Contrary to popular belief, the Honda FourTrax 250 did not start in 1986 – it was a year before that. But because that same year had the Honda “Big Red” ATC250R dominating the scene, few people noticed the small wheeler. It was not until the industry began shifting to four-wheeled machines that the FourTrax line …
ATVs
A revamped Badger – this was how some off-roaders and parents saw the Yamaha Raptor 80. But it was more than that. Launched in the early 2000s, this mini quad breathed new life into the utility-filled youth segment. The small 4×4 reminded Yamaha’s following of the big-bore Raptor 660 – sans the 5-speed manual clutch, …
Before American manufacturer Polaris became famous for its innovations such as Electronic Fuel Injection, Independent Rear Suspension, and automatic transmission, it first produced stark, straightforward four-wheelers like the Polaris Magnum 500. And while today’s advanced tech is remarkable, the old-generation 4x4s remind consumers what ATVs genuinely stand for – a vehicle that helps people accomplish …
South Dakota is one of the least densely populated states in America, which means vast expanses of wilderness are at your disposal for riding off-road. Whether you enjoy more closely maintained trails in private parks or you’re looking for great outdoors fun on public land, there are plenty of riding opportunities to choose from. South …
Known for its ergonomics and predictable handling, the 1986 Honda FourTrax 250 was among the icons that pioneered the industry’s sport-utility segment. This four-wheeler was compact, rugged, and rode like a champ on sand and dirt tracks. With only four years in the market, the TRX250R’s cessation in 1989 came as a shock – leaving …
One of the more popular four-wheelers derived from the groundbreaking Yamaha Moto-4 series is the Yamaha Kodiak 400. Introduced in 1993, this 4×4 initially came out in a manual-transmission version and eventually sported some of the world’s firsts – an UltraMatic™ CVT transmission, front hydraulic discs, and selectable 2WD/4WD modes. These class-leading features made the …
One of the more tech-advanced 4x4s of the early ’90s, the Suzuki King Quad 300 rocked the ATV world and set the bar for modern-day 4WD vehicles. It came out of the gate loaded with features now considered must-haves on ATVs – IRS, selectable driveline modes, and a lockable front differential, to name a few. …
Before introducing the Yamaha Wolverine 450 in 2006, Yamaha aimed to bring sport-utility quads to the forefront of the ATV scene. It did so successfully with the 350-cc Wolverine – until the lineup hit a roadblock and stopped upgrading the vehicle. As the industry flourished, consumers and enthusiasts grew more demanding of the already impressive …
Sporty, nimble, and surefooted – these are only some of the laudable qualities of the Suzuki Ozark 250. The 4×4, introduced in 2003, had a design and characteristics reminiscent of the trailblazers that created the ATV boom in the early ’80s. This machine may seem simple and lightweight, but its powerful and gutsy manners make …
Engineered for young, beginner riders, the Polaris Outlaw 50 is a 49-cc mini quad that serves as a good training vehicle for kids wanting to learn the fundamentals of ATV riding. Not only does this 4×4 cater to kids as young as age six but also to slightly more experienced operators who are preparing to …