The best models of ATV for Quads Today

Some say we aren’t to expect having our cake and being able to eat it too, but here’s where things get really interesting. All three of the models listed above have done to ATVs what our two-wheeled cousins have enjoyed for years (in annual revamps and updates to keep the edge over the competition); but better still, they haven’t even replaced the existing models! For 2009 the standard DS450, YFZ450, and KTM XCs will share the line with their newly revamped brothers. This is significant because it gives racers even more choices at the OEM level and offers up performance at multiple price points.

As much as I would like to go on record and proclaim that this era marks the epitome of the performance ATV class, it doesn’t take a betting man to wager that the rest of the OEMs won’t sit back and let the competition outclass them. Expect to witness continued annual renovation and innovation with each new model year. I don’t know about you, but I am stoked to say goodbye to the days when the only updates the sport ATVs received each year came in the form of “bold new graphics.”

Yamaha Race Quads

Like KTM, Yamaha realized that their YFZ450 could be made, with a few tweaks and mods, into a worthy track weapon but didn’t stop there. Rather than simply perform a few tricks and upgrades to their existing platform, Yamaha literally started with a blank slate and whipped up a whole new 450cc entry in the YFZ450R. Fuel injection, Kashima coated suspension parts, revised geometry, and a hybrid aluminum/ steel frame design highlights the goodies of this new model.

ktm xc Race Quads

With barely a full model year under its belt, the two KTM XC race quads are receiving a host of valuable updates but the big news is that KTM wasn’t satisfied with equipment that was almost MX ready with a few simple mods. This season the KTM stable has been doubled (to four models now rather than two) with the addition of two SX badged race models (450 and 505cc) designed specifically for the rigors of motocross/ supercross competition. Anyone familiar with the Austrian manufacturer’s devotion to racing and attention to equipment detail will undoubtedly be grateful for their recent decision to focus their efforts in our direction.

More on ATV Safety

• A collection of 21 public service announcements for print and web use which address the issues of age and size recommendations, parental supervision, environmental responsibility, training, protective gear, and no passengers.
• Tips and Practice Guide for All-Terrain Vehicle Riders, a booklet which answers riders’ questions about ATVs, and provides information on proper operation and use and assists riders in learning and respecting the capabilities of their ATVs.
• Ride Safe, Ride Smart, a video that describes the safety elements of riding an ATV and reviews its many uses. The organization has distributed 9,271 copies of the video through Video Placement Worldwide, an international company that distributes videos to public and private schools. The Institute claims that more than 5 million people have viewed this video.
• The Guide to Off-Highway Riding, which is a video primarily created for new riders but applicable to all riders. It covers elements of safe and responsible off-highway motorcycle and ATV riding.

ATV Safety

Every organization has an agenda. In fact, most organizations have a number of agendas. There are only a few who are focused enough to concentrate on one to achieve the most good. One example of the latter is the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute. The raison d’être or reason to be for this organization is in its name--SAFETY.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute was founded in 1988 as a division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. Its purpose is to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle education and awareness.

The organization notes that more than 16 million Americans ride ATVs in a variety of ways. They are used for recreation, serve as a tool in the business of agriculture, and for a wide variety of other industries and are also used by the Armed Forces.

The ATV Safety Institute has various methods to get the word out about safety. It has a number of programs, and it offers publications and videos. Many of its programs are sponsored by members that include major manufacturers of ATVs such as Arctic Cat, BRP, CROSSRUNNER, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin, and Yamaha.