BUYER’S GUIDE: 2015 Sport Quad Buyer’s Guide

The sport quad category has something for almost every kind of rider. There are high-performance competition quads with incredible engine performance and fully adjustable suspension for racers and aggressive riders. Most trail riders want  ATVs with smoother power, so there’s a good selection of these machines. Younger, smaller sport riders need sport quads sized right for them, so there are scaled-down sport models too. We’ve got them all in “ATV UTV Action’s Sport ATV Buyer’s Guide”!

BIG-BORE SPORT ATVs

Yamaha Raptor 700R: The 2015 Raptor 700R is more powerful than ever, thanks to a new high-compression, single-head-pipe, four-valve, single-overhead-cam head. Handling is improved, too, with re-tuned, fully adjustable front shocks and new taller front tires. All that, and the price is the same as the 2014 model!

Motor type    686cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    102mm x 84mm
Transmission    5-speed manual w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.1″
Rear    Pro swingarm/10.1″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.9 gal.
Length/width/height    72.6″/46.1″/44.5″
Tire sizes: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    422 lb.
Colors    Blue/white
Price    $8199

Yamaha Raptor 700R SE: Special black-and-white bodywork with a red frame, a Yamaha GYTR front grab bar and heel guards set the Raptor 700R  SE apart from the 700R. Both have all the great 2015 performance and suspension upgrades.

Motor type    686cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    102mm x 84mm
Transmission    5-speed manual w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.1″
Rear    Pro swingarm/10.1″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.9 gal.
Length/width/height    72.6″/46.1″/44.5″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    422 lb.
Colors    Blue, white, SE black/red
Price    $8799

Yamaha Raptor 700: The base Raptor 700 lacks the 700R’s sophisticated, fully adjustable suspension, but it comes with the same great engine updates and hybrid steel and aluminum chassis as the 700R and 700R SE.

Motor type    686cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    102mm x 84mm
Transmission    5-speed manual w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.1″
Rear    Pro swingarm/10.1″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.9 gal.
Length/width/height    72.6″/46.1″/44.5″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    422 lb.
Colors    Blue/white
Price    $7699

COMPETITION ATVs

Apex 450F: Powered by the carbureted, kick-start Yamaha YFZ450F motocross bike engine, the Apex 450F comes ready for motocross with wide A-arms, Elka suspension, nerf bars, and beadlock rear wheels.

Motor type    449cc, 5-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    95mm x 63.4mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/11.5″
Rear    Swingarm/12″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    71″/49″/42.9″
Tire size: f/r    20×6-10, 18×10-8
Claimed wet weight    340 lb.
Colors    Black, white
Price    $13,000

Can-Am DS450 X mx: Machines don’t come more motocross-ready than Can-Am’s DS 450 X mx. You get wide A-arms, nerf bars and beadlock rear wheels, along with Fox Float X Evol shocks.

Motor type    449cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    97mm x 60.8mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/10.7″
Rear    R-type swingarm/10.7″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.9 gal.
Length/width/height    72.4″/50″/41.9″
Tire size: f/r    20×6-10/18×10-8
Dry weight    349 lb.
Colors    Yellow/black
Price    $9799

Can-Am DS450X xc: The DS 450X xc is the woods racing version of the DS 450 X mx. It comes with handguards, ITP Holeshot XC tires and beadlock wheels, nerf bars, bumpers, a taller anti-vibe steering stem and aluminum oversized handlebars.

Motor type    449cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    97mm x 60.8mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.6″
Rear    R-type swingarm/10.5″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    3 gal.
Length/width/height    72.4″/46″/41.9″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10,, 20×10-9
Claimed dry weight    349 lb.
Colors    Yellow/black
Price    $9099

Honda TRX450R: Honda’s 450R is a popular, well-proven choice for all forms of racing, and it’s affordably priced for a high-performance ATV. The carbureted engine and steel frame perform as well as machines with fuel injection and aluminum frames.

Motor type    450cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    96mm x 62mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/8.4″
Rear    Swingarm/9.3″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.7 gal.
Length/width/height    73.3″/46.3″/43.3″
Tire size: f/r    22×7-10/20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    388 lb.
Colors    Red, white
Price    $7799

Yamaha YFZ450R and YFZ450R SE: Yamaha’s YFZ450Rs are motocross-ready, high-tech machines. Fuel-injected five-valve engines in hybrid aluminum/steel frames with fully adjustable suspension make these machines potent platforms for racing and serious sport riding. The SE comes with black bodywork, a red frame, special graphics and a GYTR grab bar for $200 more.

Motor type    449cc, 5-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    95mm x 63.4mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.8″
Rear    Swingarm/11″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    70.7″/48.8″/41.9″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    403/405 lb.
Colors    Blue/SE Black
Price    $8799/$8999

Apex 250F: The engine from the Yamaha YZ250F motocross bike is the heart of the Apex 250F motocross quad. This lightweight, kick-start machine comes with Elka suspension.

Motor type    250cc, 5-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    77mm x 53.mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/11.5″
Rear    Swingarm/12″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    71″/49″/42.9″
Tire size: f/r    20×6-10, 18×10-8
Claimed wet weight    340 lb.
Colors    Black, white
Price    $12,000

MID-SIZED SPORT ATVs

Yamaha YFZ450: The YFZ450 is a trail-tuned high-performance machine based on the original carbureted, steel-framed YFZ450. It has smoother engine and suspension tuning than the YFZ450R and a very affordable price.

Motor type    449cc, 5-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    95mm x 63.4mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/9.1″
Rear    Swingarm/10.6″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    72.4″/46.1″/42.9″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    385 lb.
Colors    White, Metallic Black
Price    $6899

Honda TRX400X: Great handling; slim, sporty ergonomics; smooth, strong power; and plush suspension make the affordable 400X a pleasure for all kinds of recreational riding. The air-cooled engine’s reliability is legendary.

Motor type    398cc, 4-valve, air-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    85mm x 70mm
Transmission    5-speed w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/8.2″
Rear    Swingarm/9.1″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    71.7″/45.5″/44″
Tire size: f/r    22×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    408 lb.
Colors    Red
Price    $6399

Suzuki LTZ400: The Z400’s snappy throttle response and smooth, fully adjustable suspension make it an excellent choice for serious trail and dune riders. Reverse makes this machine easy to maneuver in tight spots.

Motor type    398cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled DOHC
Bore and stroke    90mm x 62.6mm
Transmission    5-speed w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/8.5″
Rear    Linked swingarm/9.1″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.6 gal.
Length/width/height    72″/45.9″/45.7″
Tire size: f/r    22×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    425 lb.
Colors    Yellow/black
Price    $7149

Yamaha Raptor 350: Smooth power and suspension, reverse, and a rugged air-cooled engine make the Raptor 350 a sport machine that’s easy to ride and maintain.

Motor type    348cc, 2-valve, air-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    83mm x 64.5mm
Transmission    6-speed w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/7.9″
Rear    Swingarm/8.3″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    2.4 gal.
Length/width/height    69.7″/43.1″/42.5″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    396 lb.
Colors    White
Price    $5599

Arctic Cat DVX300: A fully automatic transmission makes the DVX300 a sport quad that’s simple for learning riders to enjoy. The powerful, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine has enough performance for skilled riders.

Motor type    270cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    72.7mm x 65.2mm
Transmission    CVT
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/6.1″
Rear    Swingarm/6.5″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    3.4 gal.
Length/width/height    67.7″/44.7″/44.7″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10/20×11-9
Claimed dry weight    425 lb.
Colors    Green, orange
Price    $4399

Kymco Mongoose 300: Kymco’s Mongoose 300 is an affordable, full-sized sport machine for new and experienced riders. The four-valve, liquid-cooled engine provides plenty of power, and an automatic transmission makes it easy to ride.

Motor type    270cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    72.7mm x 65.2mm
Transmission    CVT w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/5.7″
Rear    Linked swingarm/6.5″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    3.4 gal.
Length/width/height    76″/41″/42″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10/20×11-9
Claimed dry weight    392 lb.
Colors    Red, black
Price    $3849

Can-Am DS250: The DS250 is the only 250 recommended for riders age 14 and up. A fully automatic transmission makes it easy to ride. The liquid-cooled, four-valve engine gives it performance that learners can grow into.

Motor type    249.4cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    71mm x 63mm
Transmission    CVT w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/5.5″
Rear    Swingarm/6.7″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    3.3 gal.
Length/width/height    72″/40.5″/43.5″
Tire size: f/r    22×7-10, 20×11-9
Claimed dry weight    429 lb.
Colors    Yellow
Price    $4149

Honda TRX250X: The 250X’s five-speed transmission has a unique automatic clutch that also operates like a manual clutch when the rider wants. It’s an ideal machine for beginners that also lets more advanced riders develop their skills.

Motor type    229cc, 2-valve, air-cooled OHV
Bore and stroke    68.5mm x 62.2mm
Transmission    5-speed manual/auto w/ rev.
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/5.9″
Rear    Swingarm/5.7″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/drum
Fuel capacity    2.5 gal.
Length/width/height    68.5″/41.8″/42.4″
Tire size: f/r    22×7-10/20×10-9
Claimed wet weight    379 lb.
Colors    Red
Price    $4499

Yamaha Raptor 250: The Raptor 250 delivers serious sport quad performance in a scaled-down package. Its five-speed, manual-clutch transmission; agile handling; and great suspension give smaller riders the feel of a full-sized sport quad.

Motor type    249cc, 2-valve, air-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    74mm x 58mm
Transmission    5-speed manual
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/7.5″
Rear    swingarm/7.9″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/disc
Fuel capacity    3.9 gal.
Length/width/height    64″/42.1″/40.9″
Tire size: f/r    20×7-10, 19×10-9
Claimed wet weight    330 lb.
Colors    Blue, white with custom graphics
Price    $4599

Polaris Phoenix 200: Thanks to a fully automatic transmission, the Phoenix is perfect for first-time riders and learners who are ready for more power than mini ATVs. ο

Motor type    196cc, 2-valve, air-cooled SOHC
Bore and stroke    65mm x 59mm
Transmission    CVT
Suspension/travel:
Front    Dual A-arm/7″
Rear    Swingarm/6.5″
Brakes: f/r    Dual disc/drum
Fuel capacity    2.5 gal.
Length/width/height    65″/42″/42″
Tire size: f/r    21×7-10, 20×10-9
Claimed dry weight    395 lb.
Colors    Blue
Price    $3599