Ask The Editors: More Performance For A Softer Ride?

Need more performance but also want a silkier experience.

Well let us begin with the simple truth that sport ATVs aren’t exactly built for comfort. Even pricey aftermarket suspension isn’t designed to make the experience feel like riding on a stack of marshmallows, so much as it’s designed to keep your machine tracking straight through rough terrain at high speed while still being able to ramp up quickly enough to absorb big hits such as landing from jumps.

If its plushness you seek ultimately, you’d probably be better off looking into machines that aren’t focused strictly on performance but instead everyday riding like the mid-tier 4×4 offerings from each manufacturer.

As for some of the machines you are considering, both the Honda and Kawasaki 700 are more trail friendly than a dedicated race machine like the YFZ450 but on the whole, are still quite a bit stiffer than your average utility or trail rig. Your best bet with either of these (since your only option there would be to go preowned) would be to arrange for a test ride first to see whether or not they offer the type of cushion you’re looking for. The shocks themselves are fairly comparable in terms of suppleness to the 660 unit you are running now, but the machines will certainly be pushing a lot more weight, power and momentum.

The DS, we would guess based on the other machines you are considering, would likely be the Bombardier/ Can-Am DS650, which again, is a very enjoyable machine but certainly not one known for a cushy ride.

Your absolute best bet before dropping any money on another quad or an aftermarket suspension upgrade would be to ride as many machines as you can so as to establish a baseline for the type of riding experience you seek. If the 250 is beating you up on the trails, it’s unlikely you’re going to find a much softer experience in the bigger bore performance market.

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