Top 5 ATV Crash Videos
Using the Internet to Laugh at the Foolishness of Others
by Jason Giacchino
When it comes to riding ATVs, crashing is a fact of life. It isn’t “if” so much as “when”. This simple reality is what inspires manufacturers to tirelessly develop safety gear designed to reduce the risk of injury.
Crashing may not be anything new, but we didn’t always have such instant access to the evidence. The Internet, coupled to the popularity of cell phone cameras, have made the fearless (and foolish) antics of ATV riders public domain.
Your ATV Connection editors may not be model citizens in all facets of society, but if there is one thing we’re able to speak on intelligently, it is the value of a solid get-off. And really, do we have to tell you to wear a helmet? We’re not your mother, but really?
Without further ado, we present our picks for the top 5 ATV crashes on the web:
#5) Coming in from the short but sweet category, we appreciate this clip for its ability to recall the wisdom of the old George of the Jungle cartoon’s theme song: Watch out for the tree! Zane over-jumps a 60-footer and manages to clip his front A-Arm on a pesky sapling that may or may not have jumped in front of him at the last instant.
# 4) The following entry epitomizes the beauty of the Internet being used as a tool to demonstrate unique cultures with the rest of the world. In some remote regions of the globe exists a tribe of coverall-sporting Honda supporters who gather in a field and goon ride their 400EX’s until their loyal steeds body-slam them into the terra firma. Helmets, as is the pattern with Youtube crashers, are strictly optional.
# 3) It’s only fitting that our choice for number three involves a three-wheeler. Take one vintage Honda ATC into a snowy field, dress in a tired old ski coat and forego a helmet for a knit hat and forget everything you’ve ever known about keeping your feet on the pegs when going airborne and you have our third entry. Fortunately the photographer has the presence of mind to include a slow motion instant replay and even a freeze frame of the actual moment his body became the suspension for the ATV!
#2) Our number two spot earns top honors in the “what were they thinking?” department. Take a Yamaha Raptor 700 and attempt a wheelie in the garage with the door closed; what could possibly go wrong? Not to worry when it all goes south… A posse of work-boot-wearing, knit-hat-headed supporters is there to pick up the pieces. Observant viewers may notice the wheelchair parked against the wall. We’re just not sure if that can be chalked up to wisely preparing for the future or a remnant of this rider’s past.
#1) And our top pick manages to prove that not all R&D is performed at the factory. Curious riders who wonder if there are any shortcuts to releasing their quad’s seat should pay special attention here. This resourceful freestyle rider discovers an alternative means of popping free his Honda’s saddle without even coming to a stop! We especially appreciate his unwillingness to accept the baggy clothing trend so often associated with the freestyle movement. And of course, for those who wish to make the YouTube rounds, helmets are frowned upon.
Are these the top crashes ever? What else you got? Shout off in the Forums: