Polaris
The Polaris Ranger 4x4 500 EFI ($9799) features a three-point hitch with a self-contained hydraulic system that allows an owner to attach and switch between a 60-inch-wide box scraper, cultivator, or landscape rake in minutes. In nasty weather, the fully enclosed Lock & Ride Cab snaps on in 10 minutes. The Ranger is built on a rugged chassis with fully independent suspension and is powered by an electronically fuel-injected 30-horsepower, 500cc Polaris four-stroke single. The dump-type bed behind the cab can carry 1000 pounds, while the hitch is rated for a 1500-pound towing capacity.
www.polarisindustries.com
Yamaha
The Yamaha Rhino 660 4x4 ($7499) and the new Rhino 450 4x4 ($6699) are the same size and carry two occupants in bucket-style seats behind a dash and controls that look more automotive than ATV. The Rhino 660 has the same 660cc single-cylinder four-stroke found in the Grizzly 660, while the Rhino 450 gets the smaller 421cc from the Grizzly 450. Both sport 7.9-gallon fuel tanks and more than a foot of ground clearance. In addition, Yamaha added a stamped cargo bed, high-traction Maxxis tires, and a cargo-bed latch on both sides of the bed for easy access to load, game, or gear.
www.yamaha-motor.com
Can-Am
The 2007 Can-Am Outlander MAX 800 LTD ($11,599) places the passenger well in front of the rear axle for rock-solid stability. Stadium seating puts the passenger higher than the driver for a clear view down the trail. An active backrest, multi-position hand-holds, and raised footrests ensure passenger comfort over long rides. For added versatility, the passenger seat can be removed without tools and replaced with a standard totable cargo box. The 800cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, four-stroke OHC V-twin has plenty of power for two. The LTD package is loaded with a Warn BRP XL2500 winch, roller fairlead, wired remote control, cast-aluminum rims, aggressive-tread radial tires, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, handguards, integrated/removable GPS, mud guards, premium seat, premium handgrips, and muffler trim.
www.can-am.brp.com
Polaris
The Polaris Sportsman X2 ($7899) utilizes a clever stowable second seat and special footrests molded into the floorboard for passenger comfort, even on long trips. The special independent rear suspension, with nearly nine inches of travel and 11 inches of ground clearance, is designed to carry either 400 pounds on the rear cargo box or the weight of a second rider. The X2 also can tow 1225 pounds with its two-inch receiver hitch. Power comes from an electronically fuel-injected 499cc four-stroke single put through a CVT.
www.polarisindustries.com
Honda
The Honda FourTrax Foreman 4x4 ES ($7049) offers speed and torque-sensitive steering assistance for increased control and comfort and decreases bumpsteer and kickback through the handlebar in all conditions. Riders can shift between 2WD and 4WD with the simple push of a switch. Powered by a four-stroke 475cc OHV air-cooled longitudinally mounted engine, the Foreman has rubber-cushioned engine mounts and a gear-driven counter balancer to reduce vibration. A snorkel-type air intake, electric carburetor heater, and closed crankcase vent help make this machine a strong player in all weather conditions. Pushbutton up- and downshifting move the transmission through five forward speeds and reverse. Independent double-wishbone front suspension uses KYB shock absorbers to give 6.7 inches of travel and 7.5 inches of ground clearance.
www.honda.com
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Brute Force 650 4x4 ($6599) is powered by a liquid-cooled 633cc, 90-degree V-twin engine featuring single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, plus a CVT. The engine is fed by dual 32mm Keihin carburetors drawing fresh air from a snorkel intake. With high or low forward gears, plus neutral and reverse, the Brute Force 650 4x4 can be started in any gear. Braking is handled by dual front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers plus a sealed, oil-bathed, multidisc rear brake system. An engine brake-control system monitors ground speed and uses the engine's compression to help slow the ATV. Other features include front and rear steel racks that can carry a total of 264 pounds of cargo and a 1250-pound towing capacity. There's a DC power outlet and space inside the front guard to accommodate a Warn 3000 winch or Super Winch 3000.
www.kawasaki.com
Yamaha
For hard work or play, the 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 700 4x4 ($7999) features Yamaha's Ultramatic automatic transmission and On Command pushbutton four-wheel drive, fuel injection, and electric power steering. The new Grizzly gets the 686cc Raptor engine, tuned for utility use with improved low- and midrange power. The Grizzly 700 offers the convenience of high- and low-range gear options for times when low-end torque and maximum pulling power are needed. The three-way On-Command system features pushbutton 2WD/4WD and 4WD with differential lock. A fully adjustable wishbone front and independent rear suspension provides seven inches of travel up front, class-leading 9.5 inches in the rear, and nearly 12 inches of ground clearance. The Grizzly has two waterproof storage boxes and can carry 99 pounds on the front rack and close to 200 on the rear. Towing capacity is 1212 pounds.
www.yamaha-motor.com
Suzuki
The Suzuki KingQuad 450 4x4 ($6499) is powered by a 454cc SOHC four-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Drivetrain components include V-belt CVT with high/low range sub-transmission, and 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD with front differential lock. Independent front and rear suspension features double A-arms, oil-damped shocks, and five preload settings for adjustability for up to 10.2 inches of ground clearance. A polyethylene skidplate provides front-to-rear underside protection with minimal resistance over rocks and rough terrain. Easy-to-read LCD instrument display includes speedometer (mile/kilometer selectable), odometer, twin trip meters, hour meter, clock, fuel gauge, drive range (H, L, N, R), and drive mode (4WD, 4WD lock).
www.suzukicycles.com