If you have decided that quad riding is the hobby for you and after a few adventures on a rented machine, it is time to invest in a quad of your own, but there is much to consider. As a novice, you should not be thinking about investing in a new quad bike, rather go for something second-hand until you have gained a certain level of experience. With that in mind, here are a few tips for those who are looking to acquire their very first quad bike.
- Road Legal Or Off-Road – You must decide whether you would prefer a road legal bike or one that you will only ride on private land. Obviously, a street legal bike is a more attractive proposition, as you can ride to a venue, while an off-road quad needs to be transported to a riding venue, which would involve the use of a small trailer. If you have a full UK driving licence, you can legally ride a quad on the roads, providing, of course, that the quad is taxed, has a current MOT and is insured.
- Avoid Buying From A Private Seller – Much like any vehicle, when you buy from a private seller, you are buying ‘sold as seen’ and as such, you have no warranty. Even if you know the seller, the bike could develop a serious issue right after you become the owner and this would cause a problem. There are quad bike dealers in the UK that have a wide range of new and used quads for sale, and you can search online and view their extensive selection, all of which would come with a fair warranty and even quad bike finance options.
- Try Before You Buy – If you search online, you will find a specialist quad dealer who has new and used machines for sale, and if you take a trailer with you when you visit the dealer, should you decide to purchase, you can take the bike home. You should always test ride any machine you are thinking of buying, as this is the only way to really get a feel of the bike.
- Stick To The Basics – As a beginner, you don’t need a super-professional racing quad with all the options, a 500cc machine that has been well looked after would do. When you have gained a level of experience, you can upgrade to something more powerful. During the first 3-6 months of riding, you will develop a style all of your own and then you will be in a better position to know the kind of bike that best suits you. There are some tips for quad riding for a novice that you can find online.
You can start by viewing the used bikes on the dealer’s website and when you find one that looks right for you, check that the machine is still available, then you can make an appointment to view the bike. Of course, the more machines the dealer has, the better and by searching for an established quad dealer, you should have quite a selection to choose from.
