Ask The Editors: Help Me Pick A Sport Quad

The Mojave in its glory.

We enjoy questions like yours because it allows us an opportunity to discuss one of our favorite classes of ATV – the manual clutch/ sport quad (a class that is sadly, all but extinct these days).

We have extensive experience with all of the machines you are considering and actually consider the Kawasaki Mojave perhaps the best choice of the type of conditions you describe. That liquid cooled 250 was very well suited to making linear power with minimal wheelspin with a bit of clutch control. Of course there are two possible downsides to the Mojave when compared to the Hondas on your short list – 1) The chassis is by far the smallest / most cramped of the lot and with that you are getting the least amount of ground clearance. 2) It was kickstart only so the convenience of pushing a button to get fired up never arrived to the Mojave spec sheet.

We do realize, of course, that this last one may not actually be a disadvantage to everyone as keeping batteries charged and replacement can be a nuisance in itself.

All of that said, you have a pretty good handle on the hierarchy of the ATVs you are considering. The 400EX is the most modern of the trio, with geometry inspired by Honda’s legendary 250R. Don’t let this intimidate, though, as it was built as a trail vehicle first and foremost – that air-cooled 397cc engine makes lots of low end power and is known for its reliability.

Of the three, though, the 400EX would (as you would guess) be the biggest handful on the really tight and technical terrain like you describe. It offers the largest chassis and the engine is the most performance oriented of the lot. Plus, unlike the other two, not all of them came with reverse. That’s a feature Honda integrated from 2005 onward, meaning the first 6 model years came without.

The 300EX could very well be seen as the middle ground of the three. It’s engine is a bit less complicated than the DOHC, liquid cooled Mojave mill but the chassis is slightly more roomy and you will gain some suspension travel/ ground clearance. Also, since it was made for year upon year unchanged, it is likely the most affordable of the lot with an absolutely massive aftermarket.

All three of these quads were built to excel in a wide variety of conditions, offer lively performance and have good reputations for reliability. If you could, circle back and let us know which you end up deciding upon.

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