I think that this is a good idea. Something like a 400EX or YFZ450 with selectable 4wd would be a huge hit.

 

Im not saying "dont build a 4x4sport". I hope they do, for those who want them. But i wont agree to get rid of the utility quads we have now either, because thats what i want. They can make both, and everyone will be happy.

 

Nobody said to get rid of utilities! There is always going to be a market segment that will need that kind of machine, for work, hauling a moose out of the woods, etc. But when I meet a fat, frail, senior citizen on the trail, and they are riding a 700 pound utility, got to wonder how long it will be before they roll it and kill themselves.........

I will be willing to bet that the side-by-side utilities will be replacing the traditional utilities to a large extent in the future. And, this makes so much sense in terms of safety! If you roll a big heavy Rhino, at least you have a roll cage to save your from killing yourself. And, the controls are car like which everybody is familiar with, so that is a plus. They are kind of wide for a lot of places, but huge utilities are pretty wide too. Actually, the Rhino can handle pretty "sporty" as well. Guess I better go buy a couple!

 

IMHO, putting a 4X4 option on a sport quad is like adding a transfer case and front differential to a Corvette. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]
Maybe the manufactures see it the same way I do. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I honestly don't think well see anything 4x4 more sporty than the ones that are already out (Wolverine, Srambler, and Renegade) so you might just have to settle for one of these.

 

The way it is now, if you want to cover both worlds (sport and ute), you have to own one of each. Maybe that is the manufacturers secret marketing policy??????

But why do the utes all have to be such lard a$$ monsters????????

 

Because you cant pull a 1000 lb trailer with a 400lb quad. If your going to pull heavy objects, you need a hevy quad. Also, a big quad means more rack space, meaning more tools for those who need them! And if your an outdoorsman, like me, you like to have your shotgun mounted, camping gear, deerstand, fishing pole, ect............

 

There is plenty of room for both styles, but it just seems that due to the increased income potential due to people being willing to dump a ton of cash on a new biggest and best whatever that all the attention from the mfg's is put into the top heavyweight models.

This is sort of what is being discussed in another thread that was discussing the cost of these machines, but I can also see how its effecting the amount of true sport 4x4 models out there (one or two vs a ton of util types).

 

Interesting you mention that since it is also an area with a void in the auto market as well. I have wondered how well a good handling smaller 4x4 truck with "real" wheel travel and excelent off road ability would sell in the market that is now flooded with mostly all glorified stationwagons with 4x4 that are totally inept off road. I know there are still the full size trucks that can be had in decent configuration, and some will argue that the mini us made trucks or the wrangler can be set up OK stock, but thats still very different than I described.

Still the atv market is different, and just for the sole reason that we will most likely never take one out for a nite on the town, or pack the family into one for a vacation etc there is no excuse that there are not more usable and properly designed sport util atvs for all those who do or would desire them.

 

The larger and heavier machines will stay around and if for nothing else just for the work use (as you point out) that is so popular for atv's.

I cant say if the future will provide for lighter new true util machines that can out work the current ones, but I would expect the heavier models to remain popular for various work or farm use. Remember these are many times replacing small tractors and other equipment that are even larger and heavier (plus use more fuel too many times).

The point was that the average rider doesnt need that same "work horse" or monster to enjoy a trail ride, and the overkill may hurt more than their pocket or wallet in the long run.

That is why many (including myself) believe that the mfg's are totally missing the ball on the entire sport util market, and leaving many without the real choice they want.