ATVs for work or fun. Why not both?

Can you have fun with something that’s also meant for work? Derek Verheyen is one of Honda Canada’s power sports and equipment experts. He says the company’s ATV design team has successfully closed the gap between work and play, and that typically leads to customer conversations that go well beyond a machine’s utility features. Enter the dual-use ATV.

According to Verheyen, the practicality and usefulness of a workhorse ATV is where discussions with potential customers typically start but it’s not long before things move from business to pleasure.

“We get plenty of questions about jobs like hauling cords of wood out of the bush and plowing snow. Those are important considerations, but we don’t get any resistance when we mention that the same ATV is perfectly suited for trail riding to a favourite fishing spot, or for backwoods exploration.

Honda knows very well that people searching for a “work-first” ATV do their research before they arrive at a dealership, then it’s the job of product experts to highlight commonly overlooked selling features. Verheyen says that’s when the focus shifts from work to the fun side of dual-use machines.

“We can talk all day about longitudinal engines and torque-sensing differentials, but we also aim for what we call ‘woah, I didn’t think of that’ moments. That’s when the smiling starts.”

The following are Verheyen’s examples of smile-inducing customer conversations that highlight practical and fun aspects of dual-use ATVs.

The power to choose. Manual transmission ATVs offer power and control for hard work, while advanced automatic gearboxes provide additional versatility. They’re perfect for hauling loads through mud, and ideal for novices exploring the backcountry without shifting gears. When thinking of an ATV as an investment, the ability to smoothly transition from tool to toy can be a valuable feature that keeps an ATV in the family for many years.

Bigger isn’t always better. Big horsepower and torque can make hill-climbing or working on gravel and loose soil easier. Just remember that the extra power comes in a bigger, heavier ATV package that will consume more fuel. It can also be harder to maneuver in tight spots. It may seem obvious to some, but ask yourself if an ATV’s heft will actually fit down the narrow, winding pass to a favourite wilderness retreat.

Don’t ditch your dealer. A Honda ATV dealer is an expert who can be kept on speed dial years after a purchase. They spend their weekends using their ATVs for work and play, making them a vital resource if customers run into a problem. If it’s a question about towing capacity or how to deal with a mechanical problem while camping kilometres away from home, for example, they can probably help or find someone who can.

Dual-use ATVs deserve a bath. More of a post-purchase environmental tip is the fact that an ATV such as a Honda Rubicon 520 is at home in many different environments. So, don’t forget about the plants and seeds picked up in the tires and undercarriage (also known as “hitchhikers”). Just as boats can spread zebra mussels and other invasive species, ATVs can carry noxious plants from one area to the next. So, take the time to scrub them after work and before and after a weekend of backcountry sightseeing.

This content brought to you by Honda Canada.