Utility ATVs

ATVs

The Polaris Sportsman 800 is best known for a comfortable ride. Polaris, 20 some years back, was the first company to come out with independent rear suspension (IRS). IRS is 2 shocks in the back end. The Sportsman doesn’t have the most exciting engine, but it’s a great workhorse.

The Yamaha Grizzly 700 has a 686cc sized engine. The Raptor, in the sport quad section, has the same engine, but they have different transmissions. Sport quads have clutches or a manual transmission. The grizzly and all other utility quads have an automatic transmission where the ATV shifts on its own. The Grizzly is the first quad to have electric power steering. It’s said to be easy to drive and very much like a car.

The Honda Rincon 680 is the most reliable of these quads. It almost never brakes down. The problem is the engine is not as fun as others, meaning it doesn’t accelerate or pull as hard. The chassis and suspension aren’t as plush and comfortable as these other manufacturers. The Honda is great for reliability but its fun factor is low.

The Kawasaki Brute Force 700 has a great engine, but the chassis and the seat are uncomfortable and don’t have the best handling. It has the best sounding exhaust in its class. If the Brute Force had a better chassis it would be at the top of its class.

The Can-Am Outlander 800 has the best performing engine out of all the utility ATVs. The experts say it has the highest thrill factor. The chassis and suspension are top notch. They offer a very comfortable, controlling ride.

The Suzuki Kingquad 700 has a powerful engine considering it’s smaller than the other big bores. The suspension is its biggest downfall. It doesn’t have enough travel it will bottom out on stuff that any other big bore will sail over. Other than that it’s controllable and powerful.

The Artic Cat Thundercat 1000 has the biggest engine. The chassis, unfortunately, is the worst of these quads. Even though it is faster than the Outlander it doesn’t feel as fast as the it because it is much bulkier. The handling is also bad. The engine is a thrill, but that is not the only thing that matters.