, so you can improve your riding experience in the future as well. Owners can pour thousands of dollars into everything from upgraded tires to in-cab heaters.
An ATV, on the other hand, is a more rugged ride that demands great physical effort on the part of the driver in some cases. If that rough-and-tumble style is your thing, and you’ve logged many hours off-road, an ATV might be a solid, adrenaline-pumping choice.
Plus, both best women ATV riding equipment and the most popular accessories for men take all of these factors into account to increase your comfort and durability while straddling your quad.
In the end, for most users, UTV is the better choice for desert riding. Safe, comfortable, and ready to rock – literally if necessary – as you conquer the shifting sands. However, choosing convenience over safety doesn’t mean sacrificing thrill. Choose UTV for your next run through the desert and you won’t be disappointed.
