The fundamental architecture of all the units is pretty similar, even if the results are quite different. All have front and rear independent suspension systems. All have selectable four-wheel-drive and all use four-stroke engines. But that is about as far as the similarities go.
Kawasaki decided to bring a Brute Force 650 4x4i, a lower-priced, full-featured unit with independent suspension. This machine uses the tried-and-true 633cc V-twin engine that was the only carbureted motor of the group. It is matched to a CVT transmission with high and low ranges. The chassis uses coil-over shocks, A-arm suspension in the front and double A-arm rear suspension.
Honda, on the other hand, brought the Rincon 680, which has a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine mated to a more automotive-style, three-speed transmission, with either automatic or selectable gear changing, called ESP. The chassis also uses A-arms and coil-over shocks front and rear.
Suzuki went with its new, smaller, 454cc single-cylinder KingQuad 450. It has a much lower price point, yet is fitted with EFI and independent A-arm suspension. The engine is matched to a CVT transmission, with high/low ranges and a viscous front differential lock.
Yamaha brought out the top-end 686cc Grizzly with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and EFI. This quad features coil-over independent suspension all around and a CVT-type transmission with high/low ranges.
Can-Am showed up with the moderately priced, short-stroke 500cc version of its V-twin engine line mated to a CVT-type transmission. The Outlander chassis uses MacPherson struts in the front and independent coil-over shocks in the rear.
Finally, Polaris took the most independent route with its 760cc Sportsman 800 X2. This choice offers single or double seating arrangements, a flip rear dump bed, three-way selectable drives (2WD, 4WD and unlocked Sod), a MacPherson strut front suspension and a sway-bar-controlled independent rear suspension. With a wheelbase about 7 inches longer than all the others and dry weight of around 200 pounds more than the rest, the Polaris choice is more like an open-air Jeep than a quad.
These are not things we should complain about, though, as these varied specifications give us a much-better ability to match an ATV with our needs as users. And that is what the 24-Hour test is all about-finding out not only the strengths and weaknesses of each unit, but also the personalities and idiosyncrasies of each one.