Your ATV’s Ground Clearance

Your ATV truly lives up to its name, able to handle just about any terrain, any time—but every machine has its limits. We here at East Bay Motorsports want to help you know your machine’s limits so you can keep the fun rolling, so we’ve put together some information about ATV ground clearance, below. To learn more, or to see the ATVs we have for sale, contact our store in Hayward, California, today!

Definition and Measurement

The ground clearance is both more and less simple than it sounds. Strictly speaking, it’s the distance between your ATV’s undercarriage and the ground. However, different parts of the ATV have different ground clearances, and we recommend measuring all of them individually. 

First, park your ATV on flat level ground. Use a measuring tape to measure between the bottom of each part’s lowest point and the ground, then write it down where you can find it if you need to.

Importance and Advantages

Both low and high ground clearance have their upsides. Low ground clearance makes it easier to get on and off the machine, since the machine is lower to the ground. That also makes it easier to load and unload cargo, making low ground clearance preferable for shorter individuals, those with mobility issues, and anyone using an ATV for work.

High ground clearance is preferable if you expect to be handling uneven terrain or deep mud or liquid, since any obstacles are less likely to poke or scrape at delicate parts. High ground clearance is therefore better for off-roading.

Ready to get started? Contact us at East Bay Motorsports for more information, or to see the ATVs we have available. We proudly serve the people of the Bay Area in California—let us serve you today!