2016 Sport ATV Buyer’s Guide
While it’s true that the glory days of sport/ performance ATVs have come to an end (again), the truth is that there are still a plethora of awesome manual-clutch contenders to chose from for 2016. Sadly only Yamaha is left holding the fort on performance quads still being manufactured this year, we’ve placed calls to several area dealerships and confirmed that several of the top offerings from most of the brands are still available.
With plenty of performance on tap, these are the machines to consider for racing, duning, fast trails and freestyle applications.
HONDA
Honda TRX450R
Honda’s flagship 450 has been built upon the theory that if it ain’t broke, no need to fix it. Boasting such technologies as a steel frame, carbureted liquid cooled 450 four-stroke and fully adjustable quality suspension, the 450R represents the intersection of performance and reliability. There are many of them out there and there have been few OEM updates throughout the machine’s production run. This means that the aftermarket is extremely healthy and most tuners are aware of all the secrets to maximizing the machine’s potential.
While still available for 2016, the 450R is technically inventory from Honda’s 2014 production run and thus priced accordingly at $7,799.
TRX400X
The 400X is the latest in a long series of slight variations on one of the most proven packages in the sport segment. Featuring a bulletproof SOHC, 397cc, air-cooled, dry-sump engine, triple-disc brakes, Pro-Link long travel suspension and standard reverse, the 400X is a hardy play machine with the potential for limitless hop-ups. Best of all, a starting price of $6,399 means all of your budget won’t be depleted at the dealership.
YAMAHA
Yamaha YFZ450R
Yamaha’s YFZ450R is the last of the truly track-ready 450s still being produced at the factory level. In terms of technology, you’d be hard pressed to do better than the YFZ with its quick-revving, titanium five-valve, 449cc fuel-injected engine coupled to a lightweight, professional-caliber cast aluminum chassis. Fully adjustable suspension all around can be tuned for race performance and the 2016 models even come with a slipper clutch right off the showroom floor.
Such performance rarely comes at bargain basement pricing but Yamaha will set you up with a 2016 YFZ450R for $8,899.
Raptor 700R
The Raptor 700R has become Yamaha’s most potent big-bore Raptor ever with 686cc of liquid-cooled, fuel-injected power. The engine produces big torque right off idle, transitioning into a fat mid-range and monstrous top-end. The uses for the Raptor 700R are limitless as the machines excel in everything from fast technical trails to wide-open desert scenarios. It may be powered by a beastly engine but the Raptor doesn’t sacrifice comfort with goodies like a thick comfortable seat, dual counterbalancers, electric starting, and reverse.
The 2016 Yamaha Raptor 700R retails for $8,299.
SUZUKI
Quadsport LTZ400
Suzuki has, sadly, stopped exporting the potent LTR450 Quadracer to the US but the venerable LTZ400 Quadsport is still available. Like with Honda, the Z is technically leftover inventory for their 2014 production run but will still be offered as a new model on the line. Interestingly, once the 450R disappeared, most of what made it so potent (such as electronic fuel injection and top flight fully adjustable suspension) became standard on the Quadsport Z400.
The Z400 boasts a compact, lightweight 398cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled Dual Overhead Cam engine with counter-balancer tuned for tractable power. It’s aftermarket is incredible, the hop-up potential is off the charts and it can be used for a wide variety of applications. A brand new Z400 goes for $7,149.
KAWASAKI
Kawasaki KFX450R
Kawasaki stopped production of the KFX450R in 2014 but they’re still offering the KFX450R as a new model on the line for 2016. The KFX was known for bridging the gap between high-performance trail use and dedicated track duty by coming standard with electric start and reverse. It made use of some slick high-tech features like an aluminum frame, fuel-injection and spectacular suspension.
The biggest drawback comes from the fact that the KFX450R is becoming ever fewer and farther between and it doesn’t look like Kawasaki intends to produce any more. If you can track one down, a brand new (2014) KFX450R will set you back $8,299.
CAN-AM
DS 450X MX or XC
Sadly the DS 450 series of performance quads have come to the end of their life cycle as well. 2015 is the last available model year though dealers should still have new units on showroom floors throughout 2016. The DS 450X was unique in that it came in three unique configurations right from the factory depending upon what you intended to do with the machine. The standard edition was an all-around 450, good for trails, performance riding and racing but the XC package was designed specifically for cross-country racing and the MX for motocross track use.
The DS series boasted goodies such as a jointed aluminum frame, a fuel injected Rotax 450 and Fox suspension. A brand new (2015) is the costliest of the sport quads coming in at between $9,799 and $9,099 depending on the package.