Few pieces of equipment have the potential to be fun and functional at the same time. In fact, ATVs may be the only piece of equipment in your shed that can help you do your chores today and carry you and all your gear off on a camping trip this weekend.
Today’s ATVs are distant relatives of the models that were commercially produced in the early 1970’s. Today the ATV you take home will likely have 4 wheels, (instead of three) and a heavier machine and it will have been engineered not only for convenience, but safety as well.
According to the ATV Safety Institute (ASI), sales of ATVs have increased significantly because of the ATVs maneuverability, versatility and efficiency. In addition to recreational and commercial uses, ATVs are being purchased in record numbers for use on farms and acreages. A large number of ATV attachments are being marketed today, all designed to make your chores easier. It’s easy to find plows, mowers, harrows, discs, scrapers, buckets and even dump beds made specifically for ATV use. It’s even possible to purchase all weather cab enclosures and camo-colored canvas covers to turn your machine into a self contained hunting blind.
If you’ve never purchased an ATV, you’ll want to do some basic research before you go to the dealership. The ASI recommends beginning your search at the manufacturers websites. You may even want to browse through some of the magazines published specifically for ATV enthusiasts.
Even after basic brand research, a new rider needs to find an experienced dealer to help determine which model they should buy. “I need to know if the buyer is intending to use the ATV for recreation or utility or both”, says Mike Nord, Owner of Nord-Ride Motorsports in Mount Morris, Michigan. Nord also believes that choosing the right sized machine is another component of the equation, “if a buyer has little or no experience, I’m apt to recommend a midsize machine.” Indeed, right-sizing the machine is a critical fact in new rider, or young rider safety.
To help you begin the process of choosing a new ATV our research department has compiled information on 6 ATVs from Honda, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Kawasaki, and CAN-AM. Each of the machines featured have unique features and benefits for you to compare and contrast, but we think you can’t go wrong with any of these quality machines.
 
Honda FourTrax Rancher
This year the Rancher line gives you more choices. With eight models in the Rancher line, you’re sure to find the one with the right combination of features for you, whether you’re looking for a no-nonsense work machine or an ATV to help you enjoy the great outdoors. In addition to all their other great features, each one offers the build quality and legendary reliability only a Honda provides.
• Honda automatic five-speed transmission is fully automatic for ease of use, but offers all the strength and efficiency of a conventional gearbox. It’s probably the fastest shifting transmission you’ll ever experience, which means less shift shock and better, uninterrupted power transfer (Rancher AT only).
• Independent double-wishbone rear suspension (IRS) provides a more comfortable ride and even more sure-footed traction (Rancher AT only).
• Electric Power Steering makes riding less fatiguing especially in tough conditions like dried ruts and boulder trails.
• ES models feature Electric Shift Program (ESP) for pushbutton up shifting and downshifting.
• TraxLok allows you to shift between 2WD and 4WD on the fly with just a push of your thumb.
• Rugged OHV liquid-cooled, 420cc longitudinally mounted engine on all Rancher models allows direct driveshaft alignment to both front and rear wheels for maximum drivetrain efficiency.
• Fuel-injection system on all Rancher models provides crisp performance and ensures trouble-free operation in cold conditions and changing altitudes.
• Heavy-duty automatic clutch with a low-rpm engagement point
on all Rancher models for excellent drivability and towing capability.
• Independent double-wishbone front suspension on all models uses premium shock absorbers to provide 6.3 inches of suspension travel for a comfortable ride.
• Specially designed floorboards on all Ranchers allow the rider’s feet to grip the footrests while helping keep mud and debris away.
 
www.powersports.honda.com

 
Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI & 550 FI with Electric Power Steering
 
• Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., revolutionized the off-road industry with the world’s first Electric Power Steering (EPS) in an ATV in the Grizzly 700 FI.
• The award-winning big-bore Grizzly 700 is a utility ATV that combines consumer-favorite features – groundbreaking technology of EPS, comfort, terrainability and toughness – with plenty of power for work and fun.
• The Grizzly 700 is jam-packed with the features and benefits customers have come to expect from Yamaha starting with reliable power from their liquid-cooled, four-valve SOHC engines. It features a forged piston for reduced weight and added durability, while an aluminum cylinder body with composite coating offers reduced weight, increased cooling ability and additional wear resistance.
• The Yamaha EPS system has received numerous awards and praise from customers. As the rider turns the handlebars and the torque- and speed-sensing EPS system senses the twisting force put on the handlebars and wheels, the electric motor kicks in and assists in the turn. The harder the rider turns, the more the EPS assists allowing the rider to tackle the toughest terrain with the least amount of effort.
• The Yamaha Fuel Injection system (YFI) improves throttle response throughout the powerband, helping the rider take advantage of the low- to mid-range power. YFI offers unmatched performance at high elevation as the system is able to detect and compensate for changes in altitude. The more precise fuel delivery offered by the YFI makes consistent power, better throttle response and improved fuel economy under a multitude of riding situations. In addition, YFI means no choke and easier cold starting.
 
  
www.yamahaoutdoors.com

 
Arctic Cat 700 TRV
 
• The H1 revolution of hemi-producing power has arrived in the 700 class with EFI.
• The 700 H1 EFI has a powerful 695cc, SOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, designed for a wide torque curve with the smoothest power delivery via Electronic Fuel Injection. Cold weather starting and altitude changes are no longer questionable.
• The world of two-up riding enters a whole new realm with the introduction of the TRV 700 H1 EFI Cruiser. The Cruiser goes a step further into the lap of luxury with heated driver and passenger handgrips, locking travel case two-piece fairing with handlebar-mounted mirrors, aluminum wheels, and a Warn winch. For an added touch of class the fenders and box are clear coated with Steel Blue automotive paint.
• The TRV has numerous features to ease riding convenience. Chief among them is a two-up seat with cushioned seat back for legal trail riding along with driver and passengerheated handgrips.
• An electronic 2WD/4WD switch makes going in/out of 4WD as simple as pressing a button with an all-new electronic front diff lock with an easy to use push button rocker switch located on the gauge pod. The same is true for the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Start-In-Gear ability and single lever hand operated hydraulic disc brakes.
 
www.arcticcat.com

 
Polaris Sportsman850 XP with EPS
 
With 70 HP, available electronic power steering, and the industry’s most intelligent driveline and best suspension package, the Sportsman® 850 XP with EPS is built for extreme performance. In other words, it’s built like a Sportsman.
• While other competitors were rushing to offer power steering, Polaris® took their time to ensure they could deliver the same level of extreme performance as the new Sportsman XP. And with 30% more power assist than the leading competitor, plus Variable Assist for easier steering effort at lower speeds, and more responsiveness at higher speeds, it’s the best power steering on the market. The electronic power steering also features an exclusive, long-lasting brushless motor for more torque and less current draw, and sealed, self-contained, one-piece construction for long-term reliability.
• Rolled Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) is another signature feature of the Sportsman. First ever on a 1-Up ATV, Polaris took their legendary smooth Sportsman IRS and angled it rearward for an even smoother ride and a reduction in squat while accelerating.
Dual A-Arm Front Suspension and Anti-Kickback Steering take the bite out of rocks, ruts, and stumps because it has the longest A-arms (longest Dual A-Arm Suspension on the market with 9 in. of travel and preload adjustability) and largest-diameter wheels in its class, so the steering axis was moved closer to the neutral center of the tire.
• When you add class-leading pulling power and high-load performance capability with a 1,500 lb. towing capacity, the Sportsman XP with EPS is up to the biggest jobs and on its way to redefining what extreme performance is all about.
• Got a big job or large piece of land? From work to play, Polaris has an entire line of vehicles designed to meet rider needs. Visit polarisindustries.com to explore the full range of hardest working, smoothest riding machines.
 
 
www.polarisindustries.com
 

 
2010 Kawasaki Brute Force® 750 4x4i
 
 Fuel injected, big-bore V-twin power in a tough 4x4 wrapper.
 • The Brute Force 750 4x4i is propelled by a powerful four-stroke, fuel injected 749cc, 90-degree V-twin engine. The twin cylinders are fed via 36mm throttle bodies that are controlled by a 32-bit CPU. 
 • The high-pressure fuel pump has a unique reservoir chamber at the bottom to help ensure air does not get into the fuel system. A light feel at the throttle lever helps reduce rider fatigue.
 • Two- or four-wheel-drive operation is selectable by pressing a button on the handlebar. In four-wheel-drive mode, it utilizes a limited-slip front differential, which eases steering effort under most riding conditions. The rider can manage the amount of power to both front wheels with Kawasaki’s Variable Front.
• The front drive shafts feature an industry first – Cardan joints. Similar to U-joints, Cardan joints help absorb torque fluctuations to the drive shaft, and the lightweight design helps to reduce vibration.
• Completely sealed, the rear braking system’s components are protected from mud, dust and debris. Its compact size also provides more ground clearance than a conventional rear disc brake system.
• Dual-rate springs for the front and rear suspension mean ride comfort and sport performance go hand-in-hand Complementing the suspension, the firm urethane seat foam is supportive yet provides plenty of comfort for long hours in the saddle.
• The stunning appearance continues with head-turning polished 12-inch wheels. Mounted with aggressive tires, the wheels help give the 9.7 inches of ground clearance and transfer the awesome power of the V-twin engine to the ground. It can carry a combined weight of 264 pounds and tow a hefty 1,250 pounds.
 
www.kawasaki.com

 
 
 
Can-Am Outlander 800r Efi
 
• Rotax 800R V-Twin engine – This 80º V-twin engine is still the most powerful engine in the industry. The liquid-cooled, single overhead cam power plant has four valves per cylinder and is fed by a 46mm throttle body and two VDO Siemens fuel injectors. The sophisticated electronic fuel injection system automatically keeps the 800R engine’s performance at its peak, regardless of temperature or altitude. The progressive throttle ensures power is manageable whether in precise rock crawling or opening it up on the straights.
• Visco-Lok front differential – Progressively transfers power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one – automatically with no buttons to push or levers to pull. Plus, there’s no wheel hop or driveline wind-up so the system is totally transparent to the driver and extremely easy to steer. Can lock up to 100% with no rev or speed limiter. All DPS-equipped models come with the Visco-Lok QE calibration giving an even quicker engagement of the front differential.
• Trailing Torsional Independent (TTI) rear suspension – Trailing arm design provides excellent control and stability, especially in rough terrain by eliminating scrub.
• Surrounding Spar Technology (SST™) frame – Rather than the common tubular box, theSST frame is a single spar that is lightweight, yet strong.
• Improved front suspension geometry – Lighter steering on the trail meaning less rider fatigue.
 • 12-inch cast-aluminum wheels – Lightweight 4 twin spoke design gives an aggressive and premium look to the Outlander. The new wheels save 1.4 pounds of unsprung weight versus last year’s XT wheels.
• Inboard disc brakes – Unique design both front and rear reduces unsprung weight and helps centralize masses for more responsive handling. Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.) – Industry’s first standard anti-theft device. Front and rear steel racks – 100-pound (45 kg) capacity in front, 200 pounds (90 kg) in back.
 
 
www.brp.com