2005 looks to be yet another strong year for the ATV market. Each manufacturer has either released a significantly new model (or multiple new models) or revamped its lineup considerably. In addition, new companies are sprouting up all over the place. Let's look at what the manufacturers have to offer.
Arctic Cat
The biggest news from the Arctic Cat camp is its new 650 H1 4x4. What's so special about the H1 is that it houses Arctic Cat's very first "in-house"-designed and -assembled engine. This is a sign that the Minnesota company is becoming more serious about its future in the ATV world. Another hot seller is its popular MRP Speedrack system, which comes standard on most models and enables you to equip your ATV with a wide variety of outdoorsy and utility attachments.
ATK
ATK has resurrected the Cannondale line of ATVs and has done so with a unique twist. Each unit, now badged as a full-fledged ATK, has been painstakingly examined to ensure it runs stronger and more reliably than previous incarnations. Each comes with new graphics, a new seat (with a new logo), an aluminum valve cover, an aluminum impeller and new ATK engine cases. In addition, the engines come with a new crank, a piston, a cylinder sleeve (which puts it at 449cc now), new tranny gears, upgraded internal engine fasteners and much more. In the end, you get a more-civilized (read: quieter) -running machine.
Bombardier
The Canadian manufacturer returns with a plethora of revamped models, such as the redesigned Rally 200. Plenty of models are again available in XT trim (featuring accessories such as chrome rims, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers and handlebar guards). Bombardier is also one of the few companies to offer a line of dedicated two-seater ATVs. The Quest line of automatic-tranny ATVs has been combined with the Traxter line.
Gas Gas
While it may have only two ATVs to offer at this time, the Gas Gas Wild line of ATVs is pretty wild (no pun intended). The Wild 450 and Wild 300 are machines more suited to the sport enthusiast looking for something unique. These European racers come with a host of serious high-performance hardware (hlins shocks, Maxxis tires, you name it).