At our base in Lyulin mountain you will see three different ATVs: the Yamaha Raptor, the Kawasaki Brute Force and the Segway AT5 L. From the outside they look like three versions of the same thing: four wheels, handlebars, a seat. On the trail, though, they behave differently, and each suits a different kind of rider. Here is how our instructors describe them and how to work out which one is for you.
Yamaha Raptor: for people chasing adrenaline
The Raptor is the machine with a manual gearbox. That is the key difference and it changes the whole experience: you shift gears yourself, you feel the engine far more directly, and you have more control over when and how much power you put down. The reward is a livelier, sportier feel, especially on open sections and on climbs.
The price is that the Raptor demands more attention. You have to think about gears while also watching the trail, keeping your distance and following the instructor. For people who have ridden a motorbike with manual gears, that comes naturally. For complete beginners it is possible, but tiring.
Who it is for: riders who have driven a motorbike or a car with a manual gearbox and want to feel the ATV actively rather than just be carried along. If "adrenaline" is the reason you are booking, ask for the Raptor.
Kawasaki Brute Force: the classic ATV
The Brute Force is the machine most people picture when they hear "ATV": classic shape, mud on the fenders, a feeling of stability. It does not try to impress you with sharp reactions; it tries to get you through the difficult section without drama. That is exactly what makes it a good choice for a wide range of riders, including first-timers who want something more substantial than a "learner" machine.
Who it is for: riders who want a proven, predictable ATV that lets them concentrate on the terrain and the views rather than on the machine itself.
Segway AT5 L: the newest machine, capable and comfortable
The AT5 L is the newest addition to our fleet. The two words our instructors use for it are "capable" and "comfortable". Capable, because it goes through mud, roots and rocky sections without making you nervous. Comfortable, because the bumps feel softer and after 90 minutes your back and arms are not worn out.
It is one of the machines we recommend for a first tour and for people who want to enjoy the route without "working" too hard. It suits every route, from the beginner-friendly Forest Mix to the climb to Chuchul Peak.
Who it is for: beginners, people who value comfort, and anyone who wants to try the newest kit.
Quick guide: which ATV for whom
- Never ridden anything with an engine: Segway AT5 L or Kawasaki Brute Force, on the Forest Mix route.
- Ridden a motorbike with manual gears and want excitement: Yamaha Raptor.
- Want comfort and to watch the forest, not the dashboard: Segway AT5 L.
- Want the "real" ATV feel, mud and stability: Kawasaki Brute Force.
A first tour on the Raptor: is it possible?
We get asked this a lot. The answer is "yes, but". If you have never shifted manual gears, on a motorbike or in a car, your first 90 minutes will go into learning the clutch and the gears rather than looking at the forest. You will manage, but you will tire more and see less. The better plan is a first tour on the Segway AT5 L or the Kawasaki Brute Force on the beginner route, and a second tour on the Raptor once you know how an ATV behaves in mud and on a slope. If you do have manual-gear experience, there is no reason to wait: the Raptor from day one is a perfectly sensible choice.
What to tell us when booking
Three things help us point you to the right machine: whether you have ridden a motorbike or an ATV before, which route you want, and what you are after, whether calm, views or excitement. Tell us when you book at /booking or over the phone when our team calls to confirm. You do not need to be an expert; "I have never ridden one, but I can ride a bike" is all we need to line up a machine and a route you will feel good on.
What the three have in common
Whichever machine you ride, the rules are the same: one person per machine, a maximum rider weight of 120 kg, and a mandatory briefing with practice on flat ground before setting off. The instructor rides with the group the whole time. The gear, helmet, neck gaiter, knee pads, balaclava and rain jacket, is identical. On all three you need no prior experience; you need to be able to ride a bicycle and have a sense of balance. All tours last 90 minutes and start from 75 € per person.
If you want a specific machine, mention it when booking. The final allocation depends on availability on the day and on the instructor's judgement about the route and your experience. The aim is for everyone to ride the machine they will feel best on.
You will find the full description of the machines on the ATV page. If you are torn between an ATV and an electric bike, see Sur-Ron too. Book at /booking or call +359 882 69 3073 and we will gladly help you choose.