The ABCs Of ATVs (NAPSA)—The image many deep mud. These features are very cles (ATVs) is often that of speed- tomer whois more concerned with and over sand dunes. However, acceleration. A good example of a true work- associate with All Terrain Vehi- different from the sport ATV cus- ing four wheels through forests top speed, light weight and strong this is more the exception than the rule. ATV sales have been on therise horse utility ATV is the Yamaha largely due to their increasing popularity as workhorses. No longer the utility ATV customer: towing and carrying capacity of more Grizzly 660. The top-of-the-line for more than 12 consecutive years machine has features designed for just toys, ATVs have become essential tools for many Americans. Nowadays, 77 percent of ATV buyers are between the ages of 30 than 1,400 lbs; 11.8 inches of and 59, a far cry from the younger demographic usually associated with ATVs. This trend of older customers is not surprising when you look at how ATVs are now being used. In a survey of owners, 22 percent of the respondents said their ATV wasused at least someof the time for farming and ranching, while 71 percent said their ATV was used for landscaping or prop- erty management and maintenance. Another 65 percent said they use their ATV to reach hunt- ing areas. So why have ATVs become the hot must-have tool? ground clearance and a comfortNew ATVsare built to be more durable and with a host of versatile features that make them invaluable in utility situations. For the customer looking for a workhorse ATV, essential vehicle characteristics are very different than those of someone looking for a sport ATV. For example, a utility customer is looking for comfort as they may be on their ATV for hours at a time. Carrying and towing capacity is important when you are hauling mowers or seed- ers. High ground clearance is a must for hunters using their ATVs to get deep into the woods, possi- bly over fallen trees or through able ride for long days on the job. The Grizzly is a favorite among hunters, farmers and generalutility customers. Utility ATVs are fast becoming standard equipment in many industries and amongrecreational riders looking for a machine that can work for them. In addition to being great for business, utility ATVscan also bring people closer to nature, when comfort and easeof-use are more important than acceleration and top speed. For this new customer, usage and design of ATVs will continue to shape this ever-growing industry. For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
