”ATV Shootout”

Life in the ATV fast lane has been evolving at an epidemic rate. Just a few short years ago, most ATVs had the sophistication of a wooden spoon. They were big-wheeled, bogus-handling blenders that featured very little suspension technology and used dated engine concepts dropped from the motocross lineup years earlier. Not any longer, Barklips!

Today's high-performance, sport-minded ATVs are, in a word, advanced. The two stroke engines are specially made for the ATV pilot designed with counterbalancer to limit vibration, and have wide-ratio gearboxes for overall usability. All of the power plants can be made hostile with a little bit of aftermarket trickery, and in stock trim each chassis features rising-rate, adjustable rear suspension systems.

Dirt Bike has tested all of the top models on the market. The Honda ATC250R, the Kawasaki Tecate, the Yamaha Tri-Z, the Suzuki Quadracer and the Honda FourTrax 250R. What we have left is World War III-a giant shootout between the five contestants. Three three-wheelers and two fourwheelers, 17 wheels face to face. Let's meet the warriors.

HONDA FOURTRAX 250R

This is probably the most awaited and dreamed about ATV in history. It's a four-wheeled, 250cc tyrant that boasts nearly eight inches of front meats, and the system is designed not to bump-steer. The tail section is handled via a single-shock Pro-Link that is multi-adjustable in its damping. Power is supplied through Honda's proven R-series engine, which has been detuned from the ATC version to compensate for the added weight and drag of the extra wheel.

KAWASAKI TECATE 250

Here's the power demon of the class with a KIPS power-valued engine and a usable spread of juice that ends somewhere near the stratospheres. This year Kawasaki thoroughly updated the Tecate with new, beefy forks, more travel, a longer chassis and lower-profile rear rubber. The rear Uni-Trak spits out just under ten inches of travel, and the machine is renowned for its incredible handling and cornering ability. Add the snarling-fast, mid-range to top-end power coupled to a five-speed tyranny, and you've got a competitive racer wearing a farmer's overalls.

YAMAHA TRI-Z250

Yamaha spent the off season performing major surgery on its Tri-Z. Effectively, the powerband has been lengthened, giving it a shade more in the revs department. It's still the torquer of the group, and with a six-speed gearbox, it is definitely aimed at the all-around driver. The Tri-Z is unique among the entrants since it carries the fuel under the seat and has the airbox mounted high where the tank normally rests. They've added some girth to the cheesy suspenders, making them more rigid, besides having a lot more travel.

HONDA ATC250R

Without a doubt, the ATC250R has been the leader in both motor technology and advancements in ATV suspension. The Honda six-speed, R-series motor pumps out serious horsepower off of idle. It has an awe-inspiring mid-range wallop and, combined with the wide-ratio tranny, tops out at nearly 75 mph. It's the first three-wheeler to come with big, flex-free forks and almost pins the 10-inch mark on travel. By using low-profile Ohtsu rear meats and an adjustable axle width, the 250R has help top billing among the three-wheeler in the handling wars.

SUZUKI QUADRACER 250

This is the machine that set the ATV on its fanny last year. The first high-performance four-wheeled ATV makes its debut in '85. Via good overall suspension mixed with a "grunter" engine and handling prowess that borders on perfect, it became the machine to beat this year. Suzuki merely updated the Quadracer for '86 with a healthier engine and better rear damping on its Full Floater. It has proven itself as the top ATV in '85 and with the unveiling of Honda's FourTrax 250R, it finally sees some competition.

WHOA, NOAH. WHO WINS AND WHO SHOWAS?

While we have nothing against three-wheelers, we're going to put it on the line. Four-wheelers are the future of ATVs. They're easier to ride, more stable for the masses, and in the end, do everything a three-wheeler does, only easier. With that in mind here's our finally breakdown in the ATV shootout.

    1. Honda FourTrax 250R
    2. Suzuki Quadracer 250
    3. Honda ATC250R
    4. Kawasaki Tecate 250
    5. Yamaha Tri-Z 250

 

 

 

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