ATVs

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Looking forward to the next 25

September 30, 2016

The last 25 years in the ATV world saw huge growth with tons of exciting new ATVs. However, this quarter century was bookended by stale times. At both of those ends, it was Yamaha holding the torch for the sport and still producing machines we could buy new at the dealerships. That might be why the brand had more top sport quads in the last 25 years than anyone. Regardless of what brand you like, all of these machines would be a great buy in any state of tune.

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Yamaha's Banshee had a good twenty year run from the 1980s to 2006. It didn't change much over time (almost no changes other than one front suspension change and colors were made to it) but people didn't care because at one time there were more aftermarket parts available for the twin cylinder 2-stroke Banshee than any other machine.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

In 2006 Suzuki dominated the racing circuit with their wide MX ready LT-R450. Suzuki also had hired the fastest riders to race it. Riders like Dustin Wimmer and Doug Gust were super stars on and off the track thanks to Suzuki's huge racing effort. 2009 was the last year for the Suzuki but many can be found used for a good price today.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Yamaha's replacement for the Blaster 200 2-stoke was the Raptor 250 4-stroke and it was awesome. Adults and kids alike loved the way this machine handled even with limited power. A light overall weight and perfect geometry help build its popularity. In 2013 it suddenly disappeared from the Yamaha line up but we think it will return again someday soon.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

The Polaris Outlaw 525 was the best production sport quad with independent rear suspension ever made. It featured a KTM engine that was night and day better than their own 500cc power plant used in earlier models. Honda tried to build an IRS equipped sport quad with the 700XX but missed the mark with too much weight and poor handling. This is the only Polaris sport quad to make our list.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Suzuki's answer to the Honda 400X was a great liquid cooled DOHC, 400cc machine called the Z400. It was so good, racers were winning on it against both the 250cc two strokes and the 450cc four strokes back in the day. The latest model (2012-2014) featured EFI, decent piggyback shocks and modern styling.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Down to the number plates and kill switch, the KTM SX was the only production quad you could literally take from the showroom to the track, with zero modifications and race and win on. It was that good. KTM had a 450 and 525 version as well as two XC models. They were expensive and only last two years then were discontinued in the U.S.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Every model of the Yamaha YFZ450 from 2004 to 2017 can be placed high on our list. The machine has been a great race or trail machine no matter where in the country you wanted to ride it. It works great in the dunes too. It's the only 2017 450cc 2WD, sport quad you can buy.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

The Raptor 700 is king of the dunes and wide open desert. It's actually really great in the tight woods too. It continues to be improved year after year and every model gets better. It's the best selling sport quad made and has been for many years.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Honda's 450R had a good run but needs to be either updated or sold as a lower priced stripped down model that people can build race machines from. The motor is still very reliable and has lots of hidden power. It wins on the West Coast in WORCS and Baja, but has to settle for second best in GNCC and ATVA MX even though there are a number of top racers still riding red.ATV Rider

10 Best Quads Of The Last 25 Years

Honda got the sport industry back up and running in 1999 when they released the 400X. It's still a great novice rider machine and has been upgraded some over the years. It's a staple of the Honda line up and we would be surprised to see it go. Like the 450R, it has been missing from Hondas line up for a couple of years now.ATV Rider