COOL CARGO: 2009 ATV and Dirt Bike Buyers Guide

One of the reasons my daily driver is a truck is pragmatics. While I enjoy driving my wife's WRX, I need my vehicle to haul and tow. However, that doesn't mean I have to give up on all of the performance enjoyment. Electronic, intake, and exhaust mods have improved my truck's fun factor by 100 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.   |   Arctic Cat TRV 1000 I've noticed that my tastes in ATVs sort of run the same way. While I like riding my brother's sport quad, I lean a little toward working-class machines. I really like the 4x4 abilities of the newest utility quads, which combine cargo-hauling capabilities with excellent traction and ground clearance. The fun part is the power available on the biggest of the working 'utes. Yamaha's Grizzly 700, Arctic Cat's Thundercat 1000, the Polaris XP 850, and CanAm's Renegade 800 all have impressive acceleration and power along with 4x4 and cargo-carrying racks that any hunter or farmer would want to be able to get the job done. The test machine I currently have in my pickup bed is an Arctic Cat TRV 1000. This two-up machine can tow and haul. It can carry you and a passenger nearly anywhere with 4x4 and a front diff lock. Better have a good grip when you crack the throttle, too. Practicality and power--that's just my speed. However, it may not be yours. Whether toughness and labor or speed and fun catch your eye, here's a selection of some of this year's best dirt machines. ARCTIC CAT
Arctic Cat TRV 1000
Arctic Cat PROWLER XTZ 1000
Arctic Cat 366
Arctic Cat 90DVX CAN-AM
Can-Am DS 250
Can-Am RENEGADE 800R EFI HONDA POWERSPORTS
Honda XR650L
Honda BIG RED
Honda FOURTRAX RINCON
Honda CRF250X
Honda CRF450R
Honda TRX250X KAWASAKI
Kawasaki PRAIRIE 360 4x4 KTM
KTM 690 ENDURO
KTM 450 SX KYMCO
Kymco MONGOOSE 300
Kymco UXV 500 4x4
Kymco MXU 375 irs 4x4 POLARIS
Polaris RZR S
Polaris SPORTSMAN 850 XP
Polaris RANGER HD SUZUKI
Suzuki KINGQUAD 500 AXI
Suzuki RM-Z250
Suzuki DR200SE
Suzuki DR-Z125L YAMAHA
Yamaha YZ125
Yamaha WR250F
Yamaha GRIZZLY 550
Yamaha RAPTOR 700R
Yamaha RHINO 700 ARCTIC CAT218/681-8558
www.arctic-cat.com   |   ARCTIC CAT TRV 1000 front View Arctic Cat TRV 1000
When Arctic Cat put its 951cc hemi in the new TRV 1000 ($12,499), we were immediately on board. All that power, 4WD, diff lock at the flip of a switch, and comfortable seating for a passenger adds up to a machine that can cross serious terrain and pull the biggest dunes in style. Luxury features include heated handgrips for rider and passenger, a two-piece fairing with mirrors, a built-in cup holder, flashlight holder, and an accessory outlet for cell-phones or GPS.   |   ARCTIC CAT PROWLER XTZ 1000 front View Arctic Cat PROWLER XTZ 1000
The Prowler XTZ 1000 ($13,999) features the industry's largest-displacement engine in the very popular side-by-side class. The XTZ is an all-new design with suspension geometry inspired by Arctic Cat's racing teams. The 951cc, SOHC V-twin, liquid-cooled EFI engine produces a wide torque curve. The XTZ has disc brakes all the way around and the rear brake was incorporated into an all-new, hand-operated parking brake.   |   ARCTIC CAT 366 front View Arctic Cat 366
Arctic Cat's 366 ($5649) features an all-new single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled 366cc four-stroke. Integrated full-length plastic floorboards enhance sure-footed traction while protecting from spray. The ultra-tough chassis is lightweight and features an A-arm fully independent rear suspension and double A-arm front, with preload adjustable shocks and seven inches of suspension travel and provides 10 inches of ground clearance. Pushbutton 4WD, automotive style receiver hitch and digital instrument pod are also included.   |   ARCTIC CAT 90DVX front View Arctic Cat 90DVX
The rear-drive 90DVX ($2599) by Arctic Cat is designed for riders 12 and older, and is powered by a 90cc, SOHC, two-valve, four-stroke engine with Duramatic automatic transmission. Safety features include a removable 15 mph speed governor, headlights, reverse gear, full floorboards, padded handlebars, removable keys, rear brake lights, and a highly visible orange whip safety flag. Additional features include an automatic choke, hand-operated front and rear brakes, independent single A-arm front suspension, and a rear swingarm.

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CAN-AM715/848-4957
www.can-am.brp.com   |   CAN AM DS 250 front View CAN-AM DS 250
Can-Am's DS 250 ($3499) is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC four-valve with an automatic CVT sub-transmission. Power gets to the rear wheels via chain drive and solid rear axle. Front suspension is a double A-arm with five-position adjustable shocks that provide 5.5 inches of travel. Rear suspension is a swing arm with a five-position shock and 6.7 inches of travel. Instrumentation includes neutral, reverse, and oil-temp indicators. Lighting features two 35-watt headlamps and a brake/taillight along with a DC outlet.   |   CAN AM RENEGADE 800R EFI front View CAN-AM RENEGADE 800R EFI
The Renegade 800R EFI ($9499) by Can-Am is powered by a 799.9cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled, SOHC eight-valve with an automatic CVT sub-transmission and engine braking. Power gets to the wheels via a selectable 2WD/4WD shaft drive and Visco-Lok front differential. Front suspension is a RS-type double A-arm, which provides 8.5 inches of travel. The RS-type TTI independent rear offers nine inches of travel. Instrumentation includes speedometer, tach, odometer, trip, and hour meters, fuel gear position and 4x4 indicator, and neutral, reverse, and oil temp indicators. In addition to a lighter DC outlet, there is a connector in the back and the unit is prewired for a winch. HONDA POWERSPORTS866/784-1870
powersports.honda.com   |   HONDA XR650L side View Honda XR650L
The XR650L ($6499) is Honda's big dual sport. Pro-Link rear suspension and 43mm XR-spec Showa cartridge forks feature 16-position compression damping adjustability for superb off-road performance. An electric starter system and gear-driven counterbalancer add convenience and comfort to this versatile machine. A high-output 12-volt electrical system powers the enduro-style headlight, flex-mounted turn signals, and indicators including neutral light, high beam, turn signal, and sidestand. Power and size for short road trips and plenty of proven off-road tech takes a lot of the compromise out of dual sport.   |   HONDA BIG RED front View Honda BIG RED
Honda's Big Red side-by-side ($11,399) features a 675cc mid-engine design and Honda's automotive-style automatic transmission. Selectable drive modes are 2WD with an open rear differential for sensitive terrain/lawns, 4WD with rear differential lock, and 4WD with all-wheel differential lock. The suspension setup provides 10.3 inches of ground clearance and 5.9 inches of travel in front and 7.1 in the rear.   |   HONDA FOURTRAX RINCON front View Honda FOURTRAX RINCON
Honda's 4WD FourTrax Rincon ($8299) is powered by a 675cc engine with EFI. Honda's automotive-style automatic ATV transmission draws power through a hydraulic torque converter to drive three forward gears and reverse. Its semi-dry-sump oiling system positions the oil tank inside the engine cases, lowering engine height and allowing optimum engine placement for improved ground clearance and handling. Dual front disc-brake calipers feature a patented built-in scraper system that removes mud and snow from inside the front wheel. GPScape navigation uses an arrow on the LCD face to point to the direction to a chosen waypoint.   |   HONDA CRF250X side View Honda CRF250X
Honda's CRF250X ($7149) features a four-stroke 249cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam engine tuned for easy-to-control power across the rpm band. The electric-start system, odometer, and 35-watt halogen headlight are nice features for the weekend warrior. It has a wide-ratio five-speed transmission and competition-tuned off-road suspension. An aluminum Renthal handlebar can be mounted in different positions and is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue.   |   HONDA CRF450R side View Honda CRF450R
Honda's race-ready CRF450R ($7999) has a brand-new, lighter engine with EFI. It produces 56.3 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 37.5 pound-feet of torque at 7000 rpm. A four-lobe camshaft and individual rocker arms for each exhaust valve reduce weight and contribute to a higher rpm ceiling. An entirely new rolling chassis includes a new aluminum frame with forged-aluminum steering head that is 14 ounces lighter than previous design. Honda positioned the steering head pipe further back and lengthened the swingarm and beefed up the pivot plates all while making it lighter. Other changes include upgraded brake rotors and retuned suspension damping.   |   HONDA TRX250X front View Honda TRX250X
Honda TRX250X ($4299) is powered by a lightweight OHV air-cooled 229cc engine, longitudinally mounted for efficient power transfer. The two-valve cylinder-head design optimizes valve timing for a very usable powerband. Honda^TMs SportClutch enables the rider to experience manual clutch operation while avoiding engine stalls when coming to a stop. A solid-state ignition provides electronic advance and an 8750-rpm engine rev limiter. Rubber mounts reduce engine vibration. The braking setup includes dual hydraulic discs in the front and a fully sealed rear mechanical drum brake.

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KAWASAKI800/661-RIDE (7433)
www.kawasaki.com   |   KAWASAKI PRAIRIE 360 4x4 front View Kawasaki PRAIRIE 360 4x4
The Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4 ($5349)now comes in Hardwoods Green HD camouflage for hunters looking for a stealthy platform to get them on location and back hassle-free. A 362cc air-cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke engine combined with Kawasaki's continuously variable transmission powers this popular utility quad. The Prairie 360 4x4 employs a variable front differential control by pulling a lever on the left handlebar to add increasing lock to the front diff. When maximum traction is no longer needed, simply release the lever--low-tech and effective. KTM440/985-3553
www.ktmusa.com   |   KTM 690 ENDURO front View KTM 690 ENDURO
KTM's dual-sport 690 Enduro R ($10,498) is powered by a 654cc single cylinder, four-stroke, liquid cooled engine with a six-speed transmission. A Pro Lever Linkage rear mono-shock provides 10.83 inches of travel for off-road performance. The brake system employs Brembo discs front and rear.   |   KTM 450 SX front View KTM 450 SX
The 450 SX ($11,398) features KTM's strong 449cc, single cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine mounted in a chromoly frame with aluminum subframe. Front suspension is fully adjustable twin A-arms with 9.61 inches of travel. Rear suspension is a WP PDS mono-shock and swingarm with 10.16 inches of travel. Ground clearance is 10.43 inches. The lubrication setup is an Eaton-driven, dry-sump pressurized system.

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KYMCO 864/327-4744
www.kymcousa.com   |   KYMCO MONGOOSE 300 front View Kymco MONGOOSE 300
Does your heart beat faster at the thought of power slides in the dirt? Kymco's rear-drive Mongoose 300 ($3749) is built just for that purpose. It features a tough dual A-arm front suspension, linked rear suspension, and 7.25 inches of ground clearance. Its watercooled 270cc, 18.3-horsepower engine is controlled through a CVT with forward, neutral, and reverse. The Mongoose has disc brakes and aluminum wheels with 21-inch front tires and 20-inch tires in the rear.   |   KYMCO UXV 500 4x4 front View Kymco UXV 500 4x4
Kymco's UXV 500 4x4 ($7999) is a side-by-side built for hard work on the farm and in the rough. It's powered by a four-stroke, watercooled, 33-horsepower, 499cc engine backed by a CVT with diff lock. The UXV has independent dual A-arm front and rear suspension providing 12.2 inches of ground clearance, steel chassis, and front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. It comes with digital gauges (fuel level, speedometer, odometer, and trip meter), soft-panel doors, a front brushguard, and a trailer hitch with a tilting cargo box.   |   KYMCO MXU 375 Irs 4x4 front View Kymco MXU 375 irs 4x4
This utility ATV, the MXU 375 IRS 4x4 ($5299) from Kymco, uses shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive and independent front and rear suspension to help with tasks on the ranch and getting you to your local hunting or fishing spot. It uses a four-stroke, 26-horse, 367cc DOHC engine with a CVT and has front and rear equipment racks, brush guard, four-wheel disc brakes, and a trailer hitch. The front rack holds 75 pounds, the rear 150, and the MXU 375 can tow up to 1050 pounds.

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POLARIS800/POLARIS (765-2747)
www.polarisindustries.com   |   POLARIS RZR S front View 05Polaris RZR S
Polaris added an "S" version to its outstanding RZR model lineup. The RZR S ($13,999) features Polaris' exclusive, long-travel suspension kit that widens the vehicle to 60 inches for aggressive corning and power slides. The suspension kit provides 12 inches of travel, and uses chrome-moly upper front A-arms and adjustable Fox shocks with Podium reservoirs. The RZR S has independent rear suspension, on-demand true AWD, fender flares, and extended rear cab frame supports. Equipped with 26-inch Maxxis Big-Horn tires with 12-inch, eight-spoke aluminum wheels, the RZR S will get plenty of attention on the dunes and at the race track.   |   POLARIS SPORTSMAN 850 XP front View Polaris SPORTSMAN 850 XP
The Polaris Sportsman 850 XP (Xtreme Performance) ($8999) features four-wheel hydraulic brakes, Polaris on-demand true AWD, engine braking with Active Descent Control, rolled IRS (angled rearward for greater traction), and dual A-arms with anti-kickback steering in front. Suspension travel measures nine inches in front and 10.25 in back while ground clearance is 12 inches. Rack capacity is rated at 120 pounds for the front and 240 for the rear.   |   POLARIS RANGER HD front View Polaris RANGER HD
Polaris calls the Ranger HD ($12,999) the "hardest working, smoothest riding" side-by-side. It will find plenty of farm and construction site applications that require heavy hauling and towing. The Ranger HD is equipped with the first-ever self-leveling suspension on a utility vehicle. When hauling loads such as fertilizer or feed or building materials, the Nivomat shocks automatically adjust the suspension, resulting in the highest loaded ground clearance of any utility vehicle. The Ranger HD is also equipped with power steering and on-demand AWD. SUZUKI714/572-1490
www.suzukicycles.com   |   SUZUKI KINGQUAD 500 AXI front View Suzuki KINGQUAD 500 AXI
The Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering Limited ($7599) features black brush bodywork and durable-coated silver finish cargo racks. Suzuki's electric power steering delivers a lighter steering effort to reduce rider fatigue. The 493cc, SOHC, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is mated to Suzuki's QuadMatic CVT-type automatic transmission. A fender-mounted, gate-type shifter selects high/low forward ranges, plus neutral and reverse. The engine brake system minimizes free-wheeling to reduce downhill speed. Handlebar-mounted push button controls allow the rider to easily select 2WD, 4WD, and differential-lock 4WD. Suspension is independent double A-arm front and independent, I-beam rear.   |   SUZUKI RM Z250 side View Suzuki RM-Z250
Suzuki's RM-Z250 ($6699) uses a 249cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-valve engine with an automatic decompression system for easy kick-starting. The sump system features separate oil chambers for the transmission and crankshaft using the transmission as the oil sump, allowing low crankshaft placement, reduced engine height, and a low center of gravity. The swingarm has lightweight construction for efficient traction, especially over the whoops. Showa cartridge-style front fork with a 47mm inner tube, plus there's 22-way compression damping for 12.2 inches of wheel travel.   |   SUZUKI DR200SE front View Suzuki DR200SE
The Suzuki DR200SE ($4199) has an electric starting system and a five-speed transmission with gear ratios suitable for a wide variety of riding conditions. The long-travel front suspension has 8.1 inches of wheel travel for on- and off-road versatility. The single-shock rear suspension system with fully adjustable spring preload brings 8.1 inches of wheel travel. A low 31-inch seat height and compact chassis are perfect for the beginning rider. Front and rear tires with special tread pattern for good traction in on- and off-road riding conditions. Full lighting system and easy-to-read instrumentation including trip meter. Large 3.4-gallon fuel tank and fuel-efficient engine provide long-range fuel capacity.   |   SUZUKI DR Z125L side View Suzuki DR-Z125L
Suzuki's DR-Z125L ($2899) features RM-Z body styling, number plates, and graphics. The compact 124cc four-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine was designed for ease of operation and low maintenance. A five-speed transmission with link-type gearshift system was designed for precise operation and positive feel. Long-travel, oil-damped front fork and link-type rear suspension provide a smooth, compliant ride. It uses a single front disc brake with RM85 caliper and a rear drum brake.

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YAMAHA 800/962-7926
www.yamaha-motor.com   |   YAMAHA YZ125 front View Yamaha YZ125
Yamaha's YZ125 ($5799) is a pure motocross machine ready to race right out of the crate. It's all about the power-to-weight ratio. A light aluminum frame houses a compact and light 124cc reed-valve-inducted two-stroke coupled with a close-ratio, six-speed transmission. The digital CDI ignition system delivers precise spark and monitors engine speed to ensure optimal timing for faster, stronger response during hard acceleration. Frame, swingarm, and suspension components are lightweight and strong and optimized for race performance. An all-new seat cover improves durability and grip and is easier to clean.   |   YAMAHA WR250F side View Yamaha WR250F
The Yamaha WR250F ($6699) features a YZ-inspired advanced aluminum frame and a highly evolved, high-revving five-titanium-valved engine, which starts with the push of a button. This 249cc liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke delivers excellent low- and midrange power, with high over-rev capacity and crisp, linear throttle response. A cool digital enduro computer offers speedometer, clock, and trip meter when in basic mode, or switch to race mode for pace management functions such as timer, distance-compensating, trip meter, and average speed. A lightweight, 35-watt headlight and an LED taillight maximize visibility while drawing less current. The WR250F is green-sticker approved for California.   |   YAMAHA GRIZZLY 550 front View Yamaha GRIZZLY 550
The four-wheel-drive Grizzly 550 by Yamaha ($6699) features torque- and speed-sensitive electric power steering, excellent suspension setup, and four-wheel disc brakes. The fuel injection system provides excellent cold starts and adjusts for humidity, temperature, and elevation up to 15,000 feet. A centrifugal clutch system keeps belt tension constant so there is no slipping at idle or slow speed, which means you can leave it in high range all the time without damaging components. Ground clearance is 11.8 inches, fuel capacity is 5.3 gallons, and the 550 Grizzly can haul 286 pounds on the racks and tow 1322 pounds.   |   YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R front View Yamaha RAPTOR 700R
The rear-drive Yamaha Raptor 700R's ($8099) 686cc four-stroke makes this Raptor most powerful Yamaha sport ATV ever. The fuel-injected, water-cooled engine delivers excellent low-end torque and keeps delivering on the top end. The five-speed transmission with reverse is controlled via YZ-spec ratchet shifter and a heavy-duty clutch. The YZ-style piggyback rear shock provides 10.1 inches of wheel travel and can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. An industry first for sport ATVs is the digital meter, which includes speedometer, dual trip meters, odometer, clock, and indicators for coolant, fuel levels, neutral, and reverse.   |   YAMAHA RHINO 700 front View Yamaha RHINO 700
Rhino 700 FI Auto 4x4 Special Edition ($11,699) features automotive-type controls including a center-mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights, and a 12-volt accessory outlet. The 686cc liquid/oil-cooled four-stroke engine and the vehicle's light weight add up to great performance. Yamaha's Ultramatic transmission with dual-range drive and reverse maintains constant belt tension, which reduces wear, gives great throttle response, and provides industry-exclusive all-wheel downhill engine braking. Fully independent four-wheel suspension delivers 7.3 inches of wheel travel and 12.1 inches of ground clearance.