How Fast Are ATVs?

All-terrain vehicles are durable, nimble, and robust vehicles designed for use in all off-road environments. ATVs can be used for racing across the country or through downhill trails, but they also serve as useful vehicles for people working in remote areas or on farms.

However, since ATVs are used in rugged, unpredictable environments, it can be hard to gauge how fast you are moving while riding one. And for beginner riders or people looking to take up depending, it can be challenging to determine how fast an ATV can go.

This piece will explore the speeds an ATV can hit, which makes and models are fastest, and recommend whether speed should be a priority when choosing an ATV.

How Fast is a Typical ATV?

A typical ATV can move quickly, with a speed limit of between 40 and 70 miles per hour. However, this figure will vary greatly depending on several factors, primarily the weight of the ATV and the engine size.

A lightweight ATV with a larger engine will move quicker than a heavy ATV with a small motor. A typical ATV has an engine size between 250cc and 600cc, depending on the vehicle size.

A 250cc quad bike usually maxes out at about 50 mph; a sports model quad bike with a larger engine could hit closer to 70 mph. These speeds could be switched on even ground with a good grip on the surface, like a road.

In off-road environments, ATVs usually reach speeds of about 40 miles per hour, while faster speeds are possible; going over this speed off-road is unsafe unless on a track or trail.

The Fastest ATV

When discussing which ATV is fastest, it's worthwhile first to clarify how this conclusion was reached. Here are the criteria used to judge which ATV is fastest.

The criteria

For starters, the fastest ATV is the one that can reach the highest top speed in a straight line, not the fastest around a track.

Secondly, the fastest ATV title is given to the make and model in its standard form from leaving the factory, so modified ATVs with larger engines or custom-fitted parts do not count.

Lastly, the ATV needs to be available to buy, and in mass production, it can't be a one-off model or a hypothetical vehicle scheduled to be released at an undetermined time.

What is the fastest ATV model in the world?

The fastest ATV model in the world is the Polaris RZR Pro R. This behemoth has a 2-liter engine or 2,000cc. That's almost ten times the engine size of the typical ATV. This considerable engine puts out 225hp, has a top speed of 90 miles per hour, and will set you back over $30,000 for a new model.

And since this model from Polaris is a true off-roader, it has dynamic suspension and can easily navigate rough terrain. Polaris also boasts another model, the scrambler XP 1000s, with a 1-liter engine and a top speed of about 80 miles per hour.

Common ATV Engine Sizes

ATVs come in all shapes and sizes to suit the needs of different riders and uses. However, when you are new to ATVs, figuring out which engine size is right for your needs can be tricky.

Here are some common ATV engine sizes and the typical uses for each size engine:

50cc

The smallest size in ATV engines is 50cc. This sized engine is best for children who want to learn how to ride. This size engine is best for preteens as they are small and can only reach about 20mph.

70cc

70cc ATVs are very similar to 50cc quad bikes, although this size engine can go a little quicker and can be slightly larger. Typically, this sized ATV will suit kids aged 10 to 12.

150cc

A 150cc ATV is much more capable than the two previous sizes. This model is ideal for beginner adult riders or teenagers. A 150cc ATV can traverse harsh terrains and reach a top speed of up to 35 mph.

300cc

A 300cc ATV is the standard size of ATV for everyday use. This sized ATV can reach 40 to 50 mph speeds, easily cross various rough terrains, and will be relatively easy to handle for adults. As a result, a 300cc ATV is a popular choice among farmers and workers in rural areas.

500cc

ATVs over 400/500cc are usually used for sports or for trying to go through off-road trails. This sized ATV can travel at about 60 mph and will be great for a fun day on intermediate routes. This sized model is best for people with little experience as they are easy to maneuver.

700cc

A 700cc ATV is one used by experienced riders for challenging trails. These ATVs also include high-quality suspension systems and thick tires to keep riders in control while going over jumps or across challenging courses.

1,000cc

1,000cc (1 liter) ATVs are powerful vehicles with top speeds exceeding 70 mph. An ATV with an engine of this size is for experienced off-roaders who have spent much time riding through trails. These ATVs can also ride through thick mud and the hardest of terrain.

Low-Speed ATVs

If you are new to riding ATVs, or if your child wants to get into ATV riding, provided it is permissible under local driving laws, a low-speed ATV may be the best choice. A low-speed ATV is safer if you are inexperienced or more diminutive.

The ideal ATV for low-speed travel is one with a small engine, like a 50cc. A 50cc ATV can travel at a max speed of 20 mph, with some models achieving 30mph at most with four gears.

Should You Buy a Fast ATV?

You should buy a fast ATV if you are an experienced rider and enjoy riding at high speeds. Fast ATVs are best for people using them for fun on an off-road track or competing in competitive off-roading. If you don't meet these requirements, it's not recommended for you to look for a mid-range ATV.

Should You Buy a Fast ATV as a Beginner?

If you are new to driving, you should not start with a fast ATV. ATVs are difficult to handle and accelerate quickly across uneven ground. As a result, unless you have extensive experience, riding a high-powered ATV is not a wise move.

Fast ATVs also cost substantially more than smaller models. And if you are a beginner rider, it's unlikely that you will be able to drive off-road at the speeds you can hit in a fast ATV. So save yourself a fortune and choose a small-engined, affordable model if you are new to ATV riding.

Speedy ATV Shipping

If you want a fast ATV to tear through fields, down trails, and over jumps, why not choose a shipping company that offers speedy shipping to match? A1 Auto Transport offers affordable specialized ATV shipping, and we even include door-to-door delivery. You can save money and time by contacting A1 Auto Transport for your next shipping and even get a free quote.