The ATV and Side-by-Side Blog

Kawasaki TERYX demo drives

2008-05-13T07:14:00.004-07:00

Kawasaki wants to give you an opportunity to take the new Teryx side-by-side for a spin, starting this week at the UTV Rally in Moab, Utah. They will be on hand with a demo ride hospitality area and free technical seminars located inside the Old Spanish Trail Arena.

Kawasaki will be conducting additional Teryx Demo Drives at the following events:

June 14 at the Rumble on the Ridge in Adena, OH

July 21 - 26 at the High Mtn. ATV Jamboree in Wallace, ID

July 30 - August 3 at DuneFest in Reedsport, OR

August 22-24 at Ducks Unlimited in Oshkosh, WI

August 29-31 at the Black Hills UTV Rally in Rapid City, SD

September 15-20 at the Rocky Mtn ATV Jamboree in Richfield, UT

October 9-13 at the Hatfield/McCoy Trailfest in Gilbert, WV

For additional information on upcoming events planned by Kawasaki’s Consumer Events group, please visit http://www.kawasaki.com/NewsEvents/.

2008 Honda Foremans with electric power steering recalled

2008-05-13T06:11:00.002-07:00

About 1,400 model year 2008 Honda TRX500 ATVs have been recalled by Honda. The electric power steering shaft of the recalled ATVs could break unexpectedly, although no incidents or injuries have been reported. See the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) page for more info.

KTM reveals motocross ATV in Spain!

2008-05-08T10:00:00.003-07:00

This had been rumored since the exciting release of the KTM XC quads last fall, and now KTM has confirmed they will have dedicated race-ready motocross ATVs in addition to their new cross-country focused XC lineup. KTM showed off what they are calling the 450 SX and 550 SX at the trendsetting Motorcycle Fair in Barcelona, Spain

According to KTM, they have created the perfect motocross quad with remarkably low weight in combination with wider front and rear dimensions. KTM also heavily focused on keeping the center of gravity as low as possible by introducing a newly designed fuel tank.

Unlike the XC, the SX moels will not have a reverse gear in an effort to save even more weight. They also feature a big airbox with easy filter access and a race-proven Keihin 41 mm. KTM again went the extra mile by topping it off with Maxxis Razr MX tires, rear Douglas beadlock rims and nerf bars as well as a protective cover for the headlight. The SX also has the same industry leading Magura front brakes, Chromoly frame, hydraulic clutch, Magura handle bar as the acclaimed XC models.

The specifically developed WP suspension elements are another highlight and feature a wide range of adjustments, most of which are unique to the industry: High & Low speed compression adjustability both in the front and rear, Crossover design both in the front and rear.

More to come on this!

0-60 mph 3.5 sec on new Quadster

2008-05-08T09:51:00.002-07:00

Just one of the many specs listed on the newly added page to GG Quad North America's website. Check it out.

Barefoot electric ATV video now on Discovery site

2008-05-08T09:36:00.003-07:00

An update from Melissa Brandao over at Barefoot on the Mythbusters show I mentioned awhile back. The video is now up on the Discovery Channel website and features a head-to-head comparison of the Model One and a Polaris 800 gas-powered ATV. And don't laugh, it actually looked similar to the now defunct WPSA Quad Terrain Challenge races.

Draw your own conclusions from the faster lap times on the electric quad, the point is that battery-powered machines are not at a disadvantage in power department. But actually, the line that struck me was that the Model One is around 100 pounds lighter than comparable gas ATV. That is huge not only in performance, but safety. Safety is going to be the battleground for ATVs in the coming years if it isn't already.

BRP forms distinct ATV division

2008-05-08T09:25:00.002-07:00

Privately held Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. has separated its operations to encompass two different businesses, one representing Can-Am ATVs and Can-Am roadsters and one representing a new Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo division.

Yves Leduc becomes VP and general manager of the new Can-Am division while Alain Villemure becomes VP and general manager of the new Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo division, which includes Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and Sea-Doo sport boats.

BRP says the split of Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo was implemented to help provide better flexibility, increased specialization and to improve processes for rigorous execution.

And if you have been to any of the quad racing series lately, you know Can-Am is serious about this ATV thing!

Honda's new TRX700 big bore sport quad

2008-04-17T09:31:00.004-07:00

The most notable quad missing from the recent Dirt Wheels big bore sport ATV shootout was the all new IRS-equipped TRX700XX from Honda. I guess they couldn't wait for it to show up, but it has started popping up everywhere else, including a slew of first ride tests hosted by Honda at the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area in Dumont, CA.

ATV Scene has extensive coverage of the technology and their impressions from the test, including what seem to be a couple pages just on Honda's innovative Centered Chain Drive System. Off-Road.com has a basic writeup that verifies some of the Scenes conclusions, and the new ATV.com has some videos from a beginner level rider from the same test. Now for my summary...

Centered Chain Drive System

Honda has engineered a whole new approach to the traditional driveline issues with independent rear-swung models in the TRX700. The centered chain drive is only 33mm off center of the chassis, allowing for longer double wishbone a-arms and longer axle shafts. This in turn minimizes wheel camber changes and decreases extreme angles for the CV joints, resulting in both a better handling and more reliable ATV. As I said, if you really want the fully story checkout the ATV Scene article.

Largest single cylinder ATV engine Honda has produced, but...

The TRX700 is powered by a 686cc dry-sump, liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve single-cylinder four-stroke engine, which no doubt traces its origins to Honda’s Baja-dominating XR650R dirt bike. In fact, the 700XX engine is the largest diameter single-cylinder that Honda has ever mass-produced.

When put to the test, most agreed that the Honda produces its power up high leaving much to be desired in the low and mid range department. While this is not uncommon in modern (read restricted) four strokes, all of the reviewers seemed to have trouble at lower speeds both from stalling and staying in a usable power range.

"Mid range power is decent, but still lacks that hit you expect in a high performance sport quad, especially one packing this many CCs. Up high the four-valve single-cylinder four-stroke engine comes alive and pulls nicely. It’s fast, but seems a little slower than Yamaha’s Raptor 700R." - ATV Scene

Ergonomics and handling

"Moving around on the 700XX is possibly the easiest of any quad." - ATV Scene

A lot of praise for the ergos and handling overall. Interestingly, the TRX700 is shorter and narrower than even the TRX450. Where the TRX450 is 73.3 inches long and 46.3 inches wide, the 700XX is 71.5 inches long and 45.9 inches wide.

There was some disagreement on handling through high speed whoops, some quite impressed and others feeling the requirement for aftermarket help. This may be a matter of the style of riding. Another problem area could be in low speed handling, partly due to the IRS design along with some front-end pushing. Jumping, and I guess more importantly, landing the large quad on the other hand proved to be quite enjoyable.

Reliability

Honda has a reputation in this department, and the TRX700 features tough high-impact urethane skids plates and possibly the most protected rear brake and sprocket system on an ATV. Honda is offering a one-year warranty plan for the first time, which might be an indivator of their confidence level in the new design.

Conclusion
Despite Honda aiming for the TRX700 to be a “category killer”, targeting current or would be utility ATV owners who really want something more sporty, it would seem that a different niche might be carved out. Given some of the above issues combined with the easier shifting in slow speed or tight situations you would get from an automatic utility quad, seems like desert and offroad racing might be perfect for the XX, especially considering the demands on reliability in those environments.

So I guess I agree with ATV Scene once again

"In stock form we just don’t see this as a good choice for tight woods riding or perhaps GNCC racing out east. But if you’re a high performance desert racer on the west coast, with a little aftermarket help, there isn’t a better machine available."

Another LT-R450 project quad

2008-04-17T09:24:00.002-07:00

ATV Television takes a stab at a Suzuki QuadRacer 450 project quad (seems like this is the most popular project quad these days). The hi-def video mostly features Doug giving a run down of the cool accessories added to mimic the Duncan racing team, and then a little footage of the quad in the desert and on the track. Nothing technical here.

My favorite part of the video is when the advertising banner along the bottom says this segment sponsored by Can-Am. I've been impressed with Can-Ams involvement in and support of the sport recently, but this goes above and beyond - sponsoring a competing quad review! ;)

Arctic Cat lowers outlook while Polaris raises theirs

2008-04-17T09:18:00.002-07:00

Arctic Cat struggled in the first quarter of 2008 while Polaris reports record first quarter results - including 19% growth in ATV sales over last year, their largest segment. The Ranger RZR side-by-side again mentioned as the contributor to that success.

Kymco UXV (side-by-side) available in June?

2008-04-17T09:03:00.003-07:00

According to some dealers, the all new UXV 500 from Kymco will be available in the United States the beginning of June.

Big bore sport quad shootout

2008-04-08T09:32:00.006-07:00

Despite being the best-selling class on the market, the "big bore" sport ATV market basically consisted of the Kawasaki KFX700 and Yamaha's now 700cc Raptor, which from its 660cc days has been the best selling sport quad overall.

But there are some exciting new machines in town, and Dirt Wheels took a look at the Raptor together with the new KTM 525 XC and the Polaris Outlaw 525 S in a May 2008 shootout.

I'll cut to the chase, the Yamaha Raptor has won the last few shootouts and this one was no different. The conclusion will lead many to believe even more strongly that Dirt Wheels just favors Yamaha. However, if you follow their reasoning based on generalizing the best quad across multiple terrains, together with a strong emphasis on reliability and being proven it makes some sense. They point out any number of minor faults and annoyances on the KTM 525 and Polaris 525 that you'll have to sort through.

Some of the takeaways from this test:

Raptor 700R

only one of the three with EFI
176cc larger displacement
smoothest power delivery of the three units
most fun in the dunes
best jumper of the three

KTM 525 XC

best handling of the machines
awesome Ohlins suspension
in a 100-yard drag race the KTM wins by two quad lengths over the Raptor
despite same/similar KTM motor as Outlaw, more explosive (different gearing)

Outlaw 525 S

good choice for Grand Prix type racing
great suspension settings for the rougher sections
preload only adjustment on Fox suspension is unacceptable
front pushes in smoother corners and has much more body roll than the KTM
much more room for the rider, making it easier to slide around and be aggressive

The bottom line - all these machines are super capable and fun and each individual will have other decided factors. The newer Polaris Outlaws and first generation KTMs will obviously have some tweaking to do over the next couple of years , but promise to keep the Raptor honest.

Suzuki celebrates quad milestones

2008-04-08T09:15:00.005-07:00

25 Years of Quads

Suzuki introduced the first quad (or "four-wheeled ATV" to use legacy speak), the QuadRunner LT-125, in 1983.

To mark the company's 25th anniversary of offering quads this year, American Suzuki is inviting all Suzuki ATV owners to join "First on 4 Wheels" celebrations at five regional ATV events:

May 2-3 — WPSA ATV Open Championship, Oak Hill Raceway, Alvord, Texas
June 14-15 — WPSA ATV Open Championship, Wild Cat Creek MX, Rossville, Ind.
July 30-August 3 — Oregon DuneFest, Winchester Bay, Ore.
September 15-20 — Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree, Richfield, Utah
October 9-13 — Hatfield McCoy TrailFest, Gilbert W.V.

250,000th ATV produced by American Suzuki

Suzuki Manufacturing of America produced its 250,000 ATV in Rome...Georgia that is.

Dustin Wimmer (factory Suzuki quad racer) drove the red KingQuad off the line which will be in Suzuki’s lobby of Technology Parkway and eventually sold to one of Suzuki’s 48 worldwide corporate customers for promotional purposes. The ATV was signed by every employee in the plant.

2008 Yamaha Rhino recall

2008-04-08T09:07:00.002-07:00

Yamaha is recalling about 7,800 Rhino 450 and 700 side-by-sides sold nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 as the brake caliper on the left front wheel could have been made incorrectly, resulting in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger although no incidents or injuries have been reported.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Rhinos and are asked to contact any authorized Yamaha Rhino dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners were sent direct mail notification of this recall.

The recall involves model year 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 side-by-side vehicles with the following primary identification numbers:

2008 Rhino 450
YXR45FX
YXR45FHX
YXR45FSPX
AJ32Y-001001 — 001598
AJ30Y-000501 — 000897
AJ34Y-000201 — 000794

2008 Rhino 700FI
YXR70FX
YXR70FDUX
YXR70FHX
YXR70FSEPX/FSP2X
YXR70FSPX
AM16Y?000101 — 003000
AM20Y-000101 — 000700
AM18Y-000101 — 000800
AM23Y-000101 — 001000
AM21Y-000101 — 001200

Another promising electric ATV option

2008-03-25T21:57:00.001-07:00

I was recently introduced to an Italian company manufacturing a line of electric-powered quads, which are now available in the United States. Global Electric Motorcars, which made the first EU street-legal electric ATV (which makes the mpg argument irrelevant btw) now has an exclusive US distributor for several of its machines - Electric Vehicles Unlimited, LLC. The company is based in Fargo, North Dakota and will also be the distributor for Canada, Mexico and South America.

They are offering three ATV models:

Geo Country Quad

Dimensions: L77 in x W44 in x H45 in
Weight: 549 lbs
Wheel base: 49 in
Max. load weight: 231 lbs
Motor: 4kw/2800, continuous current
Battery: 6 x 12V, 74Ah NorthStar
Charger: 110V-220V Zivian On-board
Total charge time: approx. 9 hrs
Top speed: 25 mph
Top range: street, 31 mi; off-road, 25 mi
Gear: automatic
Transmission: rear w/ locked differential, auto gear box plus reverse

Geo Light Quad

Dimensions: L53 in x W33 in x H39 in
Weight: 265 lbs
Motor: DC series
Motor power: 600 W
Battery: 48V, 24 Ah, maintenance-free
Charger: AC 220V – AC 110V
Total charging time: Approx. 8 hrs.
Top speed: Approx. 19 mph
Top range: Approx. 19 mi

Geo Mini Quad

Dimensions: L47 in x W27 in x H28 in
Weight: 93 lbs
Motor: DC series
Motor power: 450 W
Battery: 3 x 12V, 12 Ah, maintenance-free
Charger: AC 220V – AC 110V
Total charging time: Approx. 6 hrs
Top speed: Approx. 11 mph
Top range: Approx. 12 mi

To give you an idea of the sizes, the Geo Country is comparable to a mid-size utility ATV (Honda Rancher or Kawasaki Prairie) while the Geo Light Quad is slightly smaller than a traditional 90cc mini ATV. The Geo Mini is even smaller than a gas powered 50cc and also significantly lighter.

While the ATV platforms themselves are not quite to the level BAREFOOT MOTORS is working on with the Model One electric ATV, the battery technology and motor appear to be solid. Charging the Geo Quads is very simple with an on-board electric charger and cable that can be connected to any common electric home-socket AC110V/220V. The claimed electricity usage during the charging is comparable to an electric shaver.

ATVs can go "on road" and offroad

2008-03-20T09:57:00.008-07:00

Was cool to see this general news piece featuring a Polaris RZR used for running errands around town in Gillette, Wyoming (even if they kept calling it a "Razor"). The article covers some of the potential pros (fuel economy, more agile, better in bad conditions like snow and ice) and cons (lack of awareness from other drivers, design features not intended for street use).

The funny thing is, I saw a bunch of articles about the failed ban of ATVs from all roads in West Virgina at the same time. My favorite quote from the governor himself - "It makes all the sense in the world to keep those dern things off the highways."

My response would have been either "have you not seen an ATV Supermoto event" or more likely, "I think you should try banning cars from the road first". Or perhaps, "never been outside of West Virginia?" The fact is you don't have to go as far as Europe to see quads used safely and effectively on the road. It is possible right here in the United States. Not only in Wyoming as covered above, but my own state of Arizona along with South Dakota, Ohio, and Michigan from what others are reporting. In Canada it has been up to each township or county for awhile now.

I'll work to compile current laws and some of the real issues on this, but for now simply wanted to raise a little awareness of the possibilities.

LS Motorsports launches consumer financing

2008-03-20T09:51:00.002-07:00

LS Motorsports and Sparta Commercial Services have launched a consumer financing and leasing program for all LS Motorsports brands, including Diamo ATVs.

According to Sparta Chairman and CEO Anthony Havens, LS Motorsports now will offer retail dealers a traditional type of installment loan product or consumer lease to their customers.

“Until now, consumers who wanted a Diamo, Italjet or Fisher could only rely on their personal major credit cards or some revolving charge program in order to finance their purchase, both of which typically carry higher interest rates than the new LS Motorsports program”, said Havens.

A couple more looks at the new King Quad 750

2008-03-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of the more popular utility quads on the market, the upgraded KingQuad 750 has received lots of media attention, including two more reviews from Dirt Wheels and ATV Rider in their recent issues. Thought I would recap some of what we already know, and some fresh points.

Excellent tranny

“The 08 KingQuad 750 is possibly the best-shifting ATV on the market” - ATV Rider

“The KingQuad 750’s CVT automatic transmission is one of the best parts...On the fly, 4WD transition was excellent...4WD nearly flawless” - Dirt Wheels

More power for an already super capable machine

Suzuki claims the most noticeable improvement from the larger displacement engine will be the torque delivery from low to midrange and then slight improvement on the top end. The testers confirmed they felt it...

“it’s easy to lift the front tires from the ground when necessary or crawl up gnarly steep hills...it has much better power than its previous models” - ATV Rider

“One of the best hill climbing utility quads available” - Dirt Wheels

Some issues with steering and suspension remain

Just to be clear, you should plan on purchasing an aftermarket steering stabilizer for this quad if you'll be doing any fast-paced trail riding.

“has light and quick steering for a 4WD ATV. This makes it a great cornering machine, but also makes it somewhat unpredictable on rougher trails” - Dirt Wheels

“The suspension is satisfactory but seems to be a bit soft for the weight of the machine even in the highest settings. This was the area of the KingQuad that probably let us down the most” - ATV Rider

Other details to point out

75 miles on a tank of gas
Reverse gear rev-limiter was increased to 7000rpm (allowing for better control in situations when you need more power)
Stabilizer bar added to the rear IRS

YFZ 450 and Raptor 700 compared in the dunes

2008-03-17T10:31:00.002-07:00

Off-road.com took a look at two special edition Yamaha sport quads out in the big dunes of Glamis, California recently. Some good insight on the differences between the YFZ450 and the Rapter 700 (two popular ATVs for duners) more than a full test or comparison to other quads. Some comments from the beginner /novice level rider:

"In the dunes the Raptor 700 feels more like a Cadillac"

"For the aggressive rider that likes to attack the dunes and is looking for a light, flickable ATV the 450 is perfect. If loads of usable power and a plush cruiser that is still plenty of fun when in attack mode is more your speed, than a 700 is what you need."

TGB Outback 425 gets the privilege of being in Dirt Wheels

2008-03-14T08:38:00.005-07:00

The Taiwanese-built Outback 425 got a review in April 2008 Dirt Wheels in what is a rare appearance these days for non-traditional quad manufacturers. And after reading the article I'm not sure if they don't like the quad, or don't like that TGB/Cobra Powersports doesn't provide them with the advertising dollars the brand name guys do!

For example, they give mention to the following:

"Very strong and thicker than normal cargo racks"
"The rear disc is tucked away inside the right wheel resulting in a very impressive ground clearance measurement (for a straight axle quad) of 7.5 inches"
"Not only can you use it [12 volt accessory source] to power items such as cell phones and GPS units, you can do it while you ride. That's tough to do on any other ATV"
"Full complement of aluminum skid plates...as standard equipment. Most brand name quads come with weak plastic skid plates"

Yet they conclude that for some reason the Outback 425 should only cost half as much as a name brand? Another thing that confused me where the following apparent contradictions...

"plenty of power was available as long as speeds were kept under 30 miles per hour"

but then

"could reach a top speed of 55 miles per hour without much excitement. Top end power was much better than the torque and lack of power found in the lower RPM"

Two different test riders perhaps? One thing that should be made clear is that it is no speed demon regardless, and while minor adaptations (such as mud tires) were made for the U.S . market, it is largely a platform designed to be capable off and ON road. I wouldn't mind testing one for dirt and paved roads here in Arizona where ATVs can be licensed for that (I mentioned some thoughts on that yesterday).

They also pick on it being heavy. Perhaps it feels heavy but I just checked our database and it looks like the listed dry weight of 590lbs for the Outback is on par with the Suzuki KingQuad 400 at 590lbs (formerly the Eiger) or KingQuad 450 at 606lbs for example. And actually comes in lighter than other popular makes like the Outlander 400 (615 pounds) or Arctic Cat 400 at a whooping 645 pounds!

That said, I actually found the review itself to be one of the best ones I've read in a magazine - not the usual glowing, "you should own one of every quad" type of articles. But again, not sure this was from them being overly critical or perhaps just as a result of it being an unfamiliar ATV. Either way you can check it out on page 116.

Pendolauto and Tesseract "quads"

2008-03-13T08:28:00.004-07:00

Wanted to give a mention to another trend outside the traditional ATV industry that will hopefully be another driver to making quads a bigger part of the mobility and transportation options available in this country, not to mention bolstering the industry in general. I'm talking about the hybrid bike-quad concepts being shown in the motorcycle world. I first saw the Yamaha Tesseract awhile back, and now Autoblog had a post on the Pendolauto in which they had this to say...

"Swiss automobile and motorcycle customizing company Sbarro unleashes its Pendolauto concept. Like the Tesseract, the Pendolauto leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a car or a quad." (emphasis mine)

Seems people are not sure how to classify these machines. I think in large part due to the fact that ATVs have this black cloud over them from a safety standpoint and assumption that they should never be driven on roads (despite the fact that this is commonplace in other countries).

In any event I'll be following this closely as I believe these hybrids and even future designs from ATV manufacturers can in fact bring greater safety and care for the environment! Autoblog says it best...

"Because the Tesseract and Pendolauto have four wheels, nothing quite like them will be available in the U.S. any time soon. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have yet to understand that a machine like the Pendolauto can offer similar benefits as motorcycles while perhaps adding a few degrees of safety."

Yamaha Tesseract

2008 Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS test

2008-03-13T07:46:00.004-07:00

The latest ATV Television podcast takes a look at the electronic power steering (EPS) equipped Yamaha Grizzly 700. My takeaway after downloading the video...

The good

EPS
Handling
Mass centralization and low center of gravity

The bad

Engine noise and vibration (not on par with KingQuad or Kawi V-Twin)
Gear shifter is notchy and hard to use and no parking brake.

Can-Am offering 3-year service coverage or No/No/No for 12 months

2008-03-13T07:22:00.003-07:00

BRP has put out their spring promotion for adult-size utility Can-Am's; including a 6-month BRP Limited warranty plus a 30-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract or 12 months same as cash.

These offers are valid in US only from March 1, 2008 to May 31, 2008. Check the website for details on eligible models.

High performance 450 shootout

2008-03-11T08:49:00.004-07:00

Dirt Wheels has their long-awaited shootout of the major high-performance 450 sport quads in their April 2008 issue. Despite the "and the winner is..." teaser on the cover, I would say the piece is more a "party" involving seven awesome machines than a true shootout! No clear winner is declared, which I agree would be difficult anyway. But this also allows me to give you my own breakdown of the data and as I read and re-read the article, I thought a "visual guide" would help...

First, the seven machines to keep straight:

Can-Am DS 450
Honda TRX 450
Kawasaki KFX 450
KTM 450 XC
Polaris Outlaw 450MXR (straight axle)
Suzuki LT-R450
Yamaha YFZ 450

Key differentiating specs (since most are the same)

EFI - DS450, KFX450, LT-R450
Reverse - KFX450, 450XC, 450MXR

In order of cost

TRX450 ($6850)
YFZ450 ($7100)
450MXR ($7200)
KFX450, LT-R450 ($7400)
DS450 ($7500)
KTM 450XC ($8800)

Drag test

TRX450, YFZ450
450MXR, LTR-450, DS450, 450XC
KFX450

Top speed

TRX450, YFZ450 (78mph)
DS450 (77mph)
KFX450, LTR450 (74mph)
450XC, 450MXR (73mph)

Trail loop

KTM450, DS450, YFZ450 (34min)
TRX450 (34.25min)
KFX450
450MXR, LT-R450

Suspension

450XC, 450MXR
DS450, YFZ450
KFX450
TRX450, LT-R450

Jumping

450XC, DS450, LT-R450

Handling

450XC
YFZ450
LTR450, 450MXR, DS450
TRX450
KFX450

So now you can make your own call on the winner or check out the full article for plenty of good comparative photos and more comments.

QuadExperts week in review

2008-03-07T10:51:00.002-07:00

Sorry for the lame coverage recently, as I've said before we have some cool stuff coming on the web. And by stuff, I mean things =)

In any event, here is our standard week in review that will be delivered each Friday...

Kymco UXV Side-by-Side this year?
KYMCO USA in Spartanburg, S.C hosted a bunch of journalists last week to check out the lineup of products that will be formally unveiled at the company's dealer meeting in April. It is rumored that the KYMCO UXV 500 SxS, first shown at the EICMA show in Milan last year, will be among them. And if you happen to be in Daytona this week, you can check out KYMCO products displayed at the track.

2008 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 video
Together with getting some of their older inventory of reviews up, a new video from ATV TV has been posted on the new Brute.

Suzuki KingQuad 450AXi year-long update
ATV Illustrated has now put a year on this new machine, and is very happy with just a couple wish list items - better rear tires and easier access to oil dipstick. Not bad.

2008 Honda TRX300EX review
ATV Illustrated also just put up a glowing review of the air-cooled Honda TRX300. Despite appearances and perceptions, the takeaway is that this ultra-reliable quad is also ultra fun on the trails and even sand dunes.

ATV rescues an automobile

2008-03-07T10:23:00.005-07:00

This funny story almost seems made up considering you have a dealer, family member and manufacturer all involved. However, the pictures provide the evidence.

So what do you do if you get a GMC Envoy stuck in the snow and mud? Pull it out with a Polaris Sportsman 800 and winch of course! I like this story not only because it fits my theme of the good potential ATVs have, but I also have a growing negative sentiment in relation to automobiles and transportation in this country in general.

I mentioned some of this in my popular post on the Model One electric ATV, but basically I believe quads deserve consideration as a mode of transportation and not just for recreation. What's more, despite the ongoing media frenzy around the dangers of ATVs, I've been doing my own research that shows how much worse cars and trucks on US roads are. And I'm not talking just about sheer numbers. Stay tuned.