I was last into atv's in the early 2000's . I've decided to get back into them and would like to get a sport quad. But looking around I see hardly any offered by any manufacturer. I was thinking about the plethora of 400/450 cc models that used to be available.
What happened? Did people just lose interest?

 

There are several 400s and 450s as well as some bigger ones made by most major manufacturers. At least there were the last time I checked.

 

They still make them. Most dealers keep very few in stock because they aren't nearly as popular as utility models. I just saw a brand new yfz450 at my local dealer this week. They only had one in stock but they had sold several utility quads over the last couple weeks.

 

Yamaha seems to be the only make serious about them anymore.
Honda,Suzuki,and Kawasaki seem to only make 90 and 250cc sport quads.
But I did find a "new" 2014 Suzuki Z400 today. Dealer wants $7000 for it.

I'm seriously considering it..

 

Honda still makes 400s and 450s and Suzuki still makes a 400 but it looks like Kawasaki only makes kids sport quads.

 

I suppose it all depends where you live, as Greg mentioned many dealers sell far more utility quads than sport models so they don't stock as many.
In my area (Toledo Ohio) the big dealer in the area does stock quite a few sport models however they do sell far more utility models. If he were a smaller dealer as others in the area his sport bike inventory would be substantially smaller. Just nature of business. With that said you may have to drive some distance to find a dealer with a sport bike selection and as a last resort they can always order the model you want unless your looking for used.

 

Unfortunately many of the Sport Performance ATV's have been discontinued. 2015 was the last model year for the Can-Am DS450 X. 2014 was the last model year for the Honda TRX 400X, and TRX 450R, Kawasaki KFX 450R, and Suzuki LT-Z400. 2009 was the last model year for the Honda TRX 300X and TRX 700XX, Kawasaki KFX 700, and Suzuki LT-R450. Many dealers still have leftover inventory of the TRX 450R, TRX 400X, and LT-Z400 so you should be able to get a great deal on some aged inventory.

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2007 Yamaha Raptor 700R
2009 Yamaha YFX 450R
2006 Honda 300EX
2008 Honda 90EX
2005 Suzuki LT50

 

I have been hearing for years that utility quads were outselling the sport quads but had no idea that the mfgs were stopping production on those models. While I am not a sport bike fan it still really sucks for those that are.
I guess I am curious.....low sales or some lawyer liability crap??? Wouldn't be at all surprised if the gov't has caused this as they know what is best for us all..

 

The main problem is there was a glut of machinery about 2008 or so. All the big 4 Japanese, can am, polaris, ktm, even some of the knockoff brands had em. There were what, 10 models in the 450 class alone? When the yfz and trx first came out, they sold like hot cakes as there had been a huge pent up demand. The epa killed the zuk, low sales killed ktm and polaris, Yamaha killed everyone when they reintroduced the original yfz with cheaper shocks and a rock bottom price. Add to that all those older 400ex and z400 that look a little worn but run as good as the day they were rolled out of the show room, now available for 2k when a new one will run you 6 or 7k at least.

And finally, the utes are killing them. Reason being, trails tend to be wider, ruts deeper now. I have been a few places toted as kid friendly but my kids can't make it up several obstacles.

 

Scooter86, I think you are correct. There was a surplus of sports machines, especially from Honda and Suzuki. I don't think the attorneys were too involved this time around. However, the increase in Side X Sides sales has certainly had an impact on ATV sales.