Ask The Editors: Will We Get New 450s?
Will we see these new beauties in ATVs anytime soon?
Probably not. And it’s not because of the reason you think. Generally speaking, ATVs move higher numbers than any of their competition oriented counterparts. So much so, in fact, that there was a time when the profits from ATV lines of every major Japanese manufacturer were making it possible for them to continue offering competition bikes.
The reason we doubt the European brands you mention will pour R&D into ATV versions of their new 450s is simply that the United States government makes importing them a ridiculous mess of red tape with emissions and sound requirements mounted to ever distant goal posts.
Never forget the time Suzuki actually got in trouble for third party Yoshimura offering a “cherry bomb” electronic jumper that unlocked some of the Quadracer LT450R’s potential for competition. The situation of manufacturer versus government regulation had finally gotten to the point where Suzuki decided it would have been far less of a hassle to pull the plug on the 450 altogether (taking the Z400 with it) than continue. All of the other manufacturers (except for Yamaha) followed suit.
The core of the problem is that unlike any other off-road (or even road going) arena, the terms “manufactured for closed course competition use only” does not apply to ATVs according to the government. They say that their own research suggests quads end up being used in the woods and on the trails either way. This may be true but then why not alter the wording of the law to impose penalties for those individuals caught using race track equipment in the woods rather than to punish everyone? The truth is, ATV racing is no less legitimate than any other form of powersports competition. The fact that our vehicles have to come neutered regardless of what the intended manufactured purpose really isn’t fair.
It is, however, enough of a hassle to keep most manufacturers from even attempting to develop competition oriented ATVs for our market.
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