|
Honda250EX
Experienced sport riders might note that with reverse, electric start, shaft-drive and an automatic clutch, the 250EX loses points as a true sport machine--and they're probably right. But before you start saying this is silly thinking and market manipulation on Honda's part--please read on. The sporty 250EX struck us as a jack-of-all-trades, if master of none. But aren't those the characteristics that an entry-level machine is supposed to exhibit? Statistics show that the entry-level market has grown by 154% over the last five years. So we agree with Honda that this type vehicle should create interest at the entry-level segment. There's nothing cheesy or cheap on the machine and with an impressive combination of good handling and a perky engine we tend to doubt the 250EX would leave a bad taste in the consumer's mouth. Throw in the low maintenance factor, which is no small consideration for entry-level riders--and you get a desirable first-time buyers quad. At ,899 it's a moderately priced machine--although why it's more than the Recon is something we can't understand. The new 250EX adds a new dimension to the already crowded fast-growing entry-level sport market.
Honda 450R
The heart of the 450R is an ATV specific built high-tech, liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a bore and stroke of 94mm x 64.8mm creating a displacement of 450cc's. Cooling the big engine is accomplished with a big aluminum radiator with thermostatic controlled electric fan. The TRX engine uses the same type of "Unicam" as the CRF engine. A single camshaft activates the intake valves while a forked roller rocker arm operates the exhaust valves. Eliminating an exhaust camshaft and gear, and the added chain to drive those, cuts down on the weight on the upper end of the engine. Keeping the weight down as low as possible is a high priority on ATV racing quad. The cast piston has a short skirt at 28.4mm, but has 3 rings for added longevity. The piston sleeve is a Nikasi which saves weight and permits closer piston-to-cylinder clearance for cooler operation for better engine life and consistent power output. You will find a needle bearing on the big end of the connecting rod, for maximum rpm and durability.
honda 350EX
The statement made earlier, "as a package, it's hard to beat", pretty much sums up our feelings about the 300 EX. It is a quality built machine with few liabilities and many assets that will please riders of all shapes, sizes and ability. It combines all the right ingredients to make a great Sport 4 stroke machine and chances are it will prove to be the best machine for you. The 300 EX is equipped with the usual "tin can variety" swing arm skid plate protection, which is supposed to protect the rear sprocket and disc. Like most other sport machines, an aftermarket aluminum swingarm skid plate is mandatory for everything but dune riding. On a brighter note (literally!), the single handlebar mounted halogen headlight works very well and the wide coverage, bright beam is excellent for nighttime riding. No back up starting provision is available but bump starting the machine is easy enough. The Ohtsu tires did a good job on varied terrain from hardpack dirt tracks to snow offering reasonable traction and performance. An upgrade to Holeshots or one of the many other performance tires available will yield even better results.
Suzuki Z400Z
Now for the big news, Suzuki introduces a limited 2004 QuadSport Z400Z Limited, MSRP: ,899. available April 2004. The Z400 limited features special limited edition Z400 yellow/black bodywork and graphics in addition to other improvements made to the standard LT-Z400 for 2004. Improvements include, new quicker drive chain adjustment system, two piece rear sub-frame with detachable grab rail and new muffler for a stronger exhaust sound.
Suzuki Z250Z
Suzuki put this package together with two factors in mind, producing an ATV with: “even higher performance” and “even greater ease of use” than any competitors. We must say nice job, the unit is a surprising package! The Suzuki engineers started out with a bullet-proof ATV structure, the 250 Ozark model. With this the team of engineers redesigned the frame structure adding better handling characteristics and adding a much better suspension. The design team knew the engine and drivtrain of the Ozark was a winner, all they needed to do was tweak the performance. With these up-grades accomplished, a body redesign could not of been easier Suzuki just modeled the unit after it's big brother, the LTZ-400.
Yamaha Banshee
Released in 1987, the Banshee was an instant hit and let the word out on the trails that Yamaha plays for keeps. Borrowing its basic engine setup from the successful RZ-350 road-race series of bikes netted the Banshee its famous "light switch" activated top end wallop powerband. The Banshee has seen limited physical changes through the years but that’s OK, with 350cc's of two-stroke twin power, it's hard not to like the Banshee!
Cannondale 440
|
|
|
Cannondale Glamis 440 |
Cannondale has been an industry leader since 1971. They started in a loft above a pickle factory with it's first product being a bicycle trailer. They grew quickly adding cycle apparel and accessories and earned a well known reputation for innovative high quality products. In 1983 Cannondale unveiled it's industry first aluminum framed bicycle. Cannondale did not stop their innovative ideas with bicycles. In February of 1998 they announced their plans for off-road motorcycles and a year later unveiled it's aluminum framed, fuel injected motocross MX400. The MX400's started shipping in May of 2000 and a year later introduced it's high tech aluminum framed, fuel injected ATV. Another Industry first!
Yamaha YFZ 450
Any machine that can build speed so quickly had better have the necessary braking and traction needed to keep control in most any situation. As does the YFZ 450, Yamaha loaded the unit with top of the line braking components. Designers have  chosen to use dual twin-piston hydraulic disks up front and a single hydraulic disk to brake to the rear. Both up-shifting and down-shifting are controlled well, Yamaha as always has adjustable clutch levers and for the first time has used the YZ-spec ratchet type gear foot shifter. Accelerating and stopping are directly influenced by the tire pattern and the traction supplied by the tires of this unit is so important! Putting the power to the ground is up-graded Dunlop radial rubber, in  fact the rear tires had to be specially designed just for the YFZ. All four tires are mounted on strong aluminum wheels and really help in the tight cornering situations. The new YFZ 450 will be available sometime in June 2003. Visit your dealer often because these units won’t be on the floor long!
Yamaha Blaster
Yamaha’s Blaster is an extremely versatile ATV for several different degrees of rider experience. It gives  entry and intermediate level sport riders loads of thrills, plus there are tons of hop ups for this ATV to enhance it to fit the needs of advancing riders. The power delivery feels snappy enough from this 200cc Blaster to offer advanced riders hours of riding fun. Younger riders and riders wanting hassle free fill ups will enjoy the feature of the oil injector system, eliminating the need to premix your fuel. The new brakes were easily the most required and improved upon up-grade on the 2003 Blaster. Having an ATV capable of meeting the sport riding demands and not draining your bank account, how can you go wrong with Yamaha’s Blaster for only .00? This is fun quad, and we suspect you will greatly enjoy your riding time aboard the Blaster, just as we did.
Honda Rincon
|
|
| The New Rincon hits home with a new ATV segment, the recreational-utility machine. |
In the past, Honda has upheld a reputation of being picked for ATV of the year by one publication or another. We would have to guess that this year’s new FourTrax Rincon 2003 would follow suit with its new automotive-automatic style transmission. An ATV with a new design closely related to an automatic found in the automotive industry. A hydraulic torque converter powers a valve-body which routes hydraulic fluid to the proper clutch packs engaging first, second, third or reverse gear drives. This is truly innovative and Honda is the first manufacturer to use this technology in an ATV.
A few months’ back Honda released information on the Rincon and instantly our curiosity was stimulated. We could not wait to check out this model for ourselves. Finally, word came from Honda and we were flying to the Grand Canyon for a stay at the Bar 10 Ranch. This is where we would be able to test the unit one on one. The terrain of the Arizona dessert surrounding the Grand Canyon is extreme. The temperature can rise to 120‘F or more and is very dusty, rocky and vast with over a million acres to be explored. These are perfect conditions to test Honda’s best of the best.
Martin Manchester, a spokesman for Honda’s design group, spoke to us about the Rincon’s design. Martin stated the development of the Rincon was a big step for Honda since their customers were completely satisfied with their already impressive line-up such as the Rubicon, Foreman 450 and the Rancher. The Rincon’s unique design enters Honda into a whole new segment known as a ‘recreational-utility’ ATV. In 1999, when Honda’s engineers first hit the drawing board and patterned a blueprint for this Rec-Utility know one knew which direction the market would take. Until now, the Rec-Utility design was unknown and it seems as though Honda’s foresight was correct. The demand for this type of ATV is high and it looks like Honda hit their mark.
Polaris Predator 500 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. special edition
NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, Jr. just picked up a new mode of transportation, but his new wheels are made for high performance off the track. Polaris ATVs has signed Earnhardt, Jr., one of the hottest names in NASCAR, to a personal services agreement. Earnhardt, Jr. will represent Polaris ATVs in a variety of promotions, such as the “Ride Of Your Life” sweepstakes in April 2004, and lend his signature to a new special-edition 2004 Predator 500.
Beginning April 1, the “Ride Of Your Life” Sweepstakes will launch in Polaris dealerships across the United States and Canada. Earnhardt, Jr. will be the promotional spokesperson for the sweepstakes, appearing in print and radio advertising. Consumers can enter the sweepstakes by visiting their local Polaris dealer between April 1 and April 30. One winner and a guest will meet Earnhardt, Jr. and ride Polaris ATVs with him near his home in North Carolina.
Additionally, Polaris will manufacture Predator 500 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. special edition ATVs. The newly styled Predator will feature a red and black chassis, complete with racing stripes, Earnhardt, Jr.’s signature and the No. 8 on each rear fender.
“Polaris is a company I’m excited to be involved with, and I’m really pumped about putting my name on a Predator 500,” said Earnhardt, Jr. “I’ve been riding ATVs for a long time, and the Predator is a great performance machine that helps me get away from the stresses of racing and everyday life. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and have a good time.”
Bombardier Rally 200
Potential owners of of the Rally will have to realize that because the Rally is designed completely different than a standard entry level quad, the Rally does not feel like it is especially fast or sporty. But take it from us, it is, when you go up against any other machine in its class. What is required is re-learning what a small 4-wheeler feels like or how to ride it. It is a little like the dramatic change going from 3-wheelers in 1985 to 4-wheelers. The first person to try to turn one of those new fangled 4-wheelers the way a 3-wheeler is turned, came away thinking I hate these new 4-wheeled contraptions! If you are willing to re-think what you think you know about small four wheelers, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Potential Rally owners should also be warned that ownership of the Rally, especially early on in production, will cause all your riding buddies to start hanging out at your garage begging for a ride, especially after they were just decisively smoked by your much "smaller" Rally!
Suzuki Ozark
|
|
| The New Ozark. |
Are you prepared to have fun with a 250-class utility ATV? I didn’t think I was but that changed when Suzuki invited us out to the Ocottillo Wells S.V.R.A. area in California. The 70,000-acre riding area is mostly open flat desert with large mountain ranges popping up in the distance. Spots of interest are the pumpkin patch named for its pumpkin size round rocks and the shell reef sand area with its very "cool" sand hill climbs. The environment is known for its harsh climate, warm dessert temps and stiff windstorms, which is just the kind of stuff we love, pushing the limits of man and machine. The newest is a medium size machine with a combination of sporty features. My biggest, no wait, one of my only complaints is that I was a bit too large for the unit. By this, I mean, while riding aggressively my knees would bang the top of the fuel tank just about where the seat ends. This doesn’t mean I would not purchase one. Large man or not, the thing I have to remember is most consumers would not do the things I do. At six foot-one, two hundred and forty pounds the Ozark had no problem with any situation I put it in. The unit may be a bit small for me but I really felt comfortable on it. Controlling the unit was a breeze; I was able to do anything I wanted and my large body did not hamper my test ride. Suzuki is marketing the Ozark for ages sixteen and up so even an older big fella, like myself, can buy and use the Ozark.  
Sportsman 700 Twin
|
|
| The biggest of the Big Bores. | In the huge world of utility 4x4 ATVs, Polaris is a top contender. The latest 2002 addition to the Polaris family is the Sportsman 700 Twin. This is the largest utility ATV available, offering comfort, ground clearance and oodles of power. Polaris now has 22 different ATVs in its 2002 model year. The ingenious engineers at Polaris realized the original low emission 700 engine designed for their four-stroke Frontier snowmobile could be easily transformed into an ATV application. With the adjustments in gearing and the switch to tires instead of a track, the Polaris team has fabricated one impressive big bore. Like all manufacturers, Polaris hopes the design of the 700 Twin increases dealer traffic and boosts sales.
|
|
| The automotive style dip stick. |
When first observing the new Sportsman, you might think it looks like the older model. Don’t be deceived; a closer look will reveal quite a few improvements. Increased horsepower (45hp), automotive style turnkey start, VDO speedometer with several options and an automotive style oil dipstick. Numerous improvements have been made and it would not be surprising to see the rest of the Sportsman line-up following suit. Polaris prides itself on being "Made-in-the-USA" and is one of the two American ATV Companies in the industry today and is always proud to show true American ingenuity.
Kawasaki KFX700
Sport ATV riders include themselves in a serious enthusiast group, believing that
|
|
| The new KFX 700 is a great handling machine! |
an ATV must be made to certain specifications to be part of the true ATV sport group. Any change or variation in this already established definition of a sport ATV produces concern amongst these so called true sport ATV riders. I can understand their views and concerns on this type of true sport classification but really think new concepts and ideas deserve a chance! The introduction of Kawasaki’s new KFX 700 V-Force is the focus of most of this controversy, plenty of the sport enthusiasts feel an ATV that is going to be raced should not go over 400lbs. and should have a hand-clutch as well as chain-drive. Well, who are we to disagree with these riders? Everyone has their own opinions but as for me. I’ll try to remember how wrong the V-Force concept is when I’m climbing larger hills, getting more extreme air, and enjoying faster lap-times!
Suzuki Eiger 400 4X4
All Eiger models feature a dependable 376cc single cylinder, four-stroke, air/oil cooled SOHC 4-valve engine, with 9:0:1 compression ratio, a single 32mm Keihin carburetor, a gear-driven balancer to reduce vibration, and a wet sump lubrication system. Power is transmitted through your choice of an aotumatic transmission featuring a fully automatic V-belt, continuously variable gear ratio, or a manual 5-speed with reverse transmission combined with centrifugal automatic clutch and 2-speed sub-transmission. Automatic models utilize an advanced braking mechanism and 2-speed sub-transmission with reverse gear. In addition, 4X4 models feature Suzuki's unique torque sensing limited slip front differntial and an easy to use handlebar mounted 2WD/4WD control lever.
This is eastcoastatvs.4t.com’s work, so if you see it anywhere else please contact me @ honda_atv_racer@hotmail.com thanks.
 Suzuki KINGQUAD 700
the new king of the big-bore sport/utility ATV class. This all-new 695cc fuel-injected four-stroke leads the pack as the only big-bore ATV in the sport/utility class to combine an abundance of rider-pleasing features, awesome power and performance, immediate response and durability—all at a competitive MSRP.
From the big-bore four-stroke engine to independent rear suspension to front differential lock to hydraulic disc brakes to the low center of gravity, the Suzuki KingQuad is unmatched in overall performance, standard features and price in the sport/utility ATV class.
The new King of Suzuki’s ATV line-up has been developed with “Suzuki DNA”—a blend of advanced technology, uncompromising power, precise handling and outstanding value. Suzuki KingQuad’s fuel-injection system has been adapted from the championship-winning GSX-R sportbike, giving riders excellent fuel mileage, better throttle response and smoother engine power.
250EX
VS.
250Z
To pick an overall winner in this shootout is hard. Both machines perform well and are equal in many ways. Coming into this contest we thought Suzuki was going to take over another portion of the market from Honda. However, when we put both machines head to head, the Honda 250EX put up a strong fight.
Suzuki developed a great product with the Z250; however, it falls behind the 250EX slightly in the end. Even with the Z250’s noticeable power advantage and adjustable suspension, notchy shifting and rough ride hinders it.
Suzuki succeeded in making a very sporty entry-level machine with the Z250; however, ride comfort was sacrificed. And when you are trying to attract potential buyers to the sport and your brand, you don’t want them to get worn out in the process. Having pre-load adjustable shocks is a good idea; however, the valving in the Z250 shocks need to be softened up somewhat.
So, if you’re already brand loyal and want to stay true to one company or the other, then you won’t be disappointed with either machine. Now, if comfort and ease of use are issues that concern you and not name tags, then go with the Honda 250EX. It’s a slightly better machine.
By: Dirt Wheels
www.dirtwheelsmag.com
|
|
;)
)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}