Comparative test of Russian and Chinese ATVs

How to choose your first ATV?

1. Sports all-terrain vehicles

— powerful and high-speed, with high dynamic properties and improved handling characteristics. However, there is no need for illusions - sports ATVs are not particularly suited to the harsh Russian off-road conditions - their ground clearance and cross-country ability are lower than those of “utilitarian” and tourist ATVs.

2. Touring all-terrain vehicles

On such “quads” you can conquer impassable roads and cope with the sharpest turns, while maintaining controllability, comfort and safety.

All-wheel drive, with a reduction gear, thanks to low-pressure wheels, can drive freely on sand and slush, and thanks to the vehicle’s lighter weight than that of “utility” vehicles, they pick up speed faster. Tourist ATVs are made, forgive the tautology, “for a tourist”: a spacious trunk, comfortable seats for the driver and passenger, a car steering wheel.

3. Utilitarian

“Utilities” are often used as “workhorses” for a wide range of purposes: agricultural work, transportation of goods or snow removal, tractor for passenger cars, fishing and hunting trips.

These versatile all-terrain vehicles can overcome the steepest climbs and easily travel off-road and rough terrain. In addition, in all-terrain vehicles of this type, you can replace the wheels with caterpillar tracks and attach a winch, which will expand the list of tasks of a utilitarian ATV even more (at least even to transport large loads). “Utilities” are distinguished by their greater weight compared to other types of ATVs (up to 400 kg), increased engine power, all-wheel drive and high cross-country ability.

Have you decided what you need an ATV for?

Before buying, it is important to decide what you need an ATV for - and choose your type depending on the purpose of using the all-terrain vehicle.

For hunting and fishing

A hunter's or fisherman's ATV must have high ground clearance, high-tread wheels and a winch. 4WD is optional. You can choose among “utilitarian” ones, although tourist ones are also suitable for long trips into nature, and for some cases, some sports ones. When choosing which ATV is best suited for hunting and fishing, you need to clearly understand the type and complexity of obstacles that you may encounter on the ground; hunters also need to imagine the weight and size of the game (yes, not every quad can accommodate a wild boar). As for additional accessories, it would not hurt to protect the driver from dirt and the possibility of additionally equipping the all-terrain vehicle with caterpillar tracks. If the good old huntsman Kuzmich from “Peculiarities of National Hunting/Fishing” had a decent all-terrain vehicle, the number of tales told to the general would be significantly reduced.

For a fast ride

If you are a pro, then the choice is obvious - exclusively sports models. But for those who like to have a blast from time to time, many manufacturers produce utilitarian ATVs, some of which are based on the engines of sports ATVs.

For work

Such an ATV is the best assistant for any household work - be it at a construction site or at the dacha. Among the “utilities” you can always choose the right one. The main thing is that there is a winch and a tow bar. The engine capacity for such a “workhorse” is 500 cc. cm, however, if you plan to transport very large loads, it is better to choose a larger volume - 700-800 cubic meters. cm.

Off-road

There is a wide selection of both utilitarian and touring all-terrain vehicles. The decisive factor in this case is the type of terrain. For mountain bikes, a touring ATV is better suited; for everyone else, a utilitarian one is better. If you decide to climb into the most impassable wilderness, a winch will come in handy (well, and a map at the same time, but they are not included with ATVs).

Let's compare several models

Let’s compare a couple of models worthy of “becoming your first.” Quad bikes. To ensure that everything is done correctly, we analyzed both the domestic and foreign segments.

Among domestic and more budget ones

We advise you to pay attention to quads from Russian Mechanics and Stels.

STELS ATV 600 YL LEOPARD vs. RM 650-2

Both ATVs are “utilitarian” and, as you can see, their characteristics are similar. But both have a couple of their own chips.

The STELS ATV 600 is equipped with an Italian dashboard from Koso (a well-known manufacturer of electronics for all types of motorcycle equipment). It gives an excellent readable image in different temperature conditions. Just right for an ATV used all year round. To increase the reliability of the braking system, reinforced brake hoses are used. For the same purpose, the “quad” is equipped with waterproof electrical wiring. All relays and fuses are placed in a moisture- and dust-proof box. The design model for the Stels ATV600 was the world famous Yamaha Grizzly ATV. Well, traveling on this all-terrain vehicle is quite comfortable for two people – not necessarily with an extreme sports buddy, but also with the woman you love. They know how to decorate an ATV, if only with their enthusiastic squeals.

The PM 650-2 is also a two-seater, tandem model. It has a two-level seat, so the passenger will see not only the back of the driver’s head, but also get a good view of the area. This snow and swamp-going vehicle has front and rear luggage areas (load capacity - 40 and 80 kg) and two glove boxes (volume - 5 and 16 l). It has improved footrests to prevent your feet from slipping off the pegs. Even up to your ears in water or mud, you will be able to comfortably overcome wetland obstacles, and not get stuck in them. In short, this summer you can easily take the unit, the other half, a tent, a pot and go on vacation to Altai (don’t forget about the tourist tax).

Polaris and BRP are popular and reliable brands among foreigners.

POLARIS SPORTSMAN TOURING 570 VS. OUTLANDER MAX 450

The Sportsman Touring 570 is the fastest all-wheel drive in the industry, so the manufacturer promises trouble-free conquest of any corners and hills. This “quad” claims to be completely universal: any route – alone or with a passenger, any difficult job, done quickly and easily. It has the largest load capacity - 261 kg - and traction force - up to 555 kg, as well as the largest storage volume of 24.6 liters, a built-in winch and snow plow attachment system. And don’t forget about the excellent vinyl seats for all-weather use: there are no options to sit in the “fifth point”.

BRP Outlander MAX 450 is the youngest representative in the Outlander model range. “Tailored” for active recreation, housework and off-road travel. Speaking about the utilitarian capabilities of the ATV, it is worth noting that the 2022 BRP Outlander 450 is capable of towing a load weighing up to 590 kg. The front cargo area has a load capacity of 54 kg, and the rear can accommodate up to 109 kg of cargo. The “trick” of this model is the frame design, which provides excellent handling and stability while driving through difficult areas.

For those who find it difficult to decide on the model themselves. The Active Rest chain of stores
will help you choose your first ATV.
Ready to choose? And we are ready to help you with this. And for those who have already been able to choose a model. Should you add kangarooing? Or a gun case?

It's like if you were choosing a sandwich at a restaurant and the sandwich guy asked: should I add bacon? Or make double cheese? No, you can eat a sandwich without them, but it tastes better with them. “It tastes better” when the “quad” is equipped with “extras.” No matter how unpretentious the ATV and its owner may be, life shows that one basic configuration is never enough. In 99% of cases, one or several accessories are purchased at once, which manufacturers initially do not include in the price, so as not to scare away buyers with an increased price tag.

Of course, you can buy an ATV without additional equipment, but such savings can hit the budget after the first off-road ride (the stingy one still pays twice - the elementary truth works here too). Accessories for all-terrain vehicles are very different, each brand has something of its own - protection of the bottom and levers from damage, a luggage box or trunk - for active tourism and long trips out of town, a winch - to pull out a "quad" stuck in snow or mud .

Many ATV owners change the basic tires and wheels, install additional lighting and kangurins, and buy a trailer for large loads. To increase the comfort of the driver and passengers: heated grips, a windshield, bags for the front platform, there are even rifle cases for hunters.

Avantis Hunter 200 Premium

One of the most popular Russian ATVs with a 200 cc engine is the Avantis Hunter 200 Premium. The main advantage of the domestic device is its equipment. The manufacturer installed everything necessary on the car: mirrors, brake lights, a massive bump stop, luggage racks, remote control, speed limiter, powerful lighting and an emergency engine stop check.

Model characteristics:

• Four-stroke engine with a displacement of 200 cc. cm. The power of the device is 16 hp.
• Engine oil cooling system.
• Electronic ignition.
• Kick starter and electric starter.
• Automatic transmission.
• Adjustable air shock absorbers.
• Independent (front) and pendulum (rear) suspension.
• Disc brakes (hydraulic).
• The maximum speed of the car is 70 km/h.
• Gas tank volume – 5 l. On average, an ATV consumes 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.
• The weight of the all-terrain vehicle without body kit is 170 kg.
• Steel frame can withstand a load of 200 kg.

Buyers are attracted not only by the characteristics and equipment of the Hunter, but also by its price. The latest version of the device from the showroom will cost only 144 thousand rubles.

Varieties

To understand which ATV is best suited for hunting, you should understand what types there are:

• This sports ATV is a maneuverable, fairly light and fast all-terrain vehicle, perfect for racing on relatively flat surfaces. Thanks to its light weight and powerful engine, it accelerates quite quickly, but due to its low ground clearance it has low cross-country ability.
• Utilitarian – a powerful, practical all-terrain vehicle designed both for driving over rough terrain and for use in agricultural work or transporting goods. This type is distinguished by its heavy weight, powerful engine and all-wheel drive.
• Tourist is perhaps the best ATV for hunters. It is not afraid of weather conditions and is able to overcome difficult terrain. Low tire pressure and high ground clearance make it easy to drive both through snowdrifts and sand. It handles easily, shows good speed on the highway, has comfortable seats and spacious luggage compartments. It has a wide selection of two-seater models and is popular among hunters and fishermen.

Modification and repair

In reviews of Stealth ATVs, owners noted the simple maintenance of the equipment. Regular maintenance will help extend the “life” of the device. There are also no problems with repairs; most problems can be fixed on your own. Buyers are also pleased with the cost of spare parts. For example, a clutch plate will cost only 400 rubles. You can find the necessary parts in a specialized service center or at a dealer.

Stels all-terrain vehicles can also be modified. Serious tuning is not required, but you cannot do without replacing the shock absorbers, front trunk, exhaust pipe and fuel system.

Important points

When thinking about which ATV to choose, you should take into account not only high cross-country ability, but also indicators such as fuel consumption, load capacity, difficulty in maintaining and the possibility of installing additional equipment.

Registration and rights

Few people think that an ATV is a vehicle that requires registration and a driver's license. If the all-terrain vehicle comes with a title, then it must be registered with the MREO, and if a passport for the self-propelled vehicle is attached to it, then registration is issued at Gostekhnadzor.

For light ATVs, a category A1 driver's license is required. A category B1 license will be required to drive models with side-by-side seats and a car steering wheel (quadricycle).

Fuel consumption

When choosing an all-terrain vehicle, you should pay attention to the engine capacity; for hunting, models with an engine of 500 cc are preferable. cm.

Average fuel consumption for models is 500-700 cc. cm:

• mixed type of soil-asphalt surface – about 10 l/100 km;
• driving on snow, sand or off-road – 12-15l/100km;
• when driving through swampy areas and liquid mud, consumption may increase to 20 l/100 km.

Service

When purchasing an all-terrain vehicle, it is possible to register for dealer service and undergo maintenance at the service center. If you understand the device a little, then you can easily carry out maintenance of the ATV yourself; this will save you a lot of money and will give you the opportunity in the future to deal with problems on your own, even in the field.

Load capacity

The average load capacity of an ATV with an engine capacity of 500 cubic meters or more. cm up to 350 kg. Almost all models allow the use of a trailer. When choosing it, you should rely on the dimensions of the all-terrain vehicle; the matching track of the trailer and the ATV has a positive effect on cross-country ability. Trailers with lever suspension have higher cross-country ability than single-axle trailers.

The history of a successful Russian holding

The official start of the enterprise’s business activities occurred in the mid-90s of the last century. Basic production was then focused on the production of bicycles and was located in the city of Kubinka, Moscow region. The success of the product was guaranteed by the following characteristics:

• reasonable price of a new product;
• fairly high quality of assembly and materials used;
• nice product design.

Increasing demand dictated the expansion of production, so the size of capacity grew.

Since 2006, a new industrial site has appeared in the ownership of the manufacturer, located in the Krasnodar Territory. This ensures annual growth of almost a million units of wheeled vehicles.

A couple of years later, a third site was laid out and built in the Sverdlovsk region. At the same time, in 2009, sales of ATVs began, which easily fit into the Velomotors range. Initially, the entire model range was launched on the basis of licenses from reputable and more experienced manufacturers from Asia, which included:

• Kazuma;
• Dinli;
• Buyang.

The fourth territory where Stels ATVs began to be produced was a factory in the Bryansk region that went bankrupt in the 90s. In Soviet times, “Desna” bicycles and motor vehicles were produced on its territory.

The manufacturer offers a quality certificate for the Stealth ATV. All production processes are also certified. Automation is widely used on integrated conveyor lines. Most operations are performed using robotics, which has a positive effect on the result.

The technical characteristics of the models offered by the manufacturer successfully compete with foreign analogues. This applies to both utilitarian and sports all-terrain vehicles. Engineers took care of reducing fuel consumption and smooth running thanks to the installation of a CVT transmission. Often the factory equipment includes an electric winch.