Quad and ATV Riding: Technique, Gear and Tips

Quad and ATV Ridingat theMX-Academy

Quad and ATV riding is fun as soon as your cornering technique is in place. Here you can read what matters when getting started – from engine size and weight to gear. The MX-Academy currently has no quads or ATVs in its programme; it recommends motocross.

Quad and ATV riding: origins, engine size and power

The first quads and ATVs appeared in the USA in 1957. Today, engine sizes range from 50 cc to 1,000 cc. Because engines are constantly being developed further, a quad today produces more power than it used to with the same engine size. In off-road riding in particular, a smaller engine is therefore often chosen deliberately, because less engine capacity usually also means less weight – and that counts especially in the terrain.

Learning quad riding: cornering technique, weight and terrain

The best way to learn quad and ATV riding is with an experienced coach. People tend to underestimate how heavy a quad is and how it behaves in a corner. But once you have the cornering technique under control, riding is real fun. You can also jump with a quad, but the basic techniques must be secure first.

Easy terrain is recommended to start with: you learn new riding techniques fastest in a simple environment. Only once you have mastered the necessary technique on the quad is it worth moving on to tougher terrain with bigger challenges. More strength or more risk will not make you faster; progress comes from technique alone.

Protective gear for ATV riding

For safety reasons, full motocross equipment is a must for ATV riding, especially off-road. This includes helmet, goggles, chest protector, knee guards, boots and gloves. The MX-Academy's motocross shop stocks many suitable products for this, both budget and high-end. If you switch to a motorcycle later, you can keep using the same gear, because it is made for motocross.

Quad riding at the MX-Academy: motocross instead of ATV for now

The MX-Academy does not currently offer quads or ATVs. If you wanted to go quad and ATV riding and fancy some off-road action, it recommends motocross. The motorcycle and protective gear, from children's sizes to XXL, are rented, and professional coaches guide you from pulling away for the first time right onto the track. Coaching is compulsory on your first visit. The training facility with four motocross tracks, including one for children and beginners, is listed in the NASAK of Swiss Olympics.

You don't need a driving licence, because the tracks are on private grounds. For getting started there is the Honda F version, a quiet off-road bike for newcomers. The day course with rental costs €390 (CHF 360) on Wednesday with 3.5 hrs of track time and €444 (CHF 410) on Saturday with 4 hrs of track time, breaks included in each case (non-binding). Children can take part from the age of 4.

Motocross instead of quad riding: travelling from Germany and Austria

By car, Schlatt TG is around 1 hr from Waldshut-Tiengen, around 1 hr 40 min from Freiburg and around 2 hrs 25 min from Kempten. From Austria, you drive around 1 hr 35 min from Bregenz, around 1 hr 40 min from Feldkirch and around 3 hrs 30 min from Innsbruck. If you are travelling that far, you are better off booking the whole day on the track than a single hour. The meeting point for every course is the MX-Academy Shop, Hauptstrasse 8.

FAQ: Quad and ATV Riding

Can you ride a quad or ATV at the MX-Academy?

Not at present. The MX-Academy has no quad or ATV programme and recommends trying motocross instead.

What gear do you need for off-road quad riding?

Full motocross equipment – that is, helmet and goggles, chest protector, knee guards plus boots and gloves. It is strongly recommended for safety reasons.

What is the best way to learn ATV riding?

With an experienced coach and in easy terrain first. Cornering technique and a feel for the weight of the quad are crucial.

Can you jump with a quad?

Yes, jumps are possible with quads and ATVs. But the basic techniques must be mastered safely first.

How much does motocross cost as an alternative to a quad?

A motocross day with a rented motorcycle, gear and coaching comes to €390 (CHF 360) on Wednesday and €444 (CHF 410) on Saturday (non-binding).