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There are many popular 110cc ATVs made in Taiwan on the market today including Redcat, Kazuma, Yamoto, and Malibu. Vento`s are made in the USA. 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.
In many cases (with the exception of the US made Vento), the different 110 models all have the same engine with different styling and features. The Chinese manufacture Honda knock-off 4 stroke engines while Vento offers a 2 stroke for more torque. Top speed on a 110 ATV is 35-40 mph.
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.
Want to see prices and specs on ATVs from Redcat Motors, Kazuma and others? Click Here.
Summary of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Regs
Michigan residents are required to obtain a title through the Secretary of State and license the vehicle with the Department of Natural Resources. A certificate of origin from the dealer is necessary for applying for title and license. Application for a title must be made within 15 days of purchase. A valid license must be permanently attached and visibly displayed on the vehicle.
ORV operators and all passengers must wear a U.S. DOT approved crash helmet AND protective eyewear or goggles. The ORV must have:
A braking system in good working condition that operates by either hand or foot;
A throttle system designed to automatically and immediately return the engine speed to idle when pressure is released;
A U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester and muffler, in good working condition and in constant operation, meeting applicable sound level standards (Sound Emission Regulations);
Designed, manufactured accommodations for seating for each passenger;
If operated during the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise must also have and display all of the following:
- a lighted headlight -a lighted tail light;
- a brake light, brighter than the tail light.
Age Restrictions
Restrictions are in effect on the operation of ORVs by children under the age of 16. There are also specific obligations that fall upon the parents or legal guardians of ORV riders under the age of 16, and upon the owners of ORVs.
No person under the age of 16 may operate any 3-wheeled ATV.
No child under the age of 10 may operate any 4-wheeled ATV, EXCEPT on private land while performing farm related work operations.
Children who are 10 and 11 years old may operate 4-wheel ATVs only when ALL of the following conditions exist:
- must be on land owned by the child's parent or guardian;
- must be under visual supervision (see definition) of an adult;
- must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
Children who are 12 - 15 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATVs only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
-must be under visual supervision of an adult;
-must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
Children under 16 may operate other ORVs (trail bikes, for example) only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
- must be under visual supervision of an adult;
- must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV.
Children who are at least 12 years old may cross streets and roads (only at right angles). The parents and legal guardians of a child under the age of 16 are legally responsible if they permit the child under their care to violate any of the above. The owner (or person in control) of an ORV is also responsible if his or her ORV is operated by a youngster.
ORV Operation On State Owned Lands
State Parks and State Recreation Areas: managed by the Parks and Recreation Bureau, with posted (signed)boundaries identifying them as such. ORV operation is prohibited, except in designated areas of Silver Lake State Park.
State Game Areas: managed by Wildlife Division, with posted boundaries identifying them; ALL motorized vehicle operation is prohibited except on established roads open to the public. ORVs are specifically prohibited. These are primarily found in the southern third of Michigan.
State Forest Lands: generally administered by Forest Management Division, boundaries not normally marked.
Upper Peninsula
ORV operation is permitted on designated trails and forest roads in the Upper Peninsula unless posted closed.
Lower Peninsula
In the Lower Peninsula, ORV operation is permitted on all "Designated Trails", " Designated Areas" and "Designated Routes" (Forest Roads which are posted open).
Statewide
ORV use on designated trails is limited to vehicles 50 inches or less in width. Off-trail or offroute operation outside of a designated area is prohibited except for licensed hunters to remove deer, bear and elk at speeds of 5 mph or less.
Cross-country ORV operation on state-owned lands is permitted only in designated areas at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County, at the St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County and at Black Mountain designated area in Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties (Black Mountain designated area is restricted to ORVs 50" or less in width). Other designated areas may be developed in the future.
ORV Operation On National Forest Lands
Huron-Manistee National Forests
The Huron-Manistee National Forests' ORV policy is "closed unless posted open" for all riders on all trails. Motorized vehicles that are licensed as ORVs can operate on trails, roads and areas which are designated and signed for their use. All National Forest roads are open to all "street legal" vehicles, unless posted closed. Contact the Huron-Manistee National Forest for more information at: 1-800-821-6263.
Hiawatha National Forest
In the Hiawatha National Forest, all roads marked with a vertically numbered sign post are open to ORV use unless posted closed. All roads marked with a horizontally numbered sign post are closed unless posted open. Contact the Hiawatha National Forest for specific areas closed to ORV use, maps and additional information at 1-906-786-4062.
Ottawa National Forest
In the Ottawa National Forest, all roads marked with a vertically numbered sign post are open to ORV use unless posted closed. All roads marked with a horizontally numbered sign post are closed unless posted open. All trails are open to ORV use except for designated wilderness and semi-primitive non-motorized areas, designated footpath only trail systems and other areas posted closed. Contact the Ottawa National Forest for information and special management area restrictions at 1-906-932-1330 ext 350.
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