Big Bore ATVs - Big-Bore Shootout

Billy "Vanilly" Bartels-Expert Trail Charger
This is my new favorite class of 4x4 ATV. Every one of these machines has its own set of charms, even the ones I rank at the bottom. With some refinement (mostly to their suspension), both the Grizzly and the Prairie could have finished higher.

In last year's Open 4x4 Test (April '05), I was one of the only testers alarmed by the KingQuad's frightening tendency to snap the bar to one side at the end of travel, so I figured it was just a fluke. This year, only one tester was not bothered by it. Maybe I had forgiven a hot, new machine of a major transgression for the sake of newness, but I don't think so. It's still a good machine with killer throttle response and light steering (at least in two-wheel drive), but the KQ didn't get along with this testing environment as well as it did at last year's Appalachian trails.

However (and maybe I'm just a victim of new-modelitis again), with really good new models from Bombardier and Honda, how could the Suzuki finish on top? Honda's Rincon has never set the world on fire with its engine and this year is no different, despite nearly a 30cc boost. But the Rincon has never been about raw horsepower. Its suspension and handling would give some sport quads a run for their money. It works like magic. Bombardier's brand-new Outlander 650 doesn't handle like magic, but it has enough of its own charms to claim my top spot. With plusher suspension (with more bottoming resistance), gobs more power and a locking front differential, it simply offers more capability than the Rincon.

Mike "Weeble" Newsom Jr.-Trail Wobble Master
The Bombardier Outlander's superb handling and power output put it at the top of my list, followed closely by the Rincon. The Honda felt like a sport quad at heart with excellent traction and a forgiving suspension. With a little more torque and a low range, the Rincon could possibly grab the overall position. Taking third in my ranking with its crisp throttle response and stable ride would be the Kawasaki. The Prairie's single rear axle means a sporty ride with excellent high-speed maneuverability that is easier to slide than its competitors. Yamaha's easy-to-ride Grizzly falls in behind to fill the fourth position. Finishing up my ranking is the Suzuki. With more predictable handling and suspension, the KingQuad would be sure to move its way up in my ranking. A functional utility ATV, the KingQuad had a stable ride at low speeds, but once mid to high speeds were obtained, the Suzuki's suspension felt very soft and pushed when cornering.

Bryan "Crashlander" Nylander-Editor And Crash Dismount Specialist
For me the Honda simply rode away from the group. It had easy and predictable handling and enough power to get me everywhere as fast as I wished to arrive. Bombardier's power horse Outlander 650 was a plush ride, but compared to the svelte Rincon, it felt big in the tight stuff. It had plenty of ponies in the wide stuff and was a pure joy when the trail opened up. Third went to the Prairie, which was the only solid rear axle in the mix, but that was only noticeable in the roots and rocks. It had a nimble chassis like the Honda, but felt and acted heavier than the 680. Weak brakes and a clunky shifter knocked the amiable Grizzly down to fourth. The motor and chassis were pleasant for all-day cruising, this would be a great tool for someone not needing speed-like a hunter. The KingQuad was quite honestly a surprise. I expected more from a machine that got runner-up in a test one year ago. It has awesome power, but if it is unleashed on anything resembling a rough trail and you quickly outrun the suspension as the machine does its best bucking bronco impression.

Thad "T-Dizzle" Josey-East Coast Editor And Tree Bark Connoisseur
All of the machines in this test were adequate trail machines. Obviously, some excelled more than others. At the bottom of my list was the KingQuad. I just could not get past the skittishness and unstable handling of the KQ at high speeds. The power was decent but the suspension needed a little work. Coming in the fourth slot was the Grizzly. There was nothing notably bad with the ol' Grizz, it just came up short in just about all areas. It would be the perfect outdoorsman ride that does not expect high performance and just wants to get from point A to point B while hauling gear. Things began looking up with the Prairie. This quad was once on top of the utility world and still maintains all of its excellent features such as great power and a nimble, sporty ride. I would urge Kawi to update the suspension to match that of the Honda and put her on a diet. The Outlander and the Rincon posed the greatest threats in this test and made for the most difficult decision, in my opinion. While both machines handled like a dream and possessed tremendous suspension setups, the Bomb wins in power. On the other hand, the Rincon was the most tremendous handling ute that I have ever ridden. If only the two could be molded together. The winner for me was the Rincon with its quick and flickable handling.

Mike "The Rock" Newsom Sr.-Well, Just The RockAll of the machines in the test have their assets. Last for me was the KingQuad because its front end tended to roll over in the turns. Although KQ tackled all terrains with no problem, it just did not seem to possess the finesse of the other models. In fourth place was the Grizzly. The Grizz was a good overall quad. It had decent power and the IRS was effective. I could not get past the difficult driveshaft shifter. Third was the Kawasaki. I loved the power and its low growl. The floor pans covered just enough of the ground to keep your boots dry. Coming in second was Bombardier's newly released Outlander 650. This was by far the strongest motor in the group. With its plush suspension and soft seat, I never felt the rough terrain. I would like to see separate brake levers for the front and rear of the quad. In first place was the Rincon. Suspension was plush and handled all terrain with the greatest of ease. The instrument panel and all of the controls were positioned well, and I absolutely fell in love with the camouflage plastic.