SPORT MODELS
1 CAN-AM RENEGADE 800/500 ($9699/$8049)
The whole point of the Renegade series is to get through tough terrain quickly. Both the 800 and 500 have a blend of sport features with 4x4 ability. For 2010, Can-Am developed the 800X XC version which features power-steering, front sway bars and a long list of other features. The 800X XC sells for $12,199.
CAN-AM RENEGADE 800/500
Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke V-twin
Displacement ... 800/500cc
Fuel delivery ... EFI
Starting ... Electric
Transmission ... CVT w reverse
Final drive ... Shaft
Fuel capacity ... 4.3 gal.
Wheelbase ... 51.0 in.
Length/width/height ... 86.0/46.0/45.0 in.
Ground clearance ... 11.0 in.
Claimed weight ... 614 lb.**
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ... Dual A-arm/8.5 in.
Rear ... IRS/9.0 in.
Brakes:
Front ... Dual disc
Rear ... Disc
Tires:
Front ... 25x8-12
Rear ... 25x10-12
Retail price ... $9699/$8049
2 HONDA TRX700XX ($8499)*
Honda had high hopes to cut into the popularity of the Yamaha Raptor 700 with the new XX last year. The machined has broad, smooth power and cushy independent rear suspension, but it’s very large and rather heavy, so the Raptor continues its run on top of this class. Consider the Honda a good machine for covering large distance in comfort.
HONDA TRX700XX* Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 686cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal. Wheelbase ... 49.6 in. Length/width/height ... 73.9/46.3/45.4 in. Ground clearance ... 10.5 in. Claimed wet weight ... 505 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/9.3 in. Rear ... IRS/ 10.6in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-9 Rear ... 22x9-11 Retail price ... $8499  3 KAWASAKI KFX700* ($6849)
Kawasaki makes the only legitimate 2x4 V-twin sport ATV in the world. It’s a lesson in excess, with a motor straight out of the Brute Force aside from the Keihin carburetors. Unlike the Raptor and the Honda 700XX, the KFX has a CV transmission and is priced lower--way lower.
KAWASAKI KFX700* Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke V-twin Displacement ... 697cc Fuel delivery ... 32mm Keihin (x2) Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 3.2 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.6 in. Length/width/height ... 78.1/47.0/46.1 in. Ground clearance ... 9.6 in. Claimed wet weight ... 551 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/9.3 in. Rear ... Single-shock/7.9in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Mulit-plate, wet Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 22x11-10 Retail price ... $6849  4 YAMAHA RAPTOR 700 SE
The Raptor has become a legend in the sport ATV world. It's no racer, but it's powerful, easy to ride and fun. Yamaha offers it in a Special Edition for 2010, with a wave-style rear disc, a GYTR front grab bar, heel guards and cool-looking black and white graphics with a red frame.
YAMAHA RAPTOR 700 SE Engine type ... Liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 686cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.9 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.4 in. Length/width/height ... 72.6/46.1/44.5 in. Ground clearance ... 4.4 in. Claimed wet weight ... 422 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/9.1 in. Rear ... Single shock/10.1 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual discs Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $8799  5 POLARIS OUTLAW 525 IRS ($7699)
In the large-displacement sport category, Polaris rules the roost. The 525 IRS is fast and much lighter than any other big sport model with independent rear suspension. The motor is supplied by KTM and is the proven 510cc SOHC powerplant that originally came out for motorcycles in 2000, but it has reverse.
POLARIS OUTLAW 525 IRS Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 510cc Fuel delivery ... 39mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.5 in. Length/width/height ... 71.5/47.5/45.0 in. Ground clearance ... 11.0 in. Claimed weight ... 389 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in. Rear ... IRS/10.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 21x10-10 Retail price ... $7699  6 POLARIS OUTLAW 525 S ($7399)
The straight axle-version of the big Polaris 525 isn't quite as coveted as the IRS model, but it's still a great track machine with more power than most riders know what to do with. It shares the same KTM motor with its sibling, and comes standard with Fox suspension and Maxxis Razr MX tires.
POLARIS OUTLAW 525 S Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 510cc Fuel delivery ... 39mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.5 in. Length/width/height ... 71.5/47.5/44.3 in. Ground clearance ... 5.0 in. Claimed weight ... 369 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in. Rear ... Single-shock/10.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 21x9-10 Retail price ... $7399  7 KTM 525XC/450XC* ($8998/$8798)
For the XC versions, KTM uses its older SOHC motors, similar to the ones that come in the Polaris Outlaws. It has reverse and a more reasonable price than the SX versions. The XCs rate as two of the best race-ready cross-country quads available. The 2009 models will be carried over into 2010 with no increase in price.
Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 510/449cc Fuel delivery ... 39mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.4 in. Length/width/height ... 71.3/45.2/44.3 in. Ground clearance ... 5.0 in. Claimed wet weight ... 357 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/11.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x11-9 Retail price ... $8998/$8798  8 KAWASAKI KFX450R ($7949)
Aside from the DOHC fuel-injected motor that came straight out of Ryan Villopoto’s works motorcycle, and aside from the excellent suspension and nearly race-ready chassis, the thing that we like most about the KFX is that it has reverse. Who said you can’t have that in a performance ATV anyway?
KAWASAKI KFX450R Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 49.4 in. Length/width/height ... 71.1/46.1/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 4.3 in. Claimed wet weight ... 395 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 10.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $7949  9 KTM 505SX/450SX * (11,698/$11,398)
Yes they are crazy expensive. But the KTMs are the fastest, most competitive race quads you can buy, and they need no modification at all, not even nerf bars. Both the 505 and 450 have DOHC motors with electric start and conventional carbs. For 2010, KTM will have carry-over models without any price increase.
KTM 505SX/450SX * Engine type ... Liquid-cooled-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 477/450cc Fuel delivery ... 41mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.7 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.4 in. Length/width/height ... 71.2/50.0/43.3 in. Ground clearance ... 4.0 in. Claimed wet weight ... 363 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/9.6 in. Rear ... Single shock/10.2 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x6-10 Rear ... 18x10-8 Retail price ... $11,698/$11,398  10 POLARIS OUTLAW 450 MXR ($7399)
Like the 525 models, the Outlaw 450 is powered by the highly regarded KTM motor. But the 450 is more of a dedicated racer than either of the 525 versions, with lower profile rear tires and less weight. It keeps its reverse gear making it one of the only 450s that can back out of an ugly situation.
POLARIS OUTLAW 450 MXR Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 450cc Fuel delivery ... 39mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.5 in. Length/width/height ... 71.5/47.5/43.7 in. Ground clearance ... 5.0 in. Claimed weight ... 359 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in. Rear ... Single-shock/10.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x6-10 Rear ... 18x9-10 Retail price ... $7399  11 POLARIS SCRAMBLER 500 4x4 ($6399)
This is a hybrid machine made to tackle 4WD terrain for fun instead of work. It uses a 498cc liquid-cooled motor that drives the rear wheels with a chain and the front wheels with a shaft. When we tested it a year ago we complained about the dated styling. Polaris listened and gave it a new look for 2010.
POLARIS SCRAMBLER 500 4x4 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, OHV 4-stroke Displacement ... 498cc Fuel delivery ... 40mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain/shaft Fuel capacity ... 4.0 gal Wheelbase ... 48.5 in. Length/width/height ... 75.0/45.0/49.0 in. Ground clearance ... 4.8 in. Claimed weight ... 559 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... MacPherson strut/8.2 in. Rear ... Single-shock/10.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 23x8-12 Rear ... 22x11-10 Retail price ... $6399  12 GAS GAS WILD 450 ($9149)
ATV racing has come a long way in Europe. Gas Gas is a Spanish company that became famous in the trials world. The Wild 450 has all the credentials to be competitive with more mainstream makes. The company was successful with fuel-injection long before anyone else. The Gas Gas comes with full bumpers and nerf bars.
GAS GAS WILD 450
Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke
Displacement ... 449cc
Fuel delivery ... EFI
Starting ... Electric
Transmission ... 6-speed
Final drive ... Chain
Fuel capacity ... 3.2 gal
Wheelbase ... 50.3 in.
Length/width/height ... n.a./48.0/n.a. in.
Ground clearance ... 10.0 in.
Claimed weight ... 384 lb.**
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in.
Rear ... Single shock/9.0 in.
Brakes:
Front ... Dual disc
Rear ... Disc
Tires:
Front ... 21x7-10
Rear ... 20x11-9
Retail price ... $9149
 13 CAN-AM DS450 ($7799) This is the performance flagship of the Can-Am line. The DS450 has a high-tech four-valve, DOHC Bombardier motor with fuel-injection in a bolted-together aluminum frame. The suspension features triple KYB shocks and the stock tires are ITP Holshots on polished aluminum wheels. CAN-AM DS450 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.0 in. Length/width/height ... 72.4/46.0/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 9.0 in. Claimed wet weight ... 349 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/ 9.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/10.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $7799  14 CAN-AM DS450X MX ($9149)
When the highly-accomplished Can-Am Pro motocross teams go racing, this is what they ride. The MX version of the DS450 has +2-inch A-arms, upgraded KYB shocks, an upgraded hollow axle, upgraded ITP tires and wheels, an upgraded handlebar and full bumpers and nerfbars. It's truly ready to race.
CAN-AM DS450X MX Engine type ... Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.0 in. Length/width/height ... 72.4/50.0/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 9.0 in. Claimed weight ... 349 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.7 in. Rear ... Single shock/10.7 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x6-10 Rear ... 18x10-8 Retail price ... $9149  15 CAN-AM DS450X XC ($8949)
For cross country racers, Can-Am offers the race-ready XC version of the DS450. It retains the stock width of the DS450, but you get upgrades all the way around the machine. The KYB shocks are Kashima coated for less friction and there's a full-chassis aluminum skid plate in addition to a long list of other features.
CAN-AM DS450X XC Engine type ... Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.0 gal Wheelbase ... 50.0 in. Length/width/height ... 72.4/46.0/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 9.0 in. Claimed weight ... 349 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/ 9.6 in. Rear ... Single shock/10.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $8949  16 HONDA TRX450R*
We’ve said it before. We consider the Honda 450R the best value in performance 450s. You don’t get EFI or even electric start on the base model, but the Honda is light, handles excellent and has incredible potential. You can get electric start for about $200 more in the ER version.
HONDA TRX450R* Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 450cc Fuel delivery ... 40mm Keihin Starting ... Kick (Electric-start optional) Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.7 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.2 in. Length/width/height ... 73.3/46.3/43.3 in. Ground clearance ... 4.4 in. Claimed wet weight ... 381 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.4 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 9.3 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $7499  17 SUZUKI QUADRACER R450* ($8099)
In professional racing, the R450 has dominated the sport since its introduction. It was the first machine to arrive in near race-ready form with a wide track and race wheels. Now other machines have followed that formula, but the Suzuki is still on top in pro racing and many tuners consider it the best platform to build the ultimate racer.
SUZUKI QUADRACER R450* Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 4.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 50.6 in. Length/width/height ... 72.6/49.0/30.7 in. Ground clearance ... 9.4 in. Claimed wet weight ... 414 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/10.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 11.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x7-10 Rear ... 18x10-8 Retail price ... $8099  18 YAMAHA YFZ450R ($8499)
Last year, this machine blew us away with its off-the-shelf race effectiveness. The existing YFZ450 got a new motor, a new aluminum frame, fuel-injection and a wide stance for the track. It was only a race pipe and nerf bars away from the start line. The 2010 version gets lighter wheels.
YAMAHA YFZ450R Engine type ... Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal Wheelbase ... 50.0 in. Length/width/height ... 70.7/48.8/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 4.5 in. Claimed wet weight ... 405 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/ 9.8 in. Rear ... Single shock/11.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $8499  19 YAMAHA YFZ450X ($8499)
After making big news in motocross, Yamaha set out to do the same thing in the cross-country racing universe. This is a narrow version of the YFZ450R made for off-road competition. It gets the same aluminum frame and fuel-injected motor as the R. The bad news is that it replaces the original YFZ with a $1200 higher price tag.
YAMAHA YFZ450X Engine type ... Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 449cc Fuel delivery ... EFI Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal Wheelbase ... 50.0 in. Length/width/height ... 70.7/46.1/41.9 in. Ground clearance ... 4.5 in. Claimed wet weight ... 400 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/ 9.4 in. Rear ... Single shock/11.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $8499  20 YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 ($6399)
If your idea of sport riding includes terrain too ugly for two-wheel drive, the Wolverine is made for you. Four-wheel drive can be had with the push of a button and the CV transmission requires no shifting. In a comparison with the Can-Am Renegade and the Polaris Scrambler, the Wolverine has the slowest speed and the best handling.
YAMAHA WOLVERINE 450 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled SOHC 4stroke Displacement ... 421cc Fuel delivery ...33mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 3.8 gal. Wheelbase ... 48.5 in. Length/width/height ... 72.4/42.5/42.5 Ground clearance ... 8.7 in. Claimed wet weight ... 550 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/6.3 in. Rear ... Single shock/7.1 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 23x8-12 Rear ... 23x10-12 Retail price ... $6399  21 SUZUKI QUADSPORT Z400* ($6499)
Before the R450, the Z400 was the hottest machine on the national MX circuit. It was based on the DRZ400 motorcycle motor which is as proven as they come. Now, with a price tag that is $1500 less than the 450, the 400 has a new reason for being and its performance isn't that far off the mark.
SUZUKI QUADSPORT Z400* Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 398cc Fuel delivery ... 36mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 49.0 in. Length/width/height ... 72.0/46.9/31.9 in. Ground clearance ... 10.4 in. Claimed wet weight ... 425 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 9.1 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $6499  22 HONDA TRX400X ($6299)*
About 12 years ago, the 400X was the most highly regarded sport quad on the market. Honda had taken the XR400 motor and stuffed it into a chassis that wasn’t too different from that of the legendary 250R two-stroke that still dominated racing at the time. The 400 has stood up to the test of time well and remains a good-handling machine.
HONDA TRX400X* Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 397cc Fuel delivery ... 38mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 47.9 in. Length/width/height ... 71.7/45.5/44.0 in. Ground clearance ... 4.1 in. Claimed wet weight ... 408 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.2 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 9.1 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $6299  23 YAMAHA RAPTOR 350 ($5399)
Do you remember the original Yamaha Warrior? It was one of the first performance four-stroke quads, and this is what it has evolved into. The Raptor 350 is a simple, reliable sport ATV with an air-cooled, electric-start motor. It has reverse and reasonably light overall weight.
YAMAHA RAPTOR 350 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 348cc Fuel delivery ... 36mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 6-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.4 gal. Wheelbase ... 47.6 in. Length/width/height ... 69.7/43.1/42.5 in. Ground clearance ... 4.5 in. Claimed wet weight ... 396 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/7.9 in. Rear ... Single shock/8.3 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $5399  24 POLARIS TRAIL BLAZER 330 ($4299)
The existing 4x2 Trail Blazer was feeling its age, so Polaris gave it a make-over for 2010. It got new styling, upgraded suspension, more powerful lighting and thicker brake rotors. It's still a good entry-level machine with single-lever braking for all four wheels, a decent price and full automatic CV transmission with reverse.
POLARIS TRAIL BLAZER 330 Engine type ... Air-cooled, OHV 4-stroke Displacement ... 329cc Fuel delivery ... 34mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric w recoil backup Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain/shaft Fuel capacity ... 4.0 gal Wheelbase ... 48.5 in. Length/width/height ... 75.0/45.0/49.0 in. Ground clearance ... 4.8 in. Claimed weight ... 492 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... MacPherson strut/8.2 in. Rear ... Single-shock/10.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 23x8-12 Rear ... 22x11-10 Retail price ... $4299  25 HONDA TRX300X ($5299)*
With the 300, Honda is aiming at the middle-level rider who is neither a beginner nor an serious enthusiast. It has a five-speed transmission with a manual clutch and reverse. It’s been in Honda’s line up since the earth cooled, so at least it’s proven. Experienced riders will want to replace the bouncy tires after the first ride.
HONDA TRX300X * Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 282cc Fuel delivery ... 32mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.2 gal. Wheelbase ... 45.0 in. Length/width/height ... 67.7/43.5/41.8 in. Ground clearance ... 4.6 in. Claimed wet weight ... 388 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/7.1 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 7.9 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 22x10-9 Retail price ... $5299  26 ARCTIC CAT 300 DVX ($3999)
For the money, the 300 DVX is surprisingly sophisticated. It’s based on the same platform and the 300 4x2 with a new liquid-cooled SOHC motor. But it comes in a much sportier wrapping. It has dual-A-arm front suspension, triple disc brakes, reverse and costs hundreds less than Japanese 250s.
ARCTIC CAT 300 DVX Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke Displacement ... 270cc Fuel delivery ... 31mm carburetor Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 3.3 gal. Wheelbase ... 46.4 in. Length/width/height ... 67.7/44.7/44.7 in. Ground clearance ... 7.3 in. Claimed weight ... 425 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/5.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/5.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 21x7-10 Rear ... 20x11-9 Retail price ... $3999  27 YAMAHA RAPTOR 250 ($4499)
Right now, the Raptor 250 positively rules the 250 sport ATV class. It has a manual clutch, a five-speed gearbox and a chassis that isn't far from race ready. To do better you have to resort to custom-built machines with motors from the motorcycle industry and price tags that are twice as high. We would like to have reverse on this model some day..
YAMAHA RAPTOR 250 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 249cc Fuel delivery ... 29mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.4 gal. Wheelbase ... 43.7 in. Length/width/height ... 64.0/42.1/40.9 in. Ground clearance ... 3.9 in. Claimed wet weight ... 330 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/7.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/7.9 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x7-10 Rear ... 19x10-9 Retail price ... $4499  28 SUZUKI QUADSPORT 250* ($4199)
In the rather weak 250 sport class, the Suzuki holds its own. It has an automatic clutch and a five speed gearbox, which is excellent for entry-level riders. It comes with reverse and electric start. In sheer performance, though, it can't compete with the manual clutch Yamaha Raptor 250, which is priced $300 higher.
SUZUKI QUADSPORT 250*
Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke
Displacement ... 249cc
Fuel delivery ... 29mm Mikuni
Starting ... Electric
Transmission ... 5-speed w reverse
Final drive ... Chain
Fuel capacity ... 2.6 gal.
Wheelbase ... 44.7 in.
Length/width/height ... 67.7/42.1/31.9 in.
Ground clearance ... 9.1 in.
Claimed wet weight ... 390 lb.
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ... Dual A-arm/6.1 in.
Rear ... Single shock/ 6.1 in.
Brakes:
Front ... Dual disc
Rear ... Drum
Tires:
Front ... 22x7-10
Rear ... 20x10-9
Retail price ... $4199
 29 HONDA TRX250X ($4299)* Honda designed this machine from the ground up as a entry-level four-wheeler; the motor wasn’t stolen from some motorcycle. That how it came to have a transverse motor and a driveshaft, which are very rare items in this price range. The best feature of the 250X is the Sport Clutch, which allows both automatic and manual use. HONDA TRX250X* Engine type ... Air-cooled, OHV 4-stroke Displacement ... 229cc Fuel delivery ... 22mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 5-speed Sport Clutch w reverse Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 2.5 gal. Wheelbase ... 44.3 in. Length/width/height ... 68.5/41.8/42.4 in. Ground clearance ... 5.9 in. Claimed wet weight ... 379 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/5.9 in. Rear ... Single shock/ 5.7 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 20x10-9 Retail price ... $4299  30 CAN-AM DS250 ($3699)
The DS is fairly high-tech among 250cc sport quads. It has a liquid-cooled four-stroke motor with reverse, double A-arm front suspension and preload adjustable suspension. It is rated T14 for 14 year-old kids and has a throttle limiter for those very first beginner rides.
CAN-AM DS250 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 249cc Fuel delivery ... 23mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 3.3 gal Wheelbase ... 47.0 in. Length/width/height ... 72.0/40.5/43.5 in. Ground clearance ... 10.2 in. Claimed weight ... 429 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/ 5.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/6.7 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 22x7-10 Rear ... 20x11-9 Retail price ... $3699  32 POLARIS PHOENIX 200 ($3299)
For 2010, Polaris held the price on the entry-level Phoenix 200. It's a full-sized ATV with reverse and double-A-arm front suspension, and it sells for $1000 less than a Honda 250X. The Phoenix has an automatic CV transmission, which most beginners love. And for the ladies, Polaris offers a Pink Power edition.
POLARIS PHOENIX 200 Engine type ... Air-cooled, OHV 4-stroke Displacement ... 196cc Fuel delivery ... 22mm Keihin Starting ... Electric w kick backup Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.5 gal Wheelbase ... 45.0 in. Length/width/height ... 65.0/42.0/42.0 in. Ground clearance ... 4.8 in. Claimed weight ... 492 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... MacPherson strut/8.2 in. Rear ... Single-shock/10.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 23x8-12 Rear ... 22x11-10 Retail price ... $3299  33 GAS GAS 300/200 ($8999/$8999)
The world of two-stroke, full-size ATVs is small indeed. The Spanish company Gas Gas is one of the few left. The Gas Gas 200 and 300 are based on the same motor, which was taken from the company's off-road motorcycle line. Both are racing oriented, with full nerf bars and race wheels offered stock.
GAS GAS WILD 200/300
Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, two-stroke
Displacement ... 199cc/299cc
Fuel delivery ... Keihin carburetor
Starting ... kick
Transmission ... 6-speed
Final drive ... Chain
Fuel capacity ... 3.2 gal
Wheelbase ... na
Length/width/height ... na.
Ground clearance ... na
Claimed weight ... na
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ... Dual A-arm/na in.
Rear ... Single shock/na in.
Brakes:
Front ... Dual disc
Rear ... Disc
Tires:
Front ... 21x7-10
Rear ... 20x11-9
Retail price ... $8999/$8999
1 PITSTER PRO FXR150/125/90 ($3399/$3399/$2999)
Pitster Pro is a band of guys in Utah who have high-quality ATVs manufactured to their specs in Taiwan. The FXRs have competition-level chassis with double-A-arm front suspension, oil coolers and triple disc brakes. The 150 and 125 motors have manual clutches while the 90 has an auto-clutch four-speed.
PITSTER PRO FXR150/125/90 Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 150/125/90cc Fuel delivery ... Carburetor Starting ... kick Transmission ... 4-speed Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 0.8 gal Wheelbase ... 43.0 in. Length/width/height ... 60.0/45.0/29.0 in. Ground clearance ... 8.0 in. Claimed wet weight ... 225/225/215 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/9.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 12x6.5-12 Rear ... 10x7.3-10 Retail price ... $3399/$3399/$2999  2 APEX 90 ($3399)
Apex is a company out of Chandler Arizona that designs and tests mini quads for racing here in the U.S. and then has units manufactured in Taiwan. The 90 is one of the only race-ready machines for kids. It has two-stroke kick-start motor with no frills, but it's fast and handles good.
APEX 90 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled two-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... 24mm Keihin Starting ... Kick Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.5 gal Wheelbase ... 41.5 in. Length/width/height ... 64.0/44.0/37.0 in. Ground clearance ... 5.3 in. Claimed weight ... 248 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/8.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/7.5 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 19x6-10 Rear ... 18x6.5-8 Retail price ... $3399  3 ARCTIC CAT 90 DVX ($2599)
Feature for feature, the Arctic Cat 90 DVX stacks up very well to the other 90s on the market. It’s rated for 12-year-olds, has an automatic CV transmission with reverse and a 15-mph governor that can be removed when the time is right.
ARCTIC CAT 90 DVX Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... Carburetor Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 1.5 gal. Wheelbase ... 38.4 in. Length/width/height ... 57.8/34.5/37.9 in. Ground clearance ... 7.3 in. Claimed weight ... 260 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/2.8 in. Rear ... Single shock/2.9 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x7-8 Rear ... 19x8-8 Retail price ... $2599  4 ARCTIC CAT 90 UTILITY ($2599)
Child labor laws notwithstanding, Arctic Cat has a utility version of the 90 DVX. The 90 Utility is rated Y-12 and comes with front and rear racks. It also features reverse, a rear disc brake and a 15 mph governor. Under the workman exterior is the same SOHC air-cooled 89cc motor that powers the sportier DVX.
ARCTIC CAT 90 UTILITY Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC, 4-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... Carburetor Starting ... Electric w reverse Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Shaft Fuel capacity ... 1.5 gal. Wheelbase ... 38.4 in. Length/width/height ... 57.8/34.5/37.9 in. Ground clearance ... 7.3 in. Claimed weight ... 265 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/2.8 in. Rear ... Single shock/2.9 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 20x7-8 Rear ... 19x8-8 Retail price ... $2599  5 CAN-AM DS90 ($2499)
Can-Am designates the 90 as a Y-10 ATV, meant for kids at least ten-year-old. Most other 90s are aimed at 12-year-olds, which puts the DS90 in scarce company. It has a four-stroke motor and a CV transmission with reverse. There's also an X package for $850 more that gives you upgraded suspension, disc brakes and other race-level goodies.
CAN-AM DS90 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 90cc Fuel delivery ... Keihin carburetor Starting ... Electric w kick backup Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.6 gal Wheelbase ... 39.0 in. Length/width/height ... 59.8/35.6/36.8 in. Ground clearance ... 8.3 in. Claimed weight ... 245 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/ 3.4 in. Rear ... Single shock/6.3 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 19x7-8 Rear ... 18x9.5-8 Retail price ... $2499  6 HONDA TRX90X ($2999)*
There are cave petroglyphs that show minibikes with his motor. The SOHC engine that powers the Honda 90 has been around for decades. It’s super reliable and is one of the few mini ATVs not made in China. The manual gearbox with its automatic clutch give it more potential than most kids’ bikes. Rated Y-12.
HONDA TRX90X * Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 86cc Fuel delivery ... 15mm Keihin Starting ... Electric Transmission ... 4-speed w auto clutch Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.7 gal. Wheelbase ... 38.7 in. Length/width/height ... 58.6/35.2/36.5 in. Ground clearance ... 3.9 in. Claimed wet weight ... 262 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/2.68.5 in. Rear ... Single shock/2.6 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 20x7-8 Rear ... 19x8-8 Retail price ... $2999  7 KAWASAKI KFX90 ($2699)
The little KFX is manufactured in China to Kawasaki’s specifications. It’s a no shift, no-clutch automatic that’s perfect for young beginners. It’s very similar to the Yamaha Raptor 90 in price and specs, but in a recent comparison, the Yamaha’s double-A-arm front suspension gave it the edge. The Kawasaki is rated Y-12.
KAWASAKI KFX90 Engine type ... Liquid-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... 16mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 37.0 in. Length/width/height ... 55.9/31.7/34.3 in. Ground clearance ... 4.3 in. Claimed wet weight ... 230 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm Rear ... Single shock Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 19x7-8 Rear ... 19x7-8 Retail price ... $2699  8 KYMCO MONGOOSE 90 ($2299)
Almost all of the youth ATVs are manufactured in Taiwan or mainland China. The Kymco Mongoose 90 has more features than most of the so-called Japanese 90s but costs hundreds less. It is one of the few that offers front disc brakes in addition to the rear disc, and, get this, the CV transmission actually has reverse. It's available in red or blue.
KYMCO MONGOOSE 90 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... Carburetor Starting ... Electric w kick backup Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.4 gal Wheelbase ... 37.9 in. Length/width/height ... 57.0/36.0/37.0 in. Ground clearance ... 7.3 in. Claimed weight ... 232 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/n.a. in. Rear ... Single shock/n.a. in. Brakes: Front ... Dual disc Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 18x7-8 Rear ... 18x9-8 Retail price ... $2299  9 POLARIS SPORTSMAN 90 ($2499)
We like the idea of youth models that are styled like utility ATVs. Make ‘em work on the ranch for that new PlayStation. The Sportsman 90 can't tow any boats around the shipyard but it does have reverse, electric start and electronic throttle limiter. The Sportsman 90 is rated Y-12.
POLARIS SPORTSMAN 90 Engine type ... Air-cooled 4-stroke Displacement ... 89cc Fuel delivery ... 16mm Sunworld Starting ... Electric w kick backup Transmission ... CVT w reverse Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 2.0 gal Wheelbase ... 41.5 in. Length/width/height ... 61.3/36.8/38.5 in. Ground clearance ... 4.0 in. Claimed weight ... 305 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/5.0 in. Rear ... Single-shock/6.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 19x7-8 Rear ... 18x9.5-8 Retail price ... $2499  10 SUZUKI QUADSPORT Z90* ($2499)
In the government-triggered absence of the Suzuki Z50, the 90 is the only ATV in Suzuki's youth line-up. It's powered by an air-cooled, single overhead-cam, four-stroke motor. The little QuadSport is rated Y-12, has a CV transmission and electric start. It doesn't have reverse.
SUZUKI QUADSPORT Z90* Engine type ... Air-cooled, SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 90cc Fuel delivery ... 16mm Mikuni Starting ... Electric w recoil backup Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.6 gal. Wheelbase ... 39.6 in. Length/width/height ... 59.3/34.4/25.6 in. Ground clearance ... 5.9 in. Claimed wet weight ... 280 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/3.0 in. Rear ... Single shock/3.0 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 19x7-8 Rear ... 19x7-8 Retail price ... $2499  11 YAMAHA RAPTOR 90 ($2699)
Yamaha manufactures this machine in China to keep the price down. But the quality remains high, with a CV transmission, a rear disc brake and double A-arm front suspension. We just tested the little Raptor and found that even experience riders had a blast on it. Rated Y-12 for 12-year-olds.
YAMAHA RAPTOR 90 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 88cc Fuel delivery ... 22mm SVR Starting ... Electric, kick backup Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.3 gal. Wheelbase ... in. Length/width/height ... 58.7/34.8/35.8 in. Ground clearance ... 3.9 in. Claimed wet weight ... 264 lb. Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Dual A-arm/4.4 in. Rear ... Single shock/3.3 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Disc Tires: Front ... 18x7-8 Rear ... 18x9-8 Retail price ... $2699  12 CAN-AM DS70 ($1999)
Can-Am was caught up in the lead ban like everyone else, but the 70 is back on the market and recommended for kids six and older. It has a four-stroke motor with a CV transmission. The electric starter has a kick lever as a back up if your kids are given to leaving the key on, as most are.
CAN-AM DS70 Engine type ... Air-cooled SOHC 4-stroke Displacement ... 69cc Fuel delivery ... Keihin carburetor Starting ... Electric w kick backup Transmission ... CVT Final drive ... Chain Fuel capacity ... 1.6 gal Wheelbase ... 39.0 in. Length/width/height ... 59.8/35.6/36.8 in. Ground clearance ... 8.3 in. Claimed weight ... 245 lb.** Suspension/wheel travel: Front ... Single A-arm/ 3.4 in. Rear ... Single shock/6.3 in. Brakes: Front ... Dual drum Rear ... Drum Tires: Front ... 19x7-8 Rear ... 18x9.5-8 Retail price ... $1999  13 POLARIS OUTLAW 50 ($1999)
The world of 50cc ATVs shrunk dramatically when congress got concerned that kids might lick the lead-filled parts of their ATVs until they pass out. The Outlaw 50 is CPSC compliant, making it one of the few ATVs rated for six-year olds. It features an electronic throttle control and electric start.
POLARIS OUTLAW 50
Engine type ... Air-cooled, OHV 4-stroke
Displacement ... 329cc
Fuel delivery ... 12mm Mikuni
Starting ... Electric w kick backup
Transmission ... CVT
Final drive ... Chain
Fuel capacity ... 1.5 gal
Wheelbase ... 33.0 in.
Length/width/height ... 48.0/31.0/31.0 in.
Ground clearance ... 4.0 in.
Claimed weight ... 305 lb.**
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ... Single A-arm/3.0 in.
Rear ... Single-shock/3.0 in.
Brakes:
Front ... Drum
Rear ... Drum
Tires:
Front ... 16x6.5-7
Rear ... 16x8-7
Retail price ... $1999
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