If you happen to be of the opinion that you can hop on an ATV and have an identical experience on any machine you ride you are in for an awakening.  As the writer of this ATV trail guide, people have been very kind, no even insisted that I ride their ATV, for the sake of a varied experience.  Each manufacturer's machine has its own look and feel.  There are features that make significant difference in how the machines handle, an engine braking system just for one example.

By far the greatest difference in how machines handle that I have noticed between machines is not necessarily between various manufacturers ATVs. The greatest differences is between how two wheel drive (2x4) ATVs handle as opposed to four wheel drive (4x4) ATVs.

I have been informed that even some professional instructors don't recognize that these differences exist and attempt to train a person with a 4x4 ATV in the same way you would train someone with a 2x4 ATV.  Hopefully, this misconception is not wide spread.

The difference is primarily found in how the ATV makes turns.  A 4x4 machine will generally require the front wheels to lead the way through any obstacle.  In a 2x4 ATV you can swing the rear of the machine around in the midst of a turn by gunning the throttle.  This rear wheel slide through a turn is one of the skills taught in a standard training course.  It is a feature that permits you to turn more sharply.  When you are using a 4x4 ATV gunning the throttle in the midst of a turn will only apply power to the front and rear tires simultaneously and you may find that your front wheels will grab with equal strength and rather than turning, you may be propelled off the track you were intending.  In some cases this can have some serious consequences.

Many ATVs now have on demand 4 wheel drive.  These hybrids can offer the experience of a 2x4 machine until you engage the front wheels, from there after and until disengaged the 2x4 handling features will disappear.

This riding nuance is small, but if you are informed of it before you ride one type of ATV and then another, you may be able to assure your continued safe and controlled travel on your ATV.