A Guide to Buying a Road Legal Quad Bike for You

This article is published in partnership with Mediabuzzer.

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If you are looking to purchase a road legal quad, there is much to consider. Any quad that is going to be ridden on the UK roads must comply with the stringent rules and regulations, and with so many makes available, it is a good idea to do some online research before making any commitments. The first question that needs to be addressed is what you plan on doing with the quad, as this will help you to determine the make and model that best suits your needs.

Full Car Driving Licence

Some people mistakenly think that you can drive a quad on a motorcycle license, when in fact, you must be in possession of a full car driving licence, which does make sense as the vehicle has four wheels, not two. If the road legal quad for you is purely for recreational purposes, there are specific makes and models that are designed for fun riding, while others are primarily used by farmers as a work horse. Any quad bike that is more than 3 years old will require an MOT, which can be carried out at an approved garage, with the exception of quads that are registered as agricultural vehicles.

Online Suppliers

The best place to begin your quest for the best quad bike is with an online search, which will land you on the website of an established quad bike supplier who would stock a wide range of new and used machines. Buying your quad from an online supplier would likely save you a little money, as the dealer does not need costly retail premises, and the warranty is identical.

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New or Used?

Some might say you are better off starting with a second-hand quad, at least until you become proficient, while others would recommend hiring a few to get the feel of the different models. If you are sure about which make and model you want, buying a new machine is fine, but do make sure that you have adequate insurance cover if you are planning to ride the quad on the roads. While it is not compulsory to wear a crash helmet in the UK, you are strongly advised to, along with suitable protective clothing, and it is worth noting that riding a Quad in Northern Ireland does require you to wear a crash helmet.

Vehicle Weight

There are three main weight classes, the first being 350kg, which is ideal for the young rider, while the 400kg class is ideal for adult recreational use, and the 550kg quad would be best suited for agricultural work.

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Engine Capacity

If you are not an experienced rider, you would be best suited with a 450-500cc engine, which is less powerful that the 750-1,000cc bike, and it really does depend on how comfortable you are with riding a powerful machine. It takes a while to be able to control a quad properly, by using a combination of steering and shifting your weight, and you are not advised to go fast until you are a competent rider.

By taking all of the above into account, you should make the right choices when purchasing your very first quad, which will hopefully be the start of a long love affair.