Work & Play With A Utility Vehicle

If you’re a fan of motorcycles, you’re used to getting on your bike or ATV and going out to enjoy yourself. There’s nothing better than hitting the open road or a woodsy trail to forget about the stress of work.

Pete’s Cycles has another way for you to play, and in some cases work, and still enjoy the freedom and fun of a motorcycle. They’re called utility vehicles and are available from the leading names in the motorcycle business, like Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki.

Each of these vehicles is designed for the rugged demands of outdoor work and play – and they also function as excellent sources of transportation if you’re an avid hunter or fishermen transporting supplies and gear over a long distance.

Kawasaki’s offerings are tough, dependable and ready for anything you can throw at them. Divided into two classes, the first is known as the RUV and is perfect for someone who wants to have fun while they work. The Utility line, affectionately known as The Mule, are brawnier and sport a beefier design and ability to move heavy loads – along with up to four people.

The Polaris lineup is one of the deepest on the market, and includes models such as the Ranger for riders who need a workhorse to the Ranger RZR, a vehicle built for speed and fun. There’s also an entry for the youth market, and includes a parent-adjustable speed limiter and many other safety features. Limited Editions, in a variety of builds and colors, are also available for the dedicated enthusiast.

While Suzuki has only one utility vehicle, you can expect the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship in the Q.U.V. An advanced suspension system soaks up the bumps while pickup truck styling make it easy on the eyes – along with four wheel drive.

As anyone would suspect, the Yamaha contribution to this class of vehicles, the Rhino, combines the beauty of excellent engineering with the muscle of Yamaha’s engine and transmission. The Rhino is built for two and has adjustable piggyback shocks.

Working doesn’t have to be all about work – you can always inject some play so that the day goes by faster – and when you’re using any of these vehicles you’ll be taking advantage of industry knowledge and experience to make the job easier.

Find our more information about utility vehicles at any of our locations.

• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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How to Ride Responsibly

It’s a well known fact that sportsmen who call the outdoors their playground are seen as more responsible for their actions.

Surfers are all concerned about the cleanliness of the water, hunters talk about making sure the woodlands are preserved, even golfers take an interest in keeping the environment clean so their favorite courses remain pristine!

Dirt bikers and ATV enthusiasts are no different – although sometimes we get a black eye because the actions of a few tend to be associated with all of us – kind of like a few rotten apples spoiling the entire barrel.

Riding responsibly doesn’t really take a great deal of extra effort, in fact most of the recommendations by groups like Tread Lightly are formed around the basics of smart riding – a few of them are below:

• Travel only in areas open to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
• Minimize wheel spin. On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail. Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
• Slow down when sight lines are poor. Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the trail crosses the stream.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
• Buddy up with two or three riders, reducing vulnerability if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
• When winching, always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum.
• When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damaging the trunk of the tree.
• Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate ATVs with both ears covered.
• Don’t mix riding with alcohol or drugs.

Riding with care when you’re on public, or private, land is the mark of a concerned and experienced motorcyclist. By showing the rest of the general public that we’re as aware of nature and the environment as other outdoor sportsmen, we’ll gain the respect and admiration that we deserve.

As always, if you’re looking for more advice about riding, or finding new people to ride with, visit any of our stores!

• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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