Any ATV Will Do

Let’s get one thing straight, I absolutely love riding sport quads. There’s nothing like the freedom, speed and maneuverability. However, some of my recent media escapades have put me on and inside machines that feel sporty, but don’t qualify as 400cc+ sport quads. Here are some off-roading myths I’ve recently busted, so to speak.

UTV are heavy and for farming: False!

I never thought I would become a UTV fan, seriously. They’re boxy, big, heavy and have a glovebox and cup holders for Pete’s sake. But since more of my time is devoted to these four-wheeled off-road machines, I figure if I can’t beat them, so I’ll join them. Besides, UTVs can be sporty and fun and a riot to drive, especially models like the Polaris Ranger RZR S. Sure, it’s a different experience compared to racing in the woods on a 450 quad or roosting sand on a 700cc four-stroke, but the ride they offer still puts a smile on my face.

I'd seriously consider trading in my minivan for the 2010 Polaris Ranger RZR 4 Robbie Gordon Edition SxS. (Polaris image)

Two-up ATVs are for old farts: Incorrect!

Considering that I’ll soon be 38 years old, I guess I could almost qualify as an old fart. However, I’ve always viewed two-rider quads as something retired riders (60+) would purchase so they can take the misses on slow-paced cruises through the forest and to every available scenic lookout on the map. Some recent seat time on a couple different Can-Am 2-up ATVs has recently proved me wrong again. These utility quads, with their long wheelbase and rear passenger seat, can be every bit as useful as a normal 4×4 quad and ridden sporty. However, I find these four-wheelers offer the most fun doing what they were engineered to do. Riding double! Riding double has always been frowned upon in the ATV industry, but it’s more readily accepted when it’s done a quad designed to carry two riders.

There’s just something about riding a quad when you have another person with you. Laughter, cooperative body English in turns, conversation, two dirt moustaches instead of one and, of course, there’s the important fact that you only have to buy one machine. If you’re brave enough to ride aggressively, a 2-up ATV can be an extremely fun and sporty investment.

Even smaller sport models like the Yamaha Raptor 250 can entertain for hours. (By Jerrod Kelley)

Small Quads are for beginners: Error!

Small-bore sport quads (say 300cc and below) aren’t fun, or so I thought. Sure, I’ve ridden entry-level machines several times (I even raced a KYMCO Mongoose 300 at a GNCC) and have been thoroughly entertained for the most part. However, when it comes to riding aggressively (read: pinning it and cornering like a racer), I would certainly choose a bigger sport vehicle (or even one of the aforementioned machines).

Recent seat time on a Yamaha Raptor 250 has proven me wrong, again. Sure, the platform is rather cramped and the power is nothing like a 450cc YFZ450R (or comparable 450 sport quad), but it sure beats sitting around. Everyone always told me the little Raptor (aka the 250, not the new Raptor 125) was a gas, and now I can confirm the same thing. In fact, I would pay money — though not very much — to see the GNCC ATV pros and top ATV MX racers battle it out on Raptor 250s. I think it would be a classic race!

I hope the ATV industry continues to surprise me and change my attitude toward ATVs and UTVs that don’t fit in with my original definition of fun.

Last 5 posts by J-Rod

• Vogtman Departs KTM North America - September 2nd, 2010
• Pro Armor's RZR Doors Commercial - September 1st, 2010
• Work Hard This Labor Day - August 31st, 2010
• ATV Racing In Reverse - Crazy Concept That Will Never Happen - August 30th, 2010
• Suzuki's Factory ATV Racing Team: 2011? - August 27th, 2010

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