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There are many popular 150cc ATVs made in Taiwan on the market today including Redcat, Kazuma, Yamoto, and Malibu. There are also many companies importing Chinese ATVs into the US with no brand name at all. Many of these units are very similar in features and performance. The Chinese ATVs are very reliable overall and spare parts are easy to get and often interchangeable. Minimum age for riding a 150cc ATV is 16. Maximum load capacities vary between 200 and 400 lbs including the rider.
In many cases, the different 150 models all have the same engine with different styling and features. The Chinese manufacture Honda knock-off 4 stroke engines. Top speed on a 150 ATV is 35-40 mph. This will vary a lot depending on the altitude of operation, weight of the operator, and terrain it is driven over. The 150 ATV is not a racing machine. Rather, it is a rugged off-road recreational vehicle and is very useful in rocky, loose terrain. These units will also work in mud with ease as large wheels and lugs clear themselves automatically.
None of the Chinese ATVs come with a manufacturer`s warranty against defects. They are warrantied by the individual importer and warranties vary widely. Coverage ranges from 3 months parts on the engine only to 6 months parts on everything. Less expensive units that appear very similar often have a much shorter and more restrictive warranty.
When selecting an ATV, choose one with a brand name. Many are sold with no actual brand name - only a model number. If your distributor folds, you will not be able to find another distributor who can cross reference parts for your bike. No one else will recognize the model name of the unit even though it may be from the same Chinese manufacturer with readily available parts.
Summary of Wisconsin ATV Regs
Wisconsin residents have three options for registering an ATV. ATVs can be registered as public, private and agricultural or a combination.
Public Use-Allows you to operate your ATV on any
area open to public riding and on private property with the appropriate
permission. In particular, please note that public registration is required
to operate your ATV on the frozen surface of any lake or stream. Public
registrations are valid for 2 years, which begins July 1 and expires two
years later on June 30th. It is recommended that you carry the registration
certificate with you while riding. If the proof of registration is in the
form of a “validated receipt,” you MUST carry the validation with you
while riding and it must be presented to an enforcement officer when
requested.
Agricultural Use-ATVs can be registered if
they are going to be used exclusively for agricultural purposes. If you
register the ATV under agricultural use only, you will not be able to use
the ATV on areas open to the public.
Private Use—Allows the owner to register an ATV for use
exclusively on private property. If you register the ATV only for private
use, you will not be able to use the ATV on areas open to the public.
Safety Training—The legislature recently passed a new law that requires
safety education training (certification) for all riders (residents and nonresidents)
who are at least 12 years old and who were born on or after
January 1, 1988. Safety Certifications issued from another state or province
of Canada are accepted.
Helmets-If you are under age 12, a helmet is required to be
worn at all times. on Public roads. On public lands, Children between 12 and 18 are required to wear a helmet except when traveling for the purposes of hunting
or fishing.
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