Understanding Your ATV’s Ground Clearance

ATVs are powerful, durable, and rugged little machines, but just because they can handle most any terrain doesn’t mean they don’t have limits. We here at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee want to help you know your ride inside and out, so we’ve put together some tips for understanding your ATV’s ground clearance, below. To learn more, or to see the ATVs we have for sale, contact our store in Monee, Illinois, today!

Defining and Measuring

First, it’s important to know exactly what ground clearance means. The short version is that it’s the distance between your ATV’s undercarriage and the ground, but the long version is that every part of your ATV has its own ground clearance.

To measure this, park your ATV on smooth, flat ground like a paved driveway or hard-packed earth. Use a measuring tape and determine the space between the ground and the underside of every component of the undercarriage, then write down your findings.

Impact

Next, we should note that both high and low ground clearance have advantages. Low ground clearance means loading and unloading the ATV is easier, as well as mounting and dismounting from it. That makes it better for shorter individuals, as well as for any work-focused ATVs.

High ground clearance, however, is best if you’re going to be in deep mud or liquid or expect to handle a lot of uneven terrain, since obstacles and liquids are less likely to damage important components.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee for more information, or to see the ATVs we have for sale. We proudly serve the people of Chicago and Kankakee County, Illinois—let us serve you today!