How to Pick the Right Quad Bike in NZ (And Why You Should Actually Care About Your Jockey Wheel)

Alright, so you’re eyeing up a quad bike—maybe for the farm, maybe just because mud’s fun, or maybe you just want your neighbours to know you’re cooler than them. Either way, just going by what looks flash or what’s on sale isn’t the power move here. You want something that’s gonna stick around, work hard, and not throw you off the first time you hit a bumpy paddock. And honestly, if you’re planning to drag it around on a trailer, don’t sleep on the jockey wheel. That little guy can save your back and your sanity.

So, what’s actually important when you’re shopping for a quad?

Figure Out What You’re Doing With It

Not all quads are the same, mate. Some are built tough for hauling stuff, some are just for a bit of bush-bashing on the weekend. You want to think about how you’ll actually use it, not just what your cousin swears by.

What to Keep an Eye On:

Terrain – Are you cruising over flat fields, rocky hills, or straight-up mud pits? Some quads are happy anywhere, others not so much.

Engine Size – More cc’s doesn’t mean more fun if you don’t need it. If you’re herding sheep all day, sure, go bigger. If it’s just for zipping around, save your cash.

Comfort – Seriously, you don’t want to feel like you’ve been wrestling a sumo after an hour’s ride. Jump on a few, see what feels stable and easy to steer.

Safety Stuff – Don’t skip this. Good brakes, decent guards, and a seat that doesn’t turn your spine into a question mark all matter.

Honestly, a lot of the best quad bikes for sale in NZ these days are built for both work and play. You don’t have to pick one or the other.

Now, About That Trailer Setup

Once you’ve got your quad sorted, you need to actually get it places. That’s where the trailer—and especially the jockey wheel—comes in. Most people barely think about it, but then they’re the ones wrestling with a trailer in the rain, swearing up a storm.

Why Bother With a Decent Jockey Wheel?

Look, it might seem like a minor detail, but a good trailer jockey wheel means you can move your trailer around without needing to be built like an All Black. Makes hitching up and parking so much easier.

What You Get With a Good One:

Moving the Trailer Is a Breeze – No more sweating buckets just to nudge the thing into place.

Stays Put When Parked – Your trailer won’t do that annoying wobble or tip over when you’re loading up.

Less Damage in the Long Run – A sturdy wheel takes the strain off the trailer frame and the coupling.

Way Safer – Cuts down the risk of your trailer rolling away or doing something dumb while you’re loading the quad.

The Bottom Line

Buying gear isn’t just about the big, shiny purchase—it’s about making sure the whole setup works together. A reliable quad’s great, but if your trailer’s a nightmare, you’re not winning.

Quick Tips:

Match the quad to how you’ll really use it, not just what looks cool.

Actually get on and ride before you buy. Comfort matters more than you think.

Don’t cheap out on the jockey wheel. You’ll regret it when you’re stuck in the mud trying to move your trailer.

Double-check your trailer can actually handle the weight of the bike.

Long story short: If you put a bit of thought into both your quad and your trailer gear, you’ll spend less time fixing stuff and more time out there doing what you actually want—whether that’s working or just tearing up the trails for fun. NZ’s wild, so get something that can handle it.