In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, many Americans have had to cut back on aspects of their lives they once enjoyed. When putting food on the table and paying for utilities is a common concern for many families, there’s not as much room in the budget for recreational spending. At CFMOTO, we understand that now may not be the best time for you to buy an ATV or side by side. On the other hand, having hobbies that ground you during this difficult time can help you maintain peace of mind and give you a safe place to process your thoughts.
Like many other outdoor hobbyists and ATV riders, you were probably looking forward to hitting the trails with buddies this spring and summer. But now things have changed so much, and in this economy, you might be worried about the price of park admissions, gasoline, ATV maintenance and repairs – the list goes on and on. When you look at the whole picture, you might be thinking you simply can’t afford to ride this year, even after regulations surrounding the pandemic relax.
Is it time to hang up your helmet and put away the keys? No way! There are plenty of ways to ride responsibly and frugally. Read on for a few tips to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your ATV or recreational side by side.
Buy a Reliable, Affordable ATV or Side by Side
For starters, the cost of running and maintaining an ATV or UTV depends on the model and brand you’ve invested in. CFMOTO machines are both reliable and affordable, with the sturdiness you need to tackle tough terrain and the performance for long trips. They’ll be your steadfast partners in outdoor exploration, but other brands might not be able to stand up to rigorous use or rough roads. Did you do your research before buying your machine?
Maintenance requirements also affect the cost of riding. All ATVs and side by sides require periodic upkeep, regardless of how well they are made. Keeping up with the maintenance procedures your machine requires to perform at its best will save you money in the long run, because it helps prevent more expensive issues. You’re far less likely to need to pay for expensive repairs this season if you’ve kept up with routine maintenance.
Of course, now you can’t change what machine you bought or how well you’ve maintained it. But there are actions that you currently can take to make the most of your riding budget:
● Ride carefully. For many riders, part of owning an ATV or side by side is pushing themselves and their machines. However, now is not a time to take risks. Stick to trails you know fit your ability levels (provided the parks in your state are currently open and it is legal and safe to attend them) and always ride with a buddy. Having someone around in case one of you gets into trouble is safer than riding alone.
● Don’t skimp on the safety equipment. What is heaps more expensive than solid safety equipment? Hospital bills. While CFMOTO machines are made with safety in mind, the trails are unpredictable, and accidents do happen. If you historically have not ridden with safety gear, now is the time to invest in it. At the very least, borrow a helmet from a friend or rent. You won’t regret it!
● Plan out your rides and budget ahead of time. If you truly want to get the most out of your money, sit down with a map or GPS and calculate the amount you’ll pay for each ride you have planned. Simply divide the amount of miles you’ll be traveling by how many miles per gallon your machine gets. This will tell you how many gallons of gas you will expend. Multiply that answer by the average price of gas in your area, and you have how much that ride will cost. Don’t forget park entrance fees and gas for your hauling vehicle too!
Need an Upgrade? Find a CFMOTO Dealer Today
If your machine is a money pit, we’d be happy to set you up with something much more economical. Locate your nearest CFMOTO dealer now!